10 DC TV Shows To Watch Like the Arrowverse, According to Rotten Tomatoes

10 ‘Gotham’ (2014 - 2019)

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 77%

Debut just two years after Arrow and in the same year Flash, Gotham took a hackneyed story about Batmanorigin story and developed it in bold new directions. The show begins with newly minted GCPD detective Jim Gordon tasked with investigating the Waynes’ murder and getting involved in the lives of their orphaned son Bruce. Over the next five seasons, their intertwined stories play out among more and more familiar faces from the Batman mythos.

You can take liberties with the source material, but it’s crafted in a unique style that really works for this all-too-familiar world. Plus, a stellar cast with unforgettable portrayals of the Penguin, the Riddler and the Joker, not to mention the brilliant portrayal of young Bruce’s march towards his destiny.

9 ‘Smallville’ (2001 - 2011)

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 78%

This show paved the way for the modern day superhero show, acting as a kind of “Arrow proto-universe”. In the center of the plot is the teenager Clark Kent, who grew up in the titular city. Smallville pioneered the blending of teen drama and superhero action. What’s more, he created incredible character work, taking some cheesy themes and making them feel sincere and heartfelt.

However, perhaps the show’s greatest coup was its portrayal of Clark’s friendship with future enemy Lex Luthor. The depth of these relationships and the drama they engendered were the driving force behind the show’s first seven seasons. However, if you’re looking for more typical superhero food, the Justice League’s gradual prototyping is also waiting for you.

8 “Superman & Lois” (2020–present)

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 83%

Moving from Clark Kent’s adolescence to his struggles with fatherhood, Superman and Loisis the latest show to take the Man of Steel in a more personal and down to earth way. It focuses on the titular power couple moving from Metropolis to Smallville to raise their teenage sons on the Kent family farm.

It’s a wonderful job of balancing superhero action with heartfelt family drama, with the stakes often feeling a lot more personal and down to earth than the usual superhero fare. Also, up until the recent retcon, this show was actually part of the Arrowverse, making it the last loose link to this extinct universe.

7 Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993–1997)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

Another Superman show Lois and Clark took the Man of Steel to the 90s, and he’s way better than you can imagine. As the title suggests, it focuses more on the relationship between the two leaders, but also focuses surprisingly much on investigative journalism. The Daily Planet and its staff actually play a key role, and many plots are based on Lois and/or Clark’s investigations.

But the most important thing Dean Cain And Terry Hatcher have incredible chemistry and both deserve much more credit for portraying their characters. In the shadow of later Superman shows, Lois and Clark criminally underestimated and deserves re-evaluation.

6 ‘Lucifer’ (2016 - 2021)

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 88%

Many viewers would be surprised to know that this supernatural police procedure was even based on a comic book, but it’s actually loosely based on Neil GaimanX Sandman And him Lucifer spin-off series. While this adaptation is very different from the source material, it manages to create a fun, sexy, and surprisingly deep, addictive six-season ride.

He manages to balance the perfect mix of humor, action and soul, showing amazing character development and introspection. It’s very different from the typical DC series, but with its gripping mythology, compelling plots, and a devilishly charming protagonist. Tom Ellisyou’ll be hooked right away.

5 Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 91%

Thanks to the success of projects such as spider verse movies, most people today would agree that animation is not just for kids and can be used to tell engaging and mature stories. One of the first works to prove this was Batman: The Animated Serieswho changed the idea of ​​superheroes over thirty years ago.

With its signature dark deco art style, mature tone, and character-driven storytelling, this series is more “adult” than some live-action shows and films. He also had the honor of launching the entire DC Animated Universeso if you’re looking for another shared DC TV universe, this is the obvious choice.

4 “Peacemaker” (2022–present)

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94%

2021 Suicide Squad was a much-needed hit for the DCEU, and one of the standout characters from that film was John CenaPeacemaker and he quickly got his own spin-off TV show. While you’ll be forgiven for being skeptical that a rude, violent, and mostly comedic character can run his own show, you’re wrong.

The first season of “Peacemaker” retained the violence and obscene jokes Suicide Squad, but he greatly amazes with amazing depth of character and heartbreaking emotions. Cena, in particular, flexes his acting muscles in a way that will really make you re-evaluate his character. Fortunately, despite being busy James Gunn assured fans that a second season is still on the way.

3 “Stargirl” (2020 - 2022)

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94%

In a world of cynical superhero deconstruction star girl felt like a breath of fresh air for people who prefer a more classic superhero story. Tragically canceled in its prime, this series manages to bring light and optimism to the screen while still managing to tell mature and grounded stories. It all felt like a love letter to superhero comics, which makes sense considering it was crafted by a prolific comic book writer and star girl creator, Geoff Johns.

teased in Crisis on Infinite Earths, star girl always felt like an Arrowverse-side show, and it’s a shame there never was a crossover between the two. Still, it’s a fun and soulful ride, especially for fans of the old school comics.

2 ‘Watchmen’ (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 96%

During one critically acclaimed season, watchman The series is unusual in that it is a sequel to the 1986 comic of the same name, but is unrelated to the 2009 film adaptation. The result is an intelligent and thought-provoking analysis of some serious social issues, filtered through the lens of a deconstructed superhero.

Don’t worry if this sounds too heavy for your taste, the show also offers plenty of fun sci-fi antics as well as a solid understanding of the source material with some of the characters and storylines. He weaves all these threads together perfectly, ensuring he has something to offer everyone.

1 Doom Patrol (2019 - present)

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 98%

Based on the famous films of the 80s and 90s. Doom Patrol comic book Grant Morrisonwords cannot adequately describe the surreal, positively bonkers nature of this series. Focused on a dysfunctional group of “heroes” with bizarre and promiscuous powers, this show is equal parts psychological drama and slapstick comedy, making it entertaining on multiple levels.

That’s because underneath all the zombie-ass and donkey-ass-sucking cities, this show is a character study at its core with a deep examination of mental health issues. In addition, it helped to ignite Brendan Fraserreturns to the spotlight, for which we are indebted to him.