Even if you were never a fan of the DC Comics-based sorta superhero show Smallville, it's pretty hard to argue that the long-running series didn't walk so that the Arrowverse could run. While there had been other shows on TV based on Superman and other popular characters from the comics, Smallville became an immediate hit on The WB (and later on The CW), and ran for 10 seasons, which is impressive for any show, especially one focused on the origin story of a superhero. Now, though, there are rumors that we might get to see a sequel series of some kind.
Before you get too excited, know that this is still very much a rumor, as it hasn't been confirmed by The CW or any potential producers or stars of a possible sequel series. All that we actually know right now, is that, according to We Got This Covered, talks have started to see if a Smallville sequel can get off of the ground at its former home or someplace similar (which I'll get to in a minute). This potential idea looks to be based on some pretty solid source material, as the Season 11 graphic novel series is supposedly being mulled as the basis for new episodes.
Apparently, it's being said that this new Smallville series will also be animated, which makes a lot of sense, considering that the Season 11 comics picked up only six months after Clark Kent finally, officially, took on his superhero identity of Superman, while the show has been off screen since 2011. Of course, fans who've kept their ears to the ground will realize that this is not the first or only time there have been rumblings of a Smallville revival, but the idea of one happening relatively soon is particularly apropos right now.
As mentioned above, Smallville was a super (See what I did there?) successful series, and any time a beloved show leaves the airwaves fans will want more. This basic love for Tom Welling's Clark Kent, Erica Durance's Lois Lane, Justin Hartley's Oliver Queen and more of the portrayals of classic (and new) characters who populated the drama only increased when the Arrowverse quickly became its own force to be reckoned with. Arrow took over the DC on The CW mantle in 2012, eventually spinning off into a shared universe of shows which now include The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, Black Lightning, Batwoman and the upcoming series Superman & Lois.
There had been many crossovers in the Arrowverse, which had taken place on a variety of Earths throughout the multiverse, but when the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" event began in early December 2019, it led to something that fans have been hoping for ever since the beginning of Arrow: more time with Welling and Durance, as they both reprised their Smallville roles on the second part of the crossover. Now, their characters are fresh in the minds of Arrowverse viewers everywhere, even with new actors having already taken over the roles of Clark / Superman and Lois Lane for the now mostly-combined TV universe.
Of course, if this possible series really will be animated, another good spot for it would be CW Seed, the network's online-only streamer, which also played host to short-form, animated Arrowverse series Vixen, Constantine: City of Demons, and Freedom Fighters: The Ray. So, while it may still be a long shot that we'll see a Smallville sequel with some of the original cast providing voices for their characters, at least we know that there are potential storylines and two possible homes for a new show, should it become a real boy at some point.
You can revisit all of Smallville right now on Hulu, but if you'd like to have other viewing options while we wait to hear word on the potential revival, be sure to check out our guide to fall TV!
