20 DC Superhero Shows That Deserve to be on Max

Max has become a hub for DC fans, but the removal of countless titles has sparked a debate over which missing DC superhero shows deserve to be on the streaming service. As subscribers navigate the platform in search of hidden gems, classic titles, and even bizarre projects worth rediscovering, the absence of a beloved series has been a tough pill to swallow. However, reflecting on live-action and cartoon adaptations alike, DC Comics-inspired shows seem to have been hit hardest, leaving fans wanting a more complete catalog of superhero content.

Debuting as Max in 2020, Max is a subscription-based streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery. Initially celebrated for hosting an extensive collection of content from brands like Cartoon Network, Crunchyroll, and Sesame Workshop, the platform’s offerings have shifted significantly over the years due to changing partnerships and corporate reorganizations. By early 2025, Max experienced one of its largest content purges to date, with over 87 titles removed and counting, leaving many subscribers frustrated. While the platform continues to produce hits like The Penguin and Creature Commandos, fans are left speculating about what Max’s evolving catalog will ultimately look like in the coming years.

It’s Time to Dig Up the DC Cartoon Rooted in the ’90s

Swamp Thing (1991)

In an era when Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles turned hideous monsters into toybox sensations and Captain Planet and the Planeteers championed eco-friendly messages, Swamp Thing waded into Saturday morning television. Alongside allies like Tomahawk and Bayou Jack, the monstrous yet heroic Swamp Thing battled to stop the nefarious schemes of the mad scientist Anton Arcane, all within a brief five-episode run.

Swamp Thing’s theme song is a parody of Chip Taylor’s “Wild Thing,” featuring campy lyrics like “Swamp Thing!…You Are Amazing!”

Streaming platforms are not just repositories for the greatest Saturday morning cartoons but also the oddities that defined their time. Does Max need 1991’s Swamp Thing? Probably not, but it would be the perfect spot for the so-bad-its-good series to entertain viewers as they plant themselves on the couch. Nostalgia for the 1991 series is nearly as enduring as its resilient green protagonist, capturing the essence of the early ’90s cartoon craze while offering a curious glimpse into the era’s cultural trends and environmental concerns.

Batman Beyond’s Forgotten Spinoff Brings Viewers Back to the Future

The Zeta Project (2001-2002)

Batman Beyond introduced audiences to Terry McGinnis and changed the landscape of Saturday Morning forever. With Batman Beyond’s overwhelming popularity and its success in creating a new corner of the DC Universe, people wanted to see more of it. Enter Infiltration Unit Zeta, a robotic assassin who went rogue after he became sentient and realized one of his targets was innocent. Seeking the scientist Dr. Eli Selig and the mysteries behind his creation, Zeta teams up with a teenage runaway named Ro as the NSA attempts to bring him in.

The Zeta Project was later referenced in other DC media, making appearances in shows like Arrow and Young Justice, keeping the legacy of the rogue robotic assassin alive in the wider DC Universe.

A strange mix between Short Circuit, Blade Runner, and The Fugitive, The Zeta Project wasn’t as memorable as the series that spawned it, but its unique premise and ties to Batman Beyond make it worth revisiting. While episodes of Batman Beyond continue to enjoy a well-deserved spot on the Max streaming service, its spinoff could provide fans of the DC Animated Universe with a chance to explore overlooked themes like identity, free will, and redemption. Adding The Zeta Project to Max would not only complete the picture for fans but also allow a new generation to discover this hidden gem in DC’s animated legacy.

Before Wonder Woman, Fans Discovered The Secrets of Isis

The Secrets of Isis (1975-1976)

After a science teacher uncovers an ancient relic during a dig in Egypt, she learns she is a descendant of Pharaoh Hatshepsut and has been gifted with “the powers of the animals and the elements.” By invoking the name of an ancient Egyptian goddess, she transforms into the superhero Isis. Created as a sister series to Shazam!, this groundbreaking show predated Wonder Woman and The Bionic Woman. Although initially conceived for children’s television, Isis became so popular that DC Comics eventually integrated her into the quirky Captain Marvel (now Shazam) family.

Beyond The Secrets of Isis, reimagined versions of the character would later appear in series like Smallville and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, continuing her legacy within the DC multiverse.

