Doom Patrol - The Best Superhero Show You've Never Heard Of

Doom Patrol might be the greatest superhero show ever made. Today, I discuss why I think this is the case and why you should watch Doom Patrol, as there isn’t anything else quite like it on television.
Looking to watch Doom Patrol? Head over to the DC Universe streaming service. This isn’t sponsored or anything, but I highly recommend the service, both for watching Doom Patrol and for the massive amounts of quality DC movies, cartoons, and comics that are available there. If you’re a DC fan (or even if you’re not), there’s a boatload of content that you’ll enjoy.
Also Doom Patrol has been renewed for season two! WOOOOOO!
Twitter : / critical_rants
If you guys want to check out my blog (I write about similar, albeit often wackier, topics), you can check it out here: criticalrants.com/

[@TovarClan]

"They're just trying to make it through the day" A total mood.

[@timrasico8821]

Where is Beast Boy? Tim

[@justinmathew111]

Wtf does that even mean? A tOtAl MoOddDdDd

[@709mash]

Brendan Fraser KILLS it in this show. So glad he's getting attention again.

[@mrknowall2849]

I feel the same way Doom Patrol is the best show on tv streaming service anywhere , Diane Guerrero should be nominated for an Emmy or Golden Globe

[@TheGrafton12]

Matt Bomer and Brendan Fraser were unreal in conveying emotion with their voice acting,

[@Emileigggggh]

FAVORITE SHOW I'm obsessed. Perfect mixture of prestige character drama and camp.

[@baeclaus388]

Its over the top comments like yours that make me go yeah I think I'm gonna skip this 😑

[@Emileigggggh]

@@baeclaus388 should have skipped commenting lol no need to be rude damn

[@aliengranpa]

2 words explain why I love this show: Crazy Jane!

[@aaronhetherington6294]

Yup

[@MRJMXHD]

@@aliengranpa give me HammerHead lol

[@toganium4175]

This show is even deeper than I realized on my first and second viewings. My biggest problem with modern DC and Marvel films is how I find them to be very shallow (with the exception of Joker of course), but I don't get that from Doom Patrol. It is a strong psychological analysis of sympathetic yet incredibly flawed characters, and if I'm being honest here, while watching it, I sometimes FORGOT that I was watching a superhero show.

[@criticalrants]

It's definitely unique within the superhero genre in so many ways. It genuinely is easy to forget that you're watching a superhero show because Doom Patrol doesn't feel the need to shove action sequences down your throat every episode. I just finished my fourth viewing of the show recently and my appreciation for Doom Patrol only continues to grow with time.

[@akwilson1676]

Brendan Fraser is the secret weapon.

[@killercards7733]

Queens of the stone age pfp huh

[@akwilson1676]

@@killercards7733 Well what can I say it's a badass album cover.

[@mchlfx]

That scene where Larry and Cliff both learn to move on from the loved ones they’ve both been brooding about for decades, set to Frank Ocean’s cover of “Moon River,” had me full-on crying.

[@jonovan9159]

i ws trying to figure out why the instrumental of moon river started playing and I've never seen the show so thanks for clarifying lol. i was so confused

[@MediocreKing]

While very different in tone, that experimental, risk taking is why my second favorite superhero show, after Doom Patrol, is Legion. I just like it when good writers and directors try things I don't usually see or haven't seen before! And I especially like it when it's in a superhero coated shell!

[@adamgriffiths256]

I love legion sad it's over 😢

[@dielicagold]

Legion is a gorgeously creative show but like... I have such a hard time liking the characters... (Except the Careys). Meanwhile, I'd take a fucking bullet for any of the mains in DP.

[@MediocreKing]

@@dielicagold I can totally get that. I had some real issues with most of the characters for the last season. But I think that's largely me not liking the direction it took overall rather than individual character parts. Seasons 1 and 2 were great tho

[@ianr.navahuber2195]

@@dielicagold legion started to decay a little in season 3 when the narrative really wanted to make david a villain 100% and they actually wanted to imply shadow king was the hero. even though shadow king at best was a pragmatic villain who was still a monster.

