With Sasha Calle’s debut as Kara Zor-el in The Flash, many are reflecting on Melissa Benoist’s portrayal of Kara Danvers and questioning the absence of Supergirl season 7. Despite its popularity, the series was terminated after season 6 due to various production issues, including the pandemic and Melissa Benoist’s pregnancy, which delayed the production of the show.
Initially airing on CBS and subsequently on CW, Supergirl featured Melissa Benoist as the central character, who also made appearances in several Arrowverse crossovers, such as Elseworlds, Crisis on Earth-X, Invasion!, and Crisis on Infinite Earths. Nevertheless, the show’s ratings failed to meet the network’s expectations, resulting in its cancellation, along with other Arrowverse shows, following the WB Discovery merger.
Like other Arrowverse shows, Supergirl had a dedicated fan base, but its viewership was insufficient to satisfy network executives. In addition to low ratings, Melissa Benoist’s pregnancy further hindered the production of the sixth season. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, these delays were compounded, prompting the studio, cast, and crew to decide to conclude the series with an extended finale. Although this marked the end of Supergirl’s standalone show, the character will appear in two DCU movies, which is exciting news for Supergirl enthusiasts but does not fulfill the expectations of Arrowverse viewers for a seventh season.
The main reason for the cancellation of Supergirl after season 6 was the declining ratings, which peaked at three million viewers in season 2 and dropped to half of that for season 5. At the end of season 5, the DC hero experienced another substantial drop, with only 700,000 live viewers. Given the continuous decline in viewership, renewing the show beyond season 6 was difficult for the studio to justify. Despite a year and a half between seasons, fans hoping for the show’s return had become disenchanted. Therefore, providing a satisfying finale and concluding the show on a high note was a valuable gift for Supergirl fans.
Melissa Benoist expressed her fondness for working with her Arrowverse co-stars and departed the show on amicable terms with everyone involved. However, it marked the end of her portrayal of Supergirl and the closure of the possibility of season 7. The absence of Benoist in Superman & Lois disappointed fans of the DC Comics superhero, especially since that particular version of Superman was introduced on her show. Nevertheless, with The CW’s DC Universe shrinking to almost nothing and the establishment of new movies and streaming series by James Gunn and Peter Safran, it is time for a new Woman of Tomorrow.
A new version of Supergirl will appear in two upcoming DCU movies, but there won’t be a season 7 of the TV show. Sasha Calle will play Supergirl in the 2023 movie The Flash, and may also star in her own standalone movie, titled Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which is expected to release in 2025. This new version of Supergirl will be different from Melissa Benoist’s portrayal, and may be a darker and more hardened character, better suited to the DCU’s “Gods & Monsters” chapter. It’s unclear if Calle will play this version of Supergirl, and James Gunn has not yet made an announcement. Despite these changes, one thing is certain: Melissa Benoist will not reprise her role, and there won’t be a Supergirl season 7 in the upcoming slate of DCU shows.
What is your opinion?
The cancellation of Supergirl is a disappointment for fans, but it also underscores the importance of supporting and championing diverse and innovative storytelling in the television industry.
The cancellation of Supergirl is a reminder of how low ratings can have a significant impact on the fate of a TV show, regardless of its fan base or critical acclaim.
Despite its cancellation, Supergirl remains a beloved and important piece of television history, showcasing the strength and resilience of a female superhero and inspiring viewers around the world.
While Supergirl may be over, it leaves behind a powerful legacy of empowering women and celebrating diversity in all its forms, inspiring future generations of superhero fans and creators.
Aww, that baby is so adorable.
Oh, I love the smell of fresh flowers.
The grasshopper’s lively hop, reminds us to never stop.
The cancellation of Supergirl highlights the importance of diversity and representation in television, and the need for networks to support and promote shows that reflect the diverse experiences of their audiences.
Oh, I forgot to pay the bills.
Low ratings may have killed Supergirl, but the show’s legacy lives on through its dedicated fan base and the impact it has had on the superhero genre.
The end of Supergirl serves as a cautionary tale for all shows, highlighting the importance of maintaining consistent viewership and engaging audiences in order to survive.
The cancellation of Supergirl is a disappointment for fans who have grown attached to the characters and storylines, but it’s also a reminder of the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry.
Supergirl’s cancellation is a loss for the superhero genre, as it was one of the few shows to feature a female superhero in the lead role and tackle important social issues in its storylines.
Despite its strong cast and compelling storylines, Supergirl ultimately fell victim to the harsh realities of the television industry and the importance of ratings.