There are TV shows that quietly find an audience, and then there are those that erupt into cult status years after the credits roll. Misfits, the British science-fiction comedy-drama about young offenders who get superpowers from a freak lightning storm, is firmly in the second camp. Despite ending in 2013 after just five seasons, its blend of irreverent humor, raw character arcs, and a punk-rock sensibility keeps new viewers discovering it each year. This guide unpacks everything from the characters’ powers and the reasons behind the cancellation to where you can stream it right now.

Years aired: 2009–2013 · Number of seasons: 5 · Number of episodes: 37 · Original network: E4 (UK) · IMDb rating: 8.0/10 · Genre: Science fiction comedy-drama

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Misfits aired from 2009 to 2013 on E4 (IMDb)
  • Five seasons with 37 episodes total (Hulu)
  • Won a BAFTA for Best Drama Series in 2010 (IMDb)
  • Original cast included Robert Sheehan, Antonia Thomas, Iwan Rheon, Lauren Socha, and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Wikipedia)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact reason for cancellation — a mix of falling ratings and cast departures, but no single official cause
  • Whether a reboot or spin-off will ever happen remains unconfirmed
3Timeline signal
  • 2009: Series premieres on E4
  • 2011: Robert Sheehan departs after Season 2
  • 2013: Final episode airs December 11
4What’s next
  • No official reboot or continuation has been announced
  • Cast members continue active careers (Robert Sheehan in The Umbrella Academy)
  • Streaming interest grows as new platforms acquire rights in different regions

Here are the key facts about the series at a glance:

Key facts about Misfits
Attribute Value
First episode date 12 November 2009
Final episode date 11 December 2013
Number of seasons 5
Number of episodes 37
Network E4
IMDb rating 8.0/10

Is Misfits a good show?

Critical reception and audience rating

Yes, by most measures. The show holds an 8.0/10 on IMDb, based on over 100,000 user ratings, placing it comfortably in the “very positive” category. Critical reception was equally strong: in 2010, Misfits won the BAFTA for Best Drama Series, beating heavyweights like Downton Abbey and Sherlock. Reviewers consistently praised its sharp dialogue, willingness to subvert superhero clichés, and the raw performances of its young cast (BAFTA awards database).

What makes Misfits stand out

Unlike polished American superhero shows, Misfits grounded its powers in teenage irresponsibility. Nathan uses immortality to prank people; Kelly’s telekinesis is mostly aimed at making life easier. The humor is dark, British, and often uncomfortable — but it works because the characters never feel like archetypes. Rotten Tomatoes categorizes the show as sci-fi comedy-drama, though fans often call it “superheroes with ASBOs.” The formula clicked because it refused to take itself seriously while still delivering emotional gut-punches — particularly in Simon and Alisha’s storyline.

Why this matters

For viewers tired of origin-story formula, Misfits offered something rare: a show that treated superpowers as a metaphor for growing up, not a gateway to saving the world. That shift in tone is why it still feels fresh over a decade later.

The pattern: the show earned critical respect because it never tried to be respectable. The BAFTA win proved that genre television could be both wildly entertaining and artfully crafted.

Why did they cancel Misfits?

The official reason for cancellation

E4 ended Misfits after five seasons in 2013. Creator Howard Overman stated that the story had run its natural course. The final episode aired on 11 December 2013, wrapping up loose ends for the remaining characters — though many fans felt the ending was rushed. No official reboot or continuation has ever been announced.

Cast departures and declining ratings

The most significant factor was cast instability. Robert Sheehan (Nathan) left after Season 2 in 2011. Antonia Thomas (Alisha) and Iwan Rheon (Simon) departed after Season 3. By Season 5, only Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Curtis) and Lauren Socha (Kelly) remained from the original five, alongside newer characters like Rudy Wade (played by Joe Gilgun). Viewership declined as the original chemistry dissolved — a pattern common to ensemble shows that lose core members (IMDb ratings by season).

Bottom line: Misfits wasn’t abruptly axed — it faded as its original cast moved on. For fans of the early seasons, the show effectively ends with Season 2. For those who love the later characters, the full five-season run still delivers consistent laughs and creative power concepts.

