Superhero TV is everywhere now—Marvel shows on Disney+, DC series on The CW, and edgy takes like The Boys on Prime Video. But it wasn't always this way. Before the Arrowverse exploded in the 2010s and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. brought the MCU to the small screen, fans had to hunt for caped adventures. Smallville reigned as the longest-running live-action superhero series, but even that show avoided full-on spandex until its final season. Along the way, a handful of quirky, short-lived superhero shows came and went—and most fans never even noticed.
If you think you've seen every superhero show worth watching, think again. These eight series are the ones that slipped through the cracks, from a '70s Batman reunion to a Syfy original that felt like a fever dream. Let's dive into the best superhero shows diehards missed.
'Flash Gordon' (2007–2008)
After his death on Smallville, Eric Johnson landed the lead in this Syfy reboot of the classic space opera. Flash Gordon had a rocky start—its first few episodes were clunky and failed to capture the retro charm fans expected. But as the series progressed, it found its footing, following Flash as he's transported to the alien world of Mongo to battle the tyrannical Ming the Merciless (John Ralston). The show slowly shifted from Earth to Mongo, building alliances and finding its voice. Unfortunately, it was too late: audiences had already tuned out, and the series was canceled before it could truly soar.
'Legends of the Superheroes' (1979)
DC has tried to bury this two-episode TV special, which featured the live-action debuts of Green Lantern, The Flash, Hawkman, Black Canary, and Huntress—all set in the same universe as Adam West's Batman. The first episode is a standard superhero team-up, but the second is a bizarre celebrity roast hosted by Ed McMahon. With West, Burt Ward, and Frank Gorshin returning as the Riddler, it's a time capsule of campy humor. It's not good in the traditional sense, but for fans of the '60s Batman series, it's a weirdly delightful relic.
'Black Scorpion' (2001)
Based on two Roger Corman TV movies, Black Scorpion aired for one season on Syfy. Michelle Lintel stars as Darcy Walker, a police detective who moonlights as the masked vigilante Black Scorpion. The show is a wild mix of '60s Batman camp and Tim Burton's gothic aesthetic, with a rogues' gallery that includes Adam West, Frank Gorshin, and Cobra Kai's Martin Kove. It's like a forgotten cousin to WB's Birds of Prey, and while it's not perfect, it's an entertaining blast from the past.
'My Secret Identity' (1988–1991)
This beloved syndicated series starred a young Jerry O'Connell as Andrew Clements, a teen comic book fan who gains superpowers after being hit by a beam from his friend Dr. Benjamin Jeffcoate (Derek McGrath). Over three seasons and 72 episodes, Andrew juggles high school and heroism, hiding his identity from everyone but his mentor. It's a lighthearted blend of adventure and comedy, with a theme song that'll stick in your head for days. O'Connell later voiced Superman, making this a fun origin story for his superhero career.
'Who Wants to Be a Superhero?' (2006–2007)
Created by comic legend Stan Lee, this reality competition series put aspiring heroes through challenges to win a TV movie based on their character. Contestants like Ty'Rell (who became The Defuser) and Melody (Feedback) competed in costumes and faced eliminations. It's a bizarre but charming piece of superhero history, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a hero—even if the results were more campy than cinematic.
These shows may not have the budgets or buzz of today's superhero blockbusters, but they capture a time when TV was experimenting with capes and cowls. For diehard fans, they're hidden gems worth rediscovering. For more overlooked superhero content, check out our list of the best superhero cartoons ever made or dive into why 'Jessica Jones' remains Marvel's greatest show.
