Streaming Sci Fi TV: Tracking down sci fi and fantasy shows of interest available on the streaming services. Note that these shows can be pulled from the services at any time with little notice.
What Is It?
This series focuses on the super-secret organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division), based on the Marvel Comics, and taking place in the MCU. It follows Agent Phil Coulson as he assembles a small team of specialists to investigate strange phenomena, superhuman threats, and advanced technology tied to the secretive world of superheroes. Across its run, the team deals with alien artifacts, rogue organizations like Hydra, and emerging super-powered individuals, while uncovering conspiracies that threaten both S.H.I.E.L.D. and the wider world.
Aired: ABC, 2013-20, 7 Seasons Totaling 136 Episodes
Starring: Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker, Elizabeth Henstridge, Nick Blood
Developed By: Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen
Why Watch It?
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. landed on ABC in 2013 and acted as a spin-off of sorts from the MCU movies, though it had very little connection to those, and it eventually veered into what seemed like a separate timeline. It got off to kind of a slow start, with the show not seeming to know what direction it wanted to take in its first season. It did shift to a degree in its second year, in part as a response to the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and by its third season it seemed to be finding itself and picking up its stride. As it moved away from the MCU continuity, it started to emphasize its sci fi elements, and quietly became one of the strongest genre entries on the schedule (more on that at this link).
Most important to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was its cast, led by the always enjoyable Clark Gregg as Phil Coulson. (You thought he died in The Avengers? Welcome to Level 7… ) But while he gave the show a strong central character to work with, the creative team surrounded him with a more than capable team, and the chemistry among the actors grows and becomes more and more apparent as the show progresses. It never drew high ratings during its original run, but ABC stuck with it and allowed it to go for seven seasons. That makes for quite a lot of viewing, and while the early seasons are rather choppy, it is certainly worth it to stick with the show to the point when it really starts to shine in its third year and beyond.
Where Is It Streaming?
The entire series is streaming on Disney+ along with the two seasons of the quasi spin-off Agent Carter. The basic plan for that streamer starts at $11.99 per month and that includes Hulu. They also have some bundle deals with HBO Max and ESPN, and you can see all the options at this link. The show has also been released on DVD and Blu-ray on a season-by-season basis, and you can buy it VOD.
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