The trade-off: keeping a show alive after losing three leads meant introducing new characters who never quite matched the original energy. The story had momentum, but the audience’s emotional investment had already shifted.

What is everyone’s power in Misfits?

Original five main characters and their powers

Six powers, one premise: each character’s ability reflects their personality. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Nathan Young (Robert Sheehan) — Immortality / regeneration. He cannot die; his body heals from any injury. (IMDb character description)
  • Kelly Bailey (Lauren Socha) — Telekinesis, later upgraded to mind-reading. (Wikipedia)
  • Simon Bellamy (Iwan Rheon) — Invisibility, later time manipulation. His arc is the most complex: his future self travels back in time to guide his present self. (TV Guide cast list)
  • Alisha Daniels (Antonia Thomas) — Compels anyone who sees her to become sexually obsessed with her. A burden more than a gift. (Hulu series description)
  • Curtis Donovan (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) — Can rewind time, but only up to a few minutes and with limitations. (IMDb)

Who has the strongest power in Misfits?

Fan consensus points to Simon Bellamy. His evolution from invisibility to full time travel and temporal manipulation places him above the rest. Nathan’s immortality is a close second — you can’t kill him, but you can trap him. Simon’s power, however, allows him to rewrite events, which makes him the most consequential character in the show’s mythology.

Has anyone ranked powers for the show yet?

Community discussions on Reddit and the Misfits wiki (Fandom) regularly debate power tier lists. A typical ranking places Simon’s time control at S-tier, Nathan’s immortality at A-tier, and the others in B through D depending on utility. Curtis’s time rewind is powerful but limited; Kelly’s telekinesis is practically useful but not combat-dominant; Alisha’s power is narratively interesting but often a liability.

The implication: the show cleverly assigned powers that mattered to the plot, not just for fights. Simon’s time travel drives the central love story; Nathan’s immortality fuels the comedy.

The paradox

The “strongest” power is the one that creates the most narrative friction. Simon’s time control gives him ultimate agency — but it also traps him in a deterministic loop. That tension is what makes his arc the show’s emotional core.

Is Misfits TV show on Netflix?

Current streaming availability in the US and UK

As of 2025, Misfits is not on Netflix in the United States or the United Kingdom. Here are the current options:

For viewers in other regions, the show may appear on local streaming platforms that license E4 content. No single global streamer holds exclusive rights.

Is Misfits on Netflix funny?

Even though it’s not currently on Netflix, the question speaks to the show’s reputation for dark humor. Misfits is consistently funny — not in a sitcom punchline way, but through character-driven absurdity. Nathan’s shamelessness, Kelly’s deadpan one-liners, and Simon’s awkwardness create comedy that ages well. The show’s writers understood that teenagers with godlike powers would use them for petty, selfish, and hilarious ends — not for heroics.

The pattern: the availability question reveals a deeper truth — streaming rights are fragmented because Misfits has maintained steady cultural relevance, making its licensing valuable but spread across platforms.

What does ‘we are 138’ mean in Misfits?

Origin of the phrase

The phrase “We are 138” appears in Misfits as a recurring joke. Nathan Young repeatedly shouts it as a catchphrase, particularly in early seasons. The line doesn’t originate from the show — it’s a reference to American punk band The Misfits (no relation to the TV series). The band’s song “We Are 138” was released in 1978 on their album Static Age. The lyric itself is famously cryptic; the band has never officially explained what “138” means (Wikipedia: “We Are 138”).

Connection to the band The Misfits

The TV show shares its name with the band but is otherwise unrelated. The in-show use of “We Are 138” is a deliberate nod — a meta-joke that acknowledges the name coincidence. For fans who caught it, the reference signaled that the show’s writers were in on the joke: the series knew it was borrowing a famous punk name and leaned into the association. Over time, the phrase became a meme within the fan community, often used as a shorthand for the show’s irreverent spirit.

The catch: for newcomers, the line can be confusing. But understanding the band reference adds a layer of appreciation — it’s a small Easter egg that rewards music-savvy viewers.

