Watching a superhero perform incredible feats or fighting off bad guys has been a part of the TV world for a long time. People enjoy seeing larger-than-life individuals turning into a superhero or calling upon their special talents. They have been represented in live-action shows and animated cartoons. For the sake of this story, we’re staying with the live-action shows.

Batman (1966)

Bringing Batman, the Caped Crusader, and Robin, the Boy Wonder, to life on TV proved to be no easy task. Yet this show came along at the right time and right place. ABC discovered a smash hit as Adam West played Bruce Wayne/Batman and Burt Ward played Dick Grayson/Robin. Each week, they battled against some of the most devious characters to ever enter Gotham City. It didn’t hurt that this version of Batman arrived about the same time as color television sets were all the rage. Serious Batman fans probably didn’t like the campiness of this show. Yet there are many who still love it and the superhero.

Superman (1952)

In television’s Golden Age of the 1950s, there definitely was plenty of room for a superhero to take up space. As it turns out, Superman found a soft spot in viewers’ hearts. George Reeves played this version of The Man of Steel. He performed all the perfunctory duties as a superhero. Of course, he hid his special side from the public by becoming Clark Kent. Heck, Superman even found his way to an episode of I Love Lucy, a hot show in the ’50s.

Wonder Woman (1975)

Well, considering the 1970s was a time of massive shifts in the battle for the equality of women, Wonder Woman showed up at the right time. Lynda Carter played Wonder Woman, covering up her superhero side by becoming Diana Prince. Wonder Woman also fought off bad guys and used her special skills to make quick work of bad guys. This liv-ace-action version is still popular with viewers today.

The Green Hornet (1966)

Fighting crime while also working as a newspaper editor definitely kept Britt Reid busy. But he managed to pull double duty when the night sky fell over the city on The Green Hornet. Of course, it didn’t hurt to have his house boy Kato along to help him. Van Williams and Bruce Lee starred in this version of the classic radio show. It’s too bad that this lasted just one season.

The Incredible Hulk (1977)

People learned pretty quickly that if you tick off David Banner, then you better get ready for The Incredible Hulk. Bill Bixby played Banner and bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno shows up as Hulk. The superhero in this show may not be as sexy as others. Yet the whole series clicks and makes for a good show.