A Marvel TV marathon is in order.
While the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been dominating cinemas for years, Marvel’s TV shows have enjoyed quieter success on Netflix. But soon, all of these shows are leaving the streaming service.
Warnings of the shows’ imminent departure have started appearing on Netflix, and Polygon reports that rights to the series now belong to Disney. There’s still no word on whether they’ll pop up another streaming service.
The first Netflix MCU show set things off on the right foot. Daredevil flexed its cinematic muscle with spectacular set-pieces while its cast put on star performances led by Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio. The show’s version of Daredevil and Kingpin have also appeared in other Marvel offerings, giving it a solid place in MCU canon.
Jessica Jones’ first season aired just months after Daredevil Season 1, and it may be the best part of the Marvel TV continuity yet. As Jones (Krysten Ritter) faces off against the sadistic Kilgrave (David Tennant), the show uses its crime procedural setup to explore trauma and recovery.
Like Jessica Jones before it, Luke Cage begins on an incredibly high note before losing its way. The show’s first story arc brings its version of Harlem to life as Cage (Mike Colter) and criminal mastermind Cottonmouth (Mahershala Ali) struggle over the neighborhood’s future.
Like a small-screen Avengers, The Defenders brings the heroes of Netflix’s Marvel shows together for a classic superhero team-up. And while it lacks the world-shaking gravity of The Avengers, its characters shine when they get a chance to play off each other.
As a character, The Punisher is tarnished by fans who think bloody, soul-crushing vengeance quests are actually a good thing. The Punisher series — the last Marvel Netflix show to date — grapples with its hero’s legacy by delving into grief and the cost of violence.