While audiences are familiar with characters like Batman, Wonder Woman, and even Black Adam, Isis remains an underappreciated figure in DC’s history. Max could serve as a perfect archive to help audiences rediscover such forgotten gems as The Secrets of Isis. By reintroducing Isis to a new generation, the character could gain the recognition she deserves and perhaps even find new life in James Gunn’s DCU.

The Show That Defined the Man of Steel Isn’t on Max

Adventures of Superman (1952-1958)

The show that cemented the Man of Steel as a symbol of Americana and one of the most enduring figures in pop culture, Adventures of Superman followed the exploits of mild-mannered Clark Kent, intrepid reporters Lois Lane, and his loyal pal Jimmy Olsen, all working under the blowhard editor Perry White at the Daily Planet.

George Reeves made a memorable guest appearance in the I Love Lucy episode “Lucy and Superman,” where he donned his classic Superman costume for Little Ricky’s birthday.

Widely regarded as one of the most iconic live-action adaptations of the Superman mythos, George Reeves’ portrayal of the superhero has influenced interpretations of the character for over 70 years. With Superman positioned to return to the big screen in 2025 and Max’s catalog lacking vintage DC titles, this vibrant, campy classic would serve as a fitting tribute to the character’s rich history, highlighting how far he has come and honoring those who helped shape the definitive superhero.

When Will the Birds of Prey Land on Max?

Birds of Prey (2002-2003)

After Batman vanishes from New Gotham City following the Joker’s presumed death, former Batgirl Barbara Gordon steps into his role as the city’s protector. Teaming up with Helena Kyle, the Huntress, Alfred Pennyworth, and the metahuman Dinah Lance, aka Black Canary, they face off against the cunning Dr. Harleen Quinzel. Filmed in an era defined by shows like Charmed, Smallville, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Birds of Prey occupies a unique and fascinating place in the history of Batman’s television adaptations.

Mark Hamill would reprise his role as the Joker in live-action for the inaugural episode of Birds of Prey.

With The Penguin becoming a runaway hit on Max, many fans are diving into Batman’s back catalog of live-action series. Yet, while Gotham, Batwoman, and Pennyworth have found a home on the platform, and even the widely criticized Gotham Knights remain available, this curious, short-lived series is conspicuously absent, leaving curious viewers to wonder why Birds of Prey hasn’t taken flight again.

It’s Time to Unleash Another Superman Series

Krypto the Superdog (2005-2006)

Produced by Alan Burnett and Paul Dini, the legendary duo behind behind Batman: The Animated Series, Krypto the Superdog brought Superman’s loyal companion to the small screen for a series of wild, crimefighting adventures aimed at a younger audience.

An unaired pilot called The Adventures of Superpup debuted in 1958, featuring Superman stories acted out by people in anthropomorphic dog suits.

While it’s available on Max in some parts of the world, Krypto the Superdog further highlights how the platform has neglected Cartoon Network’s extensive library. With Krypto already set to make a splash as a breakout star in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie, it’s baffling that his solo series isn’t more readily available for kids. After all, if Batwheels can get a platform, surely Krypto’s canine capers deserve the same treatment.

Syfy Cut This Time-Travel Tale Tragically Short

Krypton (2018-2019)

Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of 2013’s Man of Steel was its opening scene on Krypton. So, it made sense to adapt a political drama based on Superman’s home planet, akin to shows like Game of Thrones. While Krypton proved to be a slow burn for most DC fans, it ultimately provided some of the best portrayals of General Zod, Brainiac, and Doomsday put to screen.

In 2019, a Krypton spinoff focused on the bounty hunter Lobo was announced, but it was ultimately canceled before it could take off.

Like many SyFy original series, the show was prematurely canceled and left people uninvested, knowing they’ll never get to see a proper finale. However, while the show itself may be doomed, like the Fortress of Solitude, it could stand as a chronicle of Superman’s homeworld, another place and time, and a testament to the people who tried to create something epic but ultimately failed.

Here Today, Gone Legends of Tomorrow

DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (2016-2022)

The Arrowverse introduced a litany of characters who stole the spotlight but often had no TV series to call their own. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow served as a remedy to that, becoming a tentpole of the Arrowverse and the perfect stage for these unsung heroes to shine. Following the time-traveling adventures of Rip Hunter and a rotating cast of colorful characters plucked from across the multiverse, they band together to save the space-time continuum or risk becoming history themselves.

While there have been suggestions that DC’s Legends of Tomorrow could continue on Max or Paramount+, Lesley Goldberg of The Hollywood Reporter deemed it unlikely due to existing licensing deals.

