It’s 2020 and superhero content can be found in practically every crevice of film and TV you can think of. DC Comics heroes have a long history in TV, dating all the way back to Adventures of Superman in 1952 and throughout the 20th century in Adam West’s Batman, Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman and more.
Adding to the plethora of DC content this month is Stargirl, starring Brec Bassinger as Courtney Whitmore, a high schooler who possesses a cosmic staff and leads The Justice Society of America. To prepare for DC’s latest superhero offering, here is a guide to some essential and accessible DC TV viewing.
SMALLVILLE
We all know Superman as the Man of Steel, but Smallville takes a deep dive into the origins of Clark Kent before he becomes Earth’s greatest saviour and a founding member of the Justice League. Here we follow Clark (portrayed by Supa-Star Tom Welling) as a high school student in his home town of Smallville, experiencing the growing pains of being a teenager as well as being an alien. An oldie, but definitely a goodie that has stood the test of time! Plus, fellow Supa-Star Michael Rosenbaum stuns as Lex Luthor.
‘Smallville’ is available to stream on SevenPlus
ARROW
Billionaire Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) leads a dark double life as a bow and arrow wielding vigilante, bringing his own brand of justice to the criminals who threaten Starling City. Starring Supa-Star John Barrowman as Malcolm Merlyn, Arrow brings a unique blend of dark crime action and family drama to the table that appeals to lovers of noir action thrillers and those drawn to emotional drama alike. Arrow also serves as a gateway into the connected universe known as the Arrowverse.
‘Arrow’ is available to stream on Netflix
LEGENDS OF TOMORROW
What would happen if you put Doctor Who and DC Comics in a blender? You’d get Legends of Tomorrow. This series follows an ensemble of DC heroes including The Atom (Brandon Routh) and Firestorm (Victor Garber and Franz Drameh) set loose on a time travelling spaceship helmed by captain White Canary (Caity Lotz). Legends of Tomorrow is a spin-off of Arrow, but over the course of its five season run has come into its own as one of the goofiest, most unorthodox action-comedies on television.
‘Legends of Tomorrow’ is available to stream on Foxtel Now
GOTHAM
It’s long been said that Gotham City is as much a character in Batman lore as the Dark Knight himself, and that sentiment is solidified in Gotham. Starring Ben Mackenzie as a young Commissioner James Gordon, Gotham explores the crime underworld of the infamous city before Bruce Wayne grows up to become Batman. It’s a refreshing chance to see the origins of Batman’s notorious roster of villains well before Batman shows up to send them off for the first of many stints in Arkham Asylum.
‘Gotham’ is available to stream on Netflix
DOOM PATROL
Another show that encapsulates the more light-hearted side of DC is Doom Patrol, which centres on a group of outcast superhumans who find a family within themselves. Doom Patrol features a wide cast consisting of Robotman (Brendan Fraser), Mr. Nobody (Alan Tudyk) and The Chief (Timothy Dalton); and explores the tragic history of the Doom Patrol as they find themselves in absurd and hilarious circumstances. It’s the type of show that commits to not taking itself too seriously, but also commits equally as much to delivering some earnest, heartfelt moments. Its second season welcomed Supa-Star Mark Sheppard to the ranks as Willoughby Kipling.
‘Doom Patrol’ is available to stream on Foxtel Now
WATCHMEN
Watchmen is a limited series that serves as a modernised sequel to the 1986 comic series of the same name. Set in an alternate history where vigilantes and heroes have had a large influence on world events and racial tensions are soaring, attacks on law enforcement prompt police to begin concealing their identities to protect their personal lives. Watchmen stars Regina King as Sister Night and is the creation of Damon Lindelof, the creator of cult-classics Lost and The Leftovers and channels much of the intrigue and drama that Lindelof has become known for.
‘Watchmen’ is available to stream on Foxtel Now
No word yet on when Stargirl is coming to Australian screens, but above should the tide you over until it arrives!
