Television shows revolving around iconic characters have a knack for engaging audiences, and the CW’s “Superman & Lois” was no exception. Having wrapped up after four seasons, its lead actors, Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch, are taking a moment to reflect on their time portraying the most famous couple from the DC universe. Following in the footsteps of its predecessors in the Arrowverse, such as “Supergirl,” from which Hoechlin’s Superman was spun off, “Superman & Lois” brought its own unique flair to the iconic characters. While it touched the edges of the Arrowverse—actors like Michael Cudlitz freshened up familiar faces with new portrayals, such as a grittier Lex Luthor—the show primarily crafted a distinctive narrative separate from familiar Arrowverse continuity.
Both Hoechlin and Tulloch express a sense of fulfillment about the show’s evolution and the actors echoed sentiments about cherished on-screen interactions. Hoechlin, in a discussion reflecting on the series end, expressed luck in bringing to life characters he wished to explore, such as Lex and the formidable Doomsday. Tulloch, on the other hand, voiced a desire for more direct connections to the Arrowverse, specifically hoping for a Melissa Benoist cameo as Supergirl, citing the origins of their characters on the “Supergirl” TV series. A truly meta nod had been initially planned—a photograph of the three characters together was considered for Lois’s desk—but these plans evaporated as the show’s continuity evolved independently.
Another ambitious crossover that never materialized was between “Superman & Lois” and “Batwoman.” COVID-19 restrictions, along with differences in filming formats, put a damper on this idea. Tulloch recalled how logistical and technical constraints—right down to differences in cinematic tech like Atmos—and the glaring health protocols of shooting during the pandemic made crossovers impractical at the time. Despite these limitations, the distinct format allowed “Superman & Lois” to develop a richer, more defined world that stood on its own, with a narrative driven more by character development than inter-series cameos.
The relative disconnection from the Arrowverse allowed the showrunners to make the new series a fertile ground for innovation and creativity. This autonomy provided the opportunity to reshape characters, like the newly characterized John Henry Irons/Steel, played by Wolé Parks. Although certain Arrowverse elements made appearances—John Diggle, for instance—these nods felt more like respectful hat tips than integral parts of the storyline.
Closing Credits
“Superman & Lois” successfully stands as an exemplar of how branching off from an established universe, even one as beloved as the Arrowverse, can yield a show with its own appeal, successfully attracting viewers with fresh storylines and characters. Though the show may have missed potential crossover moments, its stance as an independent narrative is a testament to its creative strength. The evolution of these characters will remain in the annals of DC’s rich storytelling history, as the series stands completed.
