As people hit their second, third, or even fourth rewatch ofSuperman, they’ll realize they can only see it so many times before their pockets are empty. So, when looking for their fix elsewhere, they can rest easy knowingthat there’s actually a ton oftelevisionshows that they’d most likely loveif they enjoyedJames Gunn’sSuperman.
Whether a show holds the feeling and message of hope, has high-flying action, orcharacters similar to those inSuperman,there are plenty oftelevision seriesout there that can hold them over untilSupergirlreleases next year.Supermanis a really special project that makes people feel incredibly special, so it’s not easy to replicate that elsewhere, making a comparison quite the compliment.
Follows the titular superhero as he reconciles his heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way in a world that views kindness as old-fashioned.
10’Gravity Falls' (2012–2016)
Created by Alex Hirsch
While this may seem like a crazy pull to compare toSuperman,Gravity Fallsis a pretty similar project if one really looks at it. Obviously, the stories are not even close to being the same, but Dipper Pines (Jason Ritter) and Mabel Pines (Kristen Schaal) are constantly dealing withhigh-flying, goofy, and fantastical people and creatures as they go on adventuresfrom week to week.
Gravity Fallsis also lighthearted and conveys a great message of family — found family, as well — and the love family can bring, much like the message inSuperman.If someone loves the lighthearted, campier, and more supernatural elements ofSuperman,Gravity Fallsis a great pickfor something to watch in the post-Supermanhype. They’re also both projects that areperfect for adults and children alike.
Gravity Falls
9’Percy Jackson and the Olympians' (2023–)
Created by Rick Riordan and Jonathan E. Steinberg
Based on the hit book series of the same name,Percy Jackson and the Olympianshas been a pretty decent hit onDisney+. Righting the wrongs of the 2010 film and its sequel,Percy Jackson and the Olympiansdecides to stick way closer to the books when adapting itself. This is something a lot of fans have come to appreciate as the next season comes tothe streaming platform later this year.
Percy Jackson and the Olympiansis yet another show that is lighthearted but still takes itself seriously — all while dealing with fantastical things like gods and monsters (pun totally intended). These, combined with the first season’s plot ofPercy Jackson (Walker Scobell) being framed for the theft of Zeus' (Lance Reddick) Lightning Bolt, which is similar to Superman (David Corenswet) being hated by the public for his parents' message, makes this show a great and somewhat familiar-feeling watch for viewers.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Demigod Percy Jackson leads a quest across America to prevent a war among the Olympian gods.
8’Regular Show' (2010–2017)
Created by J. G. Quintel
Another seemingly ridiculous pull for a show to watch afterSupermanisRegular Show. While it may seem completely out of left field,this series actually fits the vibe of what aSupermanfan would like pretty well. The two protagonists, Mordecai (J. G. Quintel) and Rigby (William Salyers), are consistently getting themselves into some of the most weird situations one could assume they’d come across and, for them, it seems relatively normal. The same can be seen inSupermanwhen he faces off against a literal Kaiju and no one really questions it.
Regular Show
7’Cobra Kai' (2018–2025)
Created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg
Balancing a lighthearted and hopeful tone with genuine stakes and intense action is not easy. Not only canSupermando it, butCobra Kaiis basically a master at it. ThisThe Karate Kidfollow-up is filled to the brim with'80s camp and cheerfulness, just like howSupermanrecreates the same kind of vibes from the ’70s film,Superman: The Movie.
This movie and show can go from something so joyful and campy to serious stakes in mere moments and not have it feel jarring or out of place in any way.This helps both sides feel more impactful, thanks to how contrasting the two tones are. In bothCobra KaiandSuperman, when things get serious, the audience truly feels it — thanks to the way the filmmakers jump from happiness to gravenessso well each episode.
Thirty-four years after events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, a down-and-out Johnny Lawrence seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with a now successful Daniel LaRusso.
6’Community' (2009–2015)
Created by Dan Harmon
Want to watch a project with a diverse cast of characters, wacky things happening left and right, with genuinely well-done character development? This doesn’t just describeSuperman, butCommunity, as well. Developed by the creative mastermind,Dan Harmon,Communityis beloved by many and balances a diverse cast of characters with each other very well, much like howSupermanhandles so many supporting characterswhile keeping the focus on the Man of Steel himself.
Communityis also hilariousand truly gets people smiling and feeling great with each episode. Maybe not because there’s a sense of hope at the end of each entry, butit makes people feel good regardless, thanks to how ridiculous these normal people’s lives are. People return to watchingCommunityall the time, just like howSupermanhas people flocking back to the theaters for repeat viewings.
