Smallville (2001)
Kernel Score: 90% · 4,362 ratings
Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Drama
First aired: 2001-10-16
Seasons: 10 · 216 episodes
Is Smallville worth watching?
Worth watching. Ten seasons following Clark Kent from teenager to hero. The early monster-of-the-week seasons are the best fun, and later years wander, but fans love how it builds towards Superman.
Watch it if you
- want a Superman origin story told over years
- like teen drama mixed with superheroes
- enjoy long, comfort TV
Skip it if you
- dislike dated early-2000s TV
- want a tight modern series
Best for: Long binge watch
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Smallville
- Stream: Hulu
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The origins of the world’s greatest hero–from Krypton refugee Kal-el’s arrival on Earth through his tumultuous teen years to Clark Kent’s final steps toward embracing his destiny as the Man of Steel.
Smallville parents' guide: ages 10+
Parents need to know that this TV-14 Superman origin drama follows a teenage Clark Kent with superhero action, mild teen romance, and strong heroic values.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Superhero action includes threats, peril, and fight sequences appropriate to its TV-14 rating.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Teen romance and relationship storylines are present but kept mild for the TV-14 audience.
- Language: Some — Language is relatively mild, consistent with the TV-14 rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-14 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like Smallville
If you liked Smallville, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- Superman & Lois (2021) — 89%: Newer Superman series, with a mature, family focus.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) — 90%: Teen drama mixed with monsters and mythology.
- The Flash (2014) — 83%: Lighter superhero series with an earnest hero.
- Roswell, New Mexico (2019) — 86%: Teen drama with aliens hiding in a small town.
- The Umbrella Academy (2019) — 91%: Quirky, stylish superhero family drama.
- Impulse (2018) — 83%: Teen with powers learning who she is.
Cast
- Tom Welling as Clark Kent
- Erica Durance as Lois Lane
- Cassidy Freeman as Tess Mercer
- Justin Hartley as Oliver Queen
Smallville FAQ
Is Smallville worth watching?
Worth watching. Ten seasons following Clark Kent from teenager to hero. The early monster-of-the-week seasons are the best fun, and later years wander, but fans love how it builds towards Superman.
Where can I watch Smallville?
In the US you can stream Smallville on Hulu and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.
Is Smallville OK for kids?
Smallville is rated TV-14. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 10+. Parents need to know that this TV-14 Superman origin drama follows a teenage Clark Kent with superhero action, mild teen romance, and strong heroic values.
What shows are like Smallville?
If you liked Smallville, try Superman & Lois, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Flash and Roswell, New Mexico.