Supergirl is an American superhero drama television series developed by Ali Adler, Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg that aired on CBS and later The CW from October 26, 2015, to November 9, 2021.

Based on the DC Comics character created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino, the series follows Kara Zor-El (played by Melissa Benoist), Superman's cousin, and one of the last surviving Kryptonians from the planet Krypton.

Kara works with her adoptive sister Alex Danvers, the Green Martian J'onn J'onzz, James Olsen, and tech genius Winn Schott to fight these threats.

Kara befriends Lena Luthor, Lillian's adoptive daughter, and navigates her romantic feelings for Mon-El, a prince from Daxam, Krypton's neighboring planet.

Meanwhile, James becomes the vigilante Guardian, Alex begins dating Maggie Sawyer, and J'onn forms a bond with M'gann M'orzz, a White Martian.

J'onn reunites with his father, M'yrnn J'onzz, and Kara's new friend, Samantha Arias, unknowingly transforms into the world-killing weapon Reign.

[44] Berlanti confirmed the project shortly thereafter, citing inspiration from the actress Ginger Rogers for his portrayal of the character, which resonated with executive producer Schechter.

[26] In January 2015, CBS Entertainment Chairman Nina Tassler revealed that the series would be a procedural drama, blending serialized story arcs with crime-solving elements.

[60][61][62] The move to Vancouver for production raised concerns about Calista Flockhart's continued involvement, as her contract required filming near Los Angeles.

[47] Melissa Benoist, who portrayed Kara Zor-El/Supergirl, acknowledged being aware of the more modern comic depictions of the character’s outfit, noting that the frequently "micro-mini hemline" of the skirt could be "a little daunting" but also expressed that it was a challenge she welcomed.

Entertainment Weekly's Natalie Abrams commented that the costume’s new look felt like a positive departure, noting the avoidance of exposing the character's midriff, as seen in the Michael Turner comic version, and Benoist's tights worn underneath the skirt with over-the-knee boots.

Abrams also compared the costume's texture to that worn by Henry Cavill in Man of Steel (2013), and remarked on the shift away from the bright blue and red color scheme traditionally associated with Supergirl.

[81] TV Guide echoed this sentiment, suggesting that although Benoist was posed to appear as a powerful hero, the combination of thigh-high boots and the pleated skirt made the outfit look more like a "moderately-priced Halloween costume.

[90] The sixth and final season was initially scheduled to begin filming on September 28, 2020, and conclude by April 5, 2021, but production was temporarily postponed due to delays in receiving COVID-19 test results for the cast and crew.

The site's consensus states: "Melissa Benoist shines as Superman's plucky little cousin in Supergirl, a family-friendly comic-book adaptation that ditches cynicism for heart.

[99] Cliff Wheatley of IGN gave the pilot episode a 7/10, praising Benoist's performance as Kara and the fun take on the Superman mythos.

The site's consensus reads: "The arrival of the more famous cousin in Supergirl does nothing to detract from the show's lead, who continues to deliver strength, action, and relatability.

The critical consensus states: "Heavier themes lead to higher stakes, but Supergirl gives its eponymous heroine and her fellow supers plenty of room for growth, creating a well-balanced, engaging third season.

The website's critic consensus reads: "Though it's a little tonally inconsistent, Supergirl's fourth season still soars thanks to strong, relevant writing brought to life by its charming cast.

"[103] The book Adapting Superman: Essays on the Transmedia Man of Steel includes a chapter titled "Forging Kryptonite: Lex Luthor's Xenophobia as Societal Fracturing, from Batman v Superman to Supergirl," which analyzes Lex Luthor's actions in Season 4 as "a representation exploring the cultural effects of encroaching xenophobia" from society to the family, reflecting the years following the 2016 United States presidential election.

The site's consensus states: "While Supergirl’s fifth season suffers from too many plot threads, it still delivers the heart, action, and timely storytelling fans expect from the series.

The consensus reads: "In its final stretch, Supergirl struggles to juggle its many characters and subplots, but it still manages to close the story with an emotional and satisfying conclusion, led by Benoist's strong performance.

"[109] 2015 critics' top ten lists [143] 2016 critics' top ten lists [144] In November 2014, Berlanti expressed interest in Supergirl existing in the Arrowverse, the same universe as his other series Arrow and The Flash,[145][146] and in January 2015, The CW president Mark Pedowitz revealed that he was also open to a crossover between the series and networks (due to Berlanti executive producing all three and The CW being co-owned by CBS).

[153] While no plot details on the episodes were released at the time, Ross A. Lincoln of Deadline Hollywood noted that "the in-universe reason" for the crossover was due to Barry's ability to travel to various dimensions, thus implying that Supergirl exists on an alternate Earth to Arrow and The Flash in a multiverse.

", a crossover episode of The Flash, Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow,[157][158] when she's recruited by Barry Allen and Cisco Ramon at the end of "Medusa" to help fight off an invasion by the Dominators.

[162] At San Diego Comic Con in 2017, it was confirmed that another four-way crossover would take place, with Supergirl playing a larger role than the previous season.

[163][164] In May 2018, Arrow star Stephen Amell announced at The CW upfronts that the next Arrowverse crossover would feature Batwoman and Gotham City.

[169] At the end of the event, the new Earth-Prime was formed, which saw Earth-38 merged with the former Earth-1 and Black Lightning's earth, creating a fictional universe where all of the CW series exist together.

[175] In July 2015, a four-page preview comic entitled Sister Act, written by Ali Adler, Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg was released digitally online, and then a day later in the September 2015 issue of TV Guide.