Every DC Live-Action Show, Ranked According to Rotten Tomatoes (including ‘Lanterns’)

DC Comics has brought its vast multiverse of heroes, antiheroes, and villains to television for several decades across broadcast networks, cable channels, and streaming platforms. From pioneering adaptations in the twentieth century to the expansive interconnected universes of modern television, these live-action series span multiple genres and narrative styles. Critical reception varies widely across the catalog, reflecting changing industry standards and differing approaches to comic book lore. Evaluating these adaptations by their Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer scores reveals how critics have received these serialized graphic narratives over the years.

‘Human Target’ (1992)

In this short-lived adaptation of the DC comic, musician and actor Rick Springfield stars as Christopher Chance. Chance operates as a unique bodyguard who assumes the physical identities of clients facing lethal threats. He utilizes advanced disguise technology, sophisticated prosthetics, and behavioral mimicry to infiltrate dangerous situations. The ABC action series holds a 20% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes across its brief run. Developed by Paul De Meo and Danny Bilson, the show aired only seven episodes before its cancellation.

‘Gotham Knights’ (2023)

Following the sudden murder of Bruce Wayne, his adopted son Turner Hayes forms an alliance with the children of Batman’s enemies. The group is framed for the vigilante’s death and must evade the Gotham City Police Department while clearing their names. District Attorney Harvey Dent investigates the case as a shadowy criminal organization known as the Court of Owls emerges. The CW series holds a 27% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a 44% audience rating. Developed by Natalie Abrams, Chad Fiveash, and James Stoteraux, the drama concluded after a single thirteen-episode season.

‘DMZ’ (2022)

Based on the DC Vertigo comic book series by Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli, this limited series is set in a dystopian future during a second American Civil War. Rosario Dawson stars as Alma Ortega, a medic navigating a demilitarized Manhattan to locate her missing son. The island is controlled by rival factions, including a ruthless gang leader played by Benjamin Bratt. The HBO Max miniseries received a 52% Tomatometer rating and a 44% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Created by Roberto Patino and executive produced by Ava DuVernay, the four-part limited drama explored political turmoil and urban survival.

‘Powerless’ (2017)

Set within the wider DC Universe, this workplace comedy focuses on the everyday employees of Wayne Security in Charm City. Vanessa Hudgens portrays Emily Locke, a newly appointed director of research and development dedicated to creating protective products for bystanders caught in superhero battles. The ensemble cast includes Danny Pudi, Christina Kirk, Ron Funches, and Alan Tudyk as Bruce Wayne’s cousin, Van Wayne. The NBC sitcom holds a 61% Tomatometer rating alongside a 72% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Ben Queen, the show brought a comedic perspective to superhero collateral damage before ending after twelve episodes.

‘The Flash’ (1990–1991)

John Wesley Shipp stars as Barry Allen, a police forensic scientist who gains superhuman speed following an accidental lightning strike and chemical spill. Assisted by STAR Labs scientist Tina McGee, portrayed by Amanda Pays, Barry adopts a red costume to protect Central City from organized crime and eccentric supervillains. The series features notable guest stars, including Mark Hamill in his recurring role as the Trickster. On Rotten Tomatoes, the classic series holds a 71% Tomatometer score and a 79% audience score. Developed by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo for CBS, the production utilized elaborate practical suits and orchestral compositions by Shirley Walker.

‘Constantine’ (2014–2015)

Matt Ryan stars as John Constantine, an unrepentant demon hunter and master of the occult based on the DC Vertigo series ‘Hellblazer’. Haunted by past failures, Constantine travels across America with his allies Chas Chandler and Zed Martin to combat a rising wave of supernatural forces. Harold Perrineau co-stars as Manny, an enigmatic angel tasked with watching over the exorcist during his investigations. The NBC drama holds a 73% Tomatometer rating and a 74% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Daniel Cerone and David S. Goyer, the show established Ryan’s definitive portrayal of the character across the broader DC landscape.

