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Superman has graced the big and small screen many times over the last 70 years. Various actors have taken on the role, with the current handler of the cape being Superman & Lois star (and comic book enthusiast) Tyler Hoechlin. Superman & Lois has been praised by fans and critics alike for its take on the Man of Steel, with its visuals, characters and themes being highlights that make it the best part of the Arrowverse.
The show follows Clark Kent and Lois Lane's journey of raising two teenage sons -- showcasing the struggles of family life that many audiences members can relate to, with the added struggle of your dad being Superman. Hoechlin's Superman was previously introduced in the second season of Supergirl in 2016, with his character's popularity culminating in his own series. Since the start of Superman & Lois, Hoechlin's version of Clark has received even more praise, but how does he compare to previous actors and could he possibly be the best Man of Steel on TV?
How Many Superman TV Series Have There Been?
There have been numerous television adaptations of Superman starting with The Adventures of Superman (1952-1958). The show starred George Reeves as the titular character and ran for six seasons. It proved to be incredibly popular and is still fondly remembered today, with Reeves embodying the classic "truth, justice and the American way" ethos perfectly.
Superman would take a break from the small screen for 30 years before returning in Superboy (1988-1992), which focused on a young Clark Kent's early adventures as the Man of Steel, played by John Haymes Newton in Season 1 and Gerard Christopher for Seasons 2-4. That series was cut short by a legal dispute and followed by Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997), which aired for four seasons and starred Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher (who would also appear in Supergirl).
Lois and Clark made the point of establishing Clark as the dominant persona and Superman as the disguise -- the first live-action adaptation to do so, setting the precedent for most later versions of the character. Lois and Clark blended romance, comedy, action and the fun of the comic book genre together to create a successful TV series that is possibly the most well-known small-screen version of Superman. However, whilst Cain portrayed a very good Clark Kent, his Superman often lacked the presence and authority that a character so iconic should have.
In 2001 Smallville started airing on The WB (the network that would become The CW) with a focus on the teenage years of Clark Kent, before he became Superman. The show had a famous "no tights, no flights" rule, meaning viewers never fully saw this version of Clark in the Superman suit until the finale (and that was only briefly). The show aired for 10 seasons and Tom Welling likewise became strongly embraced by Superman fans. The actor is still connected to the character, as he's currently developing an animated series in Smallville continuity.
Does Superman & Lois Have TV's Best Superman?
From the opening minutes of Superman & Lois, Tyler Hoechlin nails what audiences expect from the Man of Steel. Hoechlin's optimism as Superman and his humanity as Clark Kent showcase everything that Superman is meant to be. He is hopeful, whilst also being troubled at times, but not at the cost of altering the character. The series shows how Clark struggles to divide his time between saving the world and doing what's best for his family. Hoechlin has a strong on-screen presence, echoing the heroic nature displayed by George Reeves whilst following Cain and Welling in showing Clark's endearing personality.
What the actor does best is separating the distinct personalities of Superman and Clark Kent. His hero has many different sides -- the real version with his close friends and family, the bumbling wholesome reporter he displays to the world, and then finally Superman. Hoechlin makes it believable that Clark and Superman are different people in a way that no other actor has accomplished in any previous series. That achievement is what makes him TV's best Superman, and with Superman & Lois recently renewed for Season 3, he'll be able to fly for at least a little while longer.