Forgotten Superhero Series With a 95% Rotten Tomatoes Score Officially Lands on Netflix

Published 07/16/2026, 5:24 AM EDT

Credit: Prime Video

Netflix has brought back one of the most beloved and funniest superheroes on its platform. While most superheroes originate from comic books, this one has a very different origin, much like the unconventional approach of the series itself. And while it may not have the most flattering costume, the character has remained a fan favorite across generations.

With Supergirl now released and several more superhero movies set to arrive this year, there is no better time to revisit this iconic franchise. With all of its live-action adaptations available to stream on Netflix, here is all about this unique superhero series.

Netflix welcomes the 2001 superhero series

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Netflix has added one of the most iconic superhero shows, The Tick, to its platform. The 2001 version of the series, starring Patrick Warburton, was released on Netflix on July 8, 2026. A week later, on July 15, 2026, the streaming service in Canada also added the second live-action adaptation of The Tick, starring Peter Serafinowicz.

Coming back to the 2001 series, this is the first live-action adaptation of the superhero. It holds a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Alongside Patrick Warburton, the cast includes David Burke, Liz Vassey, and Nestor Carbonell.

Credit: Prime Video

Although the 2001 series was well received by fans and critics, it was surprisingly not renewed for a second season. The 2016 adaptation, however, ran for two seasons. Alongside Serafinowicz, its cast features Griffin Newman, Valorie Curry, Brendan Hines, Scott Speiser, Yara Martinez, Jackie Earle Haley, and others.

Created by Ben Edlund, The Tick follows an enthusiastic superhero with superhuman strength. He wears a blue costume with 2 antennas on his head. The superhero is also joined by a loyal partner, Arthur, a timid accountant who fights crime wearing a moth-themed suit. It is a perfect Superhero series to add to the movie list this year. 

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But for those who are new to the series, there is much curisoity about the history and origin of The Tick.

What is the origin of The Tick

The Tick was created by Ben Edlund as the mascot for the New England Comics store newsletter. What makes this character funny and yet intriguing is that while he means well, the Tick is a clueless superhero with incredible strength and no memory of his own origin. The Tick is even said to have escaped from a mental institution.

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THE TICK, from left: Griffin Newman, Peter Serafinowicz, Devin Ratray, Tale From The Crypt , (Season 1, ep. 107, aired Feb. 23, 2018). photo: Jessica Miglio Amazon Courtesy: Everett Collection (FSC:AA) !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xAmazon CourtesyxEverettxCollectionx TCDTICK EC025

After appearing in the New England Comics Newsletter, the character received a three-part story before finally getting its own comic book miniseries. Amid the growing popularity of the character, The Tick received a three-season animated series on Fox Kids. Much later, the show got its live-action adaptation. This not only introduced the character to a larger audience but also helped the blue hero turn into a fan-favorite superhero across different generations. 

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Have you watched The Tick? Let us know in the comments.

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Pritha Debroy

946 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Adiba Nizami

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