Forget the MCU, Heroes was the start of the superhero boom

Before the rise of the MCU as the dominant force in superhero culture, Heroes was already established as one of the top TV shows of its era, putting in the hard work and setting a high standard for others to follow.

In the eyes of numerous individuals, Iron Man signified the start of a fresh era for the superhero category. The inaugural installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe featured Robert Downey Jr. taking on the role of Tony Stark, sparking an interest in superpowered beings (or wealthy individuals with a penchant for risk-taking) that would not decrease until the 2020s.

However, even before Tony Stark rose to become the darling of cinema, the trend of superhero shows was steadily developing on television. Among these shows, one stood out as the most valuable asset: Heroes. Running from 2006 to 2010 on NBC, Heroes was a brief yet highly successful mainstream show that paved the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe before it even existed.

Despite not being inherently superior to the MCU in any aspect, Heroes still holds significant importance within the genre. With two years to establish itself before the emergence of Iron Man, the show managed to build a solid foundation and achieve great success as a television phenomenon. In fact, it even surpassed Marvel’s abilities and accomplishments in many ways.

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From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Heroes will always be remembered for its iconic tagline, “Save the Cheerleader, Save the World.”Though its later seasons were not received as well, it’s crucial to acknowledge that during its prime, Heroes set a high standard for television. (The show was nominated for two Golden Globes, 14 Emmy Awards, and a BAFTA during its run.) A potential reboot, titled Heroes: Eclipsed, is currently being pitched for a release in 2024, solidifying the legacy of the series.

Heroes was able to effectively tackle the core elements of a superhero movie. While the concept of ordinary individuals attaining superhuman abilities is not unique to the genre, it remains a crucial aspect. This is why superheroes such as Spider-Man and Batman have such a strong fan base – they are not extraterrestrial or technologically advanced beings, but rather ordinary humans who have been burdened with extraordinary responsibilities.

At its core, Heroes revolves around a diverse group of individuals – including a cheerleader, a nurse, and an office worker – who unexpectedly discover they have extraordinary powers. As a result, they must navigate the challenges of balancing their everyday lives with the extraordinary circumstances they find themselves in. Unlike Marvel, who seemed to lose sight of this while delving into their intricate shared universe.

While it’s not necessary for Marvel to solely produce origin stories, it would have helped maintain audience engagement if they had continued to emphasize the human struggle. This was a key aspect that made Heroes such a successful show – it centered around ordinary individuals who had to rise above their circumstances.

Superheroes for everyone

Heroes was a groundbreaking show for the general public as it provided an entry point into the world of superhero stories. In recent years, Marvel films have focused on creating a cinematic experience with midnight premieres, post-credit scenes, and the introduction of the multiverse, which can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the genre.

Heroes provided a superhero-driven narrative on primetime television. Viewers could tune in weekly during their dinner and receive bite-sized episodes of a growing universe. They gradually formed a connection with characters such as Claire and Hiro, all from the comfort of their own homes. (This was long before the era of Disney+, of course.)

Heroes, in addition, provided a more daring interpretation of the genre that would eventually become predominantly linked with younger and child audiences. The series was primarily geared towards adults, and while superheroes have long been used to convey complex themes, Heroes opened the door for the MCU to explore deeper concepts.

Just two years before the release of Heroes in 2006, the television industry was shaken up by the arrival of Lost in 2004. Despite its ambitious use of complex storytelling, characters, and timelines, Lost showed that a big-scale, mystery-driven show could be successful. Heroes took a similar approach, appealing to viewers with a comic book-inspired narrative that would also satisfy the intellectual appeal of Lost.

Heroes Abandons Comic Books

Heroes was inspired by comic books, but it also had its own unique elements. The show was intentionally structured to mirror the format of comic book stories, with each season being a “volume”or two. This structure began with Season 1, also known as Volume One: Genesis.

It is remarkable to consider that Heroes was created based on comic books, yet it did not rely on any predetermined storyline or characters. Instead, viewers were presented with a fresh idea, unencumbered by any established mythology or limitations.

Despite the MCU’s longevity and impact, Heroes remains just as significant in the overall landscape. It may have followed in the footsteps of Smallville, which aired from 2001-2017 and focused on a young Clark Kent before he became Superman. However, Heroes strived to surpass previous material and ultimately succeeded in creating a satisfying superhero series.

Despite its later seasons being viewed unfavorably by both audiences and critics, and ultimately being cancelled by NBC after Season 4, Heroes still made a significant impact on the demand for superheroes. It served as a source of entertainment for viewers, who were unknowingly anticipating the arrival of something even bigger, which would happen just two years later.

Despite lacking source material and a traditional hero’s foundation, Heroes was able to single-handedly establish the superhero genre, proving its ability to thrive with limited resources. Put simply, the show built the genre from scratch, much like creating something from scraps in a cave.