With its quirky charm, talented ensemble cast, and wildly creative storylines, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow became one of the Arrowverse’s strangest yet most beloved corners. Though it suffered the same problem as many CW shows by overstaying its welcome, fans would not mind taking a trip down memory lane and reliving this eccentric series on Max alongside shows like Doom Patrol and Creature Commandos.

Max is Missing One More Swamp Thing

Swamp Thing (2019)

Debuting on the ill-fated DC Universe streaming service alongside Doom Patrol, 2019’s Swamp Thing was one of the platform’s strongest offerings. Following the grotesque transformation of Alec Holland into the titular Swamp Thing, each episode plunged viewers into eerie, otherworldly adventures. Though the series quickly grew on audiences, even Swamp Thing’s immense fan support could not save it from the axe. Despite a passionate campaign to “save the tree,” behind-the-scenes troubles ensured it never took root, leaving fans mourning its untimely end after just one season.

In 1990, another live-action Swamp Thing series aired and lasted for three seasons.

Currently free to stream on Tubi, Swamp Thing is a show that deserves more than a shallow grave. With DC’s Creature Commandos casting a long shadow, one cannot help but think that Max could have been the fertile ground Swamp Thing needed to flourish and perhaps even branch out into future DCU projects.

Max Removed a Vital Part of DC Animated History

Super Friends (1973-1985)

From its goofy beginnings to the iconic Challenge of the Superfriends and the ambitious The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians, the Super Friends series has been a Saturday morning staple since 1973. While often criticized for its campy tone, Super Friends deserves credit for embracing diversity and pushing the boundaries of children’s television. The series laid the groundwork for later masterpieces like Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, and Young Justice. Simply put, Super Friends walked so these shows could soar.

Reimagined Super Friends characters like Apache Chief, El Dorado, Wendy, and Super Marv appeared in Young Justice.

Despite the availability of Young Justice and both Justice League series on Max, Super Friends has been unceremoniously removed. While those three shows represent some of DC’s finest television, they feel like incomplete chapters without their colorful predecessor. Not every show needs to be serious or dramatic; sometimes viewers just want to enjoy lighthearted fun. Super Friends and its many iterations deserve a place on Max, not just for their nostalgic charm but for their historical significance, showcasing how animation evolved from its humble, campy origins to the nuanced storytelling viewers celebrate today.

A Cult Classic That Blazed a Highway to Hellblazer

Constantine (2014-2015)

A flawed character with more issues than a DC Comics long box, John Constantine remains one of the franchise’s most beloved antiheroes. When he ventured onto television in 2014, DC’s chain-smoking demon hunter arrived armed with cheeky charm and a knack for battling the supernatural. The series quickly gained a devoted following, earning its place as an “occult classic.” However, despite its potential, Constantine fell victim to NBC’s cancelation after just one season. Fans and showrunners alike were crushed, with co-creator Daniel Cerone lamenting, “You all deserve many years of the series we set out to make, and we’re disappointed that we couldn’t deliver that to you.”

Following its cancelation, Constantine was retconned into the Arrowverse, with John Constantine making guest appearances on shows like DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and even earning his own animated spinoff, Constantine: City of Demons.

Like its protagonist, Constantine was imperfect and haunted by flaws, but it deserved far more than its premature end. Though reviving the series seems out of reach, hosting Constantine on Max would honor its legacy and the talent behind it, allowing new fans to appreciate this dark corner of DC’s universe.

HBO Max Needs The Flash Back

The Flash (2014-2023)

Perhaps the most popular spinoff of Arrow, The Flash, took off at lightning speed in its first season and invited viewers on a wild ride. After forensic scientist Barry Allen was struck by lightning, he became the “fastest man alive” and embarked on a nine-season odyssey filled with time travel, alternate dimensions, metahumans with bizarre powers, and plenty of “hallway talks” as Team Flash grew. While the series eventually slowed down and overstayed its welcome, its early seasons exemplified the heart, camp, and charm that made the Arrowverse a beloved cornerstone of superhero TV.

DCEU star of 2023’s The Flash, Ezra Miller, would cameo on the show as part of the larger multiverse.

