The Netflix Marvel serieshave always been very popular, but their popularity has recently surged again owing to the series' being added to Disney Plus, as well as appearances from Vincent D’onofrio as Kingpin inHawkeyeand Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock inSpider-Man: No Way Home.Hawkeyeset a lot up for the MCU, so it’s never been a better time for fans to go through this collection of shows.
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As all of these series culminate in theDefenderscrossover series, it makes sense for people to watch them in a particular order. There are various references and characters crossing over from series to series so a particular watching order is advisable for the best viewing experience. In the future, fans may see theDefenderscharacters returning for more series, more neatly integrated into the widerMCUtimeline.
11Daredevil Season One
The series that started it all off,DaredevilSeason One should be where all fans of the Defenders Saga should start. Introducing Matt Murdock/Daredevil and his friends Foggy Nelson and Karen Page, the series introduces the conflict between Daredevil and Kingpin with brilliant performances all around. Some of theworst things Kingpin has ever doneare explored in this series, solidifying him as one of the best Marvel villains.
The season also includes appearances from other crime bosses such as Madame Gao and Nobu, who go on to be more prominent adversaries in the other Defender Saga shows later on. Not only does this season stand on its own but also sets up the later plotlines across different shows.
10Jessica Jones Season One
A much more self-contained story,Jessica JonesSeason One explores the titular character and her abusive ex-relationship with Kilgrave, who is played fantastically by David Tennant and will sadly probablynever return to MCU. Tackling subjects such as sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress, and more, it’s one of the grittiest entries into the MCU thus far but never feels like the subjects aren’t being done justice.
Jessica Jones’first season also features Luke Cage for quite a few episodes as they have a no strings attached sexual relationship. Not only does the season establish Jessica Jones as a very compelling character, but it is important for the wider Defenders Saga plot lines.
9Daredevil Season Two
The second season ofDaredevilnot only builds upon the titular characters' own storylines and supporting characters, with Stick reintroduced and used much more than in the previous season as well as Elektra being introduced, but the Punisher shows up as well. It has a great story that shows whyDaredevil belongs in the MCUalong with his supporting characters.
This season is all about Daredevil and Stick taking on the Hand who are trying to capture Elektra, believing her to be the Black Sun, a prophesied mythical warrior who cannot be defeated by any mortal. Fans should make sure to watch this as their third series in the Saga to have the best viewing.
8Luke Cage Season One
Luke Cage’s first season is full of nuance, with racism and social injustice at the forefront of what the show is trying to say. Just like a lot of theDefendersSaga shows, Luke Cage shows a much grittier side to the world than viewers usually get from theMCU, and it’s as relevant today as it was when it was first released in 2016.
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Fighting against villains Cottonmouth, Shades, and Diamondback, Luke Cage truly discovers what it means to be a hero and how his powers are nothing compared to the will of standing up for what’s right and choosing to protect people. In many ways, Luke Cage establishes himself as a hero viewers can relate to much more than they could superheroes such as Thor. Certainsympathetic MCU villainsin the show help to humanize both sides of the conflict.
7Iron Fist Season One
While commonly regarded as one of the weakest entries into theDefendersSaga,Iron FistSeason One does have many enjoyable moments. Danny Rand returns home after being presumed dead, inheriting a multi-billion dollar company that he doesn’t even want.
Issues with the pacing, storytelling, and fight sequences have long been overstated. It’s pretty clear that the ball was dropped with this season, but it is still worth a watch as part of the ultimateDefendersSaga viewing order.
6The Defenders
The culmination of multiple seasons and dozens of characters,The Defendersis a limited crossover series that finally sees Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage join forces to stop the Hand in their latest conquest of world domination which rivals even theKingpin’s comic powers.
While the storyline can sometimes drop the ball with its frenetic pacing, there is a perfect interplay between the titular heroes and some stunning fight scenes. The viewer gets the sense that they’re watching a finale, and at times it perfectly mirrors the space-faring Avengers with the street-level Defenders.
5The Punisher Season One
After a wholly popular appearance inDaredevilSeason Two, the Punisher went on to have his own series. Much more darker and adult than even the otherDefendersSaga shows,The Punisher’s first season is a great look into the psyche of Frank Castle and everything he’s been through to get to this point.
With appearances fromDardevilsupporting characters such as Karen Page, The Punisher feels like a true continuation of what had been set up previously in theDaredevilseries. It’s one of the best written and directed shows in the entireDefendersSaga, so coming off the back of theDefendersfans can expect their enjoyment to peak here.
4Jessica Jones/ Luke Cage/ Iron Fist Season Two
The second seasons ofJessica Jones,Luke Cage, andIron Fistoffer more insight into the psyche of the titular characters in each respective show. WhileLuke CageandIron Fisthave quite a few crossovers, playing into the Heroes for Hire team-up from the comics,Jessica JonesSeason Two is pretty much completely self-contained.
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While there isn’t much in the way ofDefendersplotlines being brought back up, all second seasons of these shows build upon the first and feel like natural progressions of the characters and the world they inhabit.
3Daredevil Season Three
The final season ofDaredevil(but maybe not for too much longer), Season Three brings Wilson Fisk back as well as introduces Daredevil arch enemy Bullseye, who has featured in manymust-readDaredevilcomics.
With Matt Murdock discovering truths about his past and heritage and Daredevil running ragged across Hell’s Kitchen dealing with the various criminals, Season Three feels more action-packed than fans would necessarily expect. By the end of the series, fans will feel like they’ve truly been on a journey, with the final conflict between Daredevil/ Fisk/ Bullseye being full of memorable, human performances from the cast that makes the fight stand out even over the best fight sequences in theMCUmovies.
2The Punisher Season Two
The second season ofThe Punishergives the fans a much-needed reintroduction to the titular character as he travels across the USA before being thrust back into conflict with his old friend Billy Russo.
While the season isn’t as well-received as the first, it is full of action, and as the penultimateDefendersSaga, the season is unavoidable for fans looking to do a complete rewatch. The show sees Castle finally taking on the mantle of the Punisher and embracing who he is as that person.
