5 Ways Netflix’s ‘Daredevil’ Aged Poorly (And 5 Ways It Aged Masterfully)

Netflix’s ‘Daredevil’ (2015-2018) brought Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer turned vigilante, to life in a gritty, thrilling way that hooked me and many others. Charlie Cox’s intense performance and the show’s dark take on Marvel’s Hell’s Kitchen made it a standout in superhero TV. 

Years later, rewatching the series reveals a mix of strengths and flaws. Some elements feel dated, while others remain gripping. Below, I dive into five ways ‘Daredevil’ hasn’t held up and five ways it still shines.

Aged Poorly: Pacing Drags in Key Moments

The show’s pacing can feel sluggish, especially in season two. Storylines like the Hand’s mystical plotline stretch out, with long stretches of dialogue that slow the action. I found myself wanting faster resolutions, as modern shows keep tighter rhythms.

This issue stands out when compared to newer series like ‘Andor’ (2022-2025), which balance action and story more smoothly. The drawn-out subplots make some episodes a chore to rewatch.

Aged Masterfully: Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock

Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Matt Murdock remains a high point. His ability to blend vulnerability, grit, and moral conflict keeps every scene engaging. Whether he’s in court or fighting as Daredevil, Cox carries the show with raw intensity.

His performance feels timeless, holding up against newer Marvel leads. I still get chills watching Matt wrestle with his dual life, making him one of TV’s best heroes.

Aged Poorly: The Hand’s Confusing Arc

The Hand, the ninja cult in season two, feels like a misstep. Their vague motives and supernatural elements clash with the show’s grounded crime drama. I struggled to care about their endless schemes, which felt out of place.

This arc hasn’t aged well compared to sharper villain stories in shows like ‘Jessica Jones’ (2015-2019). The Hand’s muddled narrative dilutes the tension on rewatch.

Aged Masterfully: Fight Choreography

The fight scenes in ‘Daredevil’ are still jaw-dropping. The iconic hallway fights, like the one in season one, blend brutal realism with creative camera work. Each punch and kick feels visceral, pulling me into Matt’s world.

These sequences set a standard for superhero action. Even compared to recent shows like ‘The Boys’ (2019-), ‘Daredevil’ fights remain a benchmark for intensity and style.

Aged Poorly: Supporting Character Depth

Some supporting characters, like Foggy Nelson and Karen Page, lack depth in parts. Foggy’s whining in season two and Karen’s uneven arc as a journalist feel flat. I wanted more from them to match Matt’s complexity.

Modern shows like ‘Better Call Saul’ (2015-2022) give side characters richer stories. This gap makes ‘Daredevil’ feel less polished in places on rewatch.

Aged Masterfully: Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin

Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk is a masterclass in villainy. His mix of quiet menace and explosive rage makes every scene electric. I still feel the weight of his presence, especially in season one’s intense confrontations.

Fisk’s depth keeps him relevant, rivaling villains in newer shows like ‘Loki’ (2021-2023). D’Onofrio’s performance ensures Kingpin remains unforgettable.

Aged Poorly: Dated Visual Effects

The visual effects, especially in season two’s mystical elements, haven’t aged well. Scenes with the Hand’s resurrection rituals look cheap compared to today’s standards. I found them distracting, pulling me out of the story.

Shows like ‘Arcane’ (2021-2024) set a higher bar for visuals. ‘Daredevil’ feels dated in these moments, weakening its immersive quality.

Aged Masterfully: Moral Complexity

The show’s exploration of morality still resonates. Matt’s struggle between justice and vengeance, paired with Fisk’s twisted code, creates a compelling ethical clash. I love how the series challenges easy answers.

This depth feels fresh compared to simpler hero stories in shows like ‘Hawkeye’ (2021). ‘Daredevil’ keeps you thinking about right and wrong.

Aged Poorly: Overreliance on Dark Tone

The relentless grim tone can feel one-note. Every episode’s heavy atmosphere, with constant tragedy and brooding, wears thin on rewatch. I craved more moments of levity to balance the darkness.

Newer series like ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ (2022) mix humor and drama better. ‘Daredevil’ risks feeling monotonous without that variety.

Aged Masterfully: Hell’s Kitchen as a Character

Hell’s Kitchen feels alive, a gritty backdrop that shapes the story. The show’s depiction of New York’s underbelly, from dive bars to crime-ridden streets, grounds the action. I can still feel the city’s pulse in every scene.

This vivid setting holds up against newer shows like ‘Moon Knight’ (2022). ‘Daredevil’ makes its world a character in its own right.

What’s your take on ‘Daredevil’—which moments still hit hard, or what feels off now? Drop your thoughts in the comments!