(Image credit: Marvel Studios/Netflix)
On April 10, 2015, everything shifted. Though we may not have realized it then, the premiere of Daredevil‘s first 13 episodes sparked a wave of change that redefined superhero television. The series wasted no time demonstrating what audiences had been missing. With a mature tone that was a refreshing change, even alongside the thriving MCU movie universe, the Netflix series swung into action. Led by Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer’s leap into vigilantism brought excitement aplenty.
The pilot set a confident tone, but the second episode showed that Daredevil was already at the peak of its abilities. The iconic corridor fight scene, often imitated but never matched, channelled the violent finesse and flair of Oldboy and The Raid, placing it within a comic book universe that evoked street-level masterpieces by the likes of Brian Michael Bendis and Ed Brubaker. From this point, the show soared higher, particularly with the tense build-up between Matt Murdock and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin.
This face-off captured a forgotten essence of superhero media: the dynamic where neither side seems likely to lose. The confrontation between The Man Without Fear and the physically imposing crime lord Kingpin, enriched by D’Onofrio’s stellar performance, is a highlight. Just as Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and J.K. Simmons’ J. Jonah Jameson exemplified perfect casting, perhaps D’Onofrio’s Kingpin deserves similar acclaim.
The series culminated in a ferocious showdown in its third season, with climactic events that felt both shocking and warranted. This illustrated the importance of a long-term villainous presence, unlike today’s fleeting foes. Daredevil’s casting brilliance extended to its heart: the beloved duo of fellow lawyer Foggy Nelson and paralegal Karen Page. Unlike many superhero spectacles reliant on CGI, Daredevil placed emotions forefront. The emotional impact of dialogue rivaled the physical blows exchanged, reminding us that to truly care about Matt Murdock, we needed to care for his friends.
The first season was just an introduction. The more divisive second season introduced Jon Bernthal’s The Punisher, while the third season maintained its intensity but with refined storytelling. Its 13-episode format, once criticized for its length, now seems a precious space for character development, a rarity in 2025.
During its tenure, Daredevil brought legitimacy to superhero shows akin to how Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight validated superhero movies. It was celebrated not just as a superhero show but as a remarkable series that included superheroes. Its legacy, however, is that of a pursuit many have attempted but failed to replicate, from the disappointing Secret Invasion to others like Moon Knight and Invincible.
Even the ambitious Daredevil: Born Again faced challenges in living up to its Netflix predecessor. Attempts to integrate Daredevil into the MCU on Disney Plus by revamping its elements resulted in an unpopular response, leading to significant creative changes. This proved challenging in capturing the essence of the beloved character and often felt like a diluted version of the original.
While not without competition, no other series has combined superhero drama with prestige television quite like Daredevil. While shows like Loki and WandaVision entertained but lacked depth, The Boys has occasionally played it safe. Meanwhile, Invincible‘s production has been sporadic at best. Daredevil raised the bar high with its gripping blend of intense action and emotional storytelling over three impactful years.
The second season of Born Again might signal a return to form. However, it’s hard to believe it will surpass the first unforgettable saga in Hell’s Kitchen. For a deeper dive into Daredevil’s future, explore the latest on Daredevil: Born Again season 2, then engage with the upcoming Marvel movies and shows arriving soon.