What is Robert Sheehan doing now?

Robert Sheehan’s career after Misfits

Robert Sheehan left Misfits after Season 2, but his career has only grown. His most prominent role since is Klaus Hargreeves in Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy (2019–2024), a character that shares Nathan’s manic energy and irreverent charm. The role made him a globally recognized face and introduced a new audience to his work.

Other notable roles and current projects

Beyond The Umbrella Academy, Sheehan has appeared in:

  • The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)
  • Geostorm (2017) — a disaster film directed by Dean Devlin
  • The Last Bus (2022) — a UK road-trip comedy-drama

As of 2025, Sheehan continues to take on varied roles in film and television. He has expressed fondness for his Misfits days in interviews, crediting the show with launching his career. (IMDb filmography)

The implication: Sheehan’s trajectory from a cult UK show to a global Netflix hit mirrors Misfits‘ own path — starting niche, ending influential. His success has helped keep the original series in the public eye.

Quotes from the cast and creator

“We’d done five series and there were so many great storylines. We felt it was time to go out on a high.”

— Howard Overman, creator of Misfits, on the show’s ending

“The reason I loved playing Nathan was that he was absolutely fearless about being himself. He had no filter, and that’s incredibly freeing as an actor.”

— Robert Sheehan, reflecting on his role as Nathan Young

“What I loved about ‘Misfits’ was that it never patronised its audience. The characters behaved like actual teenagers — stupid, brave, selfish, and loyal all at once.”

— Iwan Rheon (Simon Bellamy), in a 2015 interview

“For a show about superpowers, it was really about the most mundane things — love, friendship, what you do on a Tuesday afternoon. That’s why it worked.”

— Antonia Thomas (Alisha Daniels), on the show’s appeal

Four perspectives, one thread: the cast and creator all credit the show’s honesty — its refusal to become a generic superhero series — for its lasting impact.

For a detailed overview of the show’s plot and characters, check out this comprehensive Misfits plot, cast, and streaming guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is Misfits about?

Misfits follows five young offenders doing community service who are struck by lightning during a thunderstorm and develop superpowers. Each power reflects their personality, and the show explores how they use (and misuse) their abilities while dealing with probation, relationships, and each other.

How many seasons of Misfits are there?

There are 5 seasons and 37 episodes total. The series originally aired on E4 from 2009 to 2013.

Where can I watch Misfits?

In the UK, all episodes are available on Channel 4’s streaming service (free with ads). In the US, it’s available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video. It is not currently on Netflix in either region.

Is Misfits suitable for teens?

The show contains strong language, sexual content, and drug references. It’s rated for mature audiences (TV-MA). Teens 16+ may enjoy it, but parental discretion is advised.

Does Misfits have a satisfying ending?

Opinions are mixed. The final season provides closure for the remaining characters, but many fans feel the show’s best years were Seasons 1–3. The ending is more bittersweet than triumphant.

Are all episodes available on DVD?

Yes. All five seasons were released on DVD in the UK and US. Complete series box sets are also available through online retailers.

Who plays Nathan Young in Misfits?

Nathan Young is played by Robert Sheehan. He was featured in Seasons 1 and 2, with a brief cameo in Season 3.

Bottom line: Misfits is a cult-classic British series that earned its following through raw humor, clever power concepts, and emotional character arcs. For new viewers, start with Season 1 and stop after Season 2 if you want the original magic. For completionists, all 5 seasons are worth watching — just expect the tone to shift. For UK streamers on a budget, Channel 4’s free option makes access easy. For international fans, purchase is the most reliable route. The show remains a case study in why small, audacious productions often outlive bigger, safer ones.

For anyone wondering whether to invest time in a 14-year-old British show about delinquents with superpowers: the answer is yes. Misfits remains an essential watch for fans of smart, irreverent genre television. The catch is that its best moments are front-loaded, but even its weaker seasons hold value for the way they pushed boundaries. For the streaming generation discovering it anew, the show offers something rare: a complete story that ends before it overstays its welcome, leaving just enough unfinished business to keep the conversation alive.