Marvel's Agent Carter

In 1946 Peggy Carter faces a society that sidelines her achievements as men return from war and reclaim the spotlight. Employed at the Strategic Scientific Reserve, she spends her days on paperwork and errands while secretly taking on dangerous assignments for Howard Stark. By night she moves into fieldwork, using training, wit, and physical skill to pursue threats that official channels overlook. Off duty she wrestles with grief over a lost love and the narrow expectations placed on women in postwar America, while building a tight-knit circle of allies like Edwin Jarvis and Daniel Sousa who recognize what she can do on missions.

Created by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the series premiered on ABC in 2015, produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios. It brings a period spy tone to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Hayley Atwell leading cast and period flair.

The show drew attention from TV and genre award bodies, with recognition for Atwell's lead turn and its production design, and nominations that acknowledged period costumes, makeup, and technical work. Genre organizations and industry guilds highlighted its craft, even as it avoided big wins at mainstream ceremonies.

Agent Carter helped broaden the MCU by proving a female-led, period-set story could fit inside the franchise. Peggy Carter became an enduring character in fan culture, and elements like Edwin Jarvis and Daniel Sousa went on to appear elsewhere in Marvel media, inspiring tie-in comics and merchandise.

Critics generally gave positive reviews, reflected in a 7.53/10 vote average. Viewers praised Atwell's performance, the show's throwback production values, and its brisk mix of spy action and character drama. The series regularly tackles sexism, loyalty, identity, and how personal loss reshapes purpose, while balancing humor and melancholy.