I was at an awesome event recently where Hercules, Kevin Sorbo, was one of the greats to get up and say a few words to the group!

When considering iconic television series from the 1990s, two shows often stand out: Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Both shows, produced by Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert, garnered substantial followings and left a lasting impact on the fantasy genre. However, a detailed comparison reveals that Xena: Warrior Princess was far superior to Hercules in several critical aspects. This argument is supported by examining the shows’ thematic depth, character development, cultural impact, and television statistics.

Xena: Warrior Princess offered viewers a rich tapestry of themes that transcended the simple good-versus-evil narratives often seen in fantasy genres. Xena, portrayed by Lucy Lawless, was a complex character with a dark past seeking redemption. This thematic core provided the show with a compelling moral ambiguity rarely seen in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, where Hercules, played by Kevin Sorbo, was a more straightforward hero.

Xena's journey from a ruthless warlord to a champion of the oppressed allowed for stories that explored themes of forgiveness, guilt, and the possibility of personal transformation. Episodes often dealt with Xena confronting her past deeds and the consequences of her actions, adding layers of psychological and emotional depth. In contrast, Hercules' narratives were more episodic, often focused on defeating a weekly villain with little lasting impact on the character's development.

Character development in Xena: Warrior Princess was another area where the show excelled. Xena's dynamic relationship with her companion Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) was a cornerstone of the series. Gabrielle started as an innocent farm girl and evolved into a formidable warrior and leader. This evolution was portrayed with a realism that allowed viewers to connect deeply with the characters.

The relationship between Xena and Gabrielle also broke new ground in television by depicting a strong, nuanced bond between two women, which many fans and scholars interpret as a subtextual romantic relationship. This representation was progressive for its time and added significant depth to the show.

In comparison, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys did not offer the same level of character development. Hercules remained relatively static throughout the series, embodying the archetypal hero without significant personal growth. His sidekick, Iolaus (Michael Hurst), while charming, did not undergo the same level of development as Gabrielle, making their relationship less impactful.

Xena: Warrior Princess had a profound cultural impact, influencing subsequent media and popular culture. The character of Xena became a feminist icon, representing strength, independence, and resilience. The show inspired a devoted fan base and generated a vibrant fandom that continues to thrive. The “Xenaverse” expanded beyond television, influencing comic books, conventions, and even academic discourse on gender and media.

Moreover, Xena was groundbreaking in its representation of LGBTQ+ themes. The subtextual relationship between Xena and Gabrielle was embraced by many LGBTQ+ viewers, offering a rare representation in the 1990s. This inclusivity contributed to the show's enduring popularity and cultural significance.

While Hercules: The Legendary Journeys was popular and spawned its own merchandise and fan conventions, it did not achieve the same cultural resonance. Hercules did not become an icon in the same way Xena did, and the show's legacy is less influential in contemporary media discussions.

Examining the television statistics provides a clear indication of Xena: Warrior Princess's superiority in terms of popularity and critical reception. Both shows enjoyed high ratings during their run, but Xena often outperformed Hercules in key demographics.

For instance, Xena: Warrior Princess consistently ranked higher in viewership ratings, particularly among the coveted 18-49 age demographic. According to Nielsen ratings, Xena often beat Hercules in weekly viewership during their overlapping seasons. This demographic is particularly important as it represents the most active segment of television consumers, indicating broader appeal and stronger market presence.

Additionally, Xena received more critical acclaim and awards. The show was nominated for multiple awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards and Saturn Awards, and won several, such as the Emmy for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series. These accolades reflect the higher quality of production and storytelling in Xena: Warrior Princess compared to Hercules.

Xena: Warrior Princess pushed the boundaries of storytelling in ways that Hercules did not. The show was known for its innovative and sometimes experimental episodes. For example, "The Bitter Suite" was a musical episode that used song and dance to explore the characters' emotional states and relationships. This kind of bold narrative experimentation was rare in television at the time and demonstrated the creators' willingness to take risks and explore new artistic directions.

The production quality of Xena was also superior. The show's fight choreography, special effects, and set designs were praised for their quality and creativity. The character of Xena herself became iconic due to her distinctive fighting style and use of the chakram, a unique weapon that set her apart from other fantasy heroes. Hercules had solid production values, but it did not achieve the same level of visual and thematic innovation.

Xena: Warrior Princess achieved remarkable international success, garnering a global fan base. The show was broadcast in numerous countries and translated into multiple languages, expanding its influence far beyond its American origins. This global reach contributed to the development of a diverse and active fandom that continues to celebrate and promote the show through conventions, fan fiction, and online communities.

The show's international appeal can be attributed to its universal themes of redemption, heroism, and personal growth, which resonated with audiences worldwide. The character of Xena, with her mix of strength and vulnerability, became a relatable figure for many viewers, further solidifying the show's place in global popular culture.

In contrast, while Hercules: The Legendary Journeys also enjoyed international success, it did not inspire the same level of global fandom. The show's themes and characters, while entertaining, did not have the same universal appeal or cultural impact as those in Xena.

Xena: Warrior Princess was ahead of its time in terms of representation and diversity. The show featured strong female characters in leading roles, which was rare in the 1990s. Xena and Gabrielle were not just sidekicks or love interests; they were fully developed characters with their own story arcs and agency.

The show also included characters from diverse backgrounds and cultures, reflecting a more inclusive worldview. This representation was significant in an era when television was predominantly focused on white, male protagonists. By offering diverse characters and storylines, Xena appealed to a broader audience and set a precedent for future shows to follow.

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys did feature strong female characters, such as Hercules' mother Alcmene and various love interests, but these characters were often secondary to Hercules and his adventures. The show did not prioritize diversity and representation to the same extent as Xena, making it less groundbreaking in this regard.

In conclusion, Xena: Warrior Princess was far superior to Hercules: The Legendary Journeys in multiple respects. Thematic depth, character development, cultural impact, television statistics, innovative storytelling, production quality, global reach, and representation all point to Xena as the more impactful and enduring show. Xena's complex journey, coupled with the show's willingness to tackle challenging themes and represent diverse perspectives, made it a trailblazer in the television landscape.

Hercules undoubtedly played an important role in the fantasy genre and provided enjoyable entertainment, but it did not achieve the same level of critical and cultural success as Xena. The warrior princess's legacy continues to influence media and inspire fans, cementing her place as a superior figure in the pantheon of television heroes.

Kevin Sorbo is a loser.