Supergirl

Series overview

Kara Zor-El was sent to Earth from Krypton as a 13-year-old by her parents, Zor-El and Alura. Kara was tasked with protecting her infant cousin, Kal-El, but her spacecraft was knocked off course and trapped in the Phantom Zone for 24 years. By the time her spacecraft crash-landed on Earth, Kal-El had already grown up and become Superman. The series begins 12 years later, with Kara embracing her superhuman powers and adopting the superhero alias "Supergirl".

Season 1

In Season 1, Kara reveals her powers to become National City's protector. She discovers that numerous criminals her mother imprisoned have escaped to Earth, including her aunt Astra and her uncle Non. Kara works with her adoptive sister Alex Danvers, the Green Martian J'onn J'onzz, James Olsen, and tech genius Winn Schott to fight these threats.

Season 2

In Season 2, Kara and her allies face tensions between humans and extraterrestrials while investigating Project Cadmus, run by Lillian Luthor, Lex Luthor's mother. Kara befriends Lena Luthor, Lillian's adoptive daughter, and navigates her romantic feelings for Mon-El, a prince from Daxam, Krypton's neighboring planet. Meanwhile, James becomes the vigilante Guardian, Alex begins dating Maggie Sawyer, and J'onn forms a bond with M'gann M'orzz, a White Martian.

Season 3

In Season 3, Kara grapples with Mon-El's departure, only for him to return from the 31st century, where he has founded the Legion and married Imra Ardeen. J'onn reunites with his father, M'yrnn J'onzz, and Kara's new friend, Samantha Arias, unknowingly transforms into the world-killing weapon Reign.

Season 4

In Season 4, Kara confronts rising anti-alien sentiments fueled by Lex Luthor, who manipulates Ben Lockwood into forming a human-first group, the Children of Liberty, forcing her to fight against prejudice and for the civil and political rights of aliens. Meanwhile, a Kara clone, dubbed Red Daughter, trains in Kasnia to fight Supergirl at Lex's request. Tensions arise as Col. Lauren Haley joins the DEO, demanding that Supergirl reveal her identity, which she refuses to do.

Cast and characters

Melissa Benoist as Kara Zor-El / Kara Danvers / Supergirl: A Kryptonian living in National City, who must embrace her powers after previously hiding them. She assists her adoptive sister Alex as part of the Department of Extra-Normal Operations (DEO) as she discovered the truth that her adoptive father also worked for the DEO so they would not take her, while Alex's co-workers at the DEO help her perfect her powers. Kara worked as Cat Grant's assistant at CatCo. Benoist expressed her excitement over portraying the character, and being able to "[tell] a story about a human being really realizing their potential and their strength". Malina Weissman (seasons 1-2) and Izabela Vidovic (seasons 3-4 & 6) portray a young Kara.

Mehcad Brooks as James "Jimmy" Olsen / Guardian (seasons 1–5; guest: season 6): A former Daily Planet photographer, James moved to National City and became the new art director for his former colleague, Cat Grant, at CatCo Worldwide Media. He is initially a potential love interest for Kara. Among his reasons for moving across the country are his breakup with his fiancée, Lucy Lane, and keeping an eye on the newly revealed Supergirl for Superman. While working at the Daily Planet, James received the Pulitzer Prize for taking the first photograph of Superman. In the second season, James becomes Guardian. In the fourth episode of season 5, James decides to leave National City to run his hometown newspaper. He returns in the series finale to assist the Superfriends in the final battle against Lex and Nyxly and attend Alex and Kelly's wedding.

Chyler Leigh as Alexandra "Alex" Danvers / Sentinel: Kara's human adoptive sister. She is a physician, bioengineer, scientist and government agent who serves as Hank Henshaw's right hand at the DEO. She also meets and befriends police detective Maggie Sawyer and begins to develop feelings for her, forcing Alex to confront her sexuality. Jordan Mazarati and Olivia Nikkanen portray a young Alex.

