Are the Netflix Marvel Shows Canon?
Updated
Yes, as of 2024, they’re officially MCU canon. Marvel Studios folded the Defenders saga into the main timeline, and the shows now stream under the MCU banner on Disney+.
How it happened
For years the Netflix shows (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher, The Defenders) existed in a gray area: referenced the films, never referenced back. That ended when Marvel Studios:
- Brought back Charlie Cox’s Daredevil in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and She-Hulk (2022).
- Brought back Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin in Hawkeye (2021) and Echo (2024).
- Launched Daredevil: Born Again (2025) as a direct continuation of the Netflix series.
- Added the shows to the official MCU timeline on Disney+ in their story-chronological positions.
Watch order for the Netflix shows
- Daredevil Season 1 → Jessica Jones Season 1 → Daredevil Season 2
- Luke Cage Season 1 → Iron Fist Season 1 → The Defenders
- The Punisher Season 1 → Jessica Jones Season 2 → Luke Cage Season 2
- Iron Fist Season 2 → Daredevil Season 3 → The Punisher Season 2 → Jessica Jones Season 3
- Then Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+, 2025–)
Or follow our Daredevil watch order and Punisher watch order.
FAQ
Are the Netflix Marvel shows part of the MCU?
Yes. Marvel Studios confirmed the Defenders saga as MCU canon in 2024, added the shows to the official Disney+ timeline, and continued Daredevil’s story in Daredevil: Born Again.
Do I need to watch the Netflix shows before Daredevil: Born Again?
Born Again works as a fresh start, but Daredevil Seasons 1–3 massively enrich it, especially the Fisk/Matt dynamic.
Is The Punisher canon?
Yes. Jon Bernthal’s Punisher is confirmed for the MCU, returning in the Disney+ special The Punisher: One Last Kill (2026).
Where can I watch the Netflix Marvel shows?
All six shows stream on Disney+ in most regions (they left Netflix in 2022).