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Supergirl (TV series)

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Article Genealogy
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Supergirl (TV series)
Supergirl (TV series)
source
Show nameSupergirl
GenreSuperhero, Action, Drama
CreatorGreg Berlanti, Ali Adler, Andrew Kreisberg
Based onSuperman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
StarringMelissa Benoist, Mehcad Brooks, Chyler Leigh, David Harewood, Jeremy Jordan, Katie McGrath, Calista Flockhart
ComposerBlake Neely
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Num episodes126
Executive producerGreg Berlanti, James Bennett, Sarah Schechter, Geoff Johns, Jessica Queller
LocationVancouver, British Columbia
Runtime42–45 minutes
CompanyBerlanti Productions, Warner Bros. Television
DistributorWarner Bros. Television Distribution
NetworkCBS (season 1), The CW (seasons 2–6)
First airedOctober 26, 2015
Last airedNovember 9, 2021

Supergirl (TV series) is an American television series developed for broadcast that adapts the DC Comics character Kara Zor-El, a cousin of Superman, into a live-action drama blending superhero action with workplace and family dynamics. The program premiered on CBS before moving to The CW and forms part of the larger Arrowverse shared continuity that includes Arrow (TV series), The Flash (2014 TV series), and Legends of Tomorrow. The show starred Melissa Benoist as Kara Danvers and explores themes of identity, immigration, and social justice within a serialized network format.

Premise

The series follows Kara Zor-El, a survivor of the destroyed planet Krypton who was raised on Earth and hides her powers while pursuing a civilian career as Kara Danvers. When Kara embraces her abilities and adopts the mantle of a public superhero, she confronts threats ranging from alien invaders to corporate conspiracies, often intersecting with characters from the Superman mythos such as James Olsen and references to Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and Jor-El. The show situates Kara within institutions like CatCo Worldwide Media and governmental entities such as the National City Police Department while connecting to multiverse events involving Crisis on Infinite Earths and crossovers with Elseworlds and Invasion!.

Cast and characters

The principal cast included Melissa Benoist as Kara, Mehcad Brooks as James Olsen, Chyler Leigh as Alex Danvers, David Harewood as Hank Henshaw, Jeremy Jordan as Winn Schott, Calista Flockhart as Cat Grant, and Katie McGrath as Lena Luthor. Recurring and guest performers featured Tyler Hoechlin as Clark Kent, John Diggle-style crossovers from Arrowverse actors including Stephen Amell, Grant Gustin, and appearances by DC Comics figures such as Lex Luthor (portrayed by Jon Cryer and previously by Michael Rosenbaum in guest references), Martian Manhunter, Maxwell Lord, Mon-El, Brainiac, and Cir-El variants. The ensemble incorporated creators and performers linked to Berlanti Productions and the broader television careers of cast who had credits with series like Glee (TV series), Smallville, and Heroes.

Production

Developed by Greg Berlanti, Ali Adler, and Andrew Kreisberg, production involved Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television with Blake Neely composing the score. Principal photography took place in Vancouver and utilized visual effects vendors connected to projects such as Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice for creature and flight sequences. The series navigated network decisions, moving from CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) to The CW after season one, and interfaced creatively with DC Entertainment executives including Geoff Johns. Showrunners changed during the run, reflecting shifts common in long-running franchise television, and the series was influenced by comic storylines from writers like Otto Binder, Jeph Loeb, and elements from Crisis on Infinite Earths adaptations.

Episodes and seasons

Supergirl ran for six seasons comprising 126 episodes, with serialized arcs and standalone episodes that ranged from origin stories to large-scale crossover events. The series participated in multi-show crossover events with Arrow (TV series), The Flash (2014 TV series), and Legends of Tomorrow including the televised tie-ins Elseworlds and the television adaptation of Crisis on Infinite Earths. Episodes explored villains adapted from DC Comics such as Livewire, Non, Metallo, Reign, and storylines referencing House of El mythology, the Phantom Zone, and alien races like the Daxamites and Kryptonians. Season structures often balanced procedural reporting elements at CatCo Worldwide Media with serialized threats to National City and the wider multiverse.

Reception and legacy

Critics and audiences responded to the series' tone, performances, and sociopolitical themes, with particular praise for Benoist's portrayal and the representation of LGBT characters via Alex Danvers' storyline, drawing attention from commentators and awards bodies including nominations associated with GLAAD recognition. The show contributed to the visibility of female-led superhero television alongside series such as Jessica Jones and Batwoman (TV series), and its integration into the Arrowverse affected crossover storytelling strategies in network television. Legacy aspects include influence on casting practices for comic adaptations, the continued use of shared-universe models by Warner Bros. Television, and the preservation of characters like Kara in subsequent DC media and fan culture, including conventions such as San Diego Comic-Con and fan-driven campaigns on social platforms like Twitter.

Category:Television series based on DC Comics Category:American superhero television series