Five Best Superhero Origin Shows You Need To Revisit Today

Before the era of cinematic universes and billion-dollar blockbusters, TV dared to ask: What were our favourite heroes like before they became legends? These shows focused on the early days — the struggles, the mistakes, and the human side of characters who would later don capes and save worlds.

Here are five live-action superhero origin shows that nailed the art of the slow burn — and are well worth revisiting today.

5. Gotham (2014–2019)

The Premise: Long before Batman prowled Gotham’s rooftops, this series explored the city’s descent into chaos — and how young detective Jim Gordon and orphan Bruce Wayne navigated it.

Why it works: It’s more crime thriller than superhero show, packed with gritty storylines and villain origin arcs that give us fresh takes on The Penguin, The Riddler and more.

Watching Bruce evolve from grieving child to emerging vigilante is surprisingly satisfying.

4. Krypton (2018–2019)

The Premise: A Superman prequel that takes us two generations before Kal-El’s birth, focusing on his grandfather Seg-El as he tries to restore honour to the House of El.

Why it works: It’s pure space-opera drama with political intrigue, time-travel twists and appearances from DC heavyweights like Brainiac and Doomsday. Think Game of Thrones meets Superman mythology.

Why revisit: It gives context to the Superman legacy and offers a deeper dive into Kryptonian culture than we’ve ever seen elsewhere.

3. The Cape (2011)

The Premise: A cop framed for murder fakes his death and adopts the persona of “The Cape” to clear his name and reunite with his family.

Why it works: It’s a pulpy, comic-book-inspired origin story full of circus-trained combat, quirky villains and campy charm. Sure, it only lasted one season, but that’s part of the cult appeal.

Why revisit: If you love flawed heroes and forgotten gems, this is a fascinating “almost” moment in superhero TV history.

2. Heroes (Season 1, 2006–2007)

The Premise: Ordinary people suddenly develop extraordinary powers — and struggle to cope with what it means. No spandex, no secret lairs, just raw superhuman abilities clashing with real-world stakes.

Why it works: Season 1 is still one of the most compelling explorations of becoming a hero. It’s messy, emotional and character-driven, with arcs like Hiro’s quest for destiny and Peter’s power overload that feel genuinely fresh.

Why revisit: Ignore the later seasons — the first is lightning in a bottle.

1. Smallville (2001–2011)

The Premise: No tights. No flights. Just a Kansas farm boy figuring out who he is while juggling high school, alien powers and a future that terrifies him.

Why it works: It’s the blueprint for the modern origin series. From Clark’s awkward early attempts at heroism to Lex Luthor’s gradual descent into villainy, Smallville takes its time in a way no other show has since.

Why revisit: A decade-long arc of character growth, epic guest stars, and a killer early-2000s soundtrack. It’s peak nostalgic superhero TV.