As fans get hyped for the newest series My Adventures with Superman, we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at the Man of Steel’s iconic run on the small screen. Superman has been a beloved superhero for over 80 years and has made his mark on various forms of media, including television. From live-action shows to animated series, the Man of Steel has been a staple of TV programming for decades. In this list, we’ll be ranking the 10 Greatest Superman TV Series of all time, taking into account their impact on the franchise, their storytelling, their character development, and their overall entertainment value.
10. Superboy (1988-1992)
Superboy follows the adventures of Clark Kent during his time as a college student in Shuster University, and his superhero alter-ego. Superboy was a fresh and unique take on the mythos. Instead of focusing on Superman’s adult years as a reporter in Metropolis, it explores Clark Kent’s formative years as a young man trying to find his place in the world. This allows for a more character-driven approach to storytelling, as we see Clark struggle with the challenges of college life while also coming to terms with his emerging powers and responsibilities as a superhero. The show also features some impressive special effects for its time, particularly in its use of green screen technology to depict Superboy’s flying abilities.
9. The New Adventures of Superman (1966-1970)
The series is notable for being the first animated adaptation of comic books and for its memorable theme song and opening credits sequence with timeless appeal and enduring popularity. Despite being over 50 years old, the series still resonates with audiences today, thanks to its colorful animation, memorable characters, and exciting action sequences. The show’s focus on superheroes and larger-than-life villains also sets it apart from other animated series of its time and helped to establish the superhero genre as a staple of television programming.
8. Legion of Super Heroes (2006-2008)
Set in the 31st century and follows a group of teenage superheroes, who travel back in time to recruit Superman to help them fight against the forces of evil. The show’s futuristic setting is filled with all manner of strange and exotic creatures, as well as advanced technology and complex political intrigue. This, combined with the vibrant animation and stylized character designs, gives the series a distinct visual identity that sets it apart from other animated shows of its time. The show’s characters are also a major strength, with each member of the Legion possessing their own unique powers, personalities, and backstories.
7. Ruby Spear’s Superman (1988)
This show was produced by Ruby-Spears Productions and featured a more modern take on the character. It consisted of 13 episodes and each episode lasted around 30 minutes. One of the most notable aspects of the series was its use of advanced animation techniques for the time, which helped create a more dynamic and action-packed experience. The series was praised for its engaging action sequences, modernized take on the character, and high-quality animation. While it was short-lived, the series left a lasting impact on the Superman franchise and is still fondly remembered by many fans today.
6. Krypton (2018-2019)
Created by David S. Goyer and focused on the story of Kal-El’s grandfather, Seg-El, and the events that led to the destruction of the planet Krypton. The series was its world-building and attention to detail in creating the planet and culture of Krypton and featured a diverse cast of characters, including several prominent female characters and characters from different alien races. The show was also praised for its strong performances, intricate storytelling, and impressive visual effects. It also explored themes of political intrigue, power struggles, and family legacy, adding depth and complexity to the Superman mythos.
5. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997)
Created by Deborah Joy LeVine and starred Dean Cain as Clark Kent/Superman and Teri Hatcher as Lois Lane. The show focused on the romantic relationship between Clark and Lois, while also featuring various villains and saving the day. Lois & Clark was its modernization of the Superman mythos, bringing the character into the 1990s with updated technology and fashion. The show also introduced new characters and storylines, including a new version of the villainous Lex Luthor. Although the show was ultimately canceled after four seasons, it remains a beloved entry in the Superman franchise and is remembered for its charming performances, witty writing, and innovative approach to the character.
4. Smallville (2001-2011)
Similar to the Superboy series, Smallville focused on the teenage years of Clark Kent before he became Superman and explored Clark’s journey as he discovered his powers, learned to control them, and dealt with the challenges of growing up. Smallville was known for its exceptional cast, which included Tom Welling as Clark Kent, Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang, and Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor. The show was acclaimed for its exploration of themes such as identity, destiny, and morality and remains a beloved entry, and is regarded as one of the most successful and influential TV series of its time.
3. Adventures of Superman (1952-1958)
Adventures of Superman starred George Reeves as Superman/Clark Kent, and it was one of the first TV adaptations of the character. The series followed Superman as he fought crime and saved lives in the fictional city of Metropolis. The show was known for its iconic opening sequence, which featured Superman flying across the screen and the famous chant, “faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.” The series had a significant impact on the Superman franchise and helped establish the character as a cultural icon. It remains a beloved entry in the Superman canon and is regarded as a classic of early television.
2. Superman and Lois (2021-)
Set in the Arrowverse, this series follows Superman and Lois as they navigate their roles as parents to twin sons, Jonathan and Jordan, while also dealing with the challenges of saving the world from various threats. The show has been praised for its emphasis on family dynamics, character development, and emotional depth and has been noted for its impressive production values, including its visual effects and cinematography. The show has also introduced new characters and storylines, such as the villainous Morgan Edge and the mysterious Stranger, while also exploring the history and mythology of the Superman franchise.
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1. Superman: The Animated Series (1996-2000)
Part of the DC Animated Universe that kicked off with Batman: The Animated Series, this show followed the Man of Tomorrow as he fought crime and saved the world from various threats. The show was known for its impressive animation, well-crafted storytelling, and strong voice-acting performances. It was also praised for its adherence to the source material and its ability to capture the essence of the character. The series had a significant impact on the Superman franchise and helped to establish the character as a fan favorite. It also paved the way for other successful animated adaptations of DC Comics characters, such as Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, and Batman Beyond.
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