Flying High

When Supergirl premiered on CBS in 2015 before moving to The CW in its second season, the superhero television landscape was already crowded. Arrow had been soaring since 2012, The Flash had sprinted onto screens in 2014, and audiences might have wondered if there was room for another caped crusader. The answer, as six seasons and 126 episodes proved, was a resounding yes.

A Different Kind of Superhero Story

While Arrow established the gritty, grounded tone of what would become the Arrowverse and The Flash brought back the joy and wonder of superhero storytelling, Supergirl carved out its own unique identity. Melissa Benoist's Kara Danvers wasn't just Superman's cousin trying to step out of his shadow—she was a fully realized character dealing with distinctly modern challenges while wielding incredible power.

The show distinguished itself from its CW siblings through its unapologetically optimistic worldview and its commitment to addressing contemporary social issues. Where Arrow often dealt in moral ambiguity and The Flash explored the consequences of time travel, Supergirl asked: "What does it mean to be a hero in today's world?" The answers it provided were both inspiring and complex.

For New Viewers: What to Expect

If you're considering diving into Supergirl after experiencing Arrow and The Flash, here's what awaits you:

The Tone: Supergirl is brighter and more hopeful than Arrow, but it doesn't shy away from serious topics. The show tackles everything from immigration and LGBTQ+ rights to workplace harassment and systemic oppression, all while maintaining an fundamentally optimistic outlook about humanity's capacity for good.

The Action: The show delivers spectacular superhero action, though it differs from its Arrowverse cousins. Where Arrow focuses on street-level combat and The Flash on super-speed sequences, Supergirl excels in large-scale, cinematic battles featuring flight, heat vision, and epic confrontations that feel genuinely superheroic.

The Characters: The supporting cast is one of Supergirl's greatest strengths. From Kara's adoptive sister Alex Danvers (Chyler Leigh) to the brilliant Winn Schott (Jeremy Jordan) and the complex J'onn J'onzz/Martian Manhunter (David Harewood), the show builds rich relationships that feel authentic and lived-in.

The Representation: Supergirl broke significant ground in superhero television. Alex Danvers' coming-out storyline in Season 2 was handled with remarkable sensitivity and authenticity. The show featured television's first transgender superhero with Nicole Maines' Nia Nal/Dreamer, and consistently championed diversity both in front of and behind the camera.

Viewing Guide: How to Approach the Series

Start with Season 1: Despite moving networks, the CBS season is essential viewing. It establishes Kara's world, introduces key characters, and sets up the show's core themes. The slight tonal shift when moving to The CW is noticeable but not jarring.

Seasons 2-3: The Peak: These seasons represent Supergirl at its creative height. Season 2 introduces Mon-El (Chris Wood) and explores Kara's romantic relationships while deepening the mythology. Season 3 tackles the timely theme of anti-alien prejudice as a clear metaphor for real-world discrimination.

Seasons 4-6: Evolution and Conclusion: The later seasons show a show willing to evolve. Season 4's exploration of propaganda and truth in media feels particularly relevant, while the final seasons bring character arcs to satisfying conclusions.

Crossover Events: One of Supergirl's advantages over standalone superhero shows is its integration into the larger Arrowverse. The annual crossover events—from "Invasion!" to the massive "Crisis on Infinite Earths"—showcase Supergirl working alongside Arrow, The Flash, and other heroes in epic storylines that reward viewers invested in the broader universe.

Thematic Depth: More Than Meets the Eye

What sets Supergirl apart in retrospective analysis is its willingness to engage with political and social issues directly. The show never shied away from making statements about the world we live in:

- Immigration: Kara's status as a refugee from a destroyed world provides a powerful metaphor for the immigrant experience

- Feminism: The show consistently explores what it means to be a woman in positions of power, both in superhero work and corporate environments

- Found Family: The relationships between Kara, Alex, and their chosen family at the DEO form the emotional core of the series

- Identity: Themes of dual identity, belonging, and self-acceptance run throughout the series

Technical Excellence

The show's production values evolved significantly over its run. While early seasons occasionally showed budget constraints, particularly in visual effects, the series grew increasingly confident in its spectacle. The costume designs, from Supergirl's iconic suit to the various villains and supporting heroes, struck an ideal balance between comic book authenticity and practical television production.

The performances consistently elevated the material. Melissa Benoist anchored the show with a performance that captured both Supergirl's strength and Kara's vulnerability. The supporting cast, particularly Chyler Leigh and David Harewood, brought depth and nuance to characters that could have easily become one-dimensional.

Legacy and Impact

In the context of the Arrowverse and superhero television broadly, Supergirl's legacy is significant. It proved that audiences were hungry for hopeful superhero stories that didn't sacrifice intelligence or emotional depth. The show's commitment to representation and social justice storytelling influenced other series and demonstrated that superhero shows could be both entertaining and meaningful.

For viewers coming from Arrow's darkness or The Flash's time-travel complexity, Supergirl offers something different: a show about the power of hope, the importance of standing up for others, and the belief that tomorrow can be better than today.

The Verdict

Supergirl deserves a place in any comprehensive viewing of superhero television. While it may not have the cultural impact of Arrow or the pure fun of early Flash seasons, it carved out its own essential niche in the genre. The show's six-season run tells a complete story about growing into your power, fighting for what's right, and never losing faith in humanity's capacity for good.

Whether you're a superhero television completionist or someone looking for stories that combine spectacular action with genuine heart, Supergirl offers a viewing experience that's both thoroughly entertaining and surprisingly moving. In an era when superhero content often feels cynical or overly complex, Supergirl's straightforward heroism and optimistic worldview feel not just refreshing, but necessary.

For viewers planning a watch: All six seasons of Supergirl are available for streaming, making it easy to experience Kara Danvers' complete journey from uncertain hero to confident protector of Earth. The show works both as a standalone experience and as part of the broader Arrowverse viewing order.