15 Greatest Performances In Marvel Cinematic Universe TV Shows
When it comes to acting, the TV side has some of the very best the MCU can offer.
Since its launch in 2013, the TV branch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has already caught-up with its big screen counterpart.
It may not have the financial pull or huge interconnected universe, and at times it has seemed like the forgotten younger sibling. But in terms of quality, thanks to the Netflix shows anyway, it's at the very least the equal of the movies - if not better.
Strong writing, less concern over age ratings, more grounded stories, and more space in which to tell them has all contributed to the small screen representing some of the best Marvel has to offer. And holding it all together are some truly fantastic performances.
Whether it's on the often overlooked ABC shows, or the more critically-acclaimed Netflix series, Marvel TV has taken established names and relative newcomers alike, turning them into true comic book heroes and villains.
The TV side of things is still fledgling compared to the movies, but already it's racked up a number of memorable performances. With many more series to come the list will only grow, but these guys have already set the standard. (Contains spoilers.)
15. Clark Gregg - Phil Coulson (Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.)
It seems fitting to start this list with the man who bridged the gap between the MCU movies and TV shows.
Beloved as supporting character Phil Coulson, the character was tragically killed off in The Avengers - only to be given a second lease of life, with Clark Gregg headlining the first MCU spin-off TV show.
Although you could now argue for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. working without him, it never would've gotten off the ground without his presence. The return of Coulson was the reason anyone was interested in the first place, and Gregg's performance is what really made it work.
In the movies he just had to crack-wise. Here, he was charged with all the heavy lifting, and handled the extra workload superbly. Suffering from nightmares and trauma, he was able to delve into the psyche of Coulson, and show how much suffering he underwent. At the same time he had to be the strong leader of S.H.I.E.L.D., carrying the authority that comes with it, and on top of that still maintain an air of the lighthearted Coulson everyone loved in the first place.
It's a testament to Gregg that he not only managed it, but has continued to do so throughout the show's run, bringing more layers to a character the movies deemed surplus to requirements.