2000s shows still grace our television screens. Many have gained impressive cult followings. Generations who were not around to see them during their first airings have given them second lives on streaming services. Praising their 40 minute, 20+ episode per season structures that allowed for extensive drama and long running storylines. Giving audiences the time to connect deeply to each and every character in large ensemble casts. One Tree Hill, Gilmore Girls, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The OC and several others come to the forefront of one’s mind during this conversation. 

The writing structure, predominantly used in the early 2000s, has fallen out of use in the modern streaming era. While many shows thrive with shorter seasons, I continue to yearn for the golden age of television. As a certified 2000s show cultist, I am here to draw your attention to one of my favourite shows: Smallville. It had a long 10-season run, from 2001-2011 on the Warner Brothers network. This masterpiece is often outright ignored in favour of its more popular peer shows. I’m here to tell you why it deserves more recognition. 

Smallville is, simply put – Clark Kent’s (AKA Superman) origin story. A young Clark (Tom Welling) navigates all the usual pains of growing up and being a teenager. Unlike other teenagers, he is also burdened with the heavy destiny that comes along with his powers. The first few seasons of the show follow a freak-of-the-week structure. Audiences watch as Clark and his friends help civilians and defeat enemies within Smallville. Alongside these escapades, he must hide his identity from his friends. All while he attempts to win over the beautiful Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk). Throughout the show’s span, the audience watches Clark’s full progression into adulthood and superherodom. 

Speaking of its long run, one might balk at the 10 seasons of material – given the trauma that many long shows have left us with. Watching a beloved masterpiece disintegrate into a shadow of its former self can do that to you. However, I confidently believe Smallville defies all expectations. Growing into itself and solidly improving throughout the seasons, as it explores darker material to go along with Clark’s development into Superman. 

Smallville has all the elements people love from 2000s shows – a stacked cast, extensive drama, incredible romances, and a killer soundtrack. So why is it not as popular as One Tree Hill? I firmly believe that the Superman-based premise of the show intimidates audiences and keeps them from watching. Especially if you are not a self-proclaimed superhero fan and comic book lover. But Smallville has something to offer everyone, even if you do not know the first thing about Superman. What makes Smallville so compelling is not that it is a superhero show. The show is less about a superhero and more about a conflicted teenager trying to live a normal life. 

Whether or not you are familiar with the lore of this beloved DC superhero, Smallville will undoubtedly win over your heart. It may even take its rightful place as one of your favourite shows. 

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