This DC fan-favorite superhero first appeared in the 1938 Action Comics #1 . Since then, he’s become one of pop culture’s most recognizable comic book characters. While this generation recognizes Henry Cavill as Superman, he confirmed that he wouldn’t return to the role he once loved so much. But this is only one of the many changes Co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran have made to the DC Extended Universe. Luckily for fans, this isn’t the last time we see the hero on the silver screen. Gunn confirmed that the next Superman movie, Superman: Legacy is in the works.
While details of the upcoming DC movie are still uncertain, there are many fantastic TV shows you can watch about the last son of Krypton. These are some of the top 6 Superman TV shows you should check out!
1. Superman & Lois (2021- Present )
Thanks to Tyler Hoechlin’s stunning performance as Superman in the Arrowverse and especially in CW’s Supergirl, the network decided to give the Kryptonian his own series. And it’s very different from all the other shows on this list. While most Superman shows follow a young Clark Kent as he discovers himself and falls in love with Lois Lane, this new series is set decades after their will-they-won’t-they romance.
Clark and Lois are married with two sons. They’ve left their Award-winning journalism careers in Metropolis and moved back to the small town of Smallville to better focus on their family. But that proved more complicated than this couple thought, as anywhere Superman goes, villains are always following closely. Although they are constantly fighting for their lives, this portrayal of Superman goes deep into Clark as a father and what he wants his legacy to be. Seeing him as a family man is refreshing, and the show’s pacing keeps you entranced until the end. Superman & Lois season 3 is still a hit with viewers and critics.
2. Smallville (2001-2011)
The CW’s Smallville will go down as one of the best depictions of Superman and Clark Kent on TV. Why? Maybe it’s because we got to see Kent grow up and learn about his powers or the superb writing on the show that kept viewers hooked during its 10-season run. Tom Welling plays a compelling young Superman, filled with angst, uncertainty, and trying to figure out his moral compass on this planet. Although most fans assume Superman was born righteous, his adopted father, Jonathan Kent, was instrumental in the man he grew up to be.
And we see that play out in this series. Viewers even saw an early version of The Justice League with appearances from Bart Allen/ The Flash, Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, Cyborg, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Zatanna, Watchtower, and Hawkman. Smallville did a fantastic job of giving these characters a believable origin story and connection to Clark for them to come together in the future. It also doesn’t hurt that this show’s special effects and kryptonite-infected villains were captivating. It is one of the best CW sci-fi shows to date.
3. Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997)
When it comes to a romantic portrayal of the Man of Steel, Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman easily takes the first spot. The 90s favorite show is fondly remembered for being a classic in its portrayal of an authentic and human Clark Kent. It focused on the dilemmas in his relationship with Lois Lane, making friendships in Metropolis, and the weight of his secret identity.
Some highlights of this 90s series are when Lois learns what it’s like to have powers and Kent is tempted to follow other Kryptonians to the new Krypton planet. But this show and Superman easily won over many comic fans through their time-traveling adventures, breakups, and the innocents he rescued. The show was canceled after ending on a cliffhanger in the fourth season, leaving fans with no idea of what happens next.
4. Adventures of Superman (1952-1958)
Way before we got all these CGI-filled TV shows, in the 50s, there was only one Superman, George Reeves. Reeves became a fan favorite with his sincere portrayal of Clark Kent and the invincible Man of Steel. The special effects weren’t anything to call home about, but the stellar cast and adventure were all worth it. It was fun and a more relatable version of the righteous superhero that comic book lovers fell in love with.
5. Krypton (2018-2019)
While the SYFY network’s Krypton doesn’t feature Kal-El /Superman, it profoundly explores more of Superman’s mythology by taking us 200 years in the past. Krypton followed Superman’s grandfather, Seg-El, as he attempted to save his planet Krypton and maintain the honor of his family name. The show did an excellent job of introducing Krypton’s culture to viewers and fans, with origin stories of familiar characters who’ve made numerous appearances in other TV shows and movies, like General Zod, Lobo, and Doomsday. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep viewers, and the show was canceled after only two seasons. The news came only a few days after the end of the second season.
6. Superman: The Animated Series (1996-2000)
Superman: The Animated Series is likely one of the most iconic animated series about the Man of Steel. Running for three seasons since its premiere in 1996, this animation saw Tim Daily take on the iconic role of Clark Kent/Superman with Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor. The show followed the adventures of Superman in Metropolis as he struggled to balance being a reporter and trying to keep the city safe from Luthor and the endless villains. This show clearly defined Superman’s character and morals for many comic book fans. He was more relatable, blending both the new and what most people loved about the classic comics.
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