Jeremy Jordan as Winslow "Winn" Schott Jr. / Toyman (seasons 1–3; guest: seasons 5–6): A tech expert who worked alongside Kara at CatCo, he is Kara's best friend and serves as one of her allies, helping her develop her costume and aiding her in her adventures. Winn has unrequited feelings for Kara and is a rival with James for her affection.

David Harewood as J'onn J'onzz / Martian Manhunter: The head of the DEO who takes Hank Henshaw's likeness after Henshaw is killed in Peru while hunting J'onn. J'onn takes Henshaw's likeness to reform the DEO from within as well as to watch over Alex and Kara. The evolution of Henshaw was discussed during the filming of the pilot, with the executive producers jokingly saying that Harewood would be a good actor to play the Martian Manhunter in a potential television series, to which DC Comics' Geoff Johns asked why it could not be done in Supergirl. Harewood reflected that he had difficulty "find[ing] an angle to play Hank Henshaw" in the pilot, and became excited when he was told about the change to his character's backstory. Harewood also recurred in the series as the real Hank Henshaw, who became Cyborg Superman.

Production

Development

In September 2014, Warner Bros. Television initiated development on a Supergirl television series, with Greg Berlanti, Ali Adler, and Sarah Schechter serving as executive producers under Berlanti Productions. DC Comics' Geoff Johns was also attached to the project. Early working titles included Super and Girl.

Berlanti cited inspiration from actress Ginger Rogers for the character's portrayal, a concept that resonated with executive producer Schechter.

On September 20, 2014, CBS committed to the series, planning a premiere for the 2015–16 television schedule. In January 2015, CBS Entertainment chairwoman Nina Tassler described the series as a procedural drama blending serialized arcs with crime-solving elements. Melissa Benoist was cast as Supergirl in January 2015 after an extensive audition process, with other actresses considered including Claire Holt and Gemma Atkinson.

Blake Neely, known for his work on Arrow and The Flash, was confirmed as the series' composer in March 2015.

The show was officially picked up to series on May 6, 2015, and the pilot premiered at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2015.

Adler noted that Superman's role would be minimal to maintain focus on Supergirl. In November 2015, CBS ordered seven more episodes, bringing the total for Season 1 to 20.

On May 12, 2016, it was announced that the series would move to The CW for Season 2, premiering in October 2016.

Concerns were raised about Calista Flockhart's availability, as her contract required filming in Los Angeles; she eventually returned in a recurring capacity.

The series was renewed for Season 3 in January 2017, with Jessica Queller and Robert Rovner taking over as co-showrunners.

Design

The original Supergirl costume was designed by Colleen Atwood, who previously worked on Arrow and The Flash. Atwood aimed to "embrace the past" while modernizing the look.

Melissa Benoist noted the costume’s short skirt as daunting but accepted it as part of the challenge.

The design featured a high-neck top, pleated skirt, tights, and boots, with practical elements like a cape fastened to an undersuit and Eurojersey fabric.

Reception was mixed. Natalie Abrams of Entertainment Weekly praised the modern update and the more covered look, while Screen Rant’s Andrew Dyce applauded the nostalgic elements.

Conversely, E! Online and TV Guide criticized the outfit for its colors and resemblance to a Halloween costume.

In the fifth season, Supergirl’s costume was redesigned to feature pants, a practical departure from the skirt.

Filming

Andrew Kreisberg joined the series as writer and executive producer in February 2015. Glen Winter was named pilot director.

Principal photography for the pilot occurred from March 4–29, 2015, on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California—previously used for Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.

The show had an estimated production cost of $3 million per episode, among the highest for a freshman series.

In Season 2, production moved to Vancouver to cut costs, with filming beginning July 25, 2016, and ending April 26, 2017.Vancouver remained the filming base through the final season, with scenes shot throughout the city to depict National City.

