Netflix Revives Canceled 2010s Superhero Show “Powers” As Animated Series

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A superhero show that was canceled in the 2010s might get a second chance as a new animated series on Netflix. Originally, Powers was a live-action TV show, created as the first scripted original program for PlayStation Network, based on the comic book series by Brian Bendis and Michael Oeming. It premiered in March 2015 but was unfortunately canceled after just two seasons in 2016.

The show takes place in a world where people develop special abilities, known as “Powers,” when they become adults. Christian Walker, played by Sharlto Copley, is a former superhero turned detective who now investigates and stops other superheroes who are causing damage, after losing his own powers.

The TV series Powers had a troubled production history, which now seems like a warning sign. Originally filmed for FX in the summer of 2011, it faced numerous delays and ultimately premiered on the PlayStation Network in 2015 (according to DigitalSpy). While the first attempt disappointed fans of the original comic book, a new adaptation planned for Netflix offers a chance to get it right.

The 2010s’ Powers TV Show Was A Poor Adaptation Of A Great Comic

Created by Brian Michael Bendis and Charlie Huston – both known for their work in comics and novels – Powers is a TV show that blends the gritty feel of detective and crime stories with the world of superheroes. This unique combination makes for a captivating and original series.

Unlike the source material, the TV show simplifies the story and lacks depth. Even with a talented cast featuring Copley, Noah Taylor, Eddie Izzard, and Michael Madsen, the series feels underwhelming. The show’s limited budget is noticeable, which is a significant issue for a program centered around convincing superhero action.

Similar to shows like The Boys, Watchmen, and Invincible, Powers attempts to offer a unique take on the superhero genre. However, while the original comic book succeeded, the TV adaptation fell short. Powers ultimately became just another typical superhero show, and its limited availability on the PlayStation Network meant it was easily overlooked among the many similar shows released in the 2010s.

Netflix’s Powers Remake Is Already Looking More Promising

Few people likely even knew about the first attempt to adapt Powers – it didn’t make much of an impact. In some ways, that’s more disheartening than if it had been a terrible show that everyone talked about. Luckily, Powers is getting a second chance with a new adaptation on Netflix.

Netflix is currently working on an animated series based on the Powers comic. Both Oeming, who illustrated the original comic, and Bendis are helping to create the show, which is great news for fans excited about its visual style.

Look, as a big comic book and animation fan, I always felt Powers had so much potential. The thing is, an animated series could really capture the spirit of the original comics in a way live-action just couldn’t. We’ve seen how well that can work with shows like Invincible and Harley Quinn – they proved mature, complex superhero stories totally kill in animation. Honestly, an animated Powers? That could be absolutely perfect – the best possible way to tell that story.

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2026-03-24 23:20