Superheroes are more popular than ever these days, bot on television and the big screen, so it’s no surprise that networks (and studios) are pushing forward with various projects featuring caped heroes. The latest project to get the green light is CBS’ upcoming Supergirl series, which received a full season order from the network this week.
Set to star Glee actress Melissa Benoist in the title role, Supergirl will follow Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El, who also arrives on Earth after escaping the destruction of her home planet. Along with dealing with all of the trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl, she must also learn to master her powerful abilities — while keeping them a secret — on her way to becoming a hero like her famous cousin.
CBS didn’t reveal how many episodes were ordered for the series’ debut season, but the pilot episode is expected to air later this year.
Shortly after the announcement, Benoist conveyed her excitement about the news via Twitter.
https://twitter.com/MelissaBenoist/status/596089903890374656
Along with Benoist, the Supergirl cast includes Mehcad Brooks as James “Jimmy” Olsen, Laura Benanti as Alura Zor-El, Calista Flockhart as Cat Grant, Chyler Leigh as Alexandra “Alex” Danvers, Jeremy Jordan as Winslow “Winn” Schott, and David Harewood as Hank Henshaw. Former Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman star Dean Cain will also appear in the series in an unidentified role, and so will the star of the 1984 Supergirl movie, Helen Slater.
The first photo of Benoist in costume as Supergirl was revealed back in March, offering a version of the iconic costume that shared quite a bit in common with Henry Cavill’s Superman suit in Man of Steel.
Rumors suggest that the Supergirl series may tie-in with The CW’s Arrow and The Flash series, as the pilot episode of the series was co-written by No Ordinary Family series writer Ali Adler and Arrow and The Flash writer Greg Berlanti. The series is produced by Warner Bros. TV and Berlanti Productions, who also serve as producers on The CW’s hit series Arrow and The Flash.