[@ianr.navahuber2195]

@@MediocreKing agreed. season 1 was awesome and amahl farouk was really scary. and in season 2 i loved the minor snippeds of that narrator talking about "delusions and ideas turning bad"

[@naturesquad9174]

You should read Morrison's legendary Doom Patrol run. It's profound, hilarious, and intensely psychedelic. like a comedic version of the Tibetan Book of the Dead, sprinkled with anarchist philosophy.

[@criticalrants]

I'm currently working my way through Morrison's run and I'm loving it. I thought the show was pretty weird and out there but Morrison is just on a whole different level.

[@naturesquad9174]

@@criticalrants nice! After you finish that, check out his magnum opus The Invisibles, the spiritual successor to DP. It's very Matrix-y and is as close to LSD in comic form as you can get

[@bigulf6712]

yeah really this series so far (season 1 and 2) has basically been a riff of Morrison's run.

[@dielicagold]

That theme song. Chills every goddamn time.

[@criticalrants]

I don't think I've ever skipped the theme song

[@patricksfence2231]

Critical Rants nice

[@aaronhetherington6294]

I havent yet, its one of the best ones

[@nommyyt]

Great job with this video. You really get both the show and the characters. It’s such a unique show with such a unique voice (especially in the superhero genre). A story all about characters and being human, first and foremost. You really got that across with your talking points. Subbed. Just one thing though: for all the praise you gave to the actors, I wish you’d mentioned Cliff and Larry’s body actors, Riley Shanahan and Matthew Zuk. They do half of the work by being on point with their body language and truly working in tandem with the voice actors. And sometimes there’s no dialogue at all so whatever you get of Cliff and Larry in those scenes is all on them and their physical acting. I can’t imagine Cliff without his stiff but strangely energetic movements - the robot dance, the head tilts, the abrupt changes in position that convey just the right degree of otherness (he isn’t a man anymore afterall). The way his arms sometimes just seem to hang from his shoulders, completely unmoving, like the lifeless pieces of metal that they are. Likewise, I can’t imagine (post-accident) Larry without his shy awkwardness and the way he folds in on himself in a social setting, his shoulders curving inward to make himself look smaller. The hand gestures. The way his head moves to convey agreement, disagreement, resignation, or confusion. The body flops. So many body flops. Point is, these guys deserve as much credit as Brendan Frasier and Matthew Bomer in my opinion. I find it unfortunate that most people don’t even know they exist, let alone that they’re part of the Doom Patrol cast.

[@criticalrants]

That’s a really good point. Both Matthew and Riley deserve enormous praise as well. They sell the emotion behind the characters so well without using their faces I definitely should’ve included them here, but they’ll definitely be mentioned in future Doom Patrol videos. Thanks for the feedback, I’m glad you enjoyed the video

[@ElderBard00]

This video resonates how I feel about this show. I saw the trailer when it first launched and I was like. Nah! Not gonna waste my time. Gave it a chance 4 days ago. Now, I believe this is the best DC TV show yet!

[@rhetiq9989]

Now that Daredevil’s gone, this literaly is the best. It’s always a toss up between those two for me but now it’s taken the crown for good. Can’t wait for the rest of the second season

[@criticalrants]

Daredevil still deserves the number one spot alongside Doom Patrol, but man... even after only three episodes of the second season, I think I like Doom Patrol more. It's just a little more up my alley with how weird and unique it is. Like you, I'm soooo excited to see where the rest of the season goes

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Daredevil was overrated as shit. Watchmen killed that with 11 Emmy wins and only had 1 season. Now that's genius

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

@@criticalrants Doom patrol shits on Daredevil. It's still going.

[@realeyesrealize099]

Everytime I try to introduce DP to my friends I recommend them this video

[@criticalrants]

Wow, that honestly means a lot. Thank you

[@Theorphan81]

Seriously my favorite Superhero show of all time.

[@goodoljotaro12]

i know this is almost a year old, but this is fantastic. I would skimp a bit more on the recap of what the show is, but this is good! especially when you get to the analysis. Please keep going!

[@criticalrants]

I definitely cringe a bit towards the beginning when I’m recapping and I say, “Doom Patrol”, about six times. I appreciate the feedback! I have another Doom Patrol video planned for the future as well as some other great videos coming up, and I really appreciate the kind words and encouragement!

[@darkgoddarkseid2824]

Of course it’s the best superhero show. Amazing season.

