Superheroes seem to be more popular now than ever. With the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's series of films and the DC Universe's successful TV shows, people just cannot seem to get enough of watching battles between superheroes and supervillains.
Superheroes on TV have been around since the beginning of television. With fun practical effects that fit the time and nice costumes, viewers were enticed each decade with shows that bring fantasy and hope for the world. There may not be as many superhero TV shows in the 20th century compared to now, but there are definitely a lot of classics that paved the way for TV shows today.
10 Automan (1983 - 1984)
Chuck Wagner stars in this underrated 1980s action TV series as Automan, a hologram created by a policeman named Walter, played by Desi Arnaz Jr., the son of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. Automan is an artificially intelligent computer construct, and given enough power, he has a physical presence.
This series is a lot of fun, and Automan's abilities are practically endless given the amount of power necessary to perform heroic tasks. Battling crimes in the big city, Automan and Walter make a great team.
9 The Flash (1990 - 1991)
Before Grant Gustin took on the iconic superhero role in the current Arrowverse TV series, John Wesley Shipp played The Flash in this short-lived live-action series. Shipp plays Barry Allen, a crime scene investigator who is struck by lightning and drenched with chemicals, allowing him to gain special powers. He can move almost as fast as the speed of light.
He sets out to protect his city and help those in need. It is an exciting show that deserved a longer run on television. Even though it only ran for one season, the series still has a nice fanbase.
8 Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman (1993 - 1997)
There have been many people who portrayed Superman over the years, and Dean Cain gives a wonderful performance in his interpretation of the iconic character. This particular series is about the relationship between Clark and Lois and uses the will-they/won't-they approach to keep audiences invested in the series, which definitely found its audience.
It may not be the most popular or well-known version of Superman, but the show has some charm and fun performances, making it simply a nice, little superhero series for people to watch.
7 Adventures Of Superman (1952 - 1957)
This is perhaps the first well-known version of Superman and the first successful superhero TV series on television. George Reeves gives a fantastic performance as Clark Kent, a reporter for the Daily Planet, who does not let Lois Lane and others around him figure out that he is actually Superman, fighting crime throughout the city.
It is the ultimate classic Superman formula that has been used time and time again in film and television for other incarnations of Superman, as well as in other superhero TV shows and movies. It is an absolute classic, and it deserves even more recognition.
6 Batman (1966 - 1968)
Adam West stars in this hit adaptation of the Batman character in the 1960s. This series accepts the comic book aspects of the character, bringing the show well-known villains such as The Joker, Riddler, Penguin, and Catwoman into the mix.
The show is colorful and corny, and that's what made it work. It is known for its fight sequences, where the screen would cut to comic book-esque words like "Bam!" or "Pow!" It was a fun series for kids and adults alike, and when people think of 1960s television, this is definitely one series that comes to mind.
5 The Six Million Dollar Man (1973 - 1978)
This hit science-fiction series is about Steve Austin, played by Lee Majors, an astronaut who gets involved in a horrible ship crash. The damaged parts of his body are replaced with bionic limbs: his right arm, both legs, and his left eye. To pay the government back for his second chance at life, he goes to work for the OSI (The Office of Scientific Investigation). Aided by his boss, Oscar Goldman, Steve Austin is sent on missions involving spies, scientists, and even Bigfoot.
This was a great show, with fun moments of super strength and speed for the kids, but many of the storylines and themes appealed to adults. It was a well-written series with a great performance by Lee Majors in the leading role. Richard Anderson gives a fantastic performance as his boss, as well. This is one of the best science-fiction shows to ever be made, and it paved the way for television in the future.
4 The Bionic Woman (1976 - 1978)
Lindsay Wagner stars in this spin-off of The Six Million Dollar Man as Jaime Sommers, the love interest of Steve Austin who has a skydiving accident and needs bionic replacements for her legs, right arm, and an ear. The series is just as much fun if not more so than The Six Million Dollar Man.
Lindsay Wagner gives an incredible performance, earning herself an Emmy in 1977 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. The show has heart and fun action sequences, and the episodes where she and Steve Austin appear together are a highlight of the series. She, as well as Steve Austin, came back for three reunion movies in the late 80s and early 90s, and her character just may be more developed and interesting than her male counterpart.
3 The Greatest American Hero (1981 - 1983)
Right around the time where live-action superheroes on television were coming to an end, this series premiered and made viewers excited about them again. It acts as a satire of superhero tropes. William Katt stars as Ralph Hinkley, a high school teacher that gets a ridiculous looking suit from aliens that give him special powers. With the help of FBI agent Bill Maxwell and his girlfriend Pam Davidson, the trio gets caught up in all sorts of situations that require him to use the suit to save others. He tries to balance having a normal life with his superhero life, with varying results.
This was a fun series that did not take itself too seriously, and it is enjoyable from beginning to end. It also has one of the most recognizable theme songs of all time, "Believe It Or Not," by Joey Scarbury, which is perhaps more iconic than the show itself.
2 The Incredible Hulk (1977 - 1982)
This is one of the most well-written superhero shows in history, and it almost completely ignores the comic books. It stars Bill Bixby as David Banner, a scientist that exposes himself to gamma radiation, making him turn into The Hulk, played by Lou Ferrigno, whenever he gets angry. David is constantly traveling as he searches for a cure. Reporter Jack McGee is after him, hoping his story on The Hulk will make him a huge success.
It is a dramatic series that deals with issues in society, including child abuse and suicide. Kids loved seeing The Hulk crash through solid objects, but the show was written for adults and is about battling one's inner demons, making the show absolutely iconic.
1 Wonder Woman (1975 - 1979)
Before Gal Gadot, only one other woman successfully portrayed this iconic character, and that woman is Lynda Carter. Princess Diana from Paradise Island goes to the United States in the first season to fight for justice during World War II. In seasons 2 and 3, she goes back to the United States in modern-day, aka the 1970s, in order to bring various criminals to justice, whether they are thieves, mad scientists, or terrorists.
The show is a nice balance between comic book fun and showing heart and compassion in the form of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. Lynda Carter's performance is memorable, entertaining, and the series is definitely one of the best superhero TV shows to ever air on television.
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