20 Best Episodes In Superhero TV Show History

While MCU superheroes have dominated the cinematic landscape over the last two decades, the history of superhero TV shows is a lot more spread out with absolutely stunning episodes through the years. Superhero stories used to predominantly exist on the pages of comic books long before they became a staple of mainstream cinema.

Today, comic books are widely utilized as a resource to adapt incredible stories, in a way that closely resembles how novels and books are adapted. However, comics were not widely regarded as impactful or mature stories, instead being relegated to the category of kids' content. So, while early comics weren't immediately brought to life on the big screen, they were frequently adapted into TV shows.

It then took some time before these comic book shows really found their groove, but by the time the 1990s came around, storytellers were doing incredible things in the superhero TV space, delivering powerful stories that stay with the audience long after the episode ends. Here are some of those captivating episodes from the best superhero TV shows ever made.

"A God Walks Into Abar"

Watchmen Season 1, Episode 8

Kicking things off, the Watchmen graphic novel by Alan Moore remains one of the most widely beloved and respected comics in the space. And while the comic was initially adapted into a feature film, the story was eventually expanded, with the world of these characters, into the miniseries of the same name by HBO.

During that short run, the show had several standout moments, but the episode that stands apart has to be "A God Walks Into Abar." This episode takes a closer look at Dr. Manhattan, and the protagonist of this series, Angela Abar, revealing a secret about their connection, and depicting Manhattan's ability to perceive time in a non-linear fashion.

It's a triumph of an episode, with complex ideas boiled down to extremely effective and impactful plot points in a way that cemented this show's reputation. While the series did not last long, the quality of this episode in particular speaks to how extraordinary the world designed by Moore is, and the capacity for great stories as showcased by the creatives involved in getting this episode made.

"Out of Time"

The Flash Season 1, Episode 15

The Flash series on The CW was easily one of the best shows from the Arrowverse. With Grant Gustin in the leading role, and Team Flash providing the perfect support to make the series work, the show took the DC superhero formula, which at the time was still being refined, and made something extraordinary.

This is perhaps seen best in the episode, "Out of Time," when Barry finally reveals his secret to Iris, and then goes to save the day. Unfortunately, there is one noticeable hiccup with the plan, as Barry manages to run so fast that he reverses time and resets extraordinary progress, leaving the audience in disbelief as they wait for the cast to catch up.

Not only was the time reset mechanic an incredible tool for showing the audience some major reveals without consequence, but the episode pushes the narrative so far ahead and creates an extreme challenge for the hero that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. It's a great example of the best parts of this show, and indeed superhero TV in general.

"Glorious Purpose"

Loki Season 2, Episode 6

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Loki is easily one of the best TV shows to come out of Marvel and the MCU of all time, showcasing Tom Hiddleston's stunning performance, and setting up essential puzzle pieces for the end of the Multiverse Saga. However, when referring to this episode, "Glorious Purpose," it's important to note that this is the episode that serves as the series finale, not the premiere episode of the show which also has the same name.

Confusing as that may seem, the show puts this into a context that makes it an essential detail, with Loki having undergone a transformation throughout the show and embracing his destiny in a way that few could have expected.

Ultimately, this episode needs to be seen to be understood, but it is one that any superhero fan could easily fall in love with when viewed in connection to the rest of the series.

"Herogasm"

The Boys Season 3, Episode 6

On a very different note, and leaving behind the comfort of the Big Two publishers, Marvel and DC, The Boys was a runaway success on Prime Video, adapted from a series initially for WildStorm comics (which is now ironically owned by DC), before moving on to Dynamite Comics, where the rights still reside today.

The Boys set out to make a much more grounded and gritty superhero story than arguably anything that came before. Exposing the supes within the series as deeply flawed characters who indulge in their every whim and see ordinary human life as less than themselves.

This kind of disregard and gluttony is on display in "Herogasm" to an extreme degree, but more than that, we also get to witness some of the most satisfying brawls between heroes, and witness a major shift in the power dynamics that makes this a standout episode of superhero TV.

"Blindsided"

Daredevil Season 3, Episode 4

Marvel Studios

Netflix's Daredevil series broke new ground for Marvel, with a darker, more brutal show than most Marvel fans had seen. But beyond the brutality, the violence, and the extraordinary athleticism of Matt Murdock, as played by the incredibly talented Charlie Cox, there's more.

And while the show always made efforts to one-up itself, this came to a head in the season 3 episode, "Blindsided," where there is an iconic fight sequence that plays out over 11 unbroken minutes of a single take. This extraordinary moment is worth the watch alone, but the entire series remains an absolute must-watch.

"It Went By So Fast"

Superman and Lois Season 4, Episode 10

Superman and Lois was initially intended to be a part of the Arrowverse, but thanks to the shake-up at DC and the fact that this show aired on a different network, it ended up occupying its own space. And when the series finally came to an end in season 4, the concluding episode ended up creating one of the best iterations of a Superman story ever.

While many Superman projects focus on a more youthful Clark Kent, Superman and Lois took a look at the later years of the Man of Tomorrow. And inevitably, that means the people close to him end up reaching the end of their lifespans. This is approached in this episode in a beautifully touching way that provides hope and a look forward, exactly the same principles that Superman stands for.

"Reckoning"

Smallville Season 5, Episode 12

Speaking of a young Clark Kent, Smallville is an extraordinary show that wound the clock back before Clark ever donned the super suit. As a teenager, navigating life with powers, and desperate to fit in, this series offered another unique insight into the life of the world's most famous superhero.

And in "Reckoning," the 100th episode of the show, Clark finally works up the courage to share his secret with his childhood sweetheart, Lana Lang. Unfortunately, this leads to a series of unforeseen knock-on effects, and the world is never the same for Clark following his confession.

"On A Very Special Episode..."

WandaVision Season 1, Episode 5

WandaVision is one of the most innovative and creative superhero shows on TV, adopting a series of classic TV sitcom formats to build out what turns out to be a pretty dramatic story. Well, in this episode, much of that comes to a head, as people start to wake up from the warped reality Wanda has created, Pietro makes an appearance, and the boys rapidly age.

It's a bizarre mix of events that is handled with exceptional skill, crafting something emotional and profound where it could have been something so much less.

"Company Man"

Heroes Season 1, Episode 17

On another note, Heroes was a show created by Tim Kring from an original concept. And Kring's creativity shone through intensely in the first season, as this world began to take shape, and the truth was slowly unveiled.

With that in mind, the episode, "Company Man," proved to be one of the most technically brilliant and delivered a massive twist that shook audiences. With the ensemble cast still following their individual paths and beginning to come closer together, the last thing people expected was a major connection between the central supposed antagonist and the cheerleader who could save the world.

"It's Cow or Never"

Peacemaker Season 1, Episode 8

Before the death of the DCEU, one of the brightest spots of that entire world was the Peacemaker series from James Gunn. Of course, season 2 of Peacemaker seems to have bridged a gap and crossed into the DCU, but it's still worth praising how fantastic the finale of season 1 was.

Both for the fact that this episode sees Chris Smith embrace his role as a hero, overcoming a powerful alien invasion, bonding with his team, and even turning down the Justice League when the world's mightiest heroes show up late. It's a stellar episode and one that remains a pivotal part of DC's on-screen history.