It's not a surprise, but CBS has given a formal series order to “Supergirl,” which will take its place somewhere on the network's 2015-2016 schedule, to be announced next week.
“Glee” and “Whiplash” veteran Melissa Benoist stars as Kara Zor-El, 24-year-old exile from the destroyed Krypton. She's only begun to recognize and embrace her superhuman abilities and embark on a career in heroism, much like her more famous cousin.
In addition to Benoist, the “Supergirl” pilot stars Calista Flockhart as media mogul Cat Grant, Chyler Leigh as Kara's foster sister Alex Danvers and Mehcad Brooks as James Olson, former Daily Planet photographer.
The pilot will also guest star Dean Cain and Helen Slater, two actors with close personal connections to either Supergirl or The Man of Steel.
“Supergirl” hails from WBTV and from writers Greg Berlanti, Ali Adler and Andrew Kreisberg, with a pilot directed by Glen Winter. Since CBS ordered the project with a series commitment (not to be confused with this series order), there were nearly non-stop rumors that the property might be more on-brand for sibling network The CW, a contention that everybody involved disagreed with and that didn't line up with practical budgetary reality.
The series pickup gets CBS into the burgeoning superhero business and also gets CBS into the nearly-as-burgeoning Greg Berlanti business.
On the superhero side, DC's “Flash,” “Arrow” and “Gotham” have all already been renewed for next year, while “iZombie” is considered likely for a renewal. DC also has “Constantine” on the bubble at NBC. A “Flash”/”Arrow” spinoff is also expected to get a series order from The CW either at the network's upfront presentation next week, or perhaps sooner.
On the Greg Berlanti front, the “Everwood” creator is an EP on “Arrow,” “Flash” and the potential spinoff. He's also an EP on NBC's newly ordered “Blindspot” and on the NBC bubble drama “The Mysteries of Laura.”
Where would you put “Supergirl” on CBS' schedule?