The Answer is Always Smallville

Okay don’t be mad at me. I know this claim is a fallacy of absolutes. Still, if a friend asks me “What should I watch next?” then my answer is always Smallville.

Smallville may not be a new show, but it has stood the test of time and continues to be a valid option for every mood. If you like drama, action-adventure, romance, comedy, sci-fi, music, mystery, life lessons, high school, cows and trucks, then you will love this show. We can test this assumption by seeing if you and I share an affinity for current shows that almost measure up.

But first, what is Smallville? I am glad you asked…

Smallville is the origin story of Superman who (spoiler alert) is actually a human-passing alien named Clark Kent. The show picks up during Clark’s freshman year of high school when he begins to discover his super powers while crushing hard on the literal girl next door named Lana. Clark befriends young cue ball Lex Luthor, who we know to be (spoiler alert) his arch nemesis. The ten year series covers the unboxing of Clark’s Superman costume, him falling for Lois Lane, and starting his job at the Daily Planet. All the while, citizens of Smallville are trying to return to normalcy after the devastating meteor shower that marked Clark’s arrival. He must discover his identity while hiding it from everyone else.

The show stays true to the lore of Superman comics. However if you’ve never given a flying fart about Superman before, keep reading and trust me. I need your trust.

Enjoy movies like Maleficent with story arcs that give you compassion for the villain? Wait until you are rooting for Lex Luthor!

Love an intense action sequence coupled with a familiar fandom like the Mandalorian? Then you will love Smallville!

Do you feel like part of the family with characters from This is Us? I bet you’ll cry your eyes out when you see what happens to Mr. Kent. And be ready to beat up anyone who dares to mess with Mrs. Kent.

Are you craving an epic and steamy romance like Bridgerton but need something safe to watch with your mom? Boom- Smallville! (Warning- if your mom is like mine she will develop a crush on John Schneider.)

Enjoy high school shows with a twist (i.e. Glee, Riverdale, The Vampire Diaries, etc.)? Smallville has all the hormonal teen drama you could ever want. Watch as the characters navigate school dances, eating disorders, being orphaned, learning not to shoot lasers out of their eyes prematurely (pew pew), and falling in love.

Wanna laugh out loud? Then yeah! Watch Schitt’$ Creek! (But then watch Smallville...)

Maybe you are just feeling nostalgic and want to hear the music of your favorite boy band or alternative rock group? Check out Smallville’s soundtrack.

Like the meta-human villains from the Flash? Wait until you see Smallville’s meteor freaks. If you like Arrow, the Green Arrow is literally in this!

Have you embarked on chronologically accurate Marvel movie marathons? More into DC? Do you care which Spider-Man movie is the best? Is it the Toby McGuire one?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these then you may be entitled to compensation in the form of Smallville.

Are you more interested in mystery? While Smallville is no Sherlock Homes, there are riddles to be solved within it that you will enjoy. Why is a dead deer missing only its body fat? Some cave paintings need to be deciphered ASAP. Also who is Milton Fine really and what is he up to?

I could go on and on, but you’re a smart person and get where I am going with this.

Honestly, I think about this show all the time. I have seen all 200 episodes twice and my husband and I have considered binging it again. If you can’t do all 10 seasons then just do one through six, then ten. Before you spend another 30 minutes searching aimlessly for anything to stream, just remember: The answer is always Smallville.