The prominence of streaming services continues to rise -- just pop over to The Cord Cutter Podcast for all the most exciting developments. The vast assortment of standalone services is staggering and exciting, and one of the most intriguing the bunch is one entirely dedicated to streaming comic book content: DC Universe. The multimedia site/app is gaining lots of momentum, however, and 2019 is primed to be a huge year for DC Universe and its subscribers.
With that in mind, we've put together a handy guide to all of the big and exciting super-shows that are making at home at DC Universe. We will endeavor to keep this as up-to-date as possible, so find someone at S.T.A.R. Labs to provide a device that sets off an air horn each time updates are made. Or not. On that note, let's get things started with the first-ever live-action Teen Titans show, which also served as the streaming platform's flagship original series.
Titans - Returning For Season 2 In 2019
The live-action Titans series was rumored for years, with the project at one point set to go to TNT. But this dark, F-bomb-dropping drama never would have worked there. Titans has a talented cast of stars and vigilantes alike, with Brenton Thwaites taking center stage as Dick "Not Robin Anymore Kinda" Grayson. He's joined by Teagan Croft's tortured Raven, Ryan Potter's lighthearted Beast Boy, Anna Diop's Starfire, and Smallville vet Alan Ritchson and Minka Kelly as Hawk and Dove, respectively.
Titans has managed to keep its narrative exciting and unpredictable throughout Season 1, and viewers seem to have embraced the new hero series pretty well. (DC Universe reported around 97% of subscribers have tuned in.) It's a good thing, since DC Universe renewed Titans for Season 2 before its series premiere. With all the big comic surprises and easter eggs introduced in the inaugural season, it stands to reason these young heroes' next adventures will be just as thrillingly glorious.
Young Justice: Outsiders - Premieres Friday, January 4
Many have already lauded DC Universe for announcing the long-awaited third season of Young Justice, to be known as Young Justice: Outsiders. Season 3's first episodes drop just after the new year arrives, and the long drought between seasons will finally come to an end. The Outsiders footage released thus far has mostly been worth the wait, as Young Justice and Justice League members will unite for a mythology-expanding next chapter.
Though we know the general plot of Young Justice: Outsiders will feature heroes attempting to rescue Metas from being used as other countries' weapons of war, quite a few questions have gone intentionally unanswered ahead of the premiere. For example, a notable character like Aqualad, who went through a radical change in Young Justice Season 2, still hasn't been spotted, despite Khary Peyton's confirmed return. How often will he be around in the new season?
Harley Quinn - Premiering In Late 2019
DC Universe will soon be the stomping grounds for a solo animated series focusing on none other than Ms. Harley Quinn. The animated format makes plenty of sense, considering Harley began life on the cels of Batman: The Animated Series. The new show will center on Harley Quinn after her big break-up with The Joker, where she begins a mission to become a major villainous force in Gotham City. Harley's release is rumored for Friday, October 11, but it hasn't been confirmed.
Harley Quinn is being spearheaded by the same folks behind NBC's short-lived DC Comics workplace sitcom, Powerless, so hope is high that this project can have a better gestation on a DC-specific platform. Star power should help, with The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco voicing the titular villainess. Giancarlo Esposito, Jason Alexander, and Tony Hale will be some of her A-list co-stars, with the great Alan Tudyk voicing The Joker, which should be an absolute joy to hear.
Swamp Thing - Debuting Mid-2019
DC Universe will get its feet wet and sloshy with one of DC's most unusual comic book heroes: Swamp Thing. The streaming service has given a straight-to-series order for Swamp Thing, the second small screen effort for the bio-hero. The hour-long, live-action drama follows CDC researcher Abby Arcane (Crystal Reed) returning to Houma, Louisiana to study a swamp-borne virus. Her relationship with fellow scientist Alec Holland (Andy Bean) is cut short when he's tragically killed...or so it seems. (Spoilers: he's a monster now.)
Swamp Thing will be executive produced by Aquaman helmer James Wan, who's arguably best known for hisConjuring films. It should be interesting to see how the show's version of Swamp Thing will compare to the one that debuted on the pages of DC Comics way back in 1971, and other versions. One change we know of is that Jennifer Beale will come on to play an intimidating character named Sheriff Lucilla, who was created specifically for the DC Universe show.
Doom Patrol - Premiering In 2019
Speaking of highly unusual heroes that can definitely check the "outcast" box, a live-action Doom Patrol series is on the way. This odd band of misfits will be called into action by Cyborg to embark on a mission sending them far and wide to the weirdest parts of the universe. Technically, any part of the universe that holds the Doom Patrol is the weirdest part.
A portion of the standalone series' cast already got a bonkers introduction via Titans Season 1, in which we got a taste of what is sure to be an interesting character ensemble. Brendan Fraser's Robotman, Matt Bomer's Negative Man, Diane Gurrero's Crazy Jane and more will hopefully add even more chaos to DC Universe's library. The world already has a kooky DC ensemble in Legends of Tomorrow, but there's definitely room for Doom Patrol. Did we mention Timothy Dalton is team leader?
Stargirl - Premiering In 2019
Another one of DC's more obscure heroes is coming to television, with Courtney Whitmore getting her own star-spangled standalone story for Stargirl. When Courtney discovers her step-father used to be a sidekick for another superhero, she borrows said hero's long-lost cosmic staff and makes her life in Nebraska a lot more interesting.
Former Nickelodeon star Brec Bassinger is set for the role of Stargirl, and TV comedian and actor Joel McHale will be playing Starman. The series also found its Hourman in Lou Ferrigno Jr., which has some speculating this show is looking to establishing its own Justice Society of America. With the way DC is continually expanding with more live-action shows, it wouldn't be surprising if that's exactly what's being planned.
Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for the latest in superhero news and be sure to keep an eye on all things coming to television in the near future with 2019 midseason premiere guide.
