With She-Hulk finally getting a release date (which, according to Collider, is set for August 17, 2022), many fans are excited to see what is in store for Jennifer Walters. Since rumors have been circulating on the web that Charlie Cox's Daredevil will be making a few appearances, there's a possibility that the MCU is about to see another iconic pairing being formed. But will this be enough to keep the fans and critics engaged for several weeks?
So far, the entertainment juggernaut has delivered six wildly different shows so far. Reception to these series has been mainly positive, with many critics praising their originality and the risk-taking approach. However, while all six shows have high ratings on Metacritic and they have all contributed to the MCU's success, it's quite clear that some ideas were a lot more engaging than others.
Hawkeye - 66
The MCU's last streaming effort of 2021, Hawkeye follows Clint Barton as he teams up with a young girl to take on a criminal group in New York City. Smaller in scale than other MCU efforts, Hawkeye was full of Christmas cheer but lacking in every other department. Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld's performances were golden, receiving from great actors like Vera Farmiga, Tony Dalton, and Vincent D'Onofrio.
Hawkeye and Kate's dynamic was great, and they firmly cemented themselves as two of the best non-powered Marvel heroes. Alas, that wasn't enough to elevate the material. Critics agreed, giving Hawkeye lukewarm reviews and unfavorably comparing it to its more exciting and relevant predecessors.
What If...? - 69
Critics and fans received Marvel's first entry into animation with mixed responses. What If...? focuses on different scenarios that could've resulted if one crucial thing had changed or gone wrong. Each episode follows a specific character, with many of the MCU's most famous stars returning to voice them.
Most fans had nothing but praise for the animation and fight sequences and the performances of the large ensemble. The criticism mainly focused on the show's structure and writing, with many reviewers finding it an unnecessary entry in the already crowded MCU. Still, a second season will premiere sometime this year, so the show isn't going anywhere.
Moon Knight - 69
The MCU's most recent entry takes fans into the heart of Egypt. Moon Knight follows Steven Grant, a shy and socially awkward museum employee who finds himself involved in a cult's plan to release an ancient Egyptian god. Starring Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke, Moon Knight provided some of the most daring plot twists in MCU history.
The show received mainly positive reviews from critics. Most of the praise went to Isaac and Hawke's work, with many considering them among the best performances in the MCU's Phase 4. However, the show did attract criticism for its inconsistent storytelling, with many complaining about the lack of action or meaningful events during the mid-portion of the show.
The Falcon And The Winter Soldier - 74
Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes are two of the most beloved ing characters in the MCU, so fans reacted with joy at the news they'd receive a streaming show. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier follows the titular pair as they reluctantly forces with Baron Zemo to stop a group of anti-patriots enhanced by the super-soldier serum,
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier elevated Sam into the role of Captain America and helped Bucky move past his trauma. It also featured some of the best ing characters in the MCU's Phase 4, including John Walker and the return of Sharon Carter. The show received positive reviews from critics, with many considering it an exciting new entry in the Captain America corner of the MCU. Considering it will probably serve as a direct lead to the fourth Captain America movie, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is one of the most important MCU shows.
Loki - 74
Tom Hiddleston returned to fulfill Loki's glorious purpose. ed by Owen Wilson and Sophia Di Martino, Loki centers on the title character as he gets taken to the Time Variance Authority for his crimes against the sacred timeline and aid in the hunt for a dangerous threat with a surprise connection to him.
Loki received praise from critics and fans alike. The cast received major raves for their performances, but the show's daring storytelling was the real star. Indeed, the final episode set up major repercussions for the MCU's future and teased the arrival of the new big bad, Kang the Conqueror. Loki also significantly developed the title character, taking him past his trickster role and allowing Hiddleston to display some of his acting chops.
WandaVision - 77
As the first Marvel Disney+ show, WandaVision had a lot to prove. The show followed Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they lived an idyllic suburban life. However, not everything is as it seems, and trouble soon ruins their perfect fantasy.
WandaVision featured a mix of genres and themes, providing a tour-de-force showcase for stars Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, whose performances proved why Phase Four is the best. The show received critical acclaim, with many declaring it the most original thing the MCU had ever done. WandaVision received a whopping twenty-three Emmy nominations, winning three. The show set the bar too high for every project that followed, and unfortunately, none of the subsequent shows have been able to match it.