Every Marvel Comic Book TV Show Ranked From Worst To Best

10. The Amazing Spider-Man

The Amazing Spider-Man TV Series
CBS

While Spidey Super Stories was the first live-action portrayal of the character, The Amazing Spider-Man, which ran on CBS from 1978-79, was the first proper live-action series for the beloved web-slinger.

It started with a TV movie in 1977, before airing just 13 episodes over the course of its run, despite the fact it was a ratings success for the network. Nicholas Hammand (The Sound of Music) took on the titular role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, with Robert F. Simon as J. Jonah Jameson.

This was around the time Marvel sold a lot of rights to their characters, and CBS also brought us TV movies on Captain America and Doctor Strange. To that end, then, The Amazing Spider-Man actually fared fairly well (in comparison, at least).

Again, it differs a fair bit from the comics, with Jameson being a more avuncular figure towards Peter, and few recognisable characters actually appearing. And yes, the effects are a bit dodgy and the costume isn't the best. But Hammond is an interesting Parker, there's some decent stunt-work (albeit very of-its-time), and it's an important part of the Spidey legacy and path to screen.

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.