‘Human Target’ (2010–2011)

Mark Valley portrays Christopher Chance, a private security contractor who protects clients by fully integrating himself into their daily lives. Chance works alongside his business partner Winston, played by Chi McBride, and a skilled technical tactician named Guerrero, played by Jackie Earle Haley. The second season expanded the main cast by adding Indira Varma as wealthy benefactor Ilsa Pucci and Janet Montgomery as thief Ames. The Fox action series maintains a 75% Tomatometer score paired with a 90% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Jonathan E. Steinberg, the action drama ran for two seasons and featured high-octane practical stunt choreography.

‘Gotham’ (2014–2019)

Ben McKenzie leads the series as rookie detective James Gordon, navigating the pervasive corruption of the Gotham City Police Department. The narrative follows Gordon as he investigates the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne while mentoring their young son, Bruce Wayne. Across five seasons, the show chronicles the origins of iconic villains such as the Penguin, the Riddler, Catwoman, and the Joker. The Fox series earned a 77% Tomatometer score and a 68% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Created by Bruno Heller, the production blends neo-noir crime procedural elements with classic comic book mythology.

‘Pennyworth’ (2019–2022)

Jack Bannon stars as Alfred Pennyworth, a former British SAS soldier who establishes a private security firm in 1960s London. Alfred becomes entangled with American intelligence agents Thomas Wayne and Martha Kane as political factions vie for control of Britain. The series explores the origins of Batman’s trusted butler decades before Bruce Wayne’s crimefighting career begins. On Rotten Tomatoes, the period spy thriller holds a 78% Tomatometer rating and an 89% audience score. Developed by Bruno Heller and Danny Cannon, the gritty drama aired across Epix and HBO Max for three seasons.

‘Smallville’ (2001–2011)

Tom Welling stars as a teenage Clark Kent, learning to harness his emerging Kryptonian powers while growing up in rural Kansas. The narrative explores his complex friendships with Lana Lang and a young Lex Luthor, portrayed by Michael Rosenbaum, before their eventual falling out. Over ten seasons on The WB and The CW, the series expanded to feature iconic heroes from the Justice League and classic villains like General Zod. The foundational superhero series maintains a 78% Tomatometer score alongside a 72% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, the long-running drama established a template for modern television superhero adaptations.

‘Krypton’ (2018–2019)

Set two generations prior to the destruction of the titular planet, the series follows Superman’s grandfather, Seg-El, played by Cameron Cuffe. Seg-El fights to redeem the honor of the House of El while facing a looming threat from the time-traveling alien Brainiac. Earth traveler Adam Strange arrives to warn Seg-El about a conspiracy aimed at erasing Superman from the timeline. The Syfy drama holds an 80% Tomatometer rating and a 69% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by David S. Goyer and Cameron Welsh, the sci-fi series explored the intricate social castes and political intrigue of alien society.

‘The Sandman’ (2022–present)

Based on Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed DC Vertigo graphic novel series, the fantasy drama stars Tom Sturridge as Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams. After escaping a century of imprisonment by a human occultist, Dream sets out on a journey across realms to recover his lost artifacts and restore his kingdom. The supporting cast includes Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer Morningstar, Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne, and Boyd Holbrook as the Corinthian. The Netflix adaptation holds an 81% Tomatometer score and a 77% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Neil Gaiman, David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg, the show brings intricate metaphysical mythologies to television.

‘Batwoman’ (2019–2022)

Set in Gotham City three years after the disappearance of Batman, the series introduces new protectors to defend the vulnerable metropolis. The first season centers on Kate Kane, played by Ruby Rose, while subsequent seasons focus on Ryan Wilder, portrayed by Javicia Leslie, who assumes the mantle. The vigilante confronts criminal syndicates and personal adversaries, including Alice, the psychotic leader of the Wonderland Gang. The CW superhero series holds an 83% Tomatometer score and a 22% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Caroline Dries, the production formed an essential component of the network’s interconnected ‘Arrowverse’ lineup.

