Best DC TV Shows Ever
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In this lively and spirited episode of Comic Book Club, hosts Alex, Justin, and Pete dive into their top five live-action DC TV shows, revealing wildly divergent but passionate picks. The discussion kicks off with a playful debate over what counts as 'DC'—with Vertigo titles like Sweet Tooth, Constantine, and Lucifer sparking controversy despite their popularity. Pete champions Arrow as the foundational show that launched the modern superhero TV era, while Justin praises the 1990s Flash for its groundbreaking visual effects and tone. Alex highlights the emotional depth of Sweet Tooth, a Netflix series based on a Vertigo comic, calling it a 'beautiful, earnest' series that serves as a gateway into comics. The top three picks reveal deeper thematic divides: Pete elevates Lucifer for its romantic core, Justin and Alex both place Watchmen at number one for its cultural relevance and groundbreaking storytelling, and the Penguin earns high praise for Colin Farrell’s performance and its standalone brilliance. The episode culminates in a chaotic but heartfelt reveal of their full top tens, with nods to lesser-known gems like Krypton, iZombie, and the 90s Swamp Thing. The hosts also tackle audience questions, trivia, and celebrate Patreon supporters, all while maintaining their signature banter and love for the medium.
Vertigo titles like Sweet Tooth and Constantine, while not strictly 'DC', are still powerful entries in the superhero TV landscape.
Arrow's legacy as the show that launched the modern superhero TV era is widely acknowledged, even if its later seasons falter.
Watchmen (2019) is hailed as a landmark series for its cultural relevance, innovative storytelling, and ability to reframe comic book themes for modern audiences.
The 1990s Flash, despite dated effects, is praised for its groundbreaking impact and iconic visual moments.
Penguin (2024) is celebrated as a near-perfect standalone season that redefined the character and proved a live-action Gotham series could thrive without Batman.
Introduction and Rules for the DC TV Show List
The hosts kick off the episode by welcoming listeners and explaining the format: a live, unscripted ranking of their top five live-action DC TV shows. They establish key rules—only aired, live-action series, no animated shows like Batman: The Animated Series—and acknowledge the controversy around Vertigo titles. The hosts share their personal criteria: longevity, emotional impact, cultural significance, and how well the show stands the test of time.
Number Five Picks: Arrow, 90s Flash, and Sweet Tooth
“I don’t have Batman 76 or Wonder Woman 76 on my list because I didn’t watch them all the way through. I didn’t feel comfortable judging them on the same level as something I watched eight seasons of.”
Number Four Picks: Constantine, Doom Patrol, and Gotham
“The Danny the Street episode from season one... is one of the best TV episodes of all time. It has that stunning moment where Matt Bomer's character is singing People Like Us by Kelly Clarkson at The Club and becomes his true self.”
Number Three Picks: Superman & Lois, Sweet Tooth, and Watchmen
“It’s a show that is eerily and upsettingly relevant to this very day and still has lessons and things to show us and teach us.”
Number Two Picks: Lucifer, Preacher, and The Penguin
“It only made me more excited for the Batman Part 2, whenever that comes out. A move, Batman Part 2, it's CinemaCon not mentioned. I know, which is crazy.”
“It took what was, again, a series that everyone's like, yeah, right. No way are you going to crush this. And what they did is they took the – it's like they smashed the comic with a hammer, boiled all the pieces down and made something completely different from the core ideas.”
“It’s like they smashed the comic with a hammer, boiled all the pieces down and made something completely different from the core ideas.”
“It’s a show that is eerily and upsettingly relevant to this very day and still has lessons and things to show us and teach us.”
Hosts
Guest
Alex
person
Justin
person
Pete
person
DC Comics
other
Watchmen
media
Comic Book Club
media
Sweet Tooth
media
Arrow
media
Doom Patrol
media
Vertigo
other
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