This Hated Superhero Show On Netflix Deserves Another Chance

Like many nerds, I absolutely loved James Gunn’s Superman, and after the credits rolled, I immersed myself in some of my favorite media featuring the Man of Steel. After watching some favorite episodes of shows like Lois & Clark and Smallville, I ended up falling in love with a different TV series, one that the internet loves to make fun of. That show is 2015’s Supergirl, and it’s time for everyone from both Earth and Krypton to give this superhero show another chance.

The plot of Supergirl is that Kara Zoe-El, Superman’s cousin, follows in his famous footsteps by becoming a colorful superhero with a secret identity as a journalist. She is surrounded by great allies, including both James Olsen (don’t call him Jimmy) and the Martian Manhunter. But between the constant superpowered threats facing her city and the chaos of her personal life, it will take all of her strength and her wits for Supergirl to keep coming out on top.

Supergirl’s Incredible Cast

Supergirl is part of the Arrowverse but arguably has a stronger cast than shows like Arrow and The Flash. Mehcad Brooks (best known for his roles in Law & Order and Necessary Roughness) does a great job as Superman’s pal Jimmy Olsen, now all grown up and ready to do his part to save the world. Chyler Leigh (best known for her roles in Not Another Teen Movie and Grey’s Anatomy) is excellent as Supergirl’s adoptive sister, while David Harewood (best known outside this show for his role in Homeland) provides regal nobility as Martian Manhunter, another alien who has dedicated himself to protecting the planet.

The best performance comes from Melissa Benoist, who perfectly plays both Supergirl and her mild-mannered alter ego. Benoist imbues her character’s civilian identity with seriously adorkable charm, cementing this awesome alien as everyone’s favorite Supergirl next door. She is equally adept at playing a superhero, and I think fans of David Corenswet’s recent portrayal of Superman will enjoy how Benoist embodies both heart and steel when laying down the laser-powered law.

Why The Internet Dunks On Supergirl

So, why does the internet dunk on Supergirl? Some of the gripes are legitimate, like complaints about the show having occasionally bad episodes and occasionally embarrassing special effects. But these are part and parcel of the medium: any show with 126 episodes will have a few stinkers, and any series would have trouble perfectly adapting the vibe of ultra-expensive superhero movies (Superman had a budget of $225 million) to a television budget.

Supergirl’s Controversial Culture War Positions May Mean It’s Not For You

Other criticisms of the show mostly stem from culture-war positions, with some unhappy that Jimmy Olsen is now black, and that the show eventually introduced a trans superhero. The TV show is also unapologetically feminist, with Supergirl often serving as the ultimate exemplar of feminine strength fighting against both monsters and misogynists. This, combined with those issues, was always destined to trigger people who don’t want modern politics in their television show.

If those things turn you off, that’s fine: Supergirl, like the rest of the Arrowverse, isn’t for everyone. But as far as critics are concerned, Supergirl soared, with a Rotten Tomatoes critical score that went up, up, and away to 88 percent. If you want a superhero show that’s one part cozy and one part crazy, this is the superhero show you’ve been waiting for.

Will you enjoy Supergirl as much as the title character enjoys Settlers of Catan, or will this show be your own personal Kryptonite? You won’t know until you fly over to your remote and stream this show on Netflix. Come for the superpowered showdowns and stay for Lena Luthor, the most most deliciously unexpected BFF our titular Supergirl could ever ask for.