The Defenders made its debut on Netflix on August 18, 2017, bringing together Marvel’s street-level heroes in an epic eight-episode miniseries. Let me walk you through why this release was such a significant moment for Marvel fans.
The Build-Up to The Defenders
Think of The Defenders as the small-screen equivalent of The Avengers. Before this team-up, Netflix had carefully laid the groundwork through individual series featuring each hero: Daredevil (2015), Jessica Jones (2015), Luke Cage (2016), and Iron Fist (2017). Each show established its own unique tone and following, making the eventual crossover even more anticipated.
What Makes The Defenders Special
The series brings together four very different heroes:
– Matt Murdock/Daredevil: The blind lawyer with enhanced senses
– Jessica Jones: The super-strong private investigator
– Luke Cage: Harlem’s bulletproof defender
– Danny Rand/Iron Fist: The mystical martial arts master
Viewing Order Recommendation
If you’re planning to watch The Defenders for the first time, I’d strongly suggest watching the individual series first. While you could jump straight into The Defenders, you’d miss out on crucial character development and storylines that make the team-up so meaningful. Think of it like joining a conversation halfway through – you’ll get the gist, but you’ll miss the nuances.
Where The Defenders Fits in the Timeline
The series takes place roughly a year after Daredevil Season 2, and it draws heavily from plot threads established in all previous Netflix Marvel shows. The story brings our heroes together to face a threat that’s been brewing since Daredevil’s first season – the mysterious organization known as The Hand.
Legacy and Impact
While The Defenders was intended as a one-off miniseries, its events continue to ripple through the individual shows that followed. It’s particularly important for understanding Daredevil Season 3’s storyline, which picks up directly after the events of The Defenders.
Streaming Availability Today
Although The Defenders originally premiered on Netflix, the series, along with other Marvel Netflix shows, moved to Disney+ in March 2022. This means you can now stream it alongside other Marvel content in the MCU collection.
Remember, while The Defenders is relatively short at just eight episodes, it represents the culmination of several years of storytelling across multiple series. It’s like the final chapter of a book that brings all the main characters together for one epic adventure.
