Netflix will be quietly removing the live-action Marvel superhero shows that originally premiered on its platform. Shows including Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, The Punisher, Iron Fist and The Defenders displayed the advisory that they will be removed as of March 1. It is yet unclear whether other Marvel properties such as Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD will remain on the platform or not.

These shows were bought by Netflix with the pitch to release them one after another, and then bring all their stars together for a massive event which would be The Defenders after the hype had been generated by each original character’s eponymous show. This move, which was inspired by the success of The Avengers film franchise, didn’t fare as well for these characters.

While Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage were released to critical success for taking Marvel properties in unexplored narrative directions, excitement over the new Netflix-extended universe began to wane. Later series entries, Iron Fist and The Punisher were generally seen as a noticeable drop in quality by fans of the first shows, and the finale miniseries The Defenders premiered to decreased viewership and significantly less critical enthusiasm.

Since Marvel content is now an integral part of the streaming service Disney+, it’s not surprising that they may want to release these series themselves instead of letting the streaming right stay with Netflix.

Marvel has already incorporated characters seen in these series in their more recent MCU properties, including Charlie Cox as Daredevil making an appearance in Spider Man: No Way Home, and Daredevil villain Kingpin showing up in the final episodes of the new Disney+ series Hawkeye. Hopefully, Marvel and Disney will breathe new life into these characters that really excited viewers when their shows first hit Netflix.

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