The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undoubtedly transformed the landscape of superhero storytelling in film and television. After a staggering 23 movies in the Infinity Saga, Phase 4 aimed to diversify Marvel’s offerings with the introduction of Disney+ miniseries that would be integral to the overarching narrative. However, despite the hype, it seems that the MCU’s long-form titles face a significant challenge when compared to their non-MCU predecessors in the Rotten Tomatoes ratings.

Why MCU’s Disney+ Shows Struggle To Surpass Non-MCU Marvel Series

Marvel’s foray into television began with shows like “Daredevil” and “Agents of SHIELD,” which garnered substantial fan following and critical acclaim. These series, set outside the MCU’s confines, explored grittier and more nuanced narratives, possibly motivated by the constraints of not being part of the cinematic universe. Surprisingly, the recent Disney+ series, including “Moon Knight” and “She-Hulk,” featuring more famous characters and direct ties to the MCU, have struggled to match the reception of their predecessors, as evidenced by their Rotten Tomatoes ratings.

Exploring Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 

As of September 2023, a striking disparity can be observed in the Rotten Tomatoes ratings of Marvel’s TV shows. The top-ranking series include “Agents of SHIELD,” “Daredevil,” “Legion,” and “Cloak and Dagger.” Intriguingly, these are closely intertwined with newer Disney+ series such as “Ms. Marvel,” “Loki,” “Hawkeye,” and “WandaVision.” Even though shows like “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” dealt with significant themes within the MCU and was among the first to be released, it lags behind lesser-promoted titles like “Cloak and Dagger,” “Captain Carter,” and “MODOK.” What’s even more surprising is that “She-Hulk: Attorney At Law” and “Secret Invasion,” featuring notable characters like Daredevil and adapting famous comic book storylines, rank lower than the poorly received “Defenders.”

The Dilemma Of High Expectations And Creative Freedom

One might expect MCU shows to dominate not only the Tomatometer but also audience and critic lists, given their central role in expanding the MCU’s narrative. However, it appears that the constraints that earlier non-MCU Marvel shows faced might have inadvertently fueled them to craft more engaging and innovative stories. Furthermore, the sky-high expectations surrounding A-list Marvel heroes and the future of the MCU may have set the stage for disappointment, while lesser-known characters, free from the baggage of a sprawling franchise, were allowed more creative freedom.

Hope On The Horizon: MCU’s TV Show Ratings And A Promising Future

While not every MCU show has managed to reach the lofty standards set by the blockbuster movies, some Phase 4 Disney+ titles have shone brightly. “Ms. Marvel” reigns supreme on the Tomatometer, thanks to its authentic style and exploration of family dynamics. “What If…?” garnered popularity with its unique anthology format, while “Loki” stands out for its distinct style and ambitious storytelling. “WandaVision” received acclaim for its innovative format and humor. In all these well-received MCU shows, a common thread emerges—their strength lies in the originality of their ideas and their unique approach to different facets of the superhero genre.

Authenticity As The Key To Success

In the ever-expanding Marvel TV landscape, authenticity emerges as a crucial element. Just as ABC’s “Agents of SHIELD” embraced its larger-than-life scope, and Netflix’s “Daredevil” maintained its dark and grounded tone, “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” celebrated its Christmas setting, and “Hawkeye” struck the right balance with its lightheartedness. By taking ambitious narrative leaps like “WandaVision” and “Loki,” future MCU Disney+ shows have the potential to engage audiences to a degree that matches or even surpasses the popularity of the most beloved pre-MCU Marvel series.

In conclusion, the disparity in Rotten Tomatoes scores between Marvel’s pre-MCU shows and the MCU’s Phase 4 Disney+ series highlights a challenge that the long-form titles within the Marvel Cinematic Universe face. While the expectations associated with iconic heroes and the MCU’s overarching narrative may pose obstacles, the key to success appears to be the authenticity and originality of the storytelling. As Phase 4 unfolds and more Disney+ series are introduced, it will be fascinating to see how Marvel navigates this challenge and continues to captivate audiences with its unique brand of superhero storytelling.