The pilot episode set a ratings record for a WB debut, with 8.4 million viewers.

Smallville is an Emmy-winning series, now on Netflix (Image: WB)

An Emmy-winning series that has become a cult classic is now available on Netflix. Smallville is an American superhero television series developed by writer-producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, based on the DC Comics character Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938.

The series follows the coming-of-age adventures of teenage Clark Kent (Tom Welling) in his fictional hometown of Smallville, Kansas, before he formally becomes the Man of Steel. The first four seasons focus on the high school life of Clark and his friends, his complicated romance with neighbour Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk), and his friendship with future nemesis Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum). From season five onwards, Smallville ventures into Clark’s early adult years, eventually focusing on his career alongside Lois Lane (Erica Durance) at the Daily Planet and introducing other DC comic book superheroes and villains.

Tom Welling and Erica Durrance in Smallville (Image: WB)

Initially broadcast by The WB, the show premiered in 2001. After its fifth season, the WB and UPN merged to form The CW, the series’ later United States broadcaster until its tenth and final season ended in 2011. Smallville was generally positively received when it began.

The pilot episode set a ratings record for a WB debut, with 8.4 million viewers. Over 10 seasons, the series averaged approximately 4.34 million viewers per episode, with season two being the highest-rated at 6.3 million.

During its 10 seasons, Smallville won awards ranging from Emmys to Teen Choice Awards. In 2002, 2006, and 2008, the series won an Emmy for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series.

Former Superman star Christopher Reeve approved of the series, making two guest appearances before his death. He said: “I was a little bit sceptical when I heard about it at first, but I must say the writing, the acting, and the special effects are quite remarkable.

“In 1977, a big stunt scene would have taken us a week to film—it’s pretty impressive what they are able to do with computers and effects technology today on a weekly TV show.

“It gives it a lot more production value and inventiveness than I thought I was going to see when I first heard about the series. I think the show is doing a really good job following the mythology, and Tom is doing a good job following the tradition.”

Millar stated that Smallville “visually and aesthetically, was a celebration of Americana”, with aspects such as Clark’s red, white, and blue apparel. Being an “idyllic portrait of America”, he said, helped the show’s popularity after 9/11.

According to MTV’s Karl Heitmueller, Smallville’s Clark Kent was a great representation of the original material and remained “true to the heart of the story” by showing Clark’s selflessness and his struggle between his desires and his obligations.

Fans have called it a “masterpiece”, with one saying: “It’s top tier for what it does right. It’s acting, of age slow burn dramas and romances, overall action, and creative story beats all blend into a nice cocktail of phenomenal character development that grows well with it’s target audience.”

Smallville is now available to watch on Netflix, according to NewOnNetflix.