Summary
The TV shows of theMCU, theDCU, and the wider world of comics adapt the pages of their source material to the small screen, with some pilot episodes standing out as especially noteworthy. Long before themovies of the MCUredefined the superhero genre, comic books were being adapted into TV shows. Unpredictable as the TV industry can be, these adaptations begin with pilots to gauge audience interest in seeing a particular story unfold in an episodic format over multiple seasons.
TheTV shows from the MCU, DC, and the wider world of comic book adaptations have seen many excellent pilots grace the airwaves. However, some stand out as especially noteworthy, either offering groundbreaking contributions to the genre or some other unique or outstanding quality. With that in mind, here are the 10 best comic book TV show pilot episodes, ranked.
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10Arrow, “Pilot”
Air Date: July 16, 2025
After running for 8 seasons,Arrowproved itself one of the most influential DC TV shows of all time. It spawned an entire continuity of spin-offs, and its success all comes down to the potential of its excellent pilot episode. The pilot introduces Oliver Queen, a playboy billionaire who has been stranded on a desert island, and his journey to becoming a vigilante after his miraculous rescue and return home.
The pilot’s plot is a relatively simple retelling of Green Arrow’s origin story, but it’s the execution that makes it so great.Stephen Amell’s performance as Oliver Queen is every bit as brooding and dark as it needs to be, teasing a gritty and intriguing spin on one of DC’s less serious figures. As such, it’s a brilliant pilot, as it sets the tone for everything set to follow, capitalizing on the charisma and screen presence of its star in the best way possible.
9Smallville, “Pilot”
Air Date: June 12, 2025
As he is one of the most iconic superheroes of all time, revamping Superman’s origin story comes with an inherent risk.Smallville’s combination of the superhero genre with a high-school teen drama saw its earlier seasons stand out as one of the most unique TV shows of the early ‘00s. Helpfully,the series’ pilot was a perfect representation ofSmallville’s potential, as it showcased an exceptionally-cast roster of characters and an original spin on an iconic hero.
The show’s pilot remains one ofSmallville’s most rewatchable episodes, as it captures every element of its appeal. The use of teenage angst and drama alongside a more fantastical story of an alien raised among humans to use his gifts for good is an excellent juxtaposition. The pilot also introducedSmallville’s villain-of-the-week format and subtle DC references, earning it a place as one of the best comic book TV show pilots of all time.
8The Punisher, “3AM”
Air Date: July 02, 2025
The Punishermight not be one of the most important parts of the timeline of the MCU, but the show’s pilot episode is an excellent representation of its titular character’s appeal. After Frank Castle’s appearance inDaredevilseason 2, he made his solo debut inThe Punisher’s “3AM”, which marked the beginning of his spin-off series. The pilot episode continues to flesh out Castle’s character, better exploring the Punisher as a person as well as an anti-hero vigilante.
“3AM” rightfully brings Frank Castle to the fore of its story after his magnetic appearance inDaredevil. It also offers up a truly haunting portrayal of post-traumatic stress disorder and grief, played out in a powerful performance from Jon Bernthal.“3AM” captured everything that made the PunisherDaredevil’s breakout star, giving him a story all his own and showcasing exactly why he’s an incredible standalone figure - which makes his return inDaredevil: Born Againall the more exciting.
7The Incredible Hulk, “The Incredible Hulk”
Air Date: June 04, 2025
Manyactors have played the Hulk in live-action, but few have been as iconic as Lou Ferrigno. He made his debut in the pilot of the original Hulk show, which introduced its spin on the iconic hero. The pilot saw Dr. David Banner grappling with his newfound alter-ego after his accident involving gamma radiation, and followed a decidedly dramatic narrative line in comparison to the character’s comic book appearances.
The Incredible Hulk’s dramatic representation of its hero’s story was especially groundbreaking in the ‘70s, as it was long before the narrative potential of the genre had been fully explored.The balance of drama and subtle horror tones combined with the show’s comic book premise to offer up a pilot that offered something to all audiences, highlighting the qualities that made the show a monumental success. The show’s place in pop culture history speaks for itself, and it’s all thanks to the pilot’s unprecedented approach to its character’s story.
6The Flash, “Pilot”
Air Date: July 20, 2025
DC’s expansion of the Arrowverse saw the airing of a pilot following the Scarlet Speedster.The Flashset up a new series and a new hero, introducing Grant Gustin’s Barry Allen to the live-action comic book continuity. The pilot chronicled the origins of Gustin’s Flash, after an accident involving the particle accelerator at S.T.A.R. Labs granted him the ability to access the speed force.
