Superman TV mostly means the TV shows about Superman. There are seven main Superman series and two closely related ones, running from Adventures of Superman in 1952 to My Adventures with Superman, which began in 2023. In the UK, the easiest ones to watch right now are Superman & Lois on BBC iPlayer, Smallville on Netflix and ITVX, and My Adventures with Superman on HBO Max.
Quick answers (checked 23–26 October 2026)
- Newest live-action show: Superman & Lois. It ended after four seasons in 2024.
- Newest animated show: My Adventures with Superman, with three seasons so far.
- Free to watch in the UK: Superman & Lois (BBC iPlayer), plus Smallville, Supergirl and Krypton (ITVX, with ads).
- New Superman TV series: none confirmed by official sources at the time of writing.
This guide is based on research of official information and published sources, not first-hand viewing. Streaming rights change often, so always check the platform before you subscribe.
What Does “Superman TV” Include?
In this guide, “Superman TV” means TV series where Superman, or Clark Kent, is the lead. That covers live-action shows and cartoons. We also include Supergirl and Krypton because they link to Superman’s story, but we label them clearly as related shows.
Superman films are a different thing. The 2025 Superman film is covered near the end because many people search for it alongside the TV shows.
Superman TV Shows in Order
Here are the main series in the order they first aired. Episode counts come from published listings, so treat them as a guide.
| Show | Years | Type | Superman / Clark Kent | Seasons and episodes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adventures of Superman | 1952–1958 | Live-action | George Reeves | 6 seasons, 104 episodes |
| Superboy | 1988–1992 | Live-action | John Haymes Newton, then Gerard Christopher | 4 seasons, 100 episodes |
| Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman | 1993–1997 | Live-action | Dean Cain | 4 seasons, 87 episodes |
| Superman: The Animated Series | 1996–2000 | Animated | Tim Daly (voice) | 3 seasons, 54 episodes |
| Smallville | 2001–2011 | Live-action | Tom Welling | 10 seasons, about 217 episodes |
| Supergirl (related) | 2015–2021 | Live-action | Tyler Hoechlin (recurring) | 6 seasons, 126 episodes |
| Krypton (related) | 2018–2019 | Live-action | Not the lead | 2 seasons, 20 episodes |
| Superman & Lois | 2021–2024 | Live-action | Tyler Hoechlin | 4 seasons, 53 episodes |
| My Adventures with Superman | 2023 onwards | Animated | Jack Quaid (voice) | 3 seasons |
Where to Watch Superman TV Shows in the UK
Six of the nine shows can be streamed in the UK today. Four are free to watch: one through BBC iPlayer with a TV licence, and three on ITVX with adverts. Three older shows have no UK streaming platform that we could confirm.
| Show | UK platforms | How you pay | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superman & Lois | BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Sky Go | Free on iPlayer with a TV licence; other options need a subscription or purchase | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Smallville | Netflix, ITVX | Netflix subscription, or free with ads on ITVX | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Lois & Clark | Prime Video | Included with Prime or buy digitally | 26 Oct 2026 |
| My Adventures with Superman | HBO Max, NOW | Subscription, or buy digitally | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Supergirl | Prime Video, ITVX | Prime subscription, or free with ads on ITVX | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Krypton | ITVX | Free with ads, or ITVX Premium | 24 Oct 2026 |
| Adventures of Superman | Not publicly confirmed | Not publicly confirmed | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Superboy | Not publicly confirmed | Not publicly confirmed | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Superman: The Animated Series | Not publicly confirmed | Not publicly confirmed | 27 Oct 2026 |
A few quick notes on each platform:
- BBC iPlayer: free, but you need a licence to watch. Our TV licence streaming guide explains exactly when you need one.
- Netflix: Smallville is listed here. Netflix titles come and go, so check our page on what is leaving Netflix UK if you plan a binge.
- ITVX: three shows are free with adverts. If you want to see what else costs nothing, try our list of free streaming services in the UK.
- Prime Video: home to Lois & Clark, and also listed for Supergirl. Read our Prime Video UK guide for plans and prices.
- Sky and NOW: NOW lists My Adventures with Superman. Our NOW and Sky guide shows which membership you need.
