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Why Are There Suddenly So Many Superhero Shows on TV?

Why Are There Suddenly So Many Superhero Shows on TV?
Why Are There Suddenly So Many Superhero Shows on TV?

I blame Marvel. Sure, superhero stories have been around long before Marvel Comics launched Marvel Studios, thus spreading the superhero stories behind mere movie franchises into their own genre of coveted entertainment. But it was Marvel who oh so wisely started bridging the gaps no one else saw. Its executives started linking everything to create a Marvel Cinematic Universe, cross-promoting movies with one another before leading up to “The Avengers,” then using the “The Avengers” to spawn a spin-off TV series (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”).

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Now, they’re dominating the popular medium of the new millennium — Netflix — with “Daredevil” and look to hold on with three more bingeable series on the way. Yes, “Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Gotham,” and others have made their mark. Yes, “Smallville” kicked off the aughts with the longest-running superhero show to date. Yes, many caped crusaders have taken over the small screen long before HDTVs. But I still blame (or credit, if you’re into this sort of thing) Marvel.

In the latest edition of Indiewire’s Very Good TV Podcast, Indiewire TV Editor Liz Miller and TV Critic Ben Travers get into the how’s, when’s and why’s of television’s current superhero climate. You can listen to the episode above, but don’t forget to subscribe via Soundcloud or iTunes. Follow Indiewire on Twitter and Facebook for all your pertinent TV news — including reviews, interviews and analyses on your favorite superheroes — and check out Liz and Ben’s Twitter feeds for more, more, more. 

Related Articles and News: 
– Liz tackled the tough question of whether her love of the MCU is a dream come true or an addiction in this intriguing think piece. 

– We know, we know. “Mad Men” ended on Sunday. While it was too much for us to talk about on the pod, we do have plenty of “Mad Men” finale coverage for you. So get reading.

– We’re also well aware of the not-so-great things happening on “Game of Thrones”

– Guys, since we last spoke, a new “True Detective” Season 2 trailer came out. 

– Liz really loves The CW, guys.

– Oh, and check out the new trailer for “Supergirl,” too. 

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