Anthony Bergamini
As the years go by, many will remember Tyler Hoechlin’s portrayal of Superman/Clark Kent from the series Superman & Lois. However, for those who grew up with the CW’s slate of DC TV shows—collectively dubbed the Arrowverse—there was a time when the studio was notably reluctant to feature Superman on screen.
This dates back to the origins of the Arrowverse, where Arrow was developed out of a desire to create a Batman series, though the CW was prohibited from using Batman at the time. As a workaround, they created Arrow, a show centered on Green Arrow but heavily influenced by Batman’s tone and mythology. After Arrow proved successful, the CW expanded its universe with other superhero series like The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow. When it came time to explore a Superman series, the studio faced the same licensing restrictions as it had with Batman. Instead, it launched Supergirl, which originally aired on primetime CBS rather than the CW. CBS aimed to keep Supergirl separate from the other CW shows, placing it in its own universe with minimal crossover potential. This separation was short-lived. Toward the end of its first season, Supergirl featured a crossover with The Flash, and due to demographics and ratings, CBS opted out of the venture. The show was then moved to the CW for its second season.
The transition to the CW came with greater freedom to incorporate characters from the wider DC Universe. In the first season, Supergirl referenced Superman, Lois Lane, and other franchise staples but only showed Superman as a distant, shadowed figure. With the move to the CW and Warner Bros.’ permission, the series was finally able to depict Superman on screen. This led to the memorable first two episodes of Supergirl Season 2: “The Adventures of Supergirl” and “The Last Children of Krypton.” These episodes feature Superman’s arrival in National City following a botched rocket launch that prompts him and Supergirl to team up. Superman stays to investigate potential wrongdoing by Lena Luthor, Lex’s sister. Once Lena is cleared, the real villain—John Corben—emerges. After his defeat, Corben is resurrected by Project Cadmus with a Kryptonite-powered heart and, alongside Dr. Gilcrest, becomes Metallo. The duo battles Supergirl and Superman but is ultimately defeated with the help of the DEO. Superman then returns to Metropolis.
The CW fully embraced Superman’s presence in these episodes, packing them with clever references and fan-pleasing nods. Among the most appreciated are those paying homage to the 1978 film Superman: The Movie. To push Kara toward choosing a new career path, Cat Grant hires a new assistant—Eve Teschmacher—whose name fans will recognize as Lex Luthor’s assistant in the film. Cat even shouts the iconic “MISS TESCHMACHER!” as a direct homage. Another reference comes when Winn asks Superman if he used his x-ray vision to detect fault lines during an earthquake—a nod to the quake caused by Lex Luthor in the film’s climax.
These episodes are also rich with comic book allusions. Notable examples include Clark calling himself a “mild-mannered reporter,” references to past connections between Clark, Cat Grant, and James Olsen at the Daily Planet, and a call where Clark reminds Perry White to stop using outdated expressions like “Great Caesar’s ghost!” These small but meaningful details highlight the studio’s reverence for Superman’s legacy across various media.
One of the most memorable aspects of Hoechlin’s Superman is his warmth and optimism. His genuine smile and approachable demeanor distinguish him from darker portrayals of the character, resonating with civilians within the show and viewers alike. Interestingly, background characters often seem more excited by Superman’s presence than Supergirl’s, underscoring a recurring theme: Kara must establish her own identity rather than live in her cousin’s shadow.
Hoechlin also excels as Clark Kent, capturing the awkward, endearing traits that contrast sharply with his superhero persona. Unlike many portrayals where Clark is a newcomer at the Daily Planet, this version is a seasoned reporter with existing relationships among Supergirl’s supporting cast. This approach lets the show bypass origin-story clichés and instead focus on his integration into the wider Arrowverse.
Perhaps the most significant impact of Superman’s appearance on Supergirl was how starkly it contrasted with the version portrayed on the big screen by Henry Cavill. Cavill’s Superman is defined by his muscular physique, somber tone, and introspective nature. Hoechlin’s take is the opposite: light, hopeful, and charismatic. This tonal difference may have helped Warner Bros. feel more comfortable allowing the CW to use Superman, knowing the portrayals would not conflict.
While Hoechlin’s debut as Superman was a major moment for many viewers—especially younger audiences unfamiliar with earlier versions of the character—it built upon a foundation laid by prior portrayals. What set this version apart was its place within the expansive, interconnected Arrowverse. Unlike previous TV Supermen, who existed in isolated narratives, Hoechlin’s Superman became a regular presence in crossover events and eventually earned his own series.