[@kylewindere2133er]

The when your strange instrumental is legit perfect 🔥🔥🔥

[@MegaTurkeylips]

Wonderful review. I can't get enough of this show. Starting the 3rd season now and I see on Wiki they have just been renewed for a FOURTH season. I love HBO Max. We don't need major studios anymore to watch amazing content.

[@mikagami69]

As someone who isn't a DC fan or really very familiar with the comics, I think you really hit the nail on the head regarding what makes this show great (and it is super great!). Highly worth watching.

[@goodolnoahYT]

I NEED TO SAY THIS! Starting season two and seeing more of Rita and Larry’s relationship, I LOVE THEIR FRIENDSHIP! It’s probably one my favorite platonic relationships in media.

[@karlozols816]

I just noticed Niles Caulder watching a tv show called "How to weld"! Oh my g-d!!

[@lorimeyers6305]

This person deserves way more subscribers.

[@LibertyBridgeProductions]

So glad everyone is gushing about this like I am. It’s so well made and ppl should appreciate this perfection in character work and filmmaking.

[@smileyman1721]

Ah yes, the reason I got a DCU subscription. Everyone I've shown this too loves it, and that includes my grandmother. Let that sink in.

[@DaShneeko]

You got a new sub. What a great show and review. You’ve earned it

[@criticalrants]

Thank you so much! Glad to have you onboard :)

[@christophergarrett7082]

Easily one of the best dc shows ever. It's a human drama with superheroes. Therapy patrol is easily one of the best tv episodes I have seen in years

[@thebigbrainedalien9763]

I knew only a little about the doompatrol before this came out (i read a giant Dc book) and like a couple years ago Larry or negative man is my favorite still

[@andrewdant2780]

Alright I'm interested.

[@spottyhead]

"Mommy, the mummy died."

[@MissyFaith1971]

Such a great show! Characters are awesome, surprises around every corner and the places you'll see!!

[@feykabah]

What a great review. Well done.

[@criticalrants]

Thank you!

[@aliengranpa]

I don't know about best ever made...but it's definitely up there!

[@iansarmiento23]

Season 2 has a slight "family theme" vibe. We got the show showing us Larry, Cliffe and Nike's child.

[@chrisrice6449]

simply the best show

[@Onguard8737]

Loved it and I can't wait for season three and wonderfully written

[@alizzamistades]

I love doom patrol, and the soundtrack is awesome

[@wzardglick]

i'm about to watch this one again.

[@BenChanNYC]

While I don't disagree with what you said about Rita surrounding herself with photos of herself, there's (unsurprisingly) more to it. She also needs them by her mirror so she can maintain her face every day or risk losing herself.

[@cardsfanboy]

Loved the video, love the love for this show. Arguably one of the best comic book shows out there, although if I am forced at gunpoint, Young Justice is absolutely number one(and sorry it's not really close) . My only minor issue with this show is the fact that the characters don't want to be heroes. It's great for story telling that they don't, but at the same time, as a fan of comics, I want to see my heroes try, even if they fail... eventually they reach this sometimes. And I get ticked off at the fact that the storytelling of the show forces things to continue that should have been solved long ago. (mostly with Larry and Cliff) And yes I get that is a storytelling aspect to let the watchers see their growth, but in reality, it should have happened long before the show.

[@jepokacor]

Oh, shit. The scene of Larry and John kissing between trucks, it showed us something I didn't notice til just seconds ago. In the pocket of John there is this red handkerchief that reapears in the second season, when Larry is given the box of his beloved things. God, THOSE FUCKING DETAILS. They kill me every time. I completely love this show.

[@ucha9476]

This show is a masterpiece

[@johntravisstevens6062]

Watching season 2 episode 4 now.

[@criticalrants]

An excellent decision

[@user-ck2fz2uc3n]

This is a great video, you’ve have earned a sub from me

[@criticalrants]

Tiediy88 thanks so much!

[@agalgonzalez]

This show is wild! Funny, weird and entertaining. Whoever came up with all of the personalities for Crazy Jane is amazing and so is the actress who portrays her.

