9. Marvel’s Luke Cage (Netflix: 2016-2018)
Despite their lack of official MCU connections and lower production values, three of the Netflix-Marvel series fought their way to the top half of this list with thematic resonance and strong lead performances. Marvel’s Luke Cage was the third street-level Defender introduced, but showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker made sure his story was unlike any that came before it. The series explored systemic inequities and the more intimate reality of a man trying to reclaim his life, all with plenty of style. Series lead Mike Colter’s early stiffness gave way to a more engaging performance in season two. Though it wasn’t as cohesive or charged as Daredevil or Jessica Jones, Luke Cage was ultimately the more ambitious show, helping to lead the way for more Black superhero stories on TV, including Black Lightning and Watchmen. [Danette Chavez]