Not sure where a show has gone? Our general where to watch in the UK page is a good starting point, and our explainer on UK streaming rights shows why a show can vanish overnight.
Best Superman TV Shows to Watch
Which show suits you depends on what you want from Superman. These picks are based on each show’s format, tone and UK availability, not on our own viewing.
| If you want… | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A modern show with Superman as a dad | Superman & Lois | A family-focused story, finished after four seasons, and free on BBC iPlayer |
| An origin story to binge | Smallville | Ten seasons following young Clark Kent, on Netflix and ITVX |
| A show for older kids and families | My Adventures with Superman | Animated, with a younger, lighter tone |
| A romance-led classic | Lois & Clark | Built around the Lois and Clark relationship, on Prime Video |
| TV history | Adventures of Superman | The first Superman TV series, from 1952 |
| A classic cartoon | Superman: The Animated Series | A long-standing favourite with comic fans, though UK streaming is not confirmed |
Superman & Lois: Seasons, Cast and Status
Superman & Lois follows Clark Kent and Lois Lane as they raise two sons while Clark keeps working as Superman. It has four seasons and 53 episodes. Season 4 has 10 episodes and is the final one, so yes, the show has ended. It was not cut off early: the final season was planned as the finale.
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Clark Kent / Superman | Tyler Hoechlin |
| Lois Lane | Elizabeth Tulloch |
| Jonathan Kent | Michael Bishop |
| Jordan Kent | Alex Garfin |
| Lex Luthor | Michael Cudlitz |
| General Lane | Dylan Walsh |
In the UK, it is listed on BBC iPlayer, Prime Video and Sky Go. You do not need to watch Supergirl first. The show works on its own.
Smallville: Story, Cast and When Clark Becomes Superman
Smallville ran for 10 seasons from 2001 to 2011. It follows Clark Kent as a teenager and young man in Smallville, Kansas, with Tom Welling in the lead and Erica Durance as Lois Lane. Clark does not wear the Superman suit for most of the show. He becomes Superman only at the very end, so go in expecting an origin story rather than a superhero action series.
It is on Netflix UK and on ITVX. Our monthly page on what’s new on Netflix UK tracks additions like this one.
My Adventures with Superman: The Animated Series
This animated series started in 2023, with Jack Quaid voicing Clark Kent and Superman. It has an anime-influenced look and focuses on a young Clark settling into Metropolis. Three seasons are listed in the UK. Entertainment Weekly’s DC round-up says season 3 has finished. A fourth season is not publicly confirmed.
It is a separate story, so you do not need to watch any other Superman show first. It is a good choice for families with older children, though the action can feel intense for younger ones.
Classic Superman TV Shows
- Adventures of Superman (1952–1958): the first Superman TV series. George Reeves played Superman, and Lois Lane was played by Phyllis Coates and later Noel Neill. It is in black and white and very much of its time.
- Superboy (1988–1992): a young Clark Kent at college. John Haymes Newton starred in season 1, and Gerard Christopher took over for seasons 2 to 4.
- Lois & Clark (1993–1997): Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher in a show that puts the romance first and the fighting second.
- Superman: The Animated Series (1996–2000): 54 episodes with Tim Daly voicing Superman. It is a good fit for comic fans and a strong cartoon pick for families.
Looking for more old favourites? Our guide to where to watch classic films in the UK covers the film side of nostalgia viewing.
Superman-Related TV Shows
Some shows sit close to Superman without being about him. Here is how they connect.
| Show | Link to Superman | Is it a Superman show? |
|---|---|---|
| Supergirl | Superman’s cousin Kara is the lead. Tyler Hoechlin appears as Superman in a recurring role. | No, it is Supergirl’s show |
| Krypton | A prequel about Superman’s grandfather on his home planet. It was cancelled after two seasons. | No, Superman does not lead it |
| Peacemaker | Part of the new DC Universe run by James Gunn | No |
| Creature Commandos | An animated DC Universe show. Season 2 is reported for 2027, but the date is not publicly confirmed. | No |
Who Has Played Superman on TV?
| Actor | Show | Role type |
|---|---|---|
| George Reeves | Adventures of Superman | Live-action |
| John Haymes Newton, Gerard Christopher | Superboy | Live-action |
| Dean Cain | Lois & Clark | Live-action |
| Tim Daly | Superman: The Animated Series | Voice |
| Tom Welling | Smallville | Live-action |
| Tyler Hoechlin | Supergirl and Superman & Lois | Live-action |
| Jack Quaid | My Adventures with Superman | Voice |
“Best” is a matter of taste, so we will not name a winner. Reeves is the classic, Cain is the 1990s favourite, Welling played the longest-running version, and Hoechlin is the most recent live-action Superman on TV.