[@grdoxsme]

to think this video was made 3 years before Brendan's multiple awards... Now it's a time for a review of all the seasons so far

[@geyserhell]

Great great great video i enjoyed it so much

[@beaux2585]

I found this show weird and disturbing and worried about myself and how I felt after watching the first episode. So I had to watch the second and then the third and fourth and....damn, this is one freaky, exciting, well-made, funny and still disturbing show that I love. I'm still in Season 1 since I need a day to recover after a show...hahaha....but your analysis was excellent and explained exactly why I would recommend this show to anyone. Original, well shot, incredible acting especially by Diane Guerrero (she is so attractive), it's great to see Brendan Fraser again and having 007 as the chief is a great addition. Thank you for your video, it hit the sweet spots masterfully.

[@RafaelFMFerreira]

Doom Patrol sure deserved more love

[@reijiorochi]

I didnt like cyborg being part of the Doom Patrol but the material they gave him as a character is amazing, by the end of the second episode I stopped caring Steele and Stone baby!

[@criticalrants]

Yeah they made him such an important member of the team and such an interesting character! It shouldn't have worked nearly as well as it did but I'm SO glad that they delivered such an amazing take on Cyborg while still organically including him in the story.

[@Mr.Floyd1984]

fx's legion + syfy's happy! + mtv's the maxx = doom patrol

[@criticalrants]

I definitely need to check out Legion but Happy is excellent. I do love me some Grant Morrison.

[@paulakroy2635]

Critical Rants you need to watch legion

[@xg.edit.s]

Doom patrol is what made my channel grow! It’s the best show ever ❤️

[@MutterSchnabeltier]

Alan Tudyk is amazing in everything. If I see his name, I will watch it.

[@JCResDoc94]

*☼ DOOM PATROL IS THE BEST THING TO EVER HAPPEN!* gr8 vid.

[@criticalrants]

It really is! One of the few great things to come out of 2020. And thanks!

[@JCResDoc94]

@@criticalrants i just heard filming was cut short bc of c19: and the finale wasnt filmed. it is only 10 eps - only 9 of them finished. so today is the finale-ish.

[@criticalrants]

@@JCResDoc94 Yeah unfortunately the finale was cut, but even with the finale missing, this season was so gosh darn good. I'll be making another Doom Patrol video soon so I'll be super excited to talk about the series once that video is up

[@elvinmani941]

Best show ever for me!

[@timrasico8821]

I really love Doom Patrol! Great fun! I have been reading it since the early sixties! Dr.Tim Rasico

[@kristinac3212]

What's that song that starts after 8. minute? Please help us 😊

[@EduFirenze]

Being burnout on superheroes for a few years now I'm glad I gave doom patrol a shot, really unique and good fun.

[@brandoncobb4646]

'The Boys': "Am I a joke to you?" I'll have to check this out!

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

The boys is just an edgy Justice league knock off

[@uvindukulathunga3860]

@@dcmastermindfirst9418 Naaw man Dont hate on things just bcz its fanbase is toxic 😁

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

@@uvindukulathunga3860 What do you mean?

[@angolano197]

Agreed

[@subhrodeepsaha9245]

How is Titan's audience score so high!!?

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Because it has 100% ratings

[@whydoineedaname11]

Huh. I never thought there would be a DC property I might actually like, but you sell this well.

[@realeyesrealize099]

Waiting for doom patrol season 2 content on this channel

[@criticalrants]

Don’t worry, I have some big plans for Doom Patrol coming up. Stay tuned :)

[@TheGrafton12]

Only show that blends Batshit Crazy with human turmoil and drama that pulls me in everytime.

[@patrickquinn8079]

I only read comics to understand references in the Big Bang Theory #Bazinga

[@aaronhetherington6294]

What a random comment for this video but i also read comics for that too

[@fidan2fast]

don;t forget the plot twists, as a person that hasn't seen the comics, the plot twists trough the entire show killed me

[@jacksithlord1301]

Doom Patrol, Legion, and Umbrella academy are amazing shows

[@joelsahmaunt1305]

This is an amazing video

[@criticalrants]

Thank you! I tried to capture what makes the show so special without going into any heavy spoilers. I think it turned out pretty well

[@joelsahmaunt1305]

Critical Rants you did great at that. I love Doom Patrol and it makes me happy seeing effort in videos about it. Keep up the good work

[@patrickquinn8079]

Can you do a video on how dope the scene where Batman kills all those guys in BvS was? That scene was sick. Batman is a fuck boss

[@naww9250]

Literally A Masterpiece

[@noorlita]

This show is really slept on its sad

[@jeomaykutecson3545]

*laughs in Legion language

[@criticalrants]

I really have to watch Legion

[@subhrodeepsaha9245]

Legion just fucks up my brain

[@LibertyBridgeProductions]

I agree completely it’s this best and strangest show ever made

[@MrWizeazz]

I am truly terrified of “Karen”

[@criticalrants]

Silvertongue may be the coolest personality within Crazy Jane in my opinion, but there is no doubt that Karen is the scariest

[@aliengranpa]

I think I went to high school with Karen. I WISH I went to high school with jane!

