There are someDCshows that should definitely be remade in the modern era. DC’s deep television history is full of iconic moments, bold creative swings, and a handful of series that never got their due. With theDC Universe rebootingand reshaping under new leadership, there’s no better time to revisit some beloved (and some forgotten) shows that deserve a fresh update.
Whether it’s a stylish animated reinvention, a big-budget live-action revival, or just a chance to correct past missteps, several DC series are ripe for a modern reimagining. Some had the right ideas but were limited by their time; others were ahead of their era and deserve the chance to shine with today’s technology and storytelling sensibilities. A modern DCU could greatly benefit from the return of these series – not just for nostalgia, but to fill genuine gaps in the ever-expanding superhero multiverse.
10Human Target (1992/2010)
Warner Bros. Television
Human Targethas quietly had two live-action adaptations, but neither made a real cultural splash, with the 2010 series drifting notably from the source material. That’s a shame, because the concept of a master of disguise who protects people by impersonating them,could make for a fantastic modern spy thrillerwith a DC twist. In today’s streaming landscape, a grounded, espionage-focused DC show likeHuman Targetcould stand out in a sea of capes and cosmic threats.
It wouldn’t need to rely on huge effects or endless lore, just clever plots and strong performances. With the success ofPeacemakerandThe Penguin, there’sroom for smaller, character-driven stories in the DCU. Add in a tone similar toReacherorThe Night Manager, andHuman Targetcould become a sleek, stylish action drama unlike anything else DC is currently producing.
9Batman Beyond (1999-2001)
Kids’ WB & Cartoon Network
The futuristic world ofBatman Beyondremainsone of DC’s most unique creations: dark, high-tech, and deeply emotional. With Terry McGinnis taking on the Batman mantle under Bruce Wayne’s mentorship, the series gave fans a refreshing spin on Gotham’s legacy. It was a cult hit then, and it would thrive now with modern animation techniques or even as a big-budget live-action series. A fan-made short film once went viral, showing just how good a grounded, cyberpunk-styleBatman Beyondcould look.
With today’s VFX, choreography, and digital world-building, there’s no reason a modernBeyondcouldn’t rivalThe Mandalorianin scope. It’s a missed opportunity that Terry hasn’t appeared in any live-action DC media; correcting that with a reboot could help solidify the future of Batman for a new generation. Moreover, with legacy Batman actors returning to the franchise (Michael Keaton inThe Flash),an older Bruce Wayne could be readily cast.
8Static Shock (2000-2004)
Kids’ WB
Static Shockwas one of the most important and underrated animated superhero shows of the early 2000s. Based on Milestone Comics’ Virgil Hawkins, the seriestackled real-world issueslike racism, gun violence, and social injustice without ever feeling preachy. Static himself is a fantastic character, witty, smart, and extremely relatable, and it’s criminal that he hasn’t been front and center in the modern DCU.
A reboot could bring the character to a wider audience with updated animation or even a live-action streaming series in the style ofMs. Marvel. Static has the potential to speak directly to younger audiences today, just as he did twenty years ago. Given the renewed interest in Milestone and thepush for more diverse heroes, now is the perfect time for Static’s electric comeback.
7The Batman (2004–2008)
The Batmananimated series offered a slick, stylish update on the Dark Knight with acool art style, fresh gadgets, and reimagined villains. While often overshadowed byBatman: The Animated Series, this version had its own vibe – less noir, more kung fu action – and it introduced a new generation to Batman lore in a fun way. A reboot could build on that identity while refining the tone and deepening the stories.
The show’s interpretations of characters like Joker, Riddler, and Clayface were distinctive and could be expanded further. With modern animation quality and the current appetite for serialized storytelling,The Batmancouldbridge the gap between kid-friendly adventures and mature narratives. It was sleek, underrated, and bold, and deserves a second chance to define Batman for a new era.