‘The Flash’ (2014–2023)

Grant Gustin stars as Barry Allen, a Central City police scientist who acquires superspeed following the explosion of a particle accelerator. Barry uses his newfound abilities to battle metahuman threats alongside his team at STAR Labs, led by Harrison Wells and Caitlin Snow. Across nine seasons, the series introduced major comic concepts such as the Multiverse, alternate timelines, and the Speed Force. The CW series holds an 85% Tomatometer rating and a 53% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, and Geoff Johns, the series became a cornerstone of DC’s televised universe.

‘Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman’ (1993–1997)

Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher star as the titular journalist duo navigating romance and investigative reporting at the Daily Planet in Metropolis. The series emphasizes the romantic dynamic between Clark Kent and Lois Lane alongside Clark’s secret heroics as Superman. John Shea appears as billionaire industrialist and archenemy Lex Luthor, creating continuous corporate and personal conflicts for the pair. The ABC series holds an 86% Tomatometer score alongside an 84% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Created by Deborah Joy LeVine, the four-season series modernized the comic couple’s relationship for 1990s network television audiences.

‘Arrow’ (2012–2020)

Stephen Amell stars as Oliver Queen, a billionaire playboy who returns home after five years stranded on a hostile island to fight crime as a hooded vigilante. Operating with allies John Diggle and Felicity Smoak, Oliver seeks to clean up Starling City by taking down corrupt corporate leaders and deadly assassins. The series introduced grounded combat choreography, flashback storytelling structures, and recurring appearances by iconic figures like Deathstroke. The CW series maintains an 86% Tomatometer rating alongside a 59% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, and Andrew Kreisberg, the eight-season drama launched the interconnected franchise known as the ‘Arrowverse’.

‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)

Tom Ellis stars as the Lord of Hell, who abandons his throne out of boredom to run an upscale nightclub in Los Angeles. Lucifer becomes a civilian consultant for the Los Angeles Police Department, teaming up with homicide detective Chloe Decker, played by Lauren German. Based on characters created by Neil Gaiman for DC’s Vertigo imprint, the series balances procedural murder investigations with celestial family conflicts. On Rotten Tomatoes, the supernatural drama holds an 87% Tomatometer rating and a 73% audience score. Developed by Tom Kapinos, the hit series aired across Fox and Netflix for a successful six-season run.

‘Preacher’ (2016–2019)

Dominic Cooper stars as Jesse Custer, a conflicted small-town preacher in West Texas who becomes possessed by a supernatural entity named Genesis. Imbued with the power to compel others to obey his commands, Jesse embarks on a cross-country mission to literally find God. He is accompanied by his gun-toting ex-girlfriend Tulip O’Hare, played by Ruth Negga, and an Irish vampire named Cassidy, played by Joseph Gilgun. The AMC adaptation maintains an 87% Tomatometer score and a 75% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Sam Catlin, Seth Rogen, and Evan Goldberg, the series translated Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon’s comic into a darkly humorous saga.

‘Superman & Lois’ (2021–2024)

Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch star as Clark Kent and Lois Lane, who relocate to Smallville with their twin teenage sons to balance superhero duties and family life. The series explores parental challenges alongside massive threats from multiversal duplicates, corporate tycoons, and cosmic supervillains. The supporting cast includes Wolé Parks as John Henry Irons and Michael Cudlitz as Lex Luthor. The CW drama holds an 88% Tomatometer rating alongside an 84% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Todd Helbing and Greg Berlanti, the series earned acclaim for its cinematic visual style and character-focused writing.

‘Supergirl’ (2015–2021)

Melissa Benoist stars as Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin who embraces her superhuman abilities to protect National City as Supergirl. Working alongside her adoptive sister Alex Danvers and the Department of Extranormal Operations, Kara battles alien invaders and rogue scientists. The series features prominent supporting performances from Chyler Leigh, Mehcad Brooks, David Harewood, and Jon Cryer as Lex Luthor. On Rotten Tomatoes, the superhero drama holds an 88% Tomatometer rating alongside a 47% audience score. Created by Ali Adler, Greg Berlanti, and Andrew Kreisberg, the six-season series delivered optimistic themes of hope, justice, and community.

‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’ (2016–2022)

Time traveler Rip Hunter recruits a ragtag team of superheroes and reformed villains to travel through time and safeguard the timeline. The ensemble lineup features Caity Lotz as Sara Lance, Brandon Routh as Ray Palmer, Dominic Purcell as Heat Wave, and Matt Ryan as John Constantine. Over seven seasons on The CW, the series transitioned from a serious time-travel action drama into an eccentric, comedic sci-fi adventure. The series holds an 89% Tomatometer score and a 56% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer, and Andrew Kreisberg, the show stood out for its inventive storytelling.

‘Titans’ (2018–2023)

Brenton Thwaites stars as Dick Grayson, who steps out of Batman’s shadow to lead a new generation of young superheroes. The team gathers heroes including Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, and Superboy to confront dangerous forces such as Trigon, Deathstroke, and Brother Blood. The narrative explores complex psychological themes and violent conflicts across Detroit, San Francisco, and Gotham City. Across its run, the series holds an 89% Tomatometer rating and a 67% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns, and Greg Berlanti, the four-season series premiered on DC Universe before moving to HBO Max.

‘Lanterns’ (2026)

Based on DC Comics’ iconic Green Lantern mythology, this prestige drama series follows veteran lawman Hal Jordan and fresh recruit John Stewart. Kyle Chandler portrays Hal Jordan alongside Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, teaming up as intergalactic cops stationed on Earth. The two officers become entangled in a dark mystery while investigating an unsettling murder in the American heartland. Ahead of its broadcast, early listings on Rotten Tomatoes record a 90% Certified Fresh Tomatometer score based on initial critical response. Developed by showrunner Chris Mundy alongside Damon Lindelof and Tom King, the HBO and DC Studios production presents a grounded detective story.

‘Naomi’ (2022)

Kaci Walfall stars as Naomi McDuffie, a comic-book-loving teenager whose peaceful life in Port Oswego is disrupted by a supernatural event. As Naomi investigates the origins of the anomaly, she uncovers startling truths about her adoption and her own hidden superpowers. The narrative follows her journey of self-discovery alongside her friends and mentor figures who know about the multiverse. The CW series holds a 91% Tomatometer score paired with a 43% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Ava DuVernay and Jill Blankenship, the teen drama brought Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker’s comic run to life.

‘Swamp Thing’ (2019)

Crystal Reed stars as Dr. Abby Arcane, a CDC researcher who returns to her Louisiana hometown to investigate a deadly swamp-borne virus. Abby forms a connection with scientist Alec Holland, who is transformed into the monstrous avatar of the Green following a violent attack. Derek Mears portrays the creature while Andy Bean plays Holland, navigating body horror and ecological threats in the bayou. On Rotten Tomatoes, the atmospheric DC Universe series earned a 92% Tomatometer rating alongside a 75% audience score. Developed by Gary Dauberman and Mark Verheiden, the moody horror series aired a single ten-episode season.

‘Dead Boy Detectives’ (2024)

Based on characters created by Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner, the supernatural series follows Edwin Payne and Charles Rowland, two deceased teenage detectives. George Rexstrew and Jayden Revri portray the ghost duo, who solve otherworldly mysteries alongside a psychic named Crystal Palace. Operating outside the reach of Death, the detectives help lingering spirits resolve unfinished business across the human realm. The Netflix series maintains a 92% Tomatometer score and an identical 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Steve Yockey, the series expanded the television universe established by ‘The Sandman’.

‘Black Lightning’ (2018–2021)

Cress Williams stars as Jefferson Pierce, a high school principal who comes out of superhero retirement to protect his community from gang violence. Jefferson balances vigilantism with his family obligations as his daughters, Anissa and Jennifer, manifest their own metahuman abilities. The series tackles systemic neighborhood issues while featuring confrontations against crime boss Tobias Whale and government corruption. The CW series earned a 92% Tomatometer rating alongside a 49% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Created by Salim Akil, the four-season drama was praised for integrating social commentary into serialized superhero storytelling.

