SAN DIEGO, Oct. 11 (UPI) — According to the cast and crew of the CW’s “Supergirl,” the show is about more than capes and superheroes, it’s about empowerment and, specifically, “the family that you choose.”
“Our shows are optimistic and hopeful and funny and have great action,” said Sarah Schechter, the show’s executive producer, “but they’re also about families. This show in particular is about the family that you choose and the family that, as an adult, you build.”
Chyler Leigh, who plays Supergirl Kara’s sister Alex said fans have approached her with gratitude for the show’s portrayal of family.
“This mom was talking to me about how relevant the show was to her on family,” Leigh said. “She had two young daughters and an older daughter who was 13. She was adopted. They had this really interesting dynamic in their household, because she never felt like she belonged.”
“She related so much to Kara,” Leigh added. “To see the sister dynamic and to see it played out in a way that was realistic, where it’s not like it’s an adoptive family and everything’s great, or the parents are awful and everything’s terrible. This girl identified so much with her.”
Melissa Benoist, who stars as Supergirl / Kara, said her character is “hopeful and bright,” which sets “Supergirl” apart from some of the other superhero shows.
“(Kara is about) always finding a silver lining and never giving up,” Benoist said. “So I think that positivity is what we’re bringing to the table.”
“The world is a dark place,” Schechter added. “It’s nice to bring a little joy and lightness.”
Season 2 of “Supergirl” premiered Monday night, but on the CW instead of its original network, CBS.
“The CW has offered us a real home,” said another executive producer, Ali Adler. “I think we really fit in with the rest of the hero universe on the network.”
In addition to the new network and a change in filming location, is an appearance from Lynda Carter as President Olivia Marsdin.
The second season also features a storyline with Kara’s famous cousin, Clark Kent / Superman, played by Teen Wolf alum Tyler Hoechlin.
“We spent last season solidifying how Kara wanted to approach being Supergirl, and Superman being her only living family member, it’s a necessary relationship to explore,” Benoist said. “I think it’s only going to reap benefits, and Tyler is the man to do it.”
