Superman is making a comeback on the big screen with James Gunn’s Superman, the first solo film for the iconic DC hero since Man of Steel. While Superman is a vital component of DC’s cinematic universe, some of his best iterations have actually been on the small screen.
The small screen offers viewers a chance to dive deeper into Superman, often providing not just superhero action but also unique explorations of who Clark Kent is, both as a hero and a person. Viewers can use our guide to discover where to watch the best live-action shows featuring Superman on platforms like Max, Hulu, and others.
Superman & Lois (2021-2024)
Superman & Lois follows Clark Kent (Tyler Hoechlin) and Lois Lane (Bitsie Tulloch), who move to Smallville with their two teenage sons. However, the town is brimming with superhuman activity, and Kent finds himself torn between his responsibilities as a father and husband and his responsibilities as Superman. Superman & Lois is the only live-action Superman project to explore Kent in middle age as a father and husband, revealing sides of the character viewers never thought they’d see. Additionally, Hoechlin’s performance and the show’s dazzling fight scenes featuring DC characters from Onomatopoeia to Doomsday are borderline cinematic, making Superman & Lois by far the most sophisticated Superman series.
Smallville (2001-2011)
Smallville offers another unique take on Superman, centering on Clark Kent (Tom Welling) as a teenager growing up in Smallville while navigating his superhero abilities. The show tracks Kent from high school into young adulthood and his early years working at the Daily Planet with Lois Lane (Erica Durance). Smallville strikes a nice balance between a teen drama and a superhero series. It offers a fantastic iteration of multiple iconic Superman characters, with some fans still hailing Michael Rosenbaum as the best iteration of Lex Luthor ever. Additionally, the teen drama aspect helps delve deeper into Superman’s origin and the source of his heart and spirit.
Supergirl (2015-2021)
Set in the Arrowverse, Supergirl follows Superman’s (Hoechlin) cousin, Kara Zor-El (Melissa Benoist), who has hidden her powers for most of her life. However, when she accidentally reveals her secret, she finds herself embracing her power and Supergirl identity as National City looks to her for protection. While not centered wholly on Superman, Supergirl is the perfect live-action TV show for fans who want to get to know his family and are interested in a feminine take on the hero. Benoist shines as the brave, powerful, and self-assured Supergirl, while Hoechlin boasts several exciting appearances as Superman. It’s the perfect Superman show for the whole family.
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997)
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman is a Superman series that centers on the relationship between Clark Kent (Dean Cain) and Lois Lane (Teri Hatcher). In the series, Kent adjusts to life in Metropolis and his new career as a reporter at the Daily Planet. However, as he grows closer to fellow reporter Lane, who takes a keen interest in Superman, he finds it increasingly difficult to keep his life as Kent and his life as Superman separate. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman boasts impeccable casting and embraces its '90s camp, offering a romantic, action-packed, and wildly fun take on Superman.
Superboy (1988-1992)
Before Smallville, Superboy was the first live-action series to delve into the life of young Superman (John Haymes Newton and Gerard Christopher). Superboy follows Kent’s life as a college student at Metropolis University. As he transitions into adulthood, his superhero life evolves as well, as he strives to go from Superboy to Superman. Superboy boasted some of the most groundbreaking effects and wirework for its time and excelled in its exploration of Kent’s relationship with his childhood friend, Lana Lang (Stacy Haiduk). Like Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Superboy boasts a lighthearted tone, nostalgia, and camp.
Adventures of Superman (1952-1958)
Adventures of Superman was the first live-action series centered on the DC hero. Released in 1952, the show follows Clark Kent (George Reeves) as he leads a double life, fighting crime as Superman and reporting on breaking news stories as Kent, alongside his best friends, Lois Lane (Phyllis Coates and Noel Neill) and Jimmy Olsen (Jack Larson). Adventures of Superman is an excellent show, especially in its first season, which almost plays out like a crime drama. At times, the show has a gritty edge, but it always balances this out with humor and action, while Coates and Reeves shine as Lois and Superman.
Where To Watch The Best Live-Action Superman Shows Online
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