9 Underrated Comic Book TV Shows

3 min read

Introduction

In a world overflowing with superhero content, it's easy for some truly excellent comic book shows to slip under the radar. While juggernauts like The Boys and the MCU get all the attention, these hidden gems offer fresh takes, bold storytelling, and characters that stick with you long after the credits roll. From gritty noir and surreal mind-benders to socially conscious sci-fi and deeply personal dramas, these nine series prove that comic book adaptations can be just as daring and diverse as the source material they're drawn from. If you're ready to dig deeper into the genre, this list is your new watchlist.

1. Jessica Jones

This neo-noir gem digs into trauma, power, and identity in ways few superhero shows dare to. Krysten Ritter's performance as the emotionally guarded PI with super strength is both raw and compelling, and David Tennant’s chilling turn as Kilgrave elevates the first season to psychological thriller greatness. Gritty, mature, and often uncomfortable, Jessica Jones is Marvel at its most introspective.

2. Misfits (2009)

Before The Boys or Invincible, Misfits was already deconstructing superpowers with a foul-mouthed, hilarious, and emotionally resonant punch. This British series throws a group of delinquent young adults into chaos after a freak storm gives them powers, and the result is anarchic, surprisingly deep, and refreshingly unpredictable. It’s the punk rock cousin of modern superhero TV.

3. Supacell

Grounded in South London and powered by Black British storytelling, Supacell brings a unique voice to the superhero genre. It explores class, community, and systemic inequality through a sci-fi lens while still delivering high-stakes action and strong emotional arcs. With characters you want to root for and a storyline that stays grounded in real-world struggles, it’s a standout in the new wave of diverse genre shows.

4. Cloak & Dagger

A slow burn that pays off emotionally, Cloak & Dagger offers a rare mix of supernatural powers and tender, character-driven storytelling. With its moody atmosphere and chemistry between the leads, the show focuses on trauma, teen angst, and a growing connection that feels authentic and raw. It’s one of Marvel’s most underrated coming-of-age stories.

5. The Sandman

Neil Gaiman’s beloved graphic novel gets a dreamlike, ambitious adaptation in The Sandman. While not as buzzy as other genre fare, the show’s rich world-building, philosophical depth, and haunting visuals make it a singular experience. It’s not just about gods and monsters—it’s about storytelling itself, grief, change, and the passage of time.

6. Legion

A psychedelic head-trip with style for days, Legion is arguably the most visually daring and narratively ambitious comic book adaptation to date. It explores mental illness, reality distortion, and mutant identity with an art-house flair that demands your full attention. If you like your superhero shows weird, bold, and boundary-pushing, this is it.

7. Superman & Lois

Don’t let the CW label fool you—Superman & Lois delivers big on family drama, cinematic visuals, and mature storytelling. It’s less about world-ending threats and more about the personal struggles of raising a family while being Earth’s last hope. This show gives Superman emotional complexity without losing the heart that makes the character timeless.

8. Watchmen (2019)

A spiritual sequel that outshines expectations, Watchmen tackles race, legacy, and the weight of heroism with sharp writing and fearless ambition. Regina King leads a powerhouse cast in a story that’s as much about America’s dark history as it is about masked vigilantes. It’s thoughtful, provocative, and richly layered—deserving of way more credit than it got in the mainstream.

9. Doom Patrol

A beautifully bizarre cocktail of trauma, identity, and absurdity, Doom Patrol is what happens when a superhero show fully embraces its weirdness. Whether it’s battling sentient streets or unpacking childhood scars, the show mixes heart and insanity in equal measure. It’s funny, freaky, and surprisingly moving—like X-Men on acid with a therapist's touch.