Honestly, if you missed out on the CW’s Supergirl, you probably think it was just another cheesy superhero soap opera. It had the capes, the flying, and the occasional questionable CGI. But what kept people coming back for six seasons wasn't the heat vision. It was the people. Specifically, the Supergirl TV show characters brought a level of emotional stakes that most big-screen blockbusters usually ignore in favor of more explosions.
Kara Danvers isn't just a female Superman. That’s a massive misconception. While her cousin Clark grew up as a farm boy in Kansas, Kara Zor-El actually remembers Krypton. She saw her world burn. She arrived on Earth as a grieving teenager, not an infant, and that trauma defines every single choice she makes.
The Danvers Bond: The Real Heart of the Show
Forget the Justice League for a second. The most important relationship in this entire series is between Kara and her adoptive sister, Alex Danvers. Most shows would have made them rivals—the "special" alien vs. the "normal" human. Instead, Chyler Leigh’s Alex is Kara’s North Star.
Alex Danvers is a powerhouse in her own right. She didn't just sit on the sidelines; she became a high-ranking DEO agent and eventually the director. Her coming-out arc in Season 2 remains one of the most grounded and realistic portrayals of self-discovery ever put on a superhero show. It wasn't some "very special episode" gimmick. It was a fundamental shift that changed how she approached her work and her family.
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You've got to appreciate how the writers handled their dynamic. When Kara’s out there fighting a Worldkiller like Reign, she isn't thinking about the fate of the universe—she's thinking about getting home to Alex.
Lena Luthor and the Burden of a Name
Then there’s Lena Luthor. Talk about a complicated character.
Most people hear the name "Luthor" and think "bald guy with a green rock." But Katie McGrath’s Lena is a masterclass in moral ambiguity. She spends years trying to outrun her family's shadow, only to realize that people will always look at her and see Lex.
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The friendship between Kara and Lena is... well, it’s a lot. It’s arguably the most intense relationship in the show, fueled by a lot of "good intentions gone wrong." When Lena finally finds out Kara’s secret, it’s not a happy moment. It’s a betrayal that nearly burns National City to the ground. That’s the kind of drama you just don't get in a 2-hour movie.
J’onn J’onzz: The Martian Dad
David Harewood played two characters, basically. First, he was the stoic (and secretly dead) Hank Henshaw. Then, he revealed himself as J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter.
J’onn is essentially the father figure of the group. His backstory is arguably the saddest—he lost his entire race to a Martian Holocaust. Watching him build a new "found family" with the Danvers sisters is genuinely touching. Plus, seeing him shapeshift and go head-to-head with some of the more obscure DC villains was always a highlight.
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The CatCo Crew and the Evolving Cast
The early seasons leaned heavily into the workplace comedy vibe at CatCo Worldwide Media.
- Cat Grant: Played by Calista Flockhart, she was the "J.Lo by way of Anna Wintour" mentor. She was sharp, mean, and secretly the smartest person in the room. She’s the one who actually branded the name "Supergirl."
- James Olsen: Mehcad Brooks gave us a version of Jimmy Olsen that was actually... cool? He wasn't just a kid with a camera. He was a leader who eventually took up the mantle of Guardian.
- Winn Schott: Every team needs a tech genius. Winn provided the comic relief, but his arc involving his villainous father (the Toyman) gave him some much-needed edge.
As the show moved on, we got Brainiac 5 (Querl Dox) and Nia Nal (Dreamer). Nia was a massive milestone as the first transgender superhero on television. Her journey from a nervous cub reporter to a powerful hero who can see the future felt earned, not forced.
What Actually Matters
Basically, the Supergirl TV show characters worked because they were allowed to fail. They were messy. They had bad breakups, they made terrible tactical decisions, and they spent a lot of time just talking about their feelings over pizza and potstickers.
If you're looking to revisit the show or dive in for the first time, don't just watch the fight scenes. Watch how the characters change from Season 1 to Season 6.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the "Midvale" episodes (Season 3, Episode 6 and Season 6, Episodes 5 & 6) for a deeper look at the Danvers sisters' origin.
- Look into the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover if you want to see how these characters mesh with the broader Arrowverse.
- Follow the cast's current projects; Melissa Benoist and Chyler Leigh have both moved into directing and producing since the show ended.