'Best ever' Marvel show with 'Stranger Things energy' now free to stream

Devotees of Netflix's nostalgia-soaked phenomenon Stranger Things are being encouraged to add another programme to their binge-watching catalogue which is completely free to view.

Stretching across three series, Marvel's Runaways chronicles a band of teens in Los Angeles who uncover that their parents have been harbouring a dreadful secret from them.

Whilst they hunt for answers, the grown-ups begin to worry their offspring may have stumbled upon the reality regarding their lineage.

According to the synopsis: "The parents close in on the truth just as the kids uncover a plan with devastating consequences. Now, this unlikely crew of teenagers must band together to stop their parents before it's too late."

The programme features a celebrity-packed supporting ensemble including Buffy's James Marsters and Gossip Girl's Liz Hurley, whilst the main cast of youngsters comprises Rhenzy Feliz as Alex Wilder, Lyrica Okano as Nico Minoru, Virginia Gardner as Karolina Dean, Ariela Barer as Gert Yorkes, Allegra Acosta as Molly Hernandez and Gregg Sulkin as Chase Stein, reports the Mirror.

All three series of Marvel's Runaways have recently been added to ITVX's streaming collection, meaning it can now be enjoyed without charge.

It was adapted from the comic books of the same title, and executive produced by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, the creative partnership best-known for developing teen drama series The O. C as well as Gossip Girl.

Given the distinguished team behind the programme, it comes as no shock that it boasts an impressive rating on review platform Rotten Tomatoes.

The series maintains an average critics' rating of 84 per cent across its three seasons, whilst viewers offered a more sceptical score of 65 per cent.

Screen Rant previously characterised the programme as possessing "the same energy as Stranger Things", noting: "Marvel's Runaways characters closely parallels the Stranger Things gang from the first season as they too set off on their own investigative adventure to find out what is going awry in their lives."

It has captivated Marvel enthusiasts, with some declaring it "one of the best" programmes available.

Another devotee wrote: "I've always been a Marvel fan and a fan of Stan Lee and the characters he made.

"When I first started the show it was amazing and I love how every character's life, plays out. At first it was just a bunch of kids who weren't friends anymore, but later became their own family."

A second contributor remarked: "I'm usually not a massive Marvel fan, but I gave this show a try and I am so glad I did. The show is amazing," whilst a third enthused: "This show is incredible, from the actors to the music to the plotlines. You can really see in the actors/actresses that they really feel and understand their characters and that they can really express themselves."

All three seasons of Marvels' Runaways are now available to stream free on ITVX