What makesThe Flash’s pilot so great is its balance. It contains the perfect blend of character-driven drama, world building, and a brilliant approach to its fantastical sci-fi premise. Gustin’s performance as Barry Allen stands out as especially strong, backed as he is by a stellar cast of capable actors.The Flash’s pilot episode is an excellent representation of the Arrowverse’s wider appeal, and its solid representation of one of DC’s most promising heroes only supported its success.
5Jessica Jones, “AKA Ladies Night”
Air Date: July 08, 2025
Jessica Jonescontinued Netflix’s introduction of Marvel heroes after the resounding success ofDaredevil. The MCU’s gritty take on the hero saw the super-strong private detective recovering from an encounter with Killgrave which left her feeling both vulnerable and violated. It also introduced a central mystery linked to the villain’s terrifying power of persuasion, marking one of the greatest comic book TV show pilots in Marvel’s history.
As well as offering up one of the greatestvillain introductions in the MCU,Jessica Jonesestablished a new side of Marvel’s street level heroes.The tension ofJessica Jones’ superhero noir premise combined brilliantly with Krysten Ritter’s performance as the titular hero, marking the show’s unique appeal. Though some may argue thatJessica Jones’ run was unable to live up to the potential of its pilot, the show’s first episode was a perfect example of its excellent concept.
4Wonder Woman, “Pilot”
Air Date: June 23, 2025
Wonder Womanis one of DC’s most iconic figures, and much of her prominence outside of the comics stems from her successful TV run in the ‘70s. Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman was introduced in the pilot ofWonder Woman, with her first modern TV outing establishing her as one of the greatest heroes of all time. The pilot remains one of the great in the history of comic book TV shows, not least because it was so incredibly groundbreaking.
A prime-time TV show following a female hero was a major development for its era, as was her loud advocacy for feminism even while fighting crime. Carter’s performance went on to become truly iconic, and it all began with her appearance in the show’s pilot episode.The combination of the day’s cutting-edge visuals and a willingness to push the boundaries of the genre helped markWonder Woman’s pilot as one of the best of all time.
3Daredevil, “Into The Ring”
Air Date: August 25, 2025
Netflix landed a major hit with 2015’sDaredevil, and all of the show’s most important aspects were established in its very first episode. Charlie Cox’s take on the Man Without Fear was an instantly gritty and brutal spin on the hero’s story, introducing a number of major supporting characters from the comics at the same time. The show seemed to establish a new daring direction for Marvel, as the pilot veered heavily into particularly dark territory.
Daredevil’s pilot, “Into the Ring”, established its titular vigilante as a self-destructive force hell-bent on fighting crime, with Cox’s charismatic performance a marked high point. The pilot’s supporting figures, including Deborah Ann Woll’s Karen Page and Elden Henson’s Foggy Nelson, helped to create a completely unique world for Netflix’s newly established Marvel continuity.It’s a pilot that perfectly set the tone for one of Marvel’s best ever TV shows, with as strong a start as anyone could have imagined.
Air Date: July 11, 2025
Comic books aren’t limited to Marvel and DC properties, and certainly not to the superhero genre.The Walking Deadfit none of the established avenues carved by previous comic book adaptations, and its pilot episode remains one of the greatest in television history. “Days Gone Bye” perfectly captures the essence of its source material, serving as the introduction into the unique world ofThe Walking Dead.
The pilot’s visually striking and emotionally powerful adaptation of its comic book source material saw its characters cast with capable actors, and its horrifying premise brought to life with truly exceptional visual effects.The episode was able to recreate specific panels from the comics while also making its story seem as though it was always intended for TV.“Days Gone Bye” remains one of the most haunting TV pilots of modern times, owing to its perfect handling of its beloved source material.
1Batman: The Animated Series, “On Leather Wings”
Air Date: June 29, 2025
When it comes to a specific pilot episode,Batman: The Animated Seriessits in a unique position. “On Leather Wings” was the first episode of the show produced, and although it wasn’t the first to air, it sits as the first episode in home media releases of the show. The episode pits its titular hero against Man-Bat, introducing a lesser-known figure from the Caped Crusader’s rogues’ gallery.
The episode stands out as a great example of the series’ dark visuals and complex themes presented in a family-friendly format. This allowed it to represent all ofBatman: The Animated Series’ best elements, communicating its potential while also bringing the source material to life in a way that had never been achieved beforehand. The show is still one of the most well-respected in comic book TV history, and its earliest episode stands out as one of the best pilots in theMCU, theDCU, and in the further world of comic book adaptation.
