Thermal fatigue (TF) behaviour in the low-modulus cool> direction of a new generation nickel-based single-crystal superalloy containing rhenium, CMSX-4 and a highly strengthened first generation one, SRR 99 is investigated. Both superalloys are subjected to comparative thermal fatigue testing. Thermal fatigue tests are performed on self-constraint single-edge wedge specimens. The transient mechanical strains within the thin edge tip of the TF specimens are measured and the anisothermal Manson-Coffin life curves are established. The effect of the maximum temperature, Tmax, in the thermal cycles is evaluated from 1100 to 1175°C. Under identical test conditions a comparable crack propagation rate is observed for both single-crystal alloys. CMSX-4 has a good resistance to oxide-scale spalling. In CMSX-4 cracks initiate from small pores which have formed during solidification in interdendritic regions. In SRR 99, crater-like regions from where the crack can initiate, are formed by a mechanism of successive oxide-scale spalling and re-oxidation of the base alloy. The higher resistance of the oxide-scale in CMSX-4 to spalling combined with the higher strength of the corresponding y depleted zone improves its TF crack initiation resistance in comparison with SRR 99.