TheHulkhas had a long and varied history on the small screen, with numerous animated and live-action adaptations dating back to the 1960s. As one ofMarvel’s most iconic characters, Bruce Banner’s explosive alter ego has smashed his way through decades of storytelling, showcasing everything from campy Saturday morning cartoons to gritty drama. Some series embraced the Hulk’s monstrous side, while others highlighted his humanity – or even used him as part of a superhero team.
With so many interpretations of the Hulk, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses, ranking them is no easy task. However, looking back at these shows reveals not just how the Hulk has evolved, but also how audiences’ tastes and expectations have changed over time beforethe MCU timeline. Whether a fan of Lou Ferrigno’s legendary grunts or the high-tech animation of the 2010s, there’s something in this list for every kind of Hulk fan. While Hulk has appeared in swathes of television series, this list focuses exclusively on Hulk-centric projects.
Before the Hulk ever got his own dedicated TV series, he was introduced to audiences inThe Marvel Super Heroes, a syndicated cartoon anthology that aired in 1966. Each weekday featured a different hero – Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Sub-Mariner, and the Hulk – each adapted directly from comic book panels. The Hulk’s segments were extremely primitive,relying on minimal animation and voiceoversthat often lifted dialogue straight from the comics. This crude presentation gave the show a comic-book-come-to-life aesthetic, which was novel for the time but quickly dated.
Despite the budget limitations,The Marvel Super Heroeswas crucial in introducing TV audiences to Bruce Banner and his alter ego. The series stuck closely to the early Stan Lee and Jack Kirby material,laying the groundwork for the Hulk’s core identity: a man constantly at war with the beast inside. Though it’s more of a curiosity today than essential viewing, this series deserves credit for being the first televised attempt to bring the Green Goliath to life – even if it was mostly just still images and narration.
The 1982 animatedThe Incredible Hulkwas Marvel’s second attempt to give the Hulk his own cartoon, following the success of other Marvel-based series. Produced by Marvel Productions and aired on NBC, the show introduced a Saturday morning version of the Hulk thattoned down his rage for a younger audience. Voiced by Michael Bell (Bruce Banner) and Bob Holt (Hulk), the show took cues from the comics but often simplified the storylines for accessibility.
This series is notable for including characters like Rick Jones and Betty Ross, while also introducing new ones such as Rio and his daughter Rita – adding some sitcom-like dynamics. Though the animation waslimited by the standards of the day, it was a significant step up from the 1966 version. Its place in Marvel history is important because it was part of a push to create more serialized animated content. Still, it never quite captured the gravitas or emotional core of the character, and its brief run of 13 episodes left it overshadowed by other 1980s cartoons.
Hulk and the Agents of SMASHis perhaps themost divisive Hulk seriesto date. Aired on Disney XD, the show was part of Marvel’s push for team-based animated content aimed at younger viewers. The show imagined Hulk as the leader of a team of gamma-powered heroes, including Red Hulk, She-Hulk, Skaar, and A-Bomb (a mutated Rick Jones). Using a faux “reality TV” format, complete with video confessions and fourth-wall breaks, the show leaned heavily into comedy and exaggerated action.
While it didn’t always sit well with longtime Hulk viewers, the series introduced younger audiences to the extended Hulk mythos in a colorful, high-energy package. The animation was clean and dynamic, and it offered episodic adventures with a light overarching narrative. Critics noted its tonal inconsistency and sometimes juvenile humor, but it didsucceed in making Hulk the centerpiece of a superhero ensemble– something rarely attempted in his animated outings. For all its flaws,Agents of SMASHwas a bold swing at making the Hulk fun and team-friendly.
The live-actionThe Incredible Hulkstarring Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner (not Bruce) and Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk, remains the most iconic version of the character on TV. Created by Kenneth Johnson and aired on CBS, the series reimagined the Hulk mythos in a grounded, dramatic context. Banner, atragic figure haunted by the monster within, roamed the country helping people while evading a relentless reporter, Jack McGee. The show drew comparisons toThe Fugitive, emphasizing themes of isolation and misunderstood heroism.
Unlike the comics, there were no supervillains or larger Marvel Universe elements – just raw emotion, human drama, and a green giant smashing when provoked. Ferrigno’s physical performance gave the Hulk real presence, while Bixby’s subtle acting made Banner heartbreakingly sympathetic. The series ran for five seasons and inspired multiple follow-up TV movies, including crossovers with Thor and Daredevil. Even decades later, its haunting theme and slow-burning storytelling resonate. For many, this version of the Hulk remains definitive –a portrait of rage and redemptionthat’s never been quite matched.
The 1996Incredible Hulkanimated series, aired on UPN, marked a return to a more comic-accurate portrayalof the character. With darker themes and more serialized storytelling, the show targeted older kids and teens, offering a Hulk who was constantly tormented by inner conflict. Lou Ferrigno returned to voice the Hulk, bringing full circle his connection to the character, while Neal McDonough voiced Bruce Banner. The animation was solid for its time, with sharp character designs and action sequences that reflected the turbulent tone.
The first season featured traditional Hulk foes like the Leader, Gargoyle, and Abomination, while also exploring Banner’s psychology. In Season 2, the show added She-Hulk as a co-star and adopted a lighter tone, which drew mixed reactions from fans. While the tonal shift hurt its consistency, the series is still remembered for itsambitious attempt to delve deeper into Hulk’s psycheand its willingness to explore mature themes. It’s a hidden gem in Marvel’s animated catalog and remains a favorite forHulkfans who wanted substance behind the smashing.
