In an era dominated by high-stakes superhero blockbusters, a refreshingly grounded series has found a new home on British streaming platforms. Extraordinary, the critically acclaimed comedy-drama that originally aired on Disney Plus, is now available to stream on ITVX, offering viewers a chance to discover this unique take on superpowered life.
A Different Kind of Superhero Story
While mainstream television and cinema have been saturated with world-saving narratives and spandex-clad heroes battling cosmic threats, Extraordinary takes a decidedly more relatable approach. Created by writer Emma Moran, the series presents a world where every individual develops a superpower upon turning eighteen years old. The twist? Our central character, Jen, portrayed by Máiréad Tyers, appears to be completely powerless in this universally enhanced society.
Life with (and without) Powers
The narrative follows Jen as she navigates her twenties alongside her flatmates Carrie (Sofia Oxenham) and Kash (Bilal Hasna), all while dealing with the everyday challenges of young adulthood in London. The show's unconventional elements include a shape-shifting cat, voiced by Luke Rollason, who becomes romantically involved with Jen, adding to the series' distinctive charm and eccentric humour.
What sets Extraordinary apart from typical superhero fare is its focus on personal relationships, identity, and the mundane realities of life, even in a world filled with extraordinary abilities. The series explores themes of self-worth, friendship, and finding one's place in society through a clever blend of comedy and heartfelt drama.
Critical Acclaim and Award Success
During its original two-season run on Disney Plus from 2023 to 2024, Extraordinary garnered exceptional reviews from critics and audiences alike. Both seasons achieved a perfect 100% score on the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes, a rare accomplishment in today's competitive television landscape.
Judy Berman of Time Magazine praised the series, writing: 'True to its title, Extraordinary combines and tweaks familiar tropes into something genuinely unique. That it also makes Deadpool look about as audacious as The Incredibles is just a bonus.'
Keith Watson echoed this sentiment in his four-star review for Metro, noting that the show 'stands out from the crowd compared to other superpower shows.'
The series' quality was formally recognised in March 2024 when it won the prestigious Best Scripted Comedy award at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards, cementing its status as one of Britain's most innovative television productions.
Unexpected Cancellation and Fan Reaction
Despite its critical success and award recognition, Disney announced in 2024 that they would not proceed with a third season of Extraordinary. A representative stated: 'Disney Plus Original series 'Extraordinary' will not be returning for a third season on the service. We're so proud of the hilarious, award-winning series brought to life by the incredibly talented British and Irish cast and crew, our production partners at Sid Gentle Films, and the exceptional writing talent of creator Emma Moran.'
The cancellation disappointed dedicated fans who had embraced the show's unique perspective. On Reddit, user Responsible-Speed341 expressed the collective sentiment: 'Such bad news. One of the most creative and entertaining series of the past few years. I loved every second of it. Sad to see we won't get a season three.'
A New Streaming Opportunity
For viewers who missed Extraordinary during its initial Disney Plus release, its arrival on ITVX represents an excellent opportunity to experience this critically praised series. Both seasons, comprising approximately sixteen episodes, are now available to stream on the platform.
The show's transition to ITVX ensures that British audiences can continue to enjoy this homegrown production, which features a predominantly British and Irish cast and explores themes particularly resonant with UK viewers. Its availability on a free-to-access streaming service (with advertising) makes it more accessible to a wider audience than its previous subscription-based home.
As superhero fatigue potentially sets in among some viewers, Extraordinary offers a welcome alternative that prioritises character development and humour over spectacle, proving that sometimes the most extraordinary stories are those that remain firmly grounded in human experience.
