DC Entertainment has a turbulent history with TV. Although not every series has been a hit, that’s not to say there are no highlights. DC TV gave major opportunities for fans to get invested in shows about their favorite characters like Green Arrow and Superman. With the popularity of the Peacemaker and Harley Quinn series, the future seems bright for DC when it comes to producing more successful shows.
Metacritic takes into consideration reviews and opinions across the industry to establish a Metascore. In some cases, there was no Metascore available for beloved DC shows like Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League, andTeen Titans. This impacted which DC shows were able to be considered in the ranking as Metascores were the determining factor.
10 Doom Patrol (2019-)
Metacritic Score: 72
Doom Patrol is highly regarded as a superhero show clearly made for adults thanks to its expert balance of heroes’ struggling for self-acceptance with off-the-wall plots and immature jokes. Doom Patrol was refreshing because of the levity it achieves without falling into the overly bleak tone of many DC series.
After its first season, it was quickly praised for being the DC Universe’s “first good live-action show” thanks to the risks it took with the misfit group (per Paste). Season one was only the tip of the iceberg as each season leans more toward tactfully adding depth to the superhero genre.
9 Naomi (2022)
Metacritic Score: 72
Although Naomi was canceled after a single season, the series quickly made its mark on DC TV as it broke the mold of many CW series for the better. Naomi benefitted from being highly character-driven as it decenters the plot unlike typical superhero and high school stories on TV.
The series didn’t shy away from spending time building characters and exploring Naomi’s relationships. As she looks for answers about the supernatural, Naomi discovers her own powers along the way. Naomi had all the potential to be an even greater superhero series, but one season will have to do.
8 Arrow (2012-2020)
Metacritic Score: 73
Arrow showed that Green Arrow is more than just a hero with one of the best street-level costumes; he’s also got one of the best TV shows in DC. With a strong start in its first two seasons, it’s no wonder this show was responsible for establishing the Arrowverse.
While not every season compares in quality to the initial seasons, Arrow found a solid ending, and its ability to inspire other DC shows cannot be forgotten. Arrow kept the superhero’s story grounded with hard-hitting fight scenes and a grim tone with a bit of romance. This series fell perfectly in place with previous DC stories while ushering in a new era.
7 iZombie (2015-2019)
Metacritic Score: 74
As a supernatural series that changed the game, the DC comic-based series iZombie was a change of pace from DC’s typical superhero stories being adapted for television. The series follows the medical student and zombie Liv Moore, who works in a coroner’s office, giving her plenty of brain access. When she discovers her ability to access the memories of the brains she eats, Liv provides her insights to a homicide detective.
This series is praised for its strong cast, which is only further highlighted by the script. iZombie balances its witty humor with moments of profound emotion. While comic-based series were known for a darker tone, viewers embraced this show’s fresh take.
6 The Flash (2014-)
Metacritic Score: 75
As the first spinoff to enter the Arrowverse, it was clear that The Flash wouldn’t be the grim superhero series many viewers had grown accustomed to — Barry Allen would be a lively addition to DC’s growing TV catalog.
Although it may not always give the highest quality visual effects or the best stories, The Flash remains an enjoyable show for kids and adults. The series understands that just because Flash has a lighter tone than other shows, his story is not without high stakes. One thing that consistently remains spot-on with the series is how Barry feels like the Flash fans have loved and originally tuned in to the show for.
5 Supergirl (2015-2021)
Metacritic Score: 75
While certainly flawed, Supergirl was generally well received as it followed suit tonally with The Flash. A major point of recognition for the show is the cast’s ability to translate their characters from a comic book page to the screen.
Reviews constantly highlight Melissa Benoist for her impeccable ability to bring Kara Zor-El to life as the strongest part of the series. With Supergirl being such a significant feature of the series, it’s easy to overlook any less-than-stellar plot points. Sometimes it’s enough to see a well-loved character be perfectly performed.
4 Smallville (2001-2011)
Metacritic Score: 75
Smallville tells the story of one of the most wholesome Justice Leaguers before he was fully Superman as Clark Kent navigates his small-town life as a teenager. Praised for its ability to reinvent Superman’s origin while simultaneously staying true to its essence, Smallville struck a balance that resonates with DC fans decades after its original premiere.
Although Superman is known for his colorful adventures in Metropolis, the more serious and dark tone didn’t feel out of place as some expected initially. The show truly came into its own with time and set the foundation for future DC series like Arrow and Gotham.
3 Preacher (2016-2019)
Metacritic Score: 76
Based on comics of the same name from DC’s imprint Vertigo, Preacher was an all-around solid television adaptation. With strong visuals through its cinematography on top of the cast’s performances, viewers couldn’t take their eyes off the screen even with the series’ slower pace.
Not without its moments of comedy – especially when it comes to the dynamics between Jesse Custer, Tulip, and Cassidy – Preacher excels as a drama. Jesse, a rough around the edges preacher, seeks to literally find God and make sense of his new powers that allow him to make anyone do exactly what he says.
2 Black Lightning (2018-2021)
Metacritic Score: 79
After retiring as Black Lightning, Jefferson Pierce makes his triumphant return. When his daughters develop their own powers, it becomes a family business. Black Lightning expertly establishes its unique place amongst DC shows as it’s not as dark as Arrow or lighthearted as Supergirl or Flash within its four seasons.
With that being said, the show’s positive energy doesn’t detract from its heavier plot points. The family dynamic keeps viewers engrossed in these characters and coming back for the next episode. Even with clunky storytelling at times, audiences were connected with the cast and mourned the show’s cancellation.
1 Harley Quinn (2019-)
Metacritic Score: 88
As a Metacritic “must-watch,” Harley Quinn is everything a series centered around the character should be. Harley looks to make a name for herself in Gotham alongside Poison Ivy and other rogues, leaving the series to strike up a balance between comedy, romance, and violence that Harley herself would be proud of.
Praised for its ability to defy expectations of a comic-based animated series, Harley Quinn aims its humor at adults but not at the expense of heartfelt, character-driven moments. In a well-thought-out Gotham, this show gives DC fans anything they could possibly want – whether that’s a Harley and Ivy romance, Harley finally becoming Batman’s therapist, or Bane being awkwardly left out by other villains.