Loved Marvel’s Wonderman? Don’t Forget To Watch These Shows Next

I just started watching Marvel’s Wonderman after my Twitter (sorry, X) blew up with praise for the show. By the end of the pilot episode itself, I was filled with that increasingly rare feeling that finally, finally, Marvel got the TV show formula right. It’s got good writing, the actors do justice to their roles (special shoutout to Ben Kingsley for that department, because after Iron Man 3 and Shang Chi, he's here too, and we love it), and the most insane part? It's as meta as you'd expect pandemic era movies to be, without going into Multiverse of Madness bonkers territory. 

IMDb

Now, while we are on our way to getting the review out and fanboy over the good (and call out the bad) in the show so that you can join in on the fun, why not watch a few more shows like Wonderman in the meanwhile? We’re going just by vibes for this list, which means, superhero shows that are just as fun as this one, and series about filmmaking that get the Hollywood love-letter aspects of the show just right. So hang tight and let the joy unfold.

The Studio

We’re talking about a superhero show about making a superhero show in a setting where having powers is illegal, of course this list starts with The Studio. Seth Rogen’s comedy drama about a cinephile trying to make a good film in an IP-driven world is one of the best love letters to Hollywood in the last couple of years. It also boasts thirteen Emmy wins, making it the most awarded comedy show in the history of the Emmys, and is a good frontrunner for shows that match the madness of Wonderman.

Where to watch: Apple TV

Peacemaker

I’m one of the few people who didn’t like the second Suicide Squad movie; the only saving grace for me was John Cena’s Peacemaker and the larger commentary on jingoism he represented. His standalone show capitalises on the commentary, and sets our anti-hero on a redemption arc. It’s insanely fun, weird and gory like the Suicide Squad films, and doesn’t get over the top like the later seasons of The Boys. 

Where to watch: JioHotstar

Entourage

If Wonderman scratches your “showbiz is absurd” itch, Entourage is the bro-y, early-2000s ancestor that walked so all these industry satires could run. It follows movie star Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) and his deeply questionable inner circle as they stumble through Hollywood on bad decisions, ego, and other people’s money. Is it dated? Very. Is it self-aware enough to still be fun? Also yes. Beneath the parties and sleaze, it’s a look at how fame distorts friendships, careers, and basic common sense, which makes it a lot smarter than it often gets credit for.

Where to watch: JioHotstar

Doom Patrol

If The Boys is cynical and Peacemaker is chaotic, Doom Patrol is straight-up unhinged in the best way. Brought back to life by a scientist called the Chief, a group of deeply traumatised misfits with powers they never asked for end up saving the world while barely holding themselves together (yes, it does feel like a cousin to Thunderbolts* in that sense). It’s less about heroics and more about broken people trying to function, which makes it a great tonal cousin to Wonderman’s industry-meltdown energy.

Where to watch: Prime Video

Watchmen

I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did, especially after the film left me cold, but I ended up liking it a lot, which is sad because the show is only one season long. Set in an alternate America where masked vigilantism is illegal, it uses the Watchmen legacy to talk about race, power, and generational trauma instead of just punching the bad guys through the walls. Now, I’ve heard that it takes a lot of creative liberties from the graphic novel that inspired it, It’s still a respectful adaptation either way.

Where to watch: Prime Video

30 Rock

Aaron Sorkin’s 30 Rock is Hollywood-show-on-Hollywood hall of fame material. Tina Fey plays Liz Lemon, a head writer trying to run a sketch show while managing unstable actors, corporate nonsense, and her own spiralling life in an industry that is sharp, fast, and constantly dunking on the illusion that anyone in charge knows what they’re doing. 

Where to watch: JioHotstar