Television series

Supergirl

Name: Supergirl
Genre: Drama, Action, Science Fiction
Released: 2015
Cast: Melissa Benoist, Chyler Leigh, David Harewood, Katie McGrath, Mehcad Brooks

Supergirl is a buoyant superhero origin story about a woman finally stepping into her power after hiding for over a decade. It's earnest, action-packed, and genuinely funny—the kind of show that believes in its heroes without irony. Ideal for anyone who wants spectacle with heart, spectacular fights grounded in real emotional stakes, and a cast that actually seems to like each other.

TVMaze rating

3.5

Should you watch it?

Watch it if you want a warm, big-hearted superhero show where the bond between Kara and Alex and a team of lovable misfits matters as much as the punches.

Skip it if you find earnest sunny optimism wearing thin, or want the grit of darker superhero shows; the tone stays cheerful and plots can feel formulaic across six seasons.

What it asks of you: Expect an hour an episode and a long commitment: 126 instalments over six seasons, brisk and mostly light, with a tone that rarely lingers on sorrow.

Not sure? Find tonight's pick in a minute.

If you liked this

The Flash2014

Same universe, same tone: a hero learning their power while protecting their city, with a found-family dynamic and a perfect balance of humour and genuine peril. The crossover episodes will feel like homecoming.

But Relies more heavily on the romantic will-they-won't-they than Supergirl does, which can overwhelm the superhero plot in later seasons.

Arrow2012

The first Arrow seasons have the same grounded action and secret-identity paranoia, plus a tremendous supporting cast. It builds its universe thoughtfully and earns emotional moments.

But Darker and grittier than Supergirl—there's significantly less fun and significantly more brooding, especially early on.

Wonder Woman2017

An origin story about a woman discovering her extraordinary purpose in a confusing world. The same optimism and earnestness, with spectacularly choreographed action and genuine warmth between characters.

But It's a film, not six seasons—you'll finish in two hours and want more, and the sequels don't match this one's heart.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Supergirl

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Castlevania: Nocturne2023

Both centre on a young protagonist discovering their true power and learning they're not alone—supported by a ragtag ensemble of misfits and outcasts united by loyalty.

An unexpected wildcard: an animated series with the same commitment to character-driven action and a found family united against impossible odds. The animation is extraordinary, the voice acting powerhouse, and the emotional weight genuine.

But It's animated, not live-action, and considerably darker and more mature than Supergirl. Also assumes some prior Castlevania knowledge helps, though it works standalone.

DC's Legends of Tomorrow2016

Same universe, but wonderfully unhinged. A ragtag team of misfits saves history by being themselves. It's funnier than Supergirl, stranger, and genuinely thrilling—especially seasons two and three.

But The premise is chaotic and the show revels in it. If you need narrative coherence and consistency, you'll find it exhausting.

Marvel's Jessica Jones2015

A woman with powers fighting invisible threats in her city, with the same commitment to character and moral stakes. Marvel's grit balances Supergirl's optimism—a perfect counterpoint.

But Much darker, slower-paced, and the first season drags its antagonist out longer than necessary. Also much less hopeful in tone.

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.2013

Found family, high-concept action, and genuine comedy woven through drama. Seasons four and five especially hit that Supergirl sweet spot of fun spectacle with real stakes.

But The first couple of seasons are uneven and struggle to justify themselves. Patience required before payoff.

Batgirl: Year One2009

A animated origin story of a woman reclaiming agency and choosing heroism. The action is beautiful, the emotional core is strong, and it's only 65 minutes.

But It's animated, which loses the casting chemistry that makes Supergirl special. Also much shorter, so different emotional rhythm.

Black Lightning2018

A hero reluctantly returning to action in a modern city. It focuses on real consequences and community alongside spectacular powers. Strong ensemble, excellent action choreography.

But The family drama becomes front-and-centre by season two, potentially overshadowing the superhero elements you came for.

Doom Patrol2019

Both are fundamentally about misfits discovering belonging through heroism and realizing their greatest strength is the team around them, not their individual power.

A group of broken people with powers learning to rely on each other and find purpose. It's genuinely funny and genuinely tragic, with spectacular action set pieces and real philosophical depth.

But It's grotesque and surreal in ways Supergirl never is. Also cancelled after two seasons, so unresolved threads. The tonal whiplash from humour to horror disturbs some viewers.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer1997

Both centre on a young woman discovering she's extraordinary and learning that power is nothing without community, love, and choice.

The ancestor of every show about a young person discovering power and responsibility. It's witty, emotionally sophisticated, and genuinely thrilling—Supergirl owes Buffy everything. Still holds up completely.

But It's from 1997, so the visual effects are dated and early seasons have weak plotting. Also tighter serialization means skipping episodes damages comprehension. Requires patience with cheese.