The Netflix Marvel series have always been very popular, but their popularity has recently surged again owing to the series' being added to Disney Plus, as well as appearances from Vincent D'onofrio as Kingpin in Hawkeye and Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Hawkeye set a lot up for the MCU, so it's never been a better time for fans to go through this collection of shows.
As all of these series culminate in the Defenders crossover series, it makes sense for people to watch them in a particular order. There are various references and characters crossing over from series to series so a particular watching order is advisable for the best viewing experience. In the future, fans may see the Defenders characters returning for more series, more neatly integrated into the wider MCU timeline.
11 Daredevil Season One
The series that started it all off, Daredevil Season One should be where all fans of the Defenders Saga should start. Introducing Matt Murdock/Daredevil and his friends Foggy Nelson and Karen Page, the series introduces the conflict between Daredevil and Kingpin with brilliant performances all around. Some of the worst things Kingpin has ever done are explored in this series, solidifying him as one of the best Marvel villains.
The season also includes appearances from other crime bosses such as Madame Gao and Nobu, who go on to be more prominent adversaries in the other Defender Saga shows later on. Not only does this season stand on its own but also sets up the later plotlines across different shows.
10 Jessica Jones Season One
A much more self-contained story, Jessica Jones Season One explores the titular character and her abusive ex-relationship with Kilgrave, who is played fantastically by David Tennant and will sadly probably never return to MCU. Tackling subjects such as sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress, and more, it's one of the grittiest entries into the MCU thus far but never feels like the subjects aren't being done justice.
Jessica Jones' first season also features Luke Cage for quite a few episodes as they have a no strings attached sexual relationship. Not only does the season establish Jessica Jones as a very compelling character, but it is important for the wider Defenders Saga plot lines.
9 Daredevil Season Two
The second season of Daredevil not only builds upon the titular characters' own storylines and supporting characters, with Stick reintroduced and used much more than in the previous season as well as Elektra being introduced, but the Punisher shows up as well. It has a great story that shows why Daredevil belongs in the MCU along with his supporting characters.
This season is all about Daredevil and Stick taking on the Hand who are trying to capture Elektra, believing her to be the Black Sun, a prophesied mythical warrior who cannot be defeated by any mortal. Fans should make sure to watch this as their third series in the Saga to have the best viewing.
8 Luke Cage Season One
Luke Cage's first season is full of nuance, with racism and social injustice at the forefront of what the show is trying to say. Just like a lot of the Defenders Saga shows, Luke Cage shows a much grittier side to the world than viewers usually get from the MCU, and it's as relevant today as it was when it was first released in 2016.
Fighting against villains Cottonmouth, Shades, and Diamondback, Luke Cage truly discovers what it means to be a hero and how his powers are nothing compared to the will of standing up for what's right and choosing to protect people. In many ways, Luke Cage establishes himself as a hero viewers can relate to much more than they could superheroes such as Thor. Certain sympathetic MCU villains in the show help to humanize both sides of the conflict.
7 Iron Fist Season One
While commonly regarded as one of the weakest entries into the Defenders Saga, Iron Fist Season One does have many enjoyable moments. Danny Rand returns home after being presumed dead, inheriting a multi-billion dollar company that he doesn't even want.
Issues with the pacing, storytelling, and fight sequences have long been overstated. It's pretty clear that the ball was dropped with this season, but it is still worth a watch as part of the ultimate Defenders Saga viewing order.
6 The Defenders
The culmination of multiple seasons and dozens of characters, The Defenders is a limited crossover series that finally sees Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage join forces to stop the Hand in their latest conquest of world domination which rivals even the Kingpin's comic powers.
While the storyline can sometimes drop the ball with its frenetic pacing, there is a perfect interplay between the titular heroes and some stunning fight scenes. The viewer gets the sense that they're watching a finale, and at times it perfectly mirrors the space-faring Avengers with the street-level Defenders.
5 The Punisher Season One
After a wholly popular appearance in Daredevil Season Two, the Punisher went on to have his own series. Much more darker and adult than even the other Defenders Saga shows, The Punisher's first season is a great look into the psyche of Frank Castle and everything he's been through to get to this point.
With appearances from Dardevil supporting characters such as Karen Page, The Punisher feels like a true continuation of what had been set up previously in the Daredevil series. It's one of the best written and directed shows in the entire Defenders Saga, so coming off the back of the Defenders fans can expect their enjoyment to peak here.
4 Jessica Jones/ Luke Cage/ Iron Fist Season Two
The second seasons of Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist offer more insight into the psyche of the titular characters in each respective show. While Luke Cage and Iron Fist have quite a few crossovers, playing into the Heroes for Hire team-up from the comics, Jessica Jones Season Two is pretty much completely self-contained.
While there isn't much in the way of Defenders plotlines being brought back up, all second seasons of these shows build upon the first and feel like natural progressions of the characters and the world they inhabit.
3 Daredevil Season Three
The final season of Daredevil (but maybe not for too much longer), Season Three brings Wilson Fisk back as well as introduces Daredevil arch enemy Bullseye, who has featured in many must-read Daredevil comics.
With Matt Murdock discovering truths about his past and heritage and Daredevil running ragged across Hell's Kitchen dealing with the various criminals, Season Three feels more action-packed than fans would necessarily expect. By the end of the series, fans will feel like they've truly been on a journey, with the final conflict between Daredevil/ Fisk/ Bullseye being full of memorable, human performances from the cast that makes the fight stand out even over the best fight sequences in the MCU movies.
2 The Punisher Season Two
The second season of The Punisher gives the fans a much-needed reintroduction to the titular character as he travels across the USA before being thrust back into conflict with his old friend Billy Russo.
While the season isn't as well-received as the first, it is full of action, and as the penultimate Defenders Saga, the season is unavoidable for fans looking to do a complete rewatch. The show sees Castle finally taking on the mantle of the Punisher and embracing who he is as that person.
1 Jessica Jones Season Three
In the final season of the Defenders Saga, the third season of Jessica Jones develops her supporting characters a lot while also further progressing the titular character's development.
Much of the conflict is centered around Jessica and her adoptive sister Trish Walker, who is growing increasingly erratic and finding it difficult to control her newfound powers. After seeing the sisters be so close throughout the first two seasons, this conflict between them breaks new ground and creates a lot of drama for the audience to enjoy. While it isn't quite the hurrah the Defenders Saga deserved, it's a passable and entertaining series that caps off the characters fans had gotten to know over the course of half a decade.