Despite Max showcasing other Arrowverse entries and DC live-action series, its current lineup leaves fans scratching their heads. While no one expects the platform to include every CW DC series (although it would be welcome), the absence of The Flash, one of the past two decades’ most influential superhero shows, feels especially insulting. Although the series is available in select global regions, many subscribers are left without access, forced instead to settle for lackluster offerings like Naomi, a series that crashed and burned faster than any speedster could save it.

DC’s Underrated Space Opera Needs Another Launch

Legion of Super Heroes (2006-2008)

After a young Clark Kent is whisked away to the distant future by a team of superheroes, he witnesses a world shaped by his ideals, a legacy he is destined to create, and the monumental responsibility that awaits him. Joining the Legion of Super Heroes, Clark embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning to harness his powers, exploring uncharted worlds, and working alongside heroes like Lightning Lad, Brainiac 5, and Bouncing Boy to build a brighter tomorrow.

Despite being canceled after two seasons, television producer James Tucker proposed a continuation of Legion of Super Heroes in an unproduced third season.

Originally designed to capitalize on the release of Superman Returns, Legion of Super Heroes found its true appreciation in later years as an underrated superhero show. However, despite its cult status, Max seems to have left this underrated classic in the past. As of early 2025, Legion of Super Heroes remains absent from the platform. While it can be accessed on other streaming services, its availability on Max would give it the wider audience it deserves, inspiring a new generation of viewers.

Green Lantern on Max Would Be a Bright Idea

Green Lantern: The Animated Series (2011-2013)

Positioned as one of the flagship shows of Cartoon Network’s DC Nation block, Green Lantern: The Animated Series follows the cosmic adventures of test pilot-turned-intergalactic law enforcer Hal Jordan. Accompanied by the resourceful AI Aya, the seasoned veteran Kilowog (Kevin Michael Richardson), and the enigmatic Red Lantern Razer, Hal ventures into distant reaches of the DC Universe, uncovering conspiracies and defending justice in places just beyond the Green Lantern Corps’ light. Reminiscent of shows like Star Trek, the series combined rich storytelling with epic spacefaring action, becoming a cult classic. Yet it never had the chance to shine, canceled due to poor toy sales and the shadow cast by the poorly received live-action Green Lantern film. Despite its untimely end, Green Lantern: The Animated Series lives on through beloved characters like Aya and Razer, who appeared in Young Justice, Justice League Action, and Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Three.

HBO is currently developing a live-action series based on Green Lantern, with Kyle Chandler cast as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart.

It feels unfair that Green Lantern: The Animated Series remains in the dark while its sister series, Young Justice, received both a second chance and a permanent spot on Max. As an underrated title lost amidst Max’s content purge, this series deserves better. But if Razer’s journey to becoming a Blue Lantern has taught us anything, it is this: hope burns bright. Perhaps one day, this Green Lantern TV series will finally get the love it deserves and reclaim its rightful place in the streaming spotlight.

All the World is Waiting for Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman (1975-1979)

“Wonder Woman!” Just a few notes of Lynda Carter’s iconic theme song are enough to leave anyone feeling empowered and ready to take on the world. In the 1970s, Wonder Woman became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless fans with its campy charm and Carter’s unforgettable portrayal of Amazonian warrior Diana Prince. To this day, few TV icons have captured the hearts of audiences like this groundbreaking series, cementing Wonder Woman’s place in superhero pop culture.

In 2011, a pilot for a new Wonder Woman series was unveiled. Widely panned as “embarrassing” by critics, this reimagining of DC’s Amazonian hero never made it to air.

Yet, unlike her jet, Wonder Woman is not just invisible; it is outright missing from Max’s catalog. While the platform made room for the critically panned Wonder Woman 1984, many fans feel that space would have been better reserved for Lynda Carter’s classic show. With more nostalgia, heart, and enduring appeal than the ill-fated 2020 film, it does not take a lasso of truth to reveal which version of Wonder Woman deserves the spotlight.

Max is the Perfect Platform For Classic Batman

Batman (1966-1968)

A campy cult classic that defined the Caped Crusader for decades, Batman is a delightfully bizarre time capsule of the 1960s. Starring the iconic Adam West and Burt Ward, the series followed Batman and Robin as they took on dastardly villains like The Joker, Catwoman (portrayed by both Julie Newmar and Eartha Kitt), and The Penguin. A staple of classic television and an indelible part of Batman’s history, it offered a different, yet equally entertaining, take on The Dark Knight that audiences know today.

Before his passing, Adam West would reprise the role of Batman one final time in the 2017 animated film Batman vs. Two-Face.

