Exciting news for Netflix subscribers (*other streaming sites are available) with the announcement of a huge production partnership deal with Marvel. The studio’s TV arm and the TV Network are developing four 13-part superhero series, kicking off in 2015. Those will lead into what they’re calling “a miniseries programming event”, a version of Marvel’s The Defenders that “reimagines a dream team of self-sacrificing, heroic characters”.

The first Marvel cab off the Netflix rank will be a 13-part Daredevil series, followed by Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage. For Marvel fans, this means years of viewing ahead and a vow Netflix that readers will be taken “deep into the gritty world of heroes and villains of Hell’s Kitchen, New York”.

“This deal is unparalleled in its scope and size, and reinforces our commitment to deliver Marvel's brand, content and characters across all platforms of storytelling,” said Alan Fine, President of Marvel Entertainment. “Netflix offers an incredible platform for the kind of rich storytelling that is Marvel’s specialty. This serialised epic expands the narrative possibilities of on-demand television and gives fans the flexibility to immerse themselves how and when they want in what’s sure to be a thrilling and engaging adventure.”

Added Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos: “Marvel’s movies, such as Iron Man and The Avengers, are huge favourites on our service around the world. Like Disney, Marvel is a known and loved brand that travels. We’re thrilled to be working with Disney and Marvel to take our brand of television to new levels with a creative project of this magnitude.”

Netflix sees the deal as a natural extension to last year’s deal that gave them exclusive US subscription TV rights to all Marvel and Walt Disney properties. With its track record in producing original TV series – Orange Is The New Black and House Of Cards, amongst them – Marvel fanboys should be reassured that the results will leave Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. in the shade.

^
That was because it was on ABC. Also, the source material is much better for Daredevil than say SHIELD. Read the Daredevil 1985 "Born Again" graphic novels and see how gritty is even by today's standards. What worries me is Disney's involvement because of how crappy Iron Man 3 and Avengers turned out to be.

I don't think Agents of SHEILD should be looked at as a model for these Netflix series. SHEILD isn't all that interesting to begin with plus its on network tv. This series (ESP Daredevil) have much greater potential to be good, if not great.

Just finished episode 3. The big hallway fight scene at the end of the second episode was absolutely awesome.