‘iZombie’ (2015–2019)

Rose McIver stars as Liv Moore, a medical resident who turns into a zombie and takes a job at a coroner’s office to access brains. Eating brains allows Liv to absorb the memories and personality traits of murder victims, which she uses to help detective Clive Babineaux solve homicides. Rahul Kohli co-stars as Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti, her supportive boss working to discover a scientific cure for the outbreak. The CW series holds a 92% Tomatometer score and a 69% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Rob Thomas and Diane Ruggiero-Wright, the horror-comedy series ran for five critically acclaimed seasons.

‘Peacemaker’ (2022–present)

John Cena reprises his role as Christopher Smith, an extreme patriot who believes in achieving peace regardless of the human cost. Following the events of ‘The Suicide Squad’, Peacemaker is recruited by a black ops squad to eliminate parasitic alien invaders known as Butterflies. The series features an ensemble cast including Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Chukwudi Iwuji, Jennifer Holland, and Steve Agee. On Rotten Tomatoes, the HBO Max production holds a 93% Tomatometer rating and an 83% audience score. Created, written, and directed by James Gunn, the superhero action comedy blends violent spectacle with heartfelt character growth.

‘DC’s Stargirl’ (2020–2022)

Brec Bassinger stars as high schooler Courtney Whitmore, who discovers the Cosmic Staff and assumes the heroic identity of Stargirl. Courtney relocates to Blue Valley, Nebraska, and teams up with her stepfather Pat Dugan, played by Luke Wilson, to rebuild the Justice Society of America. The young hero recruits her high school classmates to battle the sinister Injustice Society of America hiding in plain sight. The series holds a 94% Tomatometer score paired with a 73% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Created by Geoff Johns for DC Universe and The CW, the three-season series captured a bright, classic comic book aesthetic.

‘The Penguin’ (2024)

Colin Farrell stars as Oz Cobb, a ruthless lieutenant navigating the fractured underworld of Gotham City following the events of ‘The Batman’. Oz embarks on a calculated campaign to seize power in the wake of crime lord Carmine Falcone’s death. His ambitions are challenged by Carmine’s unstable daughter Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti, who seeks control of the family empire. The HBO limited series holds a 95% Tomatometer rating alongside an 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by showrunner Lauren LeFranc, the eight-episode crime drama provides an intense look into Gotham’s criminal hierarchy.

‘Watchmen’ (2019)

Set thirty-four years after the events of the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, the miniseries takes place in an alternate Tulsa, Oklahoma. Regina King stars as Detective Angela Abar, who operates under the masked identity Sister Night to investigate a white supremacist conspiracy. The sprawling narrative examines the historical legacy of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre while integrating legacy figures like Doctor Manhattan and Adrian Veidt. The HBO limited series holds a 96% Tomatometer score and a 57% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Created by Damon Lindelof, the critically acclaimed nine-episode series earned widespread recognition and numerous Emmy Awards.

‘Doom Patrol’ (2019–2023)

The series follows an eccentric band of marginalized superheroes who received their abilities through tragic, life-altering accidents. Led by the mysterious Chief, the team includes Robotman, Negative Man, Elasti-Woman, Crazy Jane, and Cyborg as they confront surreal threats. The ensemble cast features Brendan Fraser, Matt Bomer, April Bowlby, Diane Guerrero, and Joivan Wade. The DC Universe and HBO Max series holds a 98% Tomatometer score alongside a 76% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Developed by Jeremy Carver, the four-season series explored trauma and identity through absurd, comic-accurate storylines.

‘Wonder Woman’ (1975–1979)

Lynda Carter stars as Diana Prince, an Amazonian princess who leaves Paradise Island to fight for peace and justice in the world of mortals. The initial season is set during World War II, while subsequent seasons transition to contemporary 1970s espionage under the title ‘The New Adventures of Wonder Woman’. Lyle Waggoner co-stars as Major Steve Trevor, Diana’s close ally and love interest across both historical settings. The iconic live-action series holds a perfect 100% Tomatometer score and an 84% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Created for television by Stanley Ralph Ross, the landmark production established Carter’s portrayal as a defining cultural milestone for superhero media.

Which DC live-action television adaptation is your personal favorite, and how do you feel about these critical standings? Share your thoughts in the comments.