For better or worse, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has expanded massively thanks to Disney+. Whereas we used to just get a handful of movies per year, we now have a bunch of TV shows to delve into too, though varying degrees of quality from series to series and episode to episode has highlighted a possible quantity over quality issue at Marvel Studios.
We've had some great shows so far, though, including WandaVision, Loki, and Ms. Marvel. As we near the end of 2022 and the start of 2023, there's also a lot to look forward to - in live-action and animation - next year.
With that in mind, we're taking a look at all of the confirmed MCU TV shows heading our way in 2023, ranking them from least to most anticipated. Unfortunately, we don't currently know what "Special Presentations" could surprise us in 2023, meaning we can't include rumoured projects like Nova and Silver Surfer!
Still, we're sure you'll find this feature makes for very interesting reading, and you can check it out by hitting the "Next" button below.
7. Secret Invasion (Early 2023)
We really wish we could care more about this one, but only the cast - Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Emilia Clarke, and Olivia Colman among others - has us excited right now.
Marvel Studios has really dropped the ball with Skrulls in the MCU, with Captain Marvel's big twist that they're not actually all bad lessening the impact of their debut (as did Spider-Man: Far From Home's silly post-credits scene). So, what is there to really get psyched about in this low-key take on the epic comic book event of the same name?
We're certainly intrigued to see what sort of impact it has on the MCU moving forward, though nothing we've heard about The Marvels suggests it will be felt there. Ultimately, this feels like a stepping stone to other, more important, projects rather than truly essential viewing. We hope to be proved wrong.
6. What If...? Season 2 (Early 2023)
When What If...?'s first season was great, it really was something very special. From Captain Carter's debut to Chadwick Boseman's unforgettable turn as Star-Lord and that epic final battle against Infinity Ultron, there was lots to love about this animated series.
Heading into season 2, we simply don't know enough about what to expect. Details shared at Comic-Con have suggested there will be a greater focus on retelling Phase 4 stories, an interesting approach, albeit one that doesn't have us champing at the bit for more given how quickly we all seem to have moved past the likes of Black Widow and Eternals.
We have high hopes for What If...? when it returns, but amid rumours of Marvel Studios Animation being at risk, it's essential this next batch of episodes doesn't disappoint.
5. Echo (Mid-2023)
As of right now, we're not going to worry too much about rumours that there have been production issues with Echo. It's become the norm for Marvel Studios to start producing movies without even having an ending in place, and they always seem to make it work, so in Kevin Feige we trust.
The bigger question is, why is this story being told? Maya Lopez was a great addition to Hawkeye, but she'd have surely been better suited to a Special Presentation rather than a full-blown six-episode TV series. Regardless, we're looking forward to seeing more of Alaqua Cox in action and can't wait to see how Daredevil and The Kingpin factor into proceedings.
That's one of the more exciting parts of the series right now, though we do hope it manages to put Echo on the map and cement her as an important part of this shared world.
4. Agatha: Coven of Chaos (Late 2023/Early 2024)
There's a chance Agatha: Coven of Chaos won't actually be released until 2024, though with a 2023 debut likely, the series has earned a place here. As for why it sits in pretty much the middle of this list, it's because the prospect of Agatha Harkness' story continuing in the MCU is one we can fully get on board with.
Kathryn Hahn stole the show in WandaVision, and Agatha has clearly been around for a very long time. As a character who can introduce more of the MCU's mystical (and monster!) side, we anticipate this series being very important for its future.
Aubrey Plaza is reportedly playing the big bad, while Joe Locke looks set to play Billy Kaplan, a.k.a. Billy Maximoff/Wiccan. We've been waiting to see him and Speed as true superheroes, and Agatha: Coven of Chaos may well even set the stage for the Scarlet Witch's return and the formation of the Young Avengers.
3. Ironheart (Late 2023)
Riri Williams only had a small role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but she was a character we definitely enjoyed spending time with. Hopefully, the Ironheart series can elaborate on how and why she came to create her own Iron Man suit, though it's the conflict at the heart of this project we believe makes it particularly exciting.
The Hood is going to be the show's big bad, meaning we're going to see science and magic go head-to-head for the first time in the MCU, putting a fresh new spin on the Iron Man concept (Tony Stark spent most of his time fighting other guys in suits in his movies).
Rumour has it Ironheart will also feature the debut of Mephisto, with Sacha Baron Cohen eyed to play the iconic villain. If so, that makes this one of the most important TV shows from Marvel Studios in recent memory, especially as we anticipate that demon being a huge part of the MCU's future.
2. X-Men '97 (Late 2023)
Those of you who didn't grow up watching X-Men: The Animated Series might want to knock this entry down a few places, but if you're familiar with the show, we're sure you're counting down the days to X-Men '97.
With most of the original voice cast returning, the follow-up will pick up on some loose plot threads, tell some stories its predecessor never got around to, and put a fresh spin on a classic TV series. Those are just a few of the reasons to look forward to this one, and a first look at Comic-Con only served to increase anticipation.
There's always a chance X-Men '97 will struggle to live up to expectations, but considering the fact Kevin Feige himself is a self-confessed fan, we don't anticipate that being the case.
1. Loki Season 2 (Mid-2023)
Loki remains one of Marvel Studios' best TV shows, and the only one given a season 2 order. After introducing the Multiverse, Variants, and He Who Remains in season 1, we have to believe this next batch of episodes will be equally important.
After all, the God of Mischief found himself stranded in a reality where the TVA is ruled over by Kang, and despite the change in creative team, we anticipate these being a key story in the build to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. With that in mind, this has all the makings of an absolute must-watch.
It certainly has a lot to live up to, but Loki season 2 feels considerably more essential than the other entries in this feature and is an easy first place, as a result. More Sylvie and Mobius is also no bad thing, and while details are scarce, the trailer shown at D23 promised more epic time travel in 2023.