Is the era of superhero shows coming to an end? For the past few years, superhero TV shows have dominated our screens such as Agents of Shield, DC’s Arrow, The Flash and Supergirl – they are never ending. Even Netflix decided to get on the bandwagon with The Punisher and Daredevil.
However, despite this, there are some shows that just haven’t lasted. For example, whilst the new season of Daredevil premiered last month, Marvel’s Iron Fist got the boot (thank god, no offence but Iron Fist sucked). And only a week later, we got the confirmation that Luke Cage will not be returning to Harlem. This one got me as the previous season ended on a note that could potentially create new and exciting storylines. Ultimately though,
[pullquote]the future of superhero TV shows is looking grim[/pullquote]The trend here is that both these shows belonged to Netflix. Does this mean that Netflix is moving away from the mainstream of superheroes and turning to a different genre of shows in the future? Who knows but I definitely hope it’s not in the direction of Insatiable because let’s be real, Luke Cage was so much better than that.
With the recent cancellation, actor Mike Colter has come forward expressing his regret that he will not be bringing this powerful man back to our screens, quoting the show with a picture of his new born child: “Forward Always, Always Forward.”
So, is this cancellation a good thing? Are we finally outgrowing the concept of a man in a cape saving the world? Personally, I think it’s a blessing in disguise. With Marvel and DC constantly bringing out films every year, on top of that TV shows are sometimes unnecessary - it’s just the same plot and the same ideas. There’s no need for so many.
But, despite these cancellations, the CW has plans for more. With the potential introduction of Batwoman, there are rumours that there is going to be a subsequent series that revolves around this character. For me, this is exciting because Batwoman is bad-ass but does this mean other shows will be cancelled to make room for it? Hopefully it’s Arrow (sorry, but you’re well past your sell by date).
So, while we have cancellations, it seems that these are to make room for future shows that have plans of airing. And I get it… there aren’t enough days in a week for everything or enough hours in the day. So, what is the future of superhero shows? If it is cancellation for a different genre, please make it something worth watching otherwise fans are going to be extremely upset. Alternatively, if they are cancelled to make room for MORE superhero shows, how about we take a new approach and stop re-using the same conventions and make something original for once. Is that too much to ask?
If you’re a fan of superhero shows, tune in on literally any night of the week and there is no doubt there will be one airing.
