It looks like CBS isn't content with being the only major television network to not have a superhero show. The network has just ordered the creation of a Supergirl series, based on the character from DC Comics.
The show will be bypassing the "in development" and "pilot episode" stage and moving straight into full production. Supergirl will be a one-hour drama from Berlanti Productions, the creators of CW's DC superhero shows Arrow and The Flash, in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Chuck writer Greg Berlanti and No Ordinary Family scribe Ali Adler will serve as writers for the show and will also serve as executive producers along with Sarah Schechter. DC Entertainment's chief creative officer, Geoff Johns, will also be heavily involved in the show, according to Deadline.
Various women have taken on the mantle of Supergirl in the world of DC Comics, but the show will focus on Superman's cousin, Kara Zor-El. Like her more famous cousin, Kara escaped from a doomed planet Krypton at a young age and has been living on Earth. While initially hiding her powers from the world, as she grows older she decides to embrace them and become a hero. Unlike the Superman-based show Smallville, which ended with a young Clark Kent embracing his powers, Supergirl will start with Kara beginning to use her abilities for the good of the world.
This show is just the latest DC character to get the small-screen adaptation after Green Arrow, Flash and a wide range of iconic Batman villains in Fox's soon-to-premiere Gotham TV series. The demon-hunting Constantine, also a DC Comics creation, is premiering on NBC later this fall as well.
As every show (aside from Arrow and The Flash) is on a different network, it looks like crossovers and pair-ups between characters not on the same network won't likely be happening. That also means we won't be seeing a DC "cinematic universe" in the same way Marvel has done with their Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series and upcoming Agent Carter show on ABC, both of which tie into the Marvel films.
Who will be playing the blonde-haired, blue-eyed hero? No word on casting yet, but either way, it's interesting to see how network television is really embracing the comic book world with open arms. Even if the market for superheroes shows is quickly becoming crowded, it will at least be good to finally see a female superhero get the spotlight.
