Ever sinceThe Adventures of Supermangraced television screens in 1952, viewers have been fascinated with seeingsuperheroesin their living rooms.

For decades, the majority ofsuperhero TV showssuffered from brief runs plagued with production headaches.

10The Mantis (Carl Lumbly)

‘M.A.N.T.I.S.’

Danny Rand in a hallway with a scruffy beard and blood on his lip gets into a fighting stance in Iron Fist.

Image via Netflix

(1995)

When a gunshot paralyzes Dr. From the creative minds ofSam RaimiandSam Hamm,M.A.N.T.I.S.intended to bring the spectacle of movies likeBatmanorDarkmanto the small screen.

Fans of Raimi might get more mileage fromM.A.N.T.I.S.

Because this is a Hanna Barbera cartoon, they also have a pet monkey named Gleek.

The Mantis (Carl Lumbly) in full costume looks over his shoulder for a threat

Image via NBC Universal Television Distributor

UnlikeM.A.N.T.I.S.,Black Scorpionis well aware of how cheesy it is andproudly wears that fact on its sleeve.

The show plays like an adult children’s show – an overly sexed-upPower Rangers.

This follows the premise ofIron Fist, the fourth in a series of Netflix shows starring Marvel characters.

Michelle Lintel wearing a red halter top staring off to the side in Black Scorpion

Back against the wall, Faraday fights those who wronged him with the unstoppable power of… sleight-of-hand magic.

But to then require immediate success while airing the show on Monday nights?

There are some fights even a superhero can’t win.

Finn Jones as Dunny Hunt with a bleeding wound to his head in Iron Fist

Image via Netflix

The Amazing Spider-Mansuffers from ambition over ability.

It might have found better footing ifNight Manhad been attempted five years later.

Possessed withsuperhuman intelligence and all the powers of a hologram, Automan teams up with Nebicher to fight crime.

Iron First Season 2 Poster from Netflix

The series is heavily influenced by the movieTron, as shown by Automan’s glowing suit.

After a weak opening reception with no signs of improvement,Automanwas towed after 12 episodes.

Manimalwas co-created by legendary producerGlen A Larson.

David Lyons wearing a mask in The Cape

Image via NBC

(Automanis also a Larson creation.

Manimalis not available to stream or purchase in the U.S.

Cast Placeholder Image

instar50157395.jpg

instar49091677.jpg

instar49926027.jpg

Spider-Man (Nicholas Hammond) stands outside in full costume in front of a tree

Image via CBS

Night Man fights crime by shooting a red laser out of his eye

Image via Glen Larson Entertainment Network

Stripperella (Pamela Anderson) glares at her foe

Image via Spike TV

Chuck Wagner as Automan stands in the police station

Image via ABC

Dr. Jonathan Chase wearing a jacket and tie sits with a falcon on his arm

Image via NBC