Update: Supergirl to CBS

Superhero Fever Hits CBS

Story by David Clark

CBS has decided to dip into the DC Comics superhero franchise. CBS has a running order for a pilot of Supergirl. Given the successes of shows like Smallville and more recently Arrow and The Flash, it should come as no surprise that additional heroes are on the way to the small screen. The announcement of the show came a short time ago but Greg Berlanti, the producer of the new show, recently spoke at the Television Critics Association winter press tour about the progress being made towards the pilot production.

In an interview, Berlanti mentioned that the casting is one of the primary focuses at this time. As with other superhero shows the main character is quite distinctive and Berlanti wants to make sure that the actress cast to play Supergirl is the perfect person for the job. Interestingly, important as it is to find the perfect actress, Berlanti made it sound like the pressure is growing to finish casting and get to work.

Supergirl first appeared in comics back in 1959 but it is probably safe to say that the image of the character will be updated to a modern setting. Exploring the storyline of Supergirl is an interesting choice. Smallville was a long airing show about a teenage Superman that, well good, would sometimes move a little slow. Shows like Arrow and The Flash have improved upon Smallville’s pacing, Supergirl has the potential to be a similarly high flying action show for CBS. In the comics Supergirl comes to earth to escape a planets destruction just like Superman. However, when she arrives she is a teenage girl dealing with all the powers Superman has but without Superman’s restrained temperament and parental guidance. Needless to say this leaves the shows writers with a lot of room to explore the characters development.

During the interview Berlanti also revealed that the show would be a lighter atmosphere, meaning Supergirl will be more in line with The Flash than with the dark gritty feel of Arrow. Given how well The Flash has done in the ratings this is not a bad decision by CBS.

The other unique facet of the show is that the main protagonist is a female character. Traditionally the superhero realm in the entertainment world has been primarily male driven. Perhaps Supergirl is a chance to change that stigma. Given the popularity and success of Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games and other female driven storylines such as Divergent, Supergirl might be primed for capitalizing on a new demographic of viewers that like strong female characters.

It will be interesting to see how this series develops as the pilot nears. It would certainly be fun to see some of these small screen heroes come together in a crossover much like we have seen in Arrow.

What are your hopes for the new series? Are you excited to see Supergirl coming to CBS? Are there any other female superheroes you would like to see on prime time television? Let us know in the comments section.

Sources: Blastr, DC comics