Spider-Woman (1979)
TV SeriesOptional
Magazine editor Jessica Drew fights crime as Spider-Woman. Released in 1979, it’s a Marvel series that isn’t part of the MCU timeline, so it’s optional and stands on its own. At 16 episodes, about 5h 52m in all, it streams on Disney+ in the US.
| Release date | September 22, 1979 |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 16 × ~22 min |
Why it’s worth knowing about
Jessica Drew’s only starring animated series.
About Spider-Woman (1979)
Spider-Woman follows Jessica Drew, who runs Justice Magazine with staff photographer Jeff Hunt and keeps an eye on her teenage nephew Billy while secretly fighting crime. This version of the heroine can fly and has a spider-sense but lacks the super-strength of her comic counterpart. Her opponents range from Khufu and Dormammu to the Kingpin, Dracula, Graviton and an alien spider race.
DePatie–Freleng Enterprises produced it with Marvel for ABC, where its 16 half-hour episodes aired from September 1979 to January 1980. It was the studio's last series before it became Marvel Productions. Joan Van Ark voiced Jessica, Bruce Miller voiced Jeff and Bryan Scott voiced Billy, with Paul Soles as Spider-Man and Dick Tufeld narrating the opening. It came out on DVD as a complete set in 2009, and critics have since called it progressive for its time, while GamesRadar praised its Silver Age campiness.
Good to know
- Spider-Man guest-stars in "Pyramids of Terror" and "The Kongo Spider."
- Marvel reportedly created the Spider-Woman character to secure the name ahead of Filmation's Web Woman.
- Some animation was reused from the 1967 Spider-Man series.
- Jessica's quick change into costume borrows a gimmick from Wonder Woman.
How to watch it
Watch it as a lead-in to the 1981 Spider-Man cartoons, which came from the same studio after it became Marvel Productions. Episodes stand alone, so pick by villain; the two Spider-Man episodes are the obvious place to start. It's short at 16 episodes and best for viewers who enjoy campy, Silver Age-style storytelling or are curious how Marvel's heroines were handled on 1970s Saturday mornings.
Where to watch Spider-Woman (1979) in the US
| Streaming (subscription) | Disney+ |
|---|
Where to watch Spider-Woman (1979) outside the US
| Country | Stream | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Disney+ | None needed |
| Canada | Disney+ | None needed |
| India | Not included | Not available |
Streaming availability last verified: October 16, 2026
All streaming options for Marvel movies and shows, by service and country.
Related guides
Spider-Woman (1979) FAQ
Who voices Spider-Woman in the 1979 cartoon?
Joan Van Ark voices Jessica Drew and Spider-Woman.
Does Spider-Man appear in Spider-Woman (1979)?
Yes, in two episodes: "Pyramids of Terror" and "The Kongo Spider," with Paul Soles voicing him.
Does the cartoon Spider-Woman have the same powers as in the comics?
Not quite. She can fly and has a spider-sense, but unlike the comics version she doesn't have enhanced strength.
Can you skip Spider-Woman (1979)?
Yes. It’s not on the MCU timeline, so you won’t miss any MCU story by skipping it.
How many episodes does Spider-Woman (1979) have?
Spider-Woman (1979) has 16 episodes, around 22 minutes each.
Is Spider-Woman (1979) part of the MCU?
No. It was made outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe and isn’t on its timeline.