What Order Should You Watch Superman TV Shows In?
Release order is the safest way, and it is the order in the table above. Most of these shows are separate stories, so you can also jump in anywhere. The shows below are not connected to each other:
- New to Superman: start with Superman & Lois (live-action) or My Adventures with Superman (animated).
- Want an origin story: watch Smallville from season 1.
- Want the Arrowverse link: Supergirl is where Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman first appeared, but Superman & Lois does not need it.
- Want the new films: the DC Universe films and shows are a separate run. Our Marvel watch order guide shows how a full superhero order is laid out, which is a useful comparison.
Is There a New Superman TV Show Coming?
No new Superman-led TV series has been confirmed by official sources at the time of writing. Here is what we can say:
- Superman & Lois has ended.
- A fourth season of My Adventures with Superman has not been publicly confirmed.
- James Gunn’s DC Universe has Creature Commandos season 2 reported for 2027, but the exact date is not confirmed.
- No Superman TV spin-off has been announced. Treat any claim of one as a rumour unless DC or Warner Bros. Discovery confirms it.
The next Superman film, Man of Tomorrow, is planned for 2027. For other releases on the way, see our list of upcoming movies in the UK.
Are Superman TV Shows Suitable for Kids?
It depends on the show. The animated series are the natural choice for children, with My Adventures with Superman best for older children. Smallville has teenage relationships and darker storylines, so it suits older teens better. We have not verified age ratings for each show, so check the rating shown on the platform before you press play.
You can also set limits on your account. Our guide to Netflix parental controls in the UK walks through the steps, and our list of the best streaming services for families in the UK compares family options.
Is Superman on UK TV Tonight?
Superman films appear on UK channels from time to time, but schedules change daily. The quickest way to check is your TV’s programme guide, or the guide in BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
The 2025 Superman film is listed on NOW, with Sky and HBO Max channel options, and you can also rent or buy it digitally. We found no free UK streaming option for it. Wondering why films take months to reach streaming? Our guide to how long it takes films to reach streaming in the UK explains the usual wait.
Superman TV FAQs
How many Superman TV shows are there?
There are seven main Superman series: Adventures of Superman, Superboy, Lois & Clark, Superman: The Animated Series, Smallville, Superman & Lois and My Adventures with Superman. Supergirl and Krypton are related shows.
What was the first Superman TV series?
Adventures of Superman, which began in 1952 and starred George Reeves.
Was Superman & Lois cancelled?
No. It ended after season 4, which was planned as the final season.
Is Smallville on Netflix UK?
Yes, it was listed on Netflix UK when we checked on 26 October 2026. It is also on ITVX.
Where can I watch Superman & Lois in the UK?
On BBC iPlayer, which is free with a TV licence. It is also listed on Prime Video and Sky Go.
Which Superman TV show is best for kids?
My Adventures with Superman is the animated choice for older children. Check the age guidance on the platform first.
Is My Adventures with Superman connected to the DC films?
No. It tells its own story, so you can watch it without seeing any film or other show.
Where can I watch Superman (2025) in the UK?
On NOW, or by renting or buying it digitally. No free option was listed.
Final Thoughts
If you only want one show, pick Superman & Lois for a modern story, Smallville for a long binge, or My Adventures with Superman for animation. Use the UK table above to see where each one is streaming, and check the platform on the day you plan to watch, because UK rights can change at short notice.
Sources: JustWatch UK: Superman & Lois, JustWatch UK: Smallville, JustWatch UK: My Adventures with Superman, BBC Programmes: Superman & Lois series 4, NOW: Superman (2025), Entertainment Weekly: upcoming DC films and shows. Availability last checked 23–26 October 2026.
