Marvel has an interesting track record when it comes to TV. Put simply, their network shows tend to be mediocre and skippable (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”, “Agent Carter”) while their cable and streaming shows have generally — with the primary exception of “Iron Fist” — been zeitgeisty and critically well received (“Jessica Jones,” “Luke Cage,” “Legion.”)
Well, this fall Marvel will once again be venturing into network television with the new ABC series “Marvel’s Inhumans,” about a royal family of superheroes. Here’s the official “Inhumans” synopsis from Marvel:
The Inhumans, a race of superhumans with diverse and singularly unique powers, were first introduced in Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. Since that time, they have grown in prominence and become some of the most popular and iconic characters in the Marvel Universe. “Marvel’s The Inhumans” will explore the never-before-told epic adventure of Black Bolt and the royal family.
“Marvel’s Inhumans” stars Anson Mount, Serinda Swan, Iwan Rheon, Ken Leung, and Eme Ikwuakor. Scott Buck, who recently ran the less-than-beloved Marvel/Netflix series “Iron Fist,” is showrunner, a fact that should make even the most devoted Inhumans fan have some trepidation about this series’ creative prospects. In addition to its ABC premiere on September 26th, Marvel/ABC are giving the first two “Inhumans” episodes an IMAX theatrical release on September 1st — the episodes were shot with IMAX digital cameras with this in mind.
Marvel has now released the first full trailer for the series, which is being compared to “Game of Thrones” for its powerful-family-in-conflict premise and epic scale. But doesn’t it seem like every new series with a scope larger than “Brooklyn 99”’s is being compared to “Game of Thrones” these days?