A Hero Takes Flight

In 2015, Supergirl debuted on CBS before finding its long-term home on The CW. The series introduced audiences to Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, and gave the DC Universe its first live-action female-led superhero show in years.

Now, as Supergirl turns 10 in 2025, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the series’ journey, its cultural impact, and how it shaped both the Arrowverse and the larger conversation about representation in superhero media.

The History of the Series

The CBS Debut (2015–2016)

Supergirl premiered in October 2015 on CBS, starring Melissa Benoist as Kara Danvers/Kara Zor-El. The show’s first season followed Kara’s struggle to balance her human life with her Kryptonian heritage. Early storylines included Kara working at CatCo Worldwide Media under the sharp-tongued Cat Grant (Calista Flockhart), forming alliances with her adoptive sister Alex Danvers (Chyler Leigh), and stepping out of Superman’s shadow to become a hero in her own right.

The CBS debut gave the show a glossy, big-budget feel, but its ratings were mixed. Despite that, fans praised Benoist’s earnest portrayal of Kara and the show’s hopeful tone.

The CW Transition (2016–2021)

In season two, Supergirl moved to The CW, officially joining the Arrowverse alongside Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow. This transition allowed for greater crossover potential and connected Kara to the larger DC TV multiverse.

Under The CW, the show leaned further into serialized storytelling and ensemble character arcs. It explored Kara’s Kryptonian heritage, Alex’s coming-out story, and expanded its villain roster with threats like Reign, Lex Luthor, and the Children of Liberty.

The network also fully embraced crossover events, with Kara becoming a central figure in “Crisis on Earth-X” and “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” storylines that defined the Arrowverse era.

The Series Finale (2021)

After six seasons and 126 episodes, Supergirl concluded in November 2021. The finale saw Kara embracing both sides of her identity—reporter and hero—while the Super Friends team found their own paths. It left fans with a bittersweet goodbye but cemented Supergirl as one of the defining shows of The CW’s superhero era.

Breaking Down the Series: Themes and Storylines

Kara’s Journey of Identity

At its heart, Supergirl was a story about identity. Kara Danvers was both an alien refugee and an ambitious young woman trying to find her place in the world. Her journey resonated with fans who saw themselves in her struggle to balance personal desires with responsibility.

Representation and Diversity

Supergirl was groundbreaking in its representation. Alex Danvers’ coming-out story was hailed as one of the most authentic LGBTQ+ arcs in superhero television. The show also introduced TV’s first live-action transgender superhero, Nia Nal/Dreamer (played by Nicole Maines), making waves for inclusivity.

Villains with Depth

From Astra and Non in the early days to Reign, Agent Liberty, and Lex Luthor in later seasons, Supergirl gave viewers villains that reflected real-world issues. The Children of Liberty storyline, for example, tackled xenophobia and nationalism through a superhero lens.

The Power of Friendship and Found Family

Unlike other darker superhero shows, Supergirl emphasized hope, compassion, and the strength of found family. The “Super Friends” team—Alex, J’onn J’onzz, Winn Schott, Lena Luthor, James Olsen, and Nia Nal—showed that being a hero was rarely a solo act.

Supergirl’s Importance to Pop Culture

A Female-Led Superhero Show

When Supergirl premiered, female-led superhero shows were rare. While Wonder Woman had blazed a trail decades earlier, Supergirl gave modern audiences a heroine front and center on network television. This representation inspired a generation of young girls (and boys) who saw themselves in Kara’s strength and kindness.

Mainstream LGBTQ+ Representation

By featuring Alex Danvers’ coming out, her relationship with Maggie Sawyer, and later Nia Nal’s transgender superhero journey, Supergirl became a touchstone for LGBTQ+ fans. These storylines weren’t just side notes—they were central arcs, giving queer fans heroes who reflected their realities.

Tackling Real Issues

The show wasn’t afraid to weave in commentary on politics, immigration, sexism, and media responsibility. Kara’s dual identity as a reporter and superhero echoed the need for truth in a world of misinformation. For nerd culture fans, it proved that superhero shows could be about more than just costumes and fights—they could engage in meaningful cultural conversations.

Expanding the Arrowverse

Supergirl’s move to The CW solidified the network’s shared DC universe. Kara’s crossovers with Oliver Queen (Arrow), Barry Allen (The Flash), and the Legends expanded the scope of superhero television. The Arrowverse became a playground for nerd fandom, with Supergirl at its heart.

Supergirl and the DCU

From Multiverse to DCU Legacy

With James Gunn’s reboot of the DCU, Supergirl’s legacy remains significant. The upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow film will introduce a new cinematic Kara, but Melissa Benoist’s portrayal will always be remembered as the live-action foundation for modern audiences.

Her hopeful, compassionate version of the Girl of Steel stands in contrast to the darker tone of other superhero media, reminding fans that heroism can be about kindness as much as strength.

Bridging Comic Book Fans and TV Audiences

For many, Supergirl was their first introduction to the character outside the comics. The show adapted stories from DC lore while creating new arcs unique to the Arrowverse. This blend allowed comic book nerds and casual TV fans to connect under one fandom umbrella.

Dreamer’s Legacy

By introducing Nia Nal, the first transgender superhero on television, Supergirl left an indelible mark on the DCU. Nicole Maines even went on to write Dreamer comics for DC, proving that the show’s influence reached beyond television.

Why Fans Still Love Supergirl 10 Years Later

Even a decade after its premiere, Supergirl holds a special place in fandom. Conventions still feature cast reunions, fans rewatch episodes on streaming platforms, and cosplay of Kara, Alex, and Nia remains popular.

The series’ optimism, humor, and emotional depth created a loyal fanbase that continues to celebrate its legacy. In an era of superhero fatigue, Supergirl stood out for centering hope rather than cynicism.

Final Thoughts

As Supergirl turns 10, it’s clear that its importance extends far beyond its six seasons. The series gave us a heroine who inspired through compassion and resilience, expanded representation in superhero media, and became a cornerstone of the Arrowverse.

For nerd culture fans, Supergirl represents more than a show—it represents a movement toward inclusivity, optimism, and the idea that anyone, no matter their background, can be a hero.

From Krypton to National City, Kara Danvers reminded us that being super isn’t about being invincible—it’s about using your power to make the world a better place. Ten years later, that message still soars higher than ever.