A suspended lawyer is forced to enroll in a community college with an eccentric staff and student body.
5’Gurren Lagann' (2007)
Studio: Gainax
There’s seemingly noanimethat makes people feel so genuinely filled with hope, love, and warmth as the one and onlyGurren Lagann. To this day,the show sits at 100% on Rotten Tomatoesand, much likeSuperman’s positive ratings, it doesn’t look like that’ll be changing anytime soon.Gurren Lagann’s protagonist, Simon (Tetsuya KakiharaandYuri Lowenthal), has profoundly pure intentions, strikingly similar to Clark Kent.
Viewers walk out ofGurren Lagannfeeling positive about the future and genuinely wanting to be better,which is what pretty much everyone is reporting they’re feeling after James Gunn’s newest hit. It’s also got the same high-flying spectacle action asSuperman, being a mecha show, featuring giant robots hopping into battle to do good.
Gurren Lagann
In a dystopian future where humanity is forced to live underground, young Simon and his fearless friend Kamina uncover a giant robot. Together, they embark on an epic journey to the surface, battling powerful enemies and sparking a rebellion against their oppressive overlords.
4’Scott Pilgrim Takes Off' (2023)
Created by Bryan Lee O’Malley and BenDavid Grabinski
What makes the female protagonist ofSuperman, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), so compelling, is that she’s no damsel in distress. She actually jumps into action and helps move the plot forward, going as far as entering Lex Luthor’s (Nicholas Hoult) pocket dimension to bring Clark back after turning himself in to saveKrypto the Super Dog (Ozu the Dog).
Scott Pilgrim Takes Offis not only packed full of camp, buttakes the female protagonist of the series, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and puts her at center stage. When things take a different turn from the originalScott Pilgrim vs. the Worldstory and Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) is “killed,” Ramona jumps into action to save him.
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
Scott Pilgrim is thrust back into the spotlight as he confronts new and old adversaries in a high-stakes adventure. With his loyal friends by his side, Scott tackles a series of epic battles and personal challenges, all while trying to balance his relationships and responsibilities.
3’The Studio' (2025–)
Created by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, et al.
Unlike others,The Studio’s relationship withSupermanis not just in the show itself, but also incredibly meta — with the story ofSupermanbeing made being reflected a lot inThe Studio.Each episode ofThe Studiois fast-paced and high-tension, which is found in the fight scenes inSuperman. The Big Blue Boy Scout is fast and powerful and that kinetic pacing is mirrored inSeth RogenandEvan Goldberg’s iconicEmmy-nominatedseries.
The story ofThe Studio, though, is surprisingly similar to howSupermaneven got into production in the first place. The first episode begins with Rogen’s character, Matt Remick, being promoted as the new head of the film studio he works at, Continental Studios.The only reason this new high-flying cape flick is on screens today is because James Gunn had the same thing happen to him when he and his friendPeter Safranbecame co-CEOs of DC Studios.
The Studio
The Studio: This series explores the challenges faced by a legacy Hollywood movie studio struggling to balance art and commerce. It delves into the complex dynamics within the industry as the studio endeavors to survive in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
2’Firefly' (2002)
Created by Joss Whedon
Not only isFireflya fun space epic that deals with all things alien and supernatural, but it stars an actor who plays a huge character inSuperman:Nathan Fillion, who isthe superhero Guy Gardnerin the movie, and Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds in the show.Fireflyalso heavily leans into the themes of freedom and being loyal to those who matter most to you, something that can be attributed a bit toSuperman.
Superman just wants to be free on Earth as a Kryptonian and help people so they can be free, as well. He’s also extremely loyal to anyone who matters to him (which is a lot of people).The biggest connection between the two, though, is the iconic Nathan Fillion, who brings the same awesome acting chops toSupermanas he did inFirefly23 years prior.
1’Ted Lasso' (2020–)
Created by Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, et al.
There is absolutely no piece of content on television that can so accurately and perfectly capture the feeling of hope, love, and lightheartedness ofSupermanlike the excellentTed Lasso. It’s a show that makes people feel amazing and happy —even wanting to be better people. Sure, other television shows can make one feel like this, but not likeTed Lassodoes.
Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) himself could even be described as a modern-day Clark Kent who simply isn’t Superman. He’s so genuine and full of joy and whimsy to the point audiences truly cannot help but smile when he’s on-screen and does the things he does throughout the series.He’s got somewonderful and memorable quotesthat are either funny or just make you happy, just like Superman himself.
American college football coach Ted Lasso heads to London to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League soccer team.
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