6Smallville (2001-2011)
The WB & The CW
Before the Arrowverse,Smallvillewas the defining superhero show on TV, chronicling Clark Kent’s early years before he donned the cape. It ran for ten seasons, mixing teenage drama with superhero mythology. A modern reboot could take a more serialized, cinematic approach, focusing on a moregrounded and emotionally complex young Clarknavigating identity, morality, and power in a world that doesn’t yet know Superman.
With today’s storytelling advancements and higher production values, aSmallvillereboot could feel like a superhero version ofFriday Night LightsorEuphoria, while still building toward DC’s larger mythology. Plus, a younger Lex Luthor arc done with modern nuance could be truly riveting. The idea ofwatching Clark become Superman is just as compelling nowas it was two decades ago, and could tie into theDCU’s Superman movie.
5Birds Of Prey (2002)
The WB
The originalBirds of Preyseries was a swing and a miss, struggling with budget, tone, and storytelling cohesion. However, the core concept – a Gotham-based team of female heroes operating without Batman – still holds enormous potential. A modern reboot could course-correct byusing the excellent 2020Birds of Preyfilm as a launching pad. Imagine Harley Quinn, Black Canary, and Huntress coming together in a gritty, neon-soaked series full of action and heart.
With HBO Max and streaming platforms hungry for edgy superhero content,Birds of Preycould fill the same niche asJessica JonesorDaredevil, but with a uniquely chaotic Gotham flair. A reboot could celebrate female strength, trauma recovery, and found family, all wrapped in punchy, fast-paced action. Done right, it could finally give this team the spotlight they deserve.
4Wonder Woman (1975-1975)
ABC & CBS
The originalWonder Womanseries starring Lynda Carter was iconic for its time but feels dated by today’s standards. A modern reboot, live-action or animated, could be an incredible way toreintroduce Diana to a new generationwhile making her a more central figure in the DCU. The character has grown immensely in popularity thanks to Gal Gadot’s portrayal, but a TV show would allow more time to explore Themyscira, Greek mythology, and Diana’s complex morality.
Something betweenGame of ThronesandXenawouldflourish with epic scale and heartfelt character work. There’s so much about Wonder Woman’s world (her sisters, gods, and enemies) that hasn’t been fully explored onscreen. A series could also focus on her diplomatic efforts and warrior ethos, offering a different kind of superhero narrative in a universe often dominated by brooding anti-heroes.
3Powerless (2017)
NBC
Powerlesshad one of the best high-concept premises for a DC comedy: normal people working at Wayne Security, a company designing products to protect civilians from superhero-related disasters. It wasThe Officemeets the DC Universe, full of Easter eggs, workplace chaos, and characters who arehilariously aware of how insane their world is. Unfortunately, despite a great cast (Vanessa Hudgens, Alan Tudyk, Danny Pudi), the show never found its footing and was canceled after one season.
A reboot with sharper writing, better creative direction, and more freedom to explore the DC world could absolutely thrive today on a streaming platform. Leaning into theabsurdity of superhero collateral damage and office politicscould make for a brilliant satire. There’s still so much potential in the idea of “normal people in a super world,” andPowerlessdeserves a real second chance. It would also fit perfectly with James Gunn’s DCU reboot.
2Teen Titans (2003–2006)
Cartoon Network
The originalTeen Titansanimated series struck the perfect balance between serious storytelling and stylized fun. It proffered layered characters, compelling arcs, and memorable villains like Slade. Unfortunately, it eventually morphed intoTeen Titans Go!, a serieswildly popular with kids but nearly impossible for adults to enjoywithout going insane. That shift left older viewers of the original feeling abandoned.
A modern reboot could revive the original tone, possibly aged up for older viewers, with richer emotional arcs, slicker animation, and darker themes. With shows likeInvincibleproving that animated superhero dramas work for adults, there’s no reason the Titans can’t reclaim their former glory. Whether it’s Robin, Raven, Starfire, or Beast Boy, these characters still resonate, and it’s time for them to evolve past goofy gags and fart jokes.
