James Gunn has brought a fresh, newSupermanfilm to the big screen. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a solo Superman movie; the last one was 2013’sMan of Steel. Given Gunn’s previous work on films likeGuardians of the GalaxyandThe Suicide Squad, it’s sure to be a more enthusiastic take on the long-running superhero than the grimy version composed by Zack Snyder’sMan of Steel.
The newSupermanis tracking for a big opening, and it’s sure to reinvigorate audiences to give DC Comics another shot. While James Gunn has plenty of superhero pies in the Warner Bros. oven, there are plenty of current DC Comics shows to match Gunn’s style. Here are some DC Comics TV series to binge before and after watching Gunn’sSuperman, all of which are currently streaming onMax.
2010 - 2022
4
98
Status
Canceled
IfTeen Titans Gois looking too juvenile for the young DC fans,Young Justiceis the perfect counter to a more mature superhero show with youthful characters. The sidekicks of Justice League members find themselves struggling to prove themselves, and have the perfect opportunity with their crime-fighting group. While navigating teenage relationships, the team will also face down world-ending threats when the Justice League isn’t present.
Developed by Greg Weisman ofGargoylesfame,Young Justicehas more to boast about than being Justice League Junior. There’s an ongoing story each season and real stakes in the drama that unfolds amid plots of conspiracies, alien invasions, and betrayals. It’s a good-looking cartoon, but also one with impressive continuity, as characters grow and evolve with each season, becoming more interesting through their shifting lives rather than mere wardrobe changes.
2019 - 2023
46
Ended
Doom Patrolis the foul-mouthed uncle of the Justice League, not just because the script is loaded with profanity. A collective of misfit science experiments gone awry assemble under the roof of Doctor Niles Caulder, using their odd abilities to save the world from even weirder threats. They’ll face off against evil brains, horny ghosts, butt monsters, and the fourth-wall breaking antics of Mr. Nobody.
Having survived the dismal failure of WB’s DC Universe streaming service, there’s a strange charm to howDoom Patrolweaves dark humor into its compelling tragedy. The characters are written with empathetic pathos, as seen in Robotman’s struggles as a flawed father and Jane’s internal conflict between competing personalities. But there’s also a relatable aspect of plowing through the trauma with fury and foul language, making this show far more unique than just being an R-rated detour from DC.
2024 - present
1
7
Ongoing
IfThe Suicide SquadandPeacemakerweren’t enough DC adult-oriented ensemble madness for you,Creature Commandosshould give you an animated fix. Written by James Gunn, the series follows a collective of monsters working for the government as Task Force M. Led by Rick Flag Senior (father of Rick Flag fromThe Suicide Squad), the squad is tasked with stopping another global threat to America, but find themselves conflicted about how to proceed when being deceived by others.
Set within the new universe James Gunn is creating,Creature Commandosfollows the same formula asThe Suicide Squad, and it still works for making you care about misfit anti-heroes. Backstories are progressively revealed of the stalked Bride and misunderstood Weasel to make you root for these monsters to fight for their freedom instead of imperialism. It’s just as fun asThe Suicide Squad, but made extra unique with its vibrant animation and invigorating music selections from Hugo Blanco and Fanfare Ciocărlia.
2008 - 2011
3
65
Taking a cue from the silver age of DC Comics,Batman: The Brave and the Boldtakes a tongue-and-cheek approach to the caped crusader. Each episode features Batman fighting crime alongside a colossal assortment of superheroes, including Superman. He’ll do battle against his familiar foes, but also wackier villains like Sportsmaster, Crazy Quilt, and The Music Meister.
With its tongue-in-cheek writing and direction,Brave and the Boldequally celebrates and pokes fun at the Silver Age of DC’s team-up comics. The character designs are retro and colorful, with many shots even pulled straight from the covers of classic comic books. Although the show does get meta with its humor and absurd with its superhero scenarios, there’s a fondness present in this uproarious cartoon that feels like the perfect love letter for long-time DC fans.
2019 - present
5
57
Ever since her debut inBatman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn has become a fan-favorite character, garnering her comic book runs. The animatedHarley Quinnshow gives the giddy character the bonkers cartoon she deserves. After cutting off her toxic relationship with the Joker, the clowned villain aims to make a name for herself alongside Poison Ivy, her partner in crime and bed.
