I literally binge watched the first nine episodes of Stargirl in one day to catch up with the first season and it was exactly what I needed. For the past few months I’ve been all about comfort TV, and this show certainly fits the bill in all the best ways.
Also, I’ll add, if you’re a fan of the Arrowverse, Smallville, or even of Marvel’s Runaways, then there’s a good chance that you’ll enjoy Stargirl too.
Here’s three reasons why this show so quickly endeared itself to me.
1. Stargirl is a Ray of Sunshine & Optimism
Supergirl may be the paragon of hope, but Stargirl radiates optimism. She’s young, and while that means she often runs into danger with reckless abandon, she also does it with absolute confidence. Courtney is thrilled to be a superhero. Unburdened, for now, she fully believes in herself, the power of the Cosmic Staff, and in her new JSA teammates, a ragtag group of fellow classmates.
How long until her innocence is chipped away? Who knows, but for now it’s a lot of fun to watch someone so joyfully embrace their “destiny” as a hero. She relishes her new found power and is unapologetic about using it. Her strength and resolve are admirable.
With all of that said though, the show still has real stakes. Actions have consequences and the danger posed by the ISA is very real; however, Stargirl has done well to balance those tones. I’ve been genuinely surprised by how often the show is willing “to go there,” which for me means a pleasant hour of television plus payoff.
2. Stargirl, The Series, Is Fun & Lighthearted
Superheroes can be fun and Stargirl understands this. Not only are there really excellent action sequences, fight scenes, and special effects, but there’s also a lot of humor mined from the entire situation regarding a bunch of teenagers taking up the mantle.
The Cosmic Staff is basically its own character, with its own unique personality, and occasionally a mind of its own too. There’s also a giant fighting robot named S.T.R.I.P.E. need I say more? And then there’s also moments like Courtney and Yolanda consulting Wikipedia to learn more about Wildcat’s powers and abilities.
The lightheartedness of the series is further conveyed via its cinematography. Set in Blue Valley, Nebraska, there’s blue skies, a picturesque downtown, and plenty of cornfields. The entire vibe is very Smallville with its warm color tones and Americana color scheme throughout the lighting, set design, and wardrobe. The town does have a dark underbelly, but we’re not talking too-dark-to-see Game of Thrones level of lighting here.
Additionally the soundtrack is on point, or at least for me. Songs heard on Stargirl include a bunch of catchy hits like Hanson’s “MmmBop,” “Young Blood” by The Naked and Famous, “One Piece at a Time” by Johnny Cash, “The Girl Can’t Help It” by Little Richard, “Juice” by Lizzo, “Takin’ Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive, “Insane in the Brain” by Cypress Hill, “Dancing on My Own” by Calum Scott, and “Bellyache” by Billie Eilish.
3. Stargirl is Also a High School & Family Drama
As if being a superhero show wasn’t enough, Stargirl is also firmly rooted in the high school / family drama genre. The series picks up in the present day with Courtney’s newly blended family moving from California to Nebraska. Which means she’s not only trying to get used to a new stepdad and stepbrother, but she’s also tasked with navigating a new school.
All of this further lends itself to some quality coming of age storylines, and if done right, I’m still a sucker for those plotlines. Doesn’t hurt that Amy Smart plays Courtney’s mom and Luke Wilson plays her stepdad, and sidekick. With such a well-rounded cast of both teens and adults, the show is really firing on all cylinders. Regardless of whether or not Courtney is trying to thwart the bad guys or the mean girls, it’s all a good time.
Stargirl can currently be found on the DC Universe streaming site and on The CW. A second season renewal was recently announced; however, when it returns it will only air exclusively on The CW. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