[@KhaosAdmiral]

I adore how fucking bonkers Doom Patrol gets.

[@khathaway414]

Legends of Tomorrow is pretty strange.

[@gkogkoboi6896]

YEEEEEEES

[@alvjo7381]

Jane and Robot got me laughing all the time good show.

[@davidkoblentz]

this show has an emotional core, and so did swamp thing... outside of wandavision this is easily the best superhero shows

[@East0Nile0Team]

Sounds like "community" of super heroes

[@doggoplex3462]

ehhh idk have you seen seasons 4 and 5 of legends of tomorrow

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

That show is absolutely trash.

[@drkpocoyo]

yessssss !

[@Wenternav33]

heard of it

[@muhammadzarif7903]

That Titans jab tho

[@criticalrants]

I just couldn't help myself. I have some... strong opinions about Titans, and as much as I love Doom Patrol, the pendulum swings in the opposite direction for Titans

[@praveenp1369]

Legion is also the best show period. 🤩

[@Macapta]

Can’t call it a superhero show cos there’s very little superheroing

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Way better than any marvel shit

[@moagikgatle8220]

I love this show😀😀😀😀

[@criticalrants]

Me too! Only 15 more days until season two!!!

[@aaronhetherington6294]

Yeah, focusing on the characters should be what is done with all the arrowverse shows

[@DSkehan2004]

Doom patrol💥🔫

[@subhrodeepsaha9245]

Is gut

[@Alex_mason2019]

I don't really like Jane but everything else is amazing

[@nodiggity9472]

There's nothing about this show that *doesn't* work. It raises the bar, not just for Superhero adaptations, but *all* long form TV adaptations. The focus on character, the casting, the screenplay, the respect for established canon, the whole aesthetic of the show just flows organically, with just enough real-time exposition to not feel forced. Only problem is, now I can't get the reek of Grant Morrison out of my front room for days.

[@maz5557]

Definitley ...2nd best for me ... I rare daredevil as the best

[@criticalrants]

For me, Doom Patrol and Daredevil are tied at the number one spot. They're both so different yet so darn good that it's kind of impossible for me to put one over the other at the moment

[@criticalrants]

The Boys is really darn good, I'm really excited for season two

[@maz5557]

@@criticalrants yep recently i found that gem... will be top 4 me at the moment...warren ellis is a beast

[@Spidoc]

No, I've heard of it

[@luminaorchis4376]

I adore Doom Patrol- though it doesn’t quite surpass Titans (most notably Season One- which is by far the best season of any superhero show). Titans is hands down the second best live action superhero adaptation - edging just behind the Man of Steel/BVS duology - we’ve ever had. The series seemingly takes the elements of what worked best in the Marvel Netflix shows and utilizes them as a base for structuring the show. And its similarities/homages to BVS/Man of Steel are awesome- especially with its gritty tone reflecting how the rich characters can be written for just about any type of adaptation geared towards any type of audience. 🤗 Cheers!

[@lithiumak47]

Umbrella academy is a great show this is better

[@mynameis5061]

Doom patrol is better than she hulk

[@patrickquinn8079]

I adore Doom Patrol - though it doesn’t quite surpass Titans (most notably Season One - which is by far the best season of any superhero show). Titans is hands down the best live action superhero adaption - edging just behind the Man of Steel/BVS duology - we’ve ever had. The series takes what worked best in the Marvel Netflix shows and utilizes it as a base for structuring the show. And the similarities/homages to BVS/Man of Steel are awesome especially it’s gritty tone reflecting how the rich characters can be written for just about any type of adaption geared towards any type of audience.

[@DrowsyKodi]

Titan is a mess

[@elvinmani941]

Titans is nothing compared to this...its two different shows altogether..

[@thesmilyguyguy9799]

≠~D