Not everyone is a superhero TV show fan, and there are lots of good reasons for that. If you don’t like superhero stories in the first place, why would you spend hours watching a TV show about one? Not to mention, many of these series are grim, dark, and full of violence without ever delivering on the human stories people like to see. From executive producer Geoff Johns, DC’s Stargirl has proven different. Here are the reasons why Stargirl could be a new favourite, even for those who dislike superhero stories.
1. Family First
Many superheroes are characters who have been separated from their families in one way or another. Often, the family has died, or, like with Superman, the entire planet was blown up. Stargirl not only lets the family live but gives them a central part in the story of the main character, Courtney Whitmore.
At the beginning of the series, Courtney has serious issues with her new stepdad, Pat Dugan. But throughout the story, their relationship begins to evolve in a way that feels natural. You see them begin to develop inside jokes and strengthen their bond through overcoming hardships. In fact, humor is used across all relationships in the series as a way of helping people put down their walls and grow closer.Â
2. Working Together
Another persistent theme in superhero movies and shows is the idea that the hero can get it all done by themselves. With movies like The Avengers, you finally see heroes leaning on one another, but usually, this is because some incredibly powerful force is threatening the planet. In Stargirl, you’ll see moments of humility, where some heroes must use their powers simply to help out another hero. Not everyone gets to be the star of a fight scene.
You’ll also see characters without any special abilities, like Pat’s son Mike, take their own stand against villains and actually make a difference. And anyone who tries fighting on their own will discover that independence is hugely overrated. Courtney discovers this during one scene when she abandons her team to attempt a mission on her own, only to run into trouble.
3. Human Nature
In Stargirl, even the villains get their moment to be vulnerable. The audience is given insight into the personal life of the villain, Icicle. Seeing the villain in the same generous light as the hero makes it hard to see the story in black and white, the way superhero stories generally portray things. Audiences will leave the show without a clear opinion about the inherent evilness of characters like Icicle.
Characters in the show ask the same questions, even causing rifts between characters who disagree about the nature of good and evil. Many characters have strained relationships with one another, while others are loving and simple. Allowing a story to be emotionally complex and nuanced like this is the #1 way to make it an instant hit with a diverse audience.Â
If you’re looking for a new show that will make you laugh, cry, and feel inspired, give Stargirl a try.
Conclusion
While many superhero TV shows focus on dark, action-packed narratives, Stargirl offers a refreshing and more heartfelt take on the genre. With its emphasis on family dynamics, teamwork, and complex human emotions, the series breaks away from the typical superhero formula. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or someone who usually avoids it, Stargirl has something to offer—a balance of humor, vulnerability, and deep character development. If you’re looking for a show that can make you laugh, think, and feel, Stargirl is worth a try.