On March 12, 2020, production was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Filming for the sixth season was delayed due to issues receiving COVID-19 test results, ultimately beginning later in fall 2020.

Broadcast

In Canada, Supergirl aired in a sim-subbed simulcast on Global alongside the American broadcast during the first season. For the second season, the series moved to Showcase under the same arrangement.

In the United Kingdom, Supergirl premiered on Sky One on October 29, 2015.

In Australia, Supergirl premiered on FOX8 on December 6, 2015.

Reception

Critical response

Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes gave the first season of Supergirl a 92% approval rating from critics, with an average rating of 7.53/10, based on 72 reviews. The site's consensus states: "Melissa Benoist shines as Superman's plucky little cousin in Supergirl, a family-friendly comic-book adaptation that ditches cynicism for heart." Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, reported "generally favorable reviews" with an assigned score of 75 out of 100, based on reviews from 38 critics. Cliff Wheatley of IGN gave the pilot episode a 7/10, praising Benoist's performance as Kara and the fun take on the Superman mythos.

Rotten Tomatoes gave the second season a 92% approval rating from critics with an average rating of 7.88/10, based on 20 reviews. The site's consensus reads: "The arrival of the more famous cousin in Supergirl does nothing to detract from the show's lead, who continues to deliver strength, action, and relatability." Metacritic reported "universal acclaim" with an assigned score of 81 out of 100, based on reviews from 4 critics.

The third season holds a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 15 reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10. The critical consensus states: "Heavier themes lead to higher stakes, but Supergirl gives its eponymous heroine and her fellow supers plenty of room for growth, creating a well-balanced, engaging third season."

The fourth season reports an 87% approval rating, with an average rating of 7.27/10 based on 7 reviews. The website's critic consensus reads: "Though it's a little tonally inconsistent, Supergirl's fourth season still soars thanks to strong, relevant writing brought to life by its charming cast." The book Adapting Superman: Essays on the Transmedia Man of Steel includes a chapter titled "Forging Kryptonite: Lex Luthor's Xenophobia as Societal Fracturing, from Batman v Superman to Supergirl," which analyzes Lex Luthor's actions in Season 4 as "a representation exploring the cultural effects of encroaching xenophobia" from society to the family, reflecting the years following the 2016 United States presidential election. In addition to making parallels of the political climate, Phil Baker bears a similar likeness of Donald Trump, who was the 45th President of the United States at the time of season 4's airing, and even quotes him a few times.

Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes gave the fifth season of Supergirl an 92% approval rating from critics, with an average rating of 7.0/10, based on 8 reviews. The site's consensus states: "While Supergirl’s fifth season suffers from too many plot threads, it still delivers the heart, action, and timely storytelling fans expect from the series."

Accolades

2015 critics' top ten lists

No. 10 People

Unranked – Variety

No. 7 The Washington Post

2016 critics' top ten lists

No. 5 Cinema Blend

Arrowverse

In November 2014, Berlanti expressed interest in Supergirl existing in the Arrowverse, the same universe as his other series Arrow and The Flash, and in January 2015, The CW president Mark Pedowitz revealed that he was also open to a crossover between the series and networks (due to Berlanti executive producing all three and The CW being co-owned by CBS). However, CBS Entertainment chair Nina Tassler stated that month that "those two shows are on a different network. So I think we'll keep Supergirl to ourselves for a while." In August 2015, Tassler revealed that while there were no plans at the time to do crossover storylines, the three series would have crossover promotions.

Pedowitz regretted passing on the series when presented it in mid-2014, saying, "We hadn't launched The Flash yet, we weren't ready to take on another DC property. In hindsight we probably should've gone that direction...Sometimes you lose great shows." In January 2016, during the Television Critics Association press tour, he said that The CW was still interested in a crossover with Supergirl if the producers could find a way to do it, and Berlanti added that while no official conversations had taken place, internal ones had concerning how a crossover would work. He also noted that for a crossover to happen during Supergirl's first season, it would have to be figured out "in the next month or so". Glenn Geller, Tassler's successor at CBS, then stated on the matter, "I have to be really careful what I say here. Watch and wait and see what happens."

