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Entertainment • TV

Luke Cage (TV series)

Marvel's Luke Cage is an American television series created by Cheo Hodari Coker for Netflix, based on the Marvel Comics character Luke Cage.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Marvel's Luke Cage is an American television series created by Cheo Hodari Coker for Netflix, based on the Marvel Comics character Luke Cage. It is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and follows Luke Cage, a man with super strength and unbreakable skin, as he protects Harlem. The series ran for two seasons from 2016 to 2018 and was cancelled by Netflix in 2018.

Premise

The series follows Luke Cage after an experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin. He tries to rebuild his life in Harlem while becoming a reluctant protector of the neighbourhood.

Production and release

Created by Cheo Hodari Coker, the series was produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios. It premiered on Netflix in 2016 and returned for a second season in 2018.

Place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Luke Cage is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and connects with other Marvel Netflix series, including The Defenders. It was one of the street-level superhero shows produced for Netflix.

Cancellation and availability

Netflix cancelled the series in October 2018 after two seasons. The Marvel Netflix shows were later removed from Netflix in March 2022 after Disney regained the licence.

Key facts

  • The series is a live-action adaptation of the Marvel Comics character Luke Cage.
  • It is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was part of the Marvel Netflix lineup.
  • Mike Colter stars as Luke Cage, a hero with super strength and unbreakable skin.
  • The first season premiered on September 30, 2016, and the second on June 22, 2018.
  • Netflix cancelled the series on October 19, 2018.
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Canadian context

The series was available to Canadian viewers on Netflix during its original run and later became part of the broader Disney+ streaming migration of Marvel Netflix titles in many markets.

Frequently asked questions

What is Luke Cage?
Luke Cage is a Marvel Comics superhero and the name of a live-action Netflix television series based on the character.
Who played Luke Cage in the series?
Mike Colter portrayed Luke Cage in the Netflix series.
How many seasons does the series have?
The series has two seasons.
When did Luke Cage first air?
The first season was released on Netflix on September 30, 2016.
Was Luke Cage part of the MCU?
Yes. The series was set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and connected to other Marvel Netflix shows.
Why was the series cancelled?
Netflix cancelled the series in 2018 after creative differences during development of a potential third season.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Cage_(TV_series)
    Supports: Creator, premise, MCU setting, release dates, cancellation, removal from Netflix
  2. Marvel — https://marvel.com/characters/luke-cage
    Supports: Character background, powers, Harlem setting, series synopsis
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3322314/
    Supports: Series premise, cast, character abilities, Harlem setting
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Cage
    Supports: Comic character origin and alias Luke Cage
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/luke_cage
    Supports: Series title, network, genre, premiere date