- Inhumans has been named the worst-rated Marvel TV show, with a shocking 11% approval rating from critics.
- Secret Invasion is second with an average approval rating of 48%, while Iron Fist is third with an average approval rating of 52%.
- Marvel’s newest offering Agatha All Along, makes it into the top 10.
In the expansive universe of Marvel television, not all shows have soared to the heights of critical acclaim or audience adoration. Recent analysis of ratings from the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes has shed light on which Marvel series have struggled the most, with “Inhumans” emerging as the most critically panned show in the franchise.
The Top 10 Worst Rated Marvel TV Shows
Rank |
Show title |
All critics score |
Audience score |
Average score - Advertisement -
|
1 |
Inhumans |
11% |
42% |
27% |
2 - Advertisement -
|
Secret Invasion |
52% |
44% |
48% |
3 |
Iron Fist - Advertisement -
|
37% |
66% |
52% |
4 |
She-Hulk: Attorney-at-Law |
79% |
32% |
56% |
5 |
Echo |
70% |
60% |
65% |
6 |
The Punisher |
64% |
78% |
71% |
7 |
The Defenders |
78% |
70% |
74% |
=8 |
Runaways |
84% |
69% |
77% |
=8 |
Cloak and Dagger |
87% |
66% |
77% |
9 |
Luke Cage |
87% |
71% |
79% |
=10 |
Agatha All Along |
82% |
81% |
82% |
=10 |
Jessica Jones |
83% |
80% |
82% |
“Inhumans” tops the list with a dismal average approval rating of 27%. This series, which follows a superhuman royal family trying to reclaim their throne after a coup forces them from their lunar home to Earth, was met with harsh criticism. Despite a slightly more favorable audience score of 42%, the critics were unforgiving, offering just an 11% approval rating. Words like “slow,” “unimaginative,” and “a complete failure” were thrown around by reviewers, with Variety describing it as “listless, dreadfully serious and profoundly boring.” Initially planned for three seasons, “Inhumans” was canceled after one by ABC in May 2018.
Following closely is “Secret Invasion,” with an average rating of 48%. This series sees Nick Fury uncovering a covert invasion of Earth by the shape-shifting Skrulls. While the performances were lauded, the plot was a significant point of contention, with critics giving a 52% approval against the audience’s 44%. The narrative was described by some as a “collection of moods, not stories or characters,” with calls for better writing and a more coherent integration into Marvel’s broader continuity.
“Iron Fist” secures the third spot with an average rating of 52%. Here, Danny Rand returns to New York with mystical powers to fight crime and take back his family’s company. While audiences gave it a 66% approval, critics were less kind, rating it at only 37%. The series was criticized for being “dull” and “devoid of action,” alongside accusations of cultural insensitivity for its handling of Asian themes and martial arts. Despite some improvement in the second season, it wasn’t enough to salvage the show’s reputation.
In fourth place, “She-Hulk: Attorney-at-Law” averages out at 56%. Jennifer Walters, turning into She-Hulk after an accident, navigates legal cases involving superhumans. The show boasts a 79% critic approval but lags with audiences at only 32%. While praised for its representation, the humor and CGI were points of criticism, leaving viewers feeling the project was not given the attention it deserved.
“Echo” rounds out the fifth position with a 65% average rating. This series focuses on Maya Lopez, offering a fresh narrative with its inclusive storytelling and adult tone. However, critiques on pacing labeled it “terribly slow” and “incredibly boring,” with some feeling the execution was disjointed.
“The Punisher,” coming in sixth with a 71% rating, was commended for its action and emotional depth but criticized for its portrayal of violence, especially in light of real-world issues.
“The Defenders,” at seventh with a 74% rating, was praised for character development but criticized for its plot, which many felt didn’t live up to the potential of its team-up premise.
Tying for eighth, “Runaways” and “Cloak and Dagger” both average at 77%. “Runaways” was faulted for straying too far from its comic origins and for a sluggish narrative, while “Cloak and Dagger” disappointed with its second season, which was seen as uninspired and confusing.
“Luke Cage” sits at ninth with a 79% average, with the second season drawing particular ire for its extended, repetitive plotlines.
Finally, “Agatha All Along” joins “Jessica Jones” in tenth place. This new addition to the Marvel TV lineup has intrigued audiences and critics alike, though it’s still finding its place among the varied reception of Marvel’s television efforts.
This ranking paints a complex picture of Marvel’s foray into television. While some shows have clearly resonated with audiences and critics, others have struggled to meet expectations, highlighting the challenges of translating comic book storytelling into live-action series that satisfy all viewers. The diversity in narrative, tone, and execution across these shows underscores the broad spectrum of Marvel’s TV ventures and the varied reception they’ve garnered.