Long before comic book movies were considered mainstream entertainment, television was instrumental in popularizing these now-iconic characters, turning them into household names that are beloved all around the world. In particular, shows based on DC Comics characters were early favorites, and the company's heroes have continued to dominate the small screen for decades. Let's take a look back at some of the best DC TV series to date. For the record, we're restricting this list to one show per character/property. So don't expect more than one entry for either Batman or Superman, as both heroes already have their own lists.
Adventures of Superman (1952-1958)
Today's younger Superman fans may have missed out on this black-and-white adventure series, but its impact on the Man of Steel's popularity cannot be underestimated. Starring George Reeves as the title character, Adventures of Superman was the first of many shows to center on his crime-fighting efforts as well as his secret identity of mild-mannered Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent. By today's standards, its production values and on-the-nose storytelling may seem dated. However, many of the character's signature elements — including his close relationship with Lois Lane and idioms like "faster than a speeding bullet" — are featured here. Perhaps Adventures of Superman would be surpassed by richer explorations of the character's mythology, but the show's light, family-friendly tone helped endear an entire generation of viewers to the last son of Krypton's pure heart and idealistic moral compass.
Wonder Woman (1975-1979)
Diana Prince may finally be getting her due in Warner Bros.' 2017 Wonder Woman film, but to date, the character's most notable live-action appearance was in this late 1970s favorite. Lynda Carter — who was named Miss World America prior to landing the series — brought the Amazon princess to charismatic life, bringing the final member of DC's primary trio of heroes to television. Over the course of its three seasons, Wonder Woman ushered the character and supporting players like Steve Trevor (played by Lyle Waggoner) into the cultural zeitgeist, and even decades later, it still stands as probably the best-known version of the character's mythos to non-readers of her many comic book adventures. Of course, that will likely change with Gal Gadot (Fast Five) set to debut as Wonder Woman in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, prior to her big-screen solo release.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1997)
The Dark Knight has been adapted and interpreted so many times over the years — from his blockbuster live-action films to countless animated series — that it's incredibly difficult for any one version to stand out. However, this animated show edges out the campy mid-1960s Adam West based on the sheer artistry and cross-generational appeal of the storytelling. Featuring Kevin Conroy's fan-favorite voice talents as Batman/Bruce Wayne, the show incorporate virtually every major member of the Caped Crusader's rogues gallery and perfectly captures the adventure and darkness of Gotham City. Its distinctly stylistic take on its comic book world kicked off an entirely new branch of DC animated series, and even today, Batman: The Animated Series is among the best incarnations the character has ever seen. Both Conroy and Mark Hamill — who played the Joker on the show — have reprised their roles in many other Batman projects, including animated films and video games, since its run ended.
Justice League/Justice League Unlimited (2001-2006)
While Super Friends was a longtime favorite (especially for children growing up in the 1970s and early 1980s), the animated Justice League series united DC heroes like no show had previously managed to. Created by the same men behind Batman: The Animated Series, the show featured a main cast of seven DC heroes and touched on many aspects of the comics' expanded universe during its three-year run, handling the source material with a fun and scope that serves as a natural extension of the Caped Crusader's solo series (as well as Superman: The Animated Series). Subsequently, a sequel series — dubbed Justice League Unlimited — kept the same cast but expanded its focus to include a much larger range of heroes. Together, both shows are among the most inclusive DC animated stories ever brought to television and present a version of the team's dynamic that still hasn't been topped.
The Flash (2014-present)
While DC continues to build a strong foothold on superhero television, only one of the company's current shows is known to cause filmmaker (and self-professed comic book aficionado) Kevin Smith to weep at just how perfectly it brings the source material to life. Grant Gustin stars as Barry Allen a.k.a. the titular hero, imbuing the scarlet speedster with an intelligence and effortless charm that emotionally grounds the series. The first spinoff of Arrow, The Flash has arguably surpassed its parent show in many ways, striking that balance between gravitas and high-spirited adventure. Developed by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg and Geoff Jones, the show taps into the deepest reaches of DC lore, regularly bringing fan-favorite characters like Gorilla Grodd into the action. More than simply an extension of Arrow, the series proves like few others nowadays that there may very well be no limit to the story possibilities the future may bring.
What’s your favorite television series based on DC Comics? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
