HBO’s 96% RT Superhero Masterpiece Is Better Than Any DC Or Marvel Show

Superhero shows have been incredibly popular on TV lately, with Marvel and DC constantly competing to be the best. DC’s Peacemaker stood out with its bold and funny style, and Marvel’s shows like WandaVision and Loki were groundbreaking in how they connected to each other and the larger Marvel universe. However, even with all this success, none of these shows have quite reached the level of critically acclaimed, high-quality television.

Both Marvel and DC have made some great TV shows recently, but none of them are as good as a little-known HBO miniseries that critics overwhelmingly loved (it has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes!). Though it’s based on a DC comic, the show isn’t connected to the main DC universe, and it’s much more than just a superhero story – it’s a truly exceptional example of how to tell a story on television.

HBO’s 2019 series, Watchmen, is still considered one of the best TV shows ever made, going beyond typical superhero stories. Even though it came out over five years ago, it remains the benchmark for superhero television. While Marvel and DC have released a lot of content since then, none of it has matched the quality, complexity, and creativity of Watchmen.

HBO’s Watchmen Is The Pinnacle Of Superhero TV Shows

Watchmen Proves Superhero Storytelling Can Thrive Without Shared Universes Or Endless Spin-Offs

Damon Lindelof’s Watchmen on HBO doesn’t simply retell the story of the 1986 graphic novel. It picks up the narrative decades later, boldly continuing it and exploring the world of masked vigilantes in a contemporary setting.

Instead of simply retelling the original Watchmen story or bringing back the same characters, the HBO series captures the core themes of the comic and reimagines them. It features new characters, like Angela Abar (played by Regina King), while also incorporating familiar figures such as Adrian Veidt (Jeremy Irons) and Doctor Manhattan (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) into the narrative.

What truly sets Watchmen apart as the greatest superhero show isn’t the original comic book, but how it builds upon that foundation to deliver a story that’s both profoundly relatable and incredibly bold. Unlike many superhero shows from Marvel or DC, Watchmen doesn’t rely on complex connections to other series or universes. It tells a single, complete story within nine episodes, offering a satisfying and conclusive ending.

I love how Watchmen feels so different from other superhero shows. While things like Peacemaker are funny and Loki gets into crazy alternate realities, Watchmen really focuses on what it means to be a hero. It doesn’t just show us the action, it makes you think about why these heroes even exist. Honestly, it goes so much deeper emotionally than almost anything else Marvel or DC has put out – it really explores the psychological impact of being a hero in a world still dealing with so much pain.

Both the look and feel of Watchmen are exceptionally high-quality, like a top-tier television drama. The beautiful visuals, strong acting, and atmospheric music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross make it stand out from other superhero shows on TV. Unlike the Marvel and DC universes which focus on big action, Watchmen aims for something more meaningful and impactful.

Watchmen isn’t about catering to fans; it’s a thoughtful exploration of who we are, what’s fair, and how the past shapes us. The original series was complete and impactful on its own, fundamentally changing the landscape of superhero stories. It didn’t require any follow-ups or connections to other universes.

Watchmen Is A Masterclass On How To Bring Real-World Issues To Gritty Superhero Stories

HBO’s Miniseries Turns Political And Racial Trauma Into The Backbone Of Superhero Storytelling

Unlike other superhero stories, Watchmen boldly weaves actual historical events and political issues into its plot. The series begins with the often-overlooked Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 and explores the lasting impact of that tragedy on subsequent generations. Social issues aren’t just part of the backdrop—they are central to the entire story.

The HBO series Watchmen, through the character of Sister Night, explores the lasting impact of racism and the consequences of concealing one’s true self. The show skillfully links individual suffering to larger societal problems, demonstrating how trauma and acts of bravery can happen simultaneously. Instead of focusing on typical superhero elements like superpowers or world-saving feats, Watchmen delves into the ways the world affects those who attempt to do good.

Lindelof’s writing transforms typical superhero characters into representations of real-world political issues. The series examines law enforcement, vigilante justice, and the abuse of power, all through the same ethical framework that made the original Watchmen comic so impactful. It doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—instead, it directly confronts them. Each decision Angela makes and each mystery she solves reveals more about a hidden and often troubling part of American history.

Look, I’ve seen a lot of superhero movies, and Marvel and DC will sometimes hint at things happening in the real world, but Watchmen is different. It tackles those issues with a level of detail and understanding I haven’t seen anywhere else. It doesn’t try to tell you what to think, it just makes you think. The political stuff isn’t just tacked on; it’s so perfectly blended with the superhero story that it doesn’t feel like a comic book adaptation at all – it feels like a really powerful piece of social commentary disguised as one.

Only A Few Superhero Shows Have Come Close To Matching Watchmen

Only The Boldest And Darkest Superhero Shows Have Approached Watchmen’s Level Of Brilliance

Few superhero series have matched the complexity of Watchmen. Amazon’s The Boys comes the closest, offering a similarly critical look at superheroes—but with a focus on how power and money corrupt. Like Watchmen, it shows that heroism isn’t always glamorous and reveals a world motivated by self-interest, political maneuvering, and the desire for control.

Both Daredevil, starring Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), and The Punisher, featuring Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal), are similar in tone. Like Watchmen, these shows focus on realistic characters and emotions rather than relying on special effects. They delve into the complexities of right and wrong and honestly portray the damaging effects of violence – something few Marvel projects are willing to do.

Even the best superhero series don’t quite reach the depth of Watchmen. While shows like The Boys rely on being cynical, Watchmen focuses on understanding its characters. Daredevil explores questions of right and wrong, but Watchmen goes further, questioning the idea of justice itself. Because it tells a complete, self-contained story, Watchmen maintains a strong focus and satisfying conclusion – something that can be hard to find in the ongoing, sprawling storylines of Marvel and DC comics.

Many superhero shows aiming for a more mature tone, like Titans, Moon Knight, and Secret Invasion, haven’t quite resonated with audiences. Watchmen, however, didn’t just tell a compelling superhero story—it redefined the possibilities of the genre by blending realistic emotional depth with grand, epic storytelling.

2025-10-31 22:20