DC Comics announced a direct-to-consumer streaming service way back in April 2017, and details have been relatively scarce about what DC fans can expect. Sure, certain original shows have been announced and other perks have been teased, but specifics have been in short supply... until now. Details about the DC Universe streaming service have finally been released, and there's a lot for DC fans to get excited about. Here's what we know.
DC Universe will provide original animated and live-action animated series, classic TV shows and movies, a selection of DC comic books, an encyclopedia of all things DC, breaking news, and even access to exclusive merchandise. Throw in additional features like the chances to connect with other DC fans as well as participate in contests and earn premium rewards. This new DC Universe is not just another Netflix or Hulu or Amazon Prime; it will be an immersive DC experience that should keep any DC fan happy once it's launched later this year. The goal of DC Universe is to give "fans a place to tailor their experience and build a direct relationship with DC in a way they never could before," according to Warner Bros. Digital Networks president Craig Hunegs.
The original series that have been announced so far are Titans, Doom Patrol, Swamp Thing, Young Justice: Outsiders, and Harley Quinn. Titans will be the first of these originals to premiere, although no exact premiere date has yet been announced. The long-awaited live-action show will premiere at some point later this year. Given that no premiere date has been released and DC Universe itself has yet to launch, I would guess that viewers won't get a look at full Titans episodes until the fourth quarter of 2018. Swamp Thing, Doom Patrol, Harley Quinn, and the returning Young Justice will all premiere in 2019. Assuming they're not all released at the same time, we should probably expect them to release over a span of time in the new year.
A number of classic TV shows will be available on DC Universe, and the very good news is that Batman: The Animated Series will be one of them. Hailed as one of the best animated series of all time, the odds are pretty good that there will be some Batman binge-watching once DC Universe debuts. Also available will be the original Wonder Woman show starring Lynda Carter, among other series. If you're in the mood for some movies as well as TV, DC Universe has you covered. All four of the original Superman movies will be part of the DC Universe library, as well as more recent animated movies like Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, Green Lantern: First Flight, and Wonder Woman.
For more of what you can expect, check out the DC Universe launch trailer:
If you want access to the beta version of DC Universe later this year, head to the streaming service's official site to sign up. Be sure to stay tuned to CinemaBlend for the latest in DC Universe and superhero news. If you need some shows to watch while we wait for the streaming service to launch, take a look at our summer TV premiere schedule. For a guide to the shows that have been announced so far, check out the the thorough breakdown.