1Batman (1966-1968)
ABC
In an age where Batman is almost exclusively depicted as brooding, broken, and ultra-violent, there’s somethingrefreshing about the campy joy of the 1966Batmanseries. Adam West’s colorful crusader may seem like a relic of a different era, but a modern-day revival done with love and style could be a breakout hit. A self-aware, smartly written series that embraces the fun and absurdity of comic books without falling into parody would be welcome respite.
The MCU’sLokiandWandaVisionproved audiences enjoy genre experimentation, so why not a Batman series filled with ridiculous traps, outrageous villains, and “BIFF! BAM! POW!” energy? It could serve asa counterweight to the bleakness of most Gotham-set stories, giving younger audiences and nostalgic adults alike a version ofDC’s Batman that remembers how to have fun.
Human Target
Cast
Human Target is a 1992 American action drama television series, developed by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo for ABC. Based on the comic book character by Len Wein and Carmine Infantino, this seven-episode series focuses on the titular protagonist and aired from July to August 1992.
Batman Beyond
Batman Beyond is an animated action-adventure television series set twenty years after the events of Batman: The Animated series. Bruce Wayne, now in his twilight years, continues to fight crime with new gadgets, suits, and tech - but his old age has revealed that even the Caped Crusader has limits. Enter Terry McGinnis, a teenager with athletic prowess and a strong sense of justice. When pursued by a gang one night, Terry is helped by the elderly Bruce Wayne - an event that leads to Terry’s training as the new generation Batman.
Static Shock
Created by Dwayne McDuffie and produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Static Shock is a 2D-animated superhero show centered around Virgil Hawkins, a 14-year old hero who uses his electromagnetic powers to fight crime. The four-season series is based on the Milestone superhero Static, and it takes place in the DC Animated Universe alongside other popular series like Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League: Unlimited.
The Batman
Acclaimed DC animated season The Batman sees billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne (Rino Romano) pull on the famous cowl and cape as Gotham’s iconic protector. Set primarily during Batman’s early years, he operates more in the shadows as a vigilante, and facing off against new versions of legendary DC villains like The Joker, Penguin, Clayface, and Mr Freeze.
Birds of Prey
Birds of Prey, released in 2002, is a series set in New Gotham City, where Huntress, Oracle, and Dinah protect the city in Batman’s absence as the Birds of Prey. Joined by Alfred Pennyworth and Detective Jesse Reese, they confront crime and explore the hidden world of metahumans.
Powerless
Set in a standalone DC Universe, Powerless is a comedy television series that follows the lives of those affected by the powerful superheroes and the collateral damage they cause. The core story follows a group of co-workers at an insurance company trying to handle cases and claims as delicately as possible.
Wonder Woman
1975’s Wonder Woman TV show introduces the Amazonian princess as she arrives in 1940s America under the guise of Diana Prince.
Teen Titans
Teen Titans is an animated action film released in 2003. It follows the teenage superheroes Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven as they protect Earth from villains, employing martial arts expertise and advanced gadgetry in their adventures.
Batman
Starring Adam West as Bruce Wayne and Burt Ward as Dick Grayson a.k.a. Robin, ABC’s 1960s Batman series sees DC’s Dynamic Duo confront many of their famous villains across three seasons and 120 episodes, released from 1966 to 1968. With now iconic portrayals of comic book villains like Cesar Romero’s Joker, Burgess Meredith’s Penguin, Julie Newmar’s Catwoman, and Frank Gorshin’s Riddler, the series helped cement the Dark Knight in pop culture two decades before Tim Burton reimagined the character for the big screen.
Smallville
Smallville chronicles the journey of Clark Kent, portraying his origins from Krypton to his teenage years on Earth. The series explores his challenges and development leading towards his destiny as the iconic hero, Superman, set against the backdrop of Smallville, Kansas.