On February 3, 2016, it was announced that Grant Gustin, who appears as Barry Allen / Flash on The Flash, would appear in the eighteenth episode of the first season, "Worlds Finest". While no plot details on the episodes were released at the time, Ross A. Lincoln of Deadline Hollywood noted that "the in-universe reason" for the crossover was due to Barry's ability to travel to various dimensions, thus implying that Supergirl exists on an alternate Earth to Arrow and The Flash in a multiverse. The Flash episode "Welcome to Earth-2" confirmed this, showing an image of Benoist as Supergirl during a sequence where characters travel through that multiverse. The earth that the series inhabits is Earth-38 in the Arrowverse multiverse, and has been informally referred to as "Earth-CBS" by Marc Guggenheim, one of the creators of Arrow.

During the second season, Supergirl appears in "Invasion!", a crossover episode of The Flash, Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow, when she's recruited by Barry Allen and Cisco Ramon at the end of "Medusa" to help fight off an invasion by the Dominators. Supergirl and The Flash also featured in a musical crossover, featuring several covers of existing songs along with two original numbers. Similar to "Invasion!", the crossover begins at the end of the Supergirl episode "Star-Crossed" and primarily takes place during The Flash episode "Duet", featuring the Music Meister as the antagonist who puts both The Flash and Supergirl in a shared hallucination. After "Invasion!", Guggenheim felt "If there's an appetite for it from the fans and from the network," the crossover next year could be "a proper four-part crossover."

Standalone spin-off

In October 2019, The CW and Warner Bros. Television announced development on a spin-off series titled Superman & Lois, with Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch reprising their roles as Clark Kent / Superman and Lois Lane. In January 2020, Superman & Lois was ordered to series. The series premiered on February 23, 2021. Originally presented as being set in the same continuity as Supergirl, the series was retroactively established to be set in an adjacent universe to the Arrowverse in its second season finale.

Other media

Comic books

In July 2015, a four-page preview comic entitled Sister Act, written by Ali Adler, Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg was released digitally online, and then a day later in the September 2015 issue of TV Guide.

Adventures of Supergirl: Beginning in January 2016, DC Comics launched a 13-issue bi-weekly digital comic (6 in print). Written by Sterling Gates and drawn by a rotating team of artist including Bengal, Jonboy Meyers, Emanuela Lupacchino, and Emma Vieceli, the comic, while not directly tying into the show, tells stories set in the universe of the show. The digital series was collected in print as a six-issue series published twice a month from May to July 2016, and as a complete graphic novel in September of that year.

They are also involved in the Earth-Prime miniseries launched in April 2022.

Adventures of Supergirl (2016-09-21): Includes Adventures of Supergirl #1-6.

Novels

In November 2017, Abrams Books began publishing a new trilogy of Supergirl novels, written by Jo Whittemore, aimed at middle-grade readers in tandem with a similar trilogy of The Flash novels. The first, Supergirl: Age of Atlantis, was released on November 7, 2017, and features Supergirl dealing with a surge of new powered people in National City, as well as a mysterious humanoid sea creature captured by the DEO who is seemingly attracted by the new superpowered people. A sequel, Supergirl: Curse of the Ancients, was released on May 1, 2018, with a third novel, titled Supergirl: Master of Illusion, released on January 8, 2019.

Guidebook

A guidebook for the series, published by Abrams, was released on March 12, 2019. Supergirl: The Secret Files of Kara Danvers: The Ultimate Guide to the Hit TV Show features "detailed profiles on characters and super powers, a heroes and villains gallery, episode guide, and more" from the first three seasons of the series.

Video games

The video game Lego DC Super-Villains features DLC inspired by Supergirl in the "DC Super Heroes: TV Series DLC Character Pack". The DLC pack includes Supergirl as a playable character.