WhileHarley Quinnspends more time mocking the antics of Batman and his villains, the show does take a comical hammer to all of DC Comics. Superman does pop in from time to time, but Lex Luthor (Giancarlo Esposito) becomes more present in Harley stores. The show matches James Gunn’s brand of absurd and heartfelt comedy for superheroes, made extra apparent by James Gunn’s guest-starring appearance as himself in the third season.
2004 - 2006
39
Continuing from the Batman and Superman cartoons of the 1990s,Justice League Unlimitedtook DC Comics heroes into some exciting new places. The ensemble sequel series to Justice League explored the political and ethical dilemmas of superheroes, especially with the arc of Lex Luthor running for President. It’s a good-looking and well-written cartoon, but also rewarding for those who have been following the previous DC Comics cartoons.
Although there are plenty of superheroes given airtime inUnlimited, Superman (and his villains) have the most unique stories in this show. This is especially true with the episodeFor The Man Who Has Everything, a direct adaptation of the tragic comic by Alan Moore. Not only was this a moving episode of Superman denying himself the life he might’ve had on Krypton, but it’s also one of the only adaptations of an Alan Moore comic where his name appears in the credits. Moore has previously had his name removed from adaptations ofWatchmenandV for Vendetta, butJustice League Unlimitedwas the rare exceptionwhen it aired on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block.
2023 - present
2
20
Taking great inspiration from anime,My Adventures With Supermanhas a more youthful approach to the superhero. The show takes place during Clark Kent’s early days as a reporter at the Daily Planet, working alongside the determined Lois Lane and plucky Jimmy Olsen. As Superman gets used to his powers and learns his origins, he’ll start facing off against a series of villains, including the alien threat of the robotic Brainiac and the human threat of the conspiring Amanda Waller.
With its bright anime style,My Adventures With Supermanexudes an adorable charm that makes it fun and lovable. The trio of Clark, Lois, and Jimmy is admirable in their aspirations for journalism, as well as endearing for the romance and trust that develops between Clark and Lois. It’s a refreshing way to explore Superman through a vibrant new lens, while remaining faithful to the comic book icon, especially with Jack Quaid’s flawless voice performance as Clark Kent.
2021 - present
10
Debuting shortly after James Gunn’sThe Suicide Squad,Peacemakerfollows the further adventures of John Cena’s absurd patriot superhero. Having survived his previous mission, Peacemaker is now working with a new task force to stop an alien threat. As the mission continues, he grows fonder of his crew and starts standing up to his racist father, who taught him the wrong lessons.
Written by James Gunn, this spin-off series knows how to have fun with DC Comics. The very opening of the show features a tongue-in-cheek dance number, setting the tone for a show that can be earnest with its politics yet ridiculous in toying with comic book characters. The first season also featured superhero cameos, and the upcoming season will feature Green Lantern and Hawkgirl reprising their roles from the Superman movie. So if you liked what James Gunn did with the Man of Steel,Peacemakershould be the immediate follow-up.
1996 - 2000
54
If there’s one DC Comics show that perfectly encapsulates the best aspects of the Man of Steel, it’sSuperman: The Animated Series. The show made the alien orphan of Krypton an enduring character, showcasing his growth with his powers and charming interactions with a retro-future Metropolis. Superman became so fully realized that there was more to his battles with Darkseid and Brainiac beyond how hard he could punch them.
Created by the same team behindBatman: The Animated Series, there’s a lot to love about thisSupermancartoon aside from feeling like the brighter and chipper counter to Batman’s darkness. The series is notable for featuring several superhero cameos, including an entire arc with Batman, which laid the groundwork for the ensembleJustice Leaguecartoon. But in addition to being a foundational superhero cartoon, it’s also just fun watching Superman be heroic, thoughtful, and brave against the baddest villains of Earth, Krypton, and beyond.
These selections have a little bit of everything for Superman and DC Comics fans, new and old. If anime is more of your thing,My Adventures With Supermanwill turn Clark Kent into the sweet hunk you never knew you wanted. If profane satire is more of your bag,Doom PatrolandCreature Commandosgot you covered. And if you want to keep following Gunn’s developing DC universe,Peacemakeris essential viewing.
You won’t have to look far in the sky, past the birds and planes, for some quality DC Comics shows to get pumped forSuperman.
MAX
Max has a wide array of DC Comics TV shows and movies to stream.