While it remains a favorite on nostalgia-fueled TV channels, the absence of 1966’s Batman and its movies on Max feels like a crime against the dynamic duo’s legacy. Adam West’s Bruce Wayne may have famously said that some days, you just cannot get rid of a bomb, but apparently, dropping a classic like Batman seems all too easy for Max.

Max Needs to Recharge Static Shock

Static Shock (2000-2004)

Loosely inspired by the Milestone comics of the same name, Static Shock delivered what many consider the definitive version of its titular protagonist. Penned by DC legend Dwayne McDuffie, the series followed Virgil Hawkins, a teenager granted electrical powers after exposure to a mutagenic gas. Joined by his tech-savvy best friend Richie Foley, Static Shock proved to be far more endearing, socially aware, and emotionally charged than many expected. Tackling serious issues like gun violence, mental health, and racism, the show grounded its high-voltage adventures with heartfelt moments and genuine commentary.

Dwayne McDuffie confirmed that, like his comic counterpart, Rick Stone, Richie is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

While it often lived in the shadow of animated contemporaries like the Justice League series, the show’s catchy theme song by Lil’ Romeo and energetic episodes had fans ready to jump out of bed on Saturday mornings. Yet, despite its resonance, fans were ready to revolt when Static Shock was pulled from Max’s catalog. No longer watchable on the app, its absence leaves a noticeable gap in the streaming service, especially for nostalgic fans who grew up watching Virgil Hawkins light up their TV screens.

Max Missed the Point of the Arrowverse

Arrow (2012-2020)

What began as a humble adaptation of Green Arrow soon exploded into an entire franchise. Within its first few seasons, Arrow did not just hit the mark; it completely ensnared its target audience. In a world mourning the end of The Dark Knight trilogy and searching for its spiritual successor, the adventures of Oliver Queen hit all the right notes, chronicling his evolution from a gritty vigilante to a full-fledged superhero and all the drama along the way.

Fan-favorite Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards) was initially intended to appear in just one episode. However, her chemistry with Stephen Amell led to her becoming a central member of Team Arrow, marrying Oliver Queen, and remaining a core part of the series until its conclusion.

Once hailed as one of the best superhero shows of all time, Arrow helped define and popularize the genre for over a decade. Yet, despite its monumental legacy, it feels strange that the stories of the Arrowverse are scattered across so many platforms, including Max, leaving fans with a trail so convoluted that even Oliver Queen himself might struggle to follow it.

Max Needs to Save a Space For Smallville

Smallville (2006-2011)

The Superboy comics have always delivered some of the strangest and most fascinating tales in DC history, making them intriguing material for adaptation. In 2002, Smallville brought those stories to life, reimagining Clark Kent’s teenage years in a way that quickly became must-watch television. What began as a superhero drama soon evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with fans invested not just in the future Man of Steel but in the secrets, struggles, and relationships within the town of Smallville itself.

Before Smallville, the 1988 live-action series Superboy also explored the early adventures of a young Clark Kent.

Smallville helped reintroduce live-action superhero shows to the mainstream, paving the way for the Arrowverse and the modern era of DC television. With its perfect blend of nostalgia, charm, and gripping intrigue, the series kept fans hooked for ten seasons. It feels almost ironic that this iconic DC show is available on Hulu, a platform more closely associated with Marvel through Disney while remaining absent from Max, which was once the definitive home for DC content.

Max Decided That the Teen Titans Go

Teen Titans (2003-2006)

Inspired by the comic series of the same name, Teen Titans followed five adolescent heroes who band together to save the day. With the stoic Raven, the quirky alien princess Starfire, the technologically enhanced Cyborg, the lighthearted Beast Boy, and the Boy Wonder himself, Robin, the series balanced humor, high-octane action, and emotional depth. Over five unforgettable seasons, the Titans not only stopped villains but also left an indelible mark on animation, spawning multiple movies and the once-polarizing spinoff Teen Titans GO!

The original series eventually crossed over with its modern counterpart in the 2019 film Teen Titans Go! vs. Teen Titans.

Widely hailed as one of the best cartoons of all time, Teen Titans’ removal from Max cuts deeper than any betrayal arc the show ever explored. While fans mourned the loss of other favorites like Static Shock, this was the blow that hurt the most, second only to the heartbreak of the Terra arc or the divisive greenlighting of Teen Titans GO!.