Superhero burnout is a growing issue among audiences, driven by the sheer volume of themed films and TV shows flooding the entertainment industry in recent years. With multiple franchises and cinematic universes churning out content at a rapid pace, many viewers — myself included — have begun to feel a sense of repetition and predictability. The oversaturation of similar storylines, character arcs and visual effects has led to a diminished sense of excitement, even among long-time fans.
Additionally, the pressure to keep up with interconnected plotlines across various movies and series contributes to a feeling of exhaustion, making it difficult for new releases to capture the same enthusiasm that earlier superhero films once generated. It seems as though filmmakers have become disconnected from their audiences, opting to continue releasing more of the same, rather than evolving with viewer preferences, leaving even the most devoted fans fatigued.
You can probably understand my hesitation when I finally decided to give the British comedy series, Extraordinary, a try. Given my heightened level of burnout from the endless parade of superhero stories, I was worried that this show would just be another rehash of the same tired theme — ordinary people suddenly gaining powers and being thrust into the roles of heroes or villains. The prospect of more capes, more battles and more predictable arcs made me apprehensive, leaving me to wonder if Extraordinary would just blend into the overcrowded landscape of superhero-themed entertainment.
Extraordinary follows the story of Jen (Máiréad Tyers), a 25-year-old woman navigating life without superpowers in a world where everyone typically gains one by the age of 18. While the idea of living among superpowered individuals might seem thrilling, many of these abilities are surprisingly mundane or downright odd, such as turning anything into a PDF or 3D printing objects from your anus. Despite their quirks, having any power at all is still seen as a mark of distinction, and Jen’s lack of one leaves her feeling isolated and out of place.
She shares an apartment with her best friend, Carrie (Sofia Oxenham), and Carrie’s boyfriend, Kash (Bilal Hasna), and later, they take in a stray cat named Jizzlord, which unexpectedly reveals to be a shapeshifter with amnesia (Luke Rollason). Throughout two seasons, Jen is driven by a single goal: to discover why she never developed her power and to find a way to unlock it, all while navigating the challenges of being ordinary in an extraordinary world.
After watching the first two seasons of Extraordinary, I’m thrilled to say that creator Emma Moran has successfully broken the mold of repetitive superhero storytelling. The series is a refreshing departure from the usual tropes, centering more on Jen’s emotional journey as she struggles to find her place in a world, where she feels incomplete. At its core, the show is a coming-of-age story, with Jen doing everything within her power — whether conventional or not — to be seen as an equal by her family and friends.
What makes Extraordinary truly stand out is its universality; you could easily tweak the premise to have Jen as a child without musical talent in a family of virtuosos, or as someone grappling with financial disparity among wealthy friends, and the story would still resonate deeply. Moran’s choice to use superpowers as the central theme in a market oversaturated with similar concepts was bold, but it pays off brilliantly, offering a unique and compelling narrative that feels both fresh and deeply relatable.
At times, however, Extraordinary tries a bit too hard, causing the characters to slip into caricature. Jen sometimes devolves into the trope of the sarcastic, bitter friend with narcissistic tendencies, which feels out of sync with her more complex struggles. Carrie, despite being a lawyer, is occasionally reduced to the stereotypical ditzy blonde, while Kash falls into the role of the immature man-child, obsessively pursuing his superhero dreams with his limited powers, while neglecting his real-life responsibilities. The trio often makes decisions that seem out of character for their age, and their dialogue occasionally strays from what feels authentic.
While adults certainly make poor decisions and can be hurtful, some of the actions depicted — like Jen publicly embarrassing her teenage sister during her graduation — seem more fitting for adolescents than for adults, even those still figuring out adulthood. These moments can feel jarring, as they don’t align with the characters’ supposed maturity levels, making it harder to fully engage with their personal growth and struggles. In ways it feels as if the writers lose focus with their target audience. Despite the show’s many strengths, these occasional missteps undermine the depth of the characters, making their behavior feel less like the nuanced, flawed choices of real people and more like exaggerated, out-of-place antics.
Despite these flaws, the show remains highly entertaining. The array of superpowers ranges from the awe-inspiring, like flying or possessing superhuman strength, to the subtle and nearly imperceptible, such as mind reading or the ability to communicate with technology. On the more absurd end of the spectrum, there are characters with powers like inducing orgasms with a simple touch or summoning fish to their side (though the fish can only flop around helplessly as they suffocate). As the series continues to unfold, I anticipate even more of these ludicrous abilities will be revealed, as they provide some of the funniest and most memorable moments in the show.
And I am not alone is showering accolades on the show. Extraordinary earned the title of Best Comedy Programme at the 2023 Broadcast Digital Awards, a testament to its fresh take on the superhero genre and its ability to balance humor with heartfelt storytelling. The series continues to garner recognition, receiving nominations for Best Scripted Comedy at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards in March of 2024. Additionally, Máiréad Tyers was nominated for Best Female Comedy Performance, highlighting her standout role in bringing the series’ unique blend of wit and relatability to life. These accolades underscore the show’s impact and its success in resonating with both audiences and critics alike.
Extraordinary is a solid four-out-of-five-star series. It’s clever, consistently funny and highly rewatchable, making it a standout in the crowded landscape of superhero content. While the series does occasionally stumble with its main characters slipping into stereotypical roles, this doesn’t overshadow its many strengths.
Creator Emma Moran has achieved what many thought was impossible: crafting a superhero series that feels genuinely fresh and entertaining without relying on the overused tropes that have dominated the genre for years. In the end, the most fitting praise is simply that Extraordinary truly lives up to its name, delivering a unique and engaging experience that stands out in a saturated market. Extraordinary is the comedy we didn’t know we needed but is very much appreciated.
Extraordinary Season 1 and 2 are available on Hulu is the USA.