Marvel’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Struggles Despite Anticipated Return

LOS ANGELES, March 18, 2025 — Marvel‘s latest series, ‘Daredevil: Born Again,’ premiered on Disney+ earlier this month to a mix of excitement and skepticism. Following years of anticipation, the show represents the iconic character Matt Murdock’s long-awaited return to the small screen.

According to Luminate data, although ‘Born Again’ has garnered impressive early watch time, it still trails behind prior successful MCU debuts. Disney+ reported that the series became the platform’s most viewed debut this year, achieving 136 million minutes of viewership within its first day. However, it failed to match the first-week viewership numbers of its predecessor series, ‘Agatha All Along.’

“The numbers suggest a strong start, but comparisons with other titles show there may be limits to its momentum,” said a representative at Disney. ‘Born Again’ has generated significant buzz, yet its viewership is lower compared to other recent MCU releases, like ‘Secret Invasion‘ and ‘Loki‘ Season 2.

Further complicating the narrative, ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ launched with two episodes, while ‘Secret Invasion’ featured a single episode release strategy. The high initial interest was expected, but subsequent days indicate a drop similar to that experienced by ‘Agatha.’

Notably, the original ‘Daredevil’ series, which aired on Netflix and garnered critical acclaim, might impact new viewer interest due to its darker themes and complex story arcs. This has raised questions about whether the show’s mature content will engage new audiences or deter casual Marvel fans.

“The challenges faced by ‘Born Again’ are not uncommon for legacy characters. It doesn’t just serve a new audience but must also cater to longtime fans,” explained film critic Jessica Harrow. The complex background of ‘Daredevil,’ a favorite among many comic book enthusiasts, can make entry for newer viewers overwhelming.

In a twist of positive developments, the revival of ‘Daredevil’ has led to a noticeable increase in viewership for the original series. Data shows a collective 153% rise in hours watched for the original ‘Daredevil’ seasons following the premiere of ‘Born Again.’ This spike suggests that both old and new audiences are eager to explore the character’s origins before diving into the new series.

As the viewing landscape for Marvel properties continues to shift, industry experts indicate that ‘Born Again’ could benefit from a slow-burn viewer engagement strategy. “Binge-watching the original may lead to increased interest in current releases,” Harrow added. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Despite a rocky start, the series appears to be generating enough intrigue, especially given the nostalgic ties and the continued exploration of themes relevant to the original. As more episodes roll out, it remains to be seen how viewers will ultimately respond to the darker edges of this superhero’s journey.