The Defenders – Picture: Netflix/Marvel/Disney
Welcome to the Marvel series guide to The Defenders on Netflix. We’ve got all you need to know about the former Marvel television series that arrived exclusively on Netflix prior to cancelation. The below guide is for Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage. We’ll also look at how we got to this moment, too. Here’s the Marvel series release status and schedule for 2019 and 2020.
13 seasons and 161 episodes later, the Marvel series on Netflix have concluded. Before the Marvel shows ended the release schedule typically aired two seasons a year but that figure eventually rose to three in 2017. With all the Marvel titles now canceled there will be no further releases in 2019 and onwards.
Timeline of the Marvel Series So Far
Just for a quick recap, here (in order of release) are the previous Marvel/Netflix titles to release.
- Daredevil (Season 1) April 2015
- Jessica Jones (Season 1) November 2015
- Daredevil (Season 2) March 2016
- Luke Cage (Season 1) September 2016
- Iron Fist (Season 1) March 2017
- The Defenders (Season 1) August 2017
- The Punisher (Season 1) November 2017
- Jessica Jones (Season 2) March 2018
- Luke Cage (Season 2) June 2018
- Iron Fist (Season 2) September 2018
- Daredevil (Season 3) October 2018
- The Punisher (Season 2) January 2019
- Jessica Jones (Season 3) June 2019
Looking for an expanded breakdown including full recaps? Then try out our how to watch the Marvel series on Netflix in order list.
Are the Marvel series leaving Netflix?
There have been some rumors floating around that Netflix will be losing the Marvel series thanks to Disney moving away from Netflix and towards their own streaming service. Although Disney does own the titles, they’ve been exclusively provided to Netflix. The Disney deal only covers the theatrical releases. But with Netflix having killed The Defenders series it could be the case that eventually Netflix does lose the series.
Note: This guide excludes ABC Marvel shows such as Agents of SHIELD, Agent Carter, Cloak & Dagger and Inhumans.
Jessica Jones Season 4
Status: canceled
Release Date: N/A
After a pretty poor second season, Jessica Jones managed to rectify that damage in the third season. But a hero is only as good as its greatest villain and without Kilgrave the series still struggled to hit the same heights as season one. Still, the super-sleuth was the last woman standing and of least we were able to see one final season before everything ended. The biggest shame though is the fact none of these stories will be concluded.
The Punisher Season 3
Status: Canceled
Release Date: N/A
The Punisher became a fan favorite from the moment he graced the screen in his debut appearance back in season 2 of Daredevil. Thanks to his popularity it became a very easy decision for Netflix to order The Punisher his own series. We’ve now had 2 seasons of Frank Castle with both seasons incredibly impressed by Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of the comic book character. Many have already cited that the second season was a vast improvement upon the first season with many wishing for more. Sadly this has not impaired Netflix from canceling the show. The final nail in the coffin has been dealt and alongside the rest of the Marvel shows they are dead in the water.
View this post on Instagram
To all who have served. All who know loss. All who love and understand Frank and his pain. It has been an honor to walk in his boots. I’m endlessly grateful to the comic fans and the men and women of the Armed Services and law enforcement community who Frank means so much to. Thank you to the USMC and all the wonderful soldiers who trained me. Go Hard. Be safe.
Daredevil: Season 4
Status: Canceled
Release Date: N/A
Daredevil maintained the reputation of being one of the best series Netflix had to offer after another fantastic season. Sadly this was not enough to stop Netflix from canceling the series. The signs were there after Iron Fist and Luke Cage were canceled. While no more seasons will be produced, it is likely that Marvel will be using the character for other future projects.
Daredevil is the series which kick-started The Defenders and his third outing will be more screentime than any other of The Defenders have seen.
Luke Cage Season 3
Status: Canceled
Release Date: N/A
It was recently confirmed that season 3 of Luke Cage has officially been canceled. While season 3 was in some form of development, production hadn’t officially begun. With the cancelation of the series, the future of the character looks bleak and after the cancelation of Daredevil, the potential partnership between Luke Cage and Iron Fist to form a Heroes for Hire show will definitely not be happening.
Iron Fist Season 3
Status: Cancelled
Release Date: N/A
Even though Iron Fist season 2 saw a dramatic improvement in the opinion of the show, it still wasn’t enough for Marvel or Netflix to warrant the creation of a 3rd season. While this is the end for Iron Fist the show, the character is very much alive. Many fans held out hope that the character would return for a ‘Heroes for Hire’ show. But after the cancelation of Daredevil, this definitely won’t be happening.
The Defenders: Season 2
Status: Not happening
Release Date: Never
The Defenders was initially called season 1 but has since changed to a miniseries or limited run series. This means that only one season was planned. That’s a shame as while The Defenders wasn’t perfect, it certainly could be perfected for future seasons. The last interaction seen between the Defenders was their reaction to news of Matt Murdock’s survival. Only 1 hero out of the 4 is left standing after the cancelations of Iron Fist, Luke Cage and Daredevil. As Netflix has finished its exodus on Marvel shows we can say goodbye to The Defenders for the last time.
Thanks for letting us know you’re not dead. https://t.co/bpx9GKdLxa
— Jessica Jones (@JessicaJones) September 10, 2018
I defended this city for you. Don’t make me have to defend it from you. https://t.co/zABOtLmlJe
— Iron Fist (@MarvelIronFist) September 10, 2018
I feel you, bruh. Do what you need to do. https://t.co/eSEc797ZkF
— Luke Cage (@LukeCage) September 10, 2018
Below is a table of all the shows and their current renewal status.
| Show | Season | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Daredevil | 4 | Canceled |
| Jessica Jones | 4 | Canceled |
| Luke Cage | 3 | Canceled |
| Iron Fist | 3 | Canceled |
| Punisher | 3 | Canceled |
| The Defenders | 2 | Limited Series |
Our final update will arrive after the release of Jessica Jones season 3. If Netflix were to somehow revive these shows in any capacity we’ll look to update this article accordingly. Are you disappointed the Marvel series are over? Let us know in the comments below.
