Superhero TV Series You Are Sleeping On (But Shouldn’t)

There are plenty of cape stories that slipped past the spotlight while bigger franchises took up all the oxygen. If you want shows that try different angles on powers, secret identities, and world saving, this list is a handy place to start.

Each pick below gives you the essentials so you can jump in without guesswork. You will find what it is based on, who made it, where it first aired, how many episodes exist, and where you can stream it now.

‘Doom Patrol’ (2019–2023)

This series adapts DC’s strangest team from the comics created by Arnold Drake and later reimagined by Grant Morrison. It first released on DC Universe before moving to HBO Max. The show follows Robotman, Crazy Jane, Negative Man, Elasti Woman, and Cyborg as they deal with bizarre threats and personal trauma. The tone mixes black comedy with character driven storytelling.

It has 49 episodes across four seasons. The main cast includes Brendan Fraser, Diane Guerrero, April Bowlby, Matt Bomer, Joivan Wade, and Timothy Dalton. You can stream it on Max in most regions.

‘Legion’ (2017–2019)

This Marvel series is based on the David Haller character from the X Men line of comics. It premiered on FX with creator Noah Hawley steering a story that blends superpowers with mental health themes. The plot centers on an unreliable narrator who discovers the source of his abilities and the enemies tied to them.

It runs for three seasons with 27 episodes. The lead is Dan Stevens with Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza, and Jean Smart in key roles. Streaming is available on Hulu and Disney Plus in many territories.

‘The Tick’ (2016–2019)

This live action version adapts Ben Edlund’s satirical hero from the indie comic and earlier TV incarnations. It launched on Prime Video with a bright blue defender teaming up with Arthur, a nervous accountant who becomes a moth suited sidekick. The show mixes superhero action with deadpan humor and oddball villains.

It spans two seasons and 22 episodes. Peter Serafinowicz plays the title character with Griffin Newman as Arthur and Valorie Curry as Dot. You can watch it on Prime Video.

‘Misfits’ (2009–2013)

This British series is an original property created by Howard Overman and aired on E4. A sudden storm gives community service offenders unique abilities that reflect their personalities. The show explores how immature choices and real world problems collide with powers.

It has five seasons totaling 37 episodes. The rotating ensemble includes Iwan Rheon, Robert Sheehan, Antonia Thomas, and Lauren Socha. Streaming is available on Hulu and other regional platforms.

‘Alphas’ (2011–2012)

Created by Zak Penn and Michael Karnow, this original Syfy series follows a team of people with neurologically based abilities. They work under a government program to investigate crimes involving others like them. The science angle grounds each power in plausible explanations.

It ran for two seasons with 24 episodes. The cast features David Strathairn, Ryan Cartwright, Azita Ghanizada, and Malik Yoba. You can find it on digital storefronts and select streaming services.

‘Powers’ (2015–2016)

Based on the creator owned comic by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming, this series blends police procedural storytelling with a world full of powered individuals. It premiered as a PlayStation Network original, which kept it off many radars. The plot follows detectives who specialize in cases involving superpowered suspects and victims.

It consists of two seasons and 20 episodes. Sharlto Copley and Susan Heyward lead the cast with support from Noah Taylor and Eddie Izzard. Availability varies by region, with episodes offered on select digital platforms.

‘Raising Dion’ (2019–2022)

This Netflix series adapts the comic and short film by Dennis Liu. It focuses on a single mother raising a young boy who begins to manifest abilities, while a mysterious energy phenomenon affects others. The story balances superhero elements with family dynamics and school age challenges.

It has two seasons totaling 17 episodes. Alisha Wainwright stars with Ja’Siah Young, Jason Ritter, and Jazmyn Simon. You can stream it on Netflix.

‘The Gifted’ (2017–2019)

Set in a world connected to the X Men concept, this series was developed by Matt Nix for FOX. It follows a family on the run after their children discover they have mutant abilities. An underground network helps them navigate a government crackdown.

It ran for two seasons with 29 episodes. The ensemble includes Stephen Moyer, Amy Acker, Emma Dumont, and Sean Teale. Streaming is available on Hulu and digital retailers.

‘Cloak & Dagger’ (2018–2019)

Adapted from Marvel Comics by Joe Pokaski, this series aired on Freeform. It tells the story of two teens from different backgrounds who develop linked powers and a shared destiny after a corporate accident. The show ties its mystery to a Gulf Coast setting and corporate coverups.

It has two seasons and 20 episodes. Olivia Holt and Aubrey Joseph play the leads with supporting turns from Gloria Reuben, Andrea Roth, and Emma Lahana. You can stream it on Hulu and Disney Plus in select regions.

‘Agent Carter’ (2015–2016)

This Marvel series expands the story of Peggy Carter after the events tied to the early days of the superhero era. It premiered on ABC and blends spy craft with technological threats from postwar research. The narrative connects to the origins of a major intelligence organization in this universe.

It runs for two seasons with 18 episodes. Hayley Atwell stars with James D’Arcy, Enver Gjokaj, and Dominic Cooper. Streaming is available on Disney Plus.

‘Stargirl’ (2020–2022)

Based on the DC character created by Geoff Johns, this series debuted on DC Universe with next day airings on The CW, then moved fully to The CW. The story follows a teenager who discovers the Cosmic Staff and reforms a new generation of a classic hero team. The setting uses a small town backdrop with secrets tied to past battles.

It spans three seasons with 39 episodes. The cast is led by Brec Bassinger with Luke Wilson, Amy Smart, and Yvette Monreal. You can stream it on Max and on The CW app in some regions.

‘Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler’ (2019–2022)

This DC related series began on Epix before continuing on HBO Max under an expanded title. It traces the early life of Alfred Pennyworth in a stylized London where espionage and emerging supervillains intersect. The narrative shows how his military background shapes skills used later in service to the Wayne family.

It has three seasons and 30 episodes. Jack Bannon stars as Alfred with Ben Aldridge as Thomas Wayne and Paloma Faith as Bet Sykes. Streaming is available on Max.

‘Paper Girls’ (2022)

Adapted from the comic by Brian K Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, this series released on Prime Video. It follows four newspaper delivery girls who are pulled into a time travel conflict after a strange event on their route. The show features multiple timelines and rival factions with competing goals.

It is a single season with 8 episodes. The young ensemble leads are Sofia Rosinsky, Camryn Jones, Riley Lai Nelet, and Fina Strazza with Ali Wong in a key role. You can stream it on Prime Video.

‘No Ordinary Family’ (2010–2011)

This ABC series is an original concept created by Greg Berlanti and Jon Harmon Feldman. A family gains abilities after a plane incident in the Amazon, then tries to balance everyday responsibilities with new powers. The show uses a suburban setting to explore how each power affects work and school life.

It ran for one season with 20 episodes. The cast includes Michael Chiklis, Julie Benz, Kay Panabaker, and Jimmy Bennett. Episodes are available on digital platforms.

‘The Middleman’ (2008)

Based on the Viper Comics series by Javier Grillo Marxuach and Les McClaine, this ABC Family series casts a young artist as a recruit to a secret agency that handles comic book style threats. Each mission riffs on genre tropes with gadgets, creatures, and megalomaniacs. The tone is light while staying faithful to pulp roots.

It is one season with 12 episodes. Matt Keeslar and Natalie Morales headline the cast with appearances from Mary Pat Gleason and Kevin Sorbo. You can find it on digital storefronts and library services.

Share the shows you plan to try in the comments and add any hidden gems you think deserve a spot.