Superboy season 1
| Superboy | |
|---|---|
| Season 1 | |
 Promotional poster | |
| Showrunner | Freddie Goodwin |
| Starring |
|
| No. of episodes | 15 |
| Release | |
| Original network | The CW |
| Original release | March 15 – August 16, 2021 |
| Season chronology | |
The first season of the American television series Superboy premiered on The CW. The series is based on the DC Comics characters Superman created by Jerry Siegel. The season was produced by Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television.
This season follows Alex Singh, also known as Superboy, as he navigates the pressures of balancing his superhero duties with his personal life, particularly his strained relationship with his father, General Sam Singh. As Mxyzptlk, a malevolent being from the Fifth Dimension, begins to manipulate Alex through powerful illusions and mind games, Alex's grip on reality falters, leaving him vulnerable and isolated. Meanwhile, Alex's childhood friend Wells Smith becomes an unexpected ally, donning the alias "Steel" to aid in the battle against Mxyzptlk. As the chaos escalates, Alex faces the ultimate test of whether he can stop Mxyzptlk and finally find peace over his mother’s death, while his girlfriend, Nova Smiles, provides emotional support, urging him to confront his fears and take on his destiny. The season builds toward a climactic confrontation where Alex is forced to make difficult choices to save both his loved ones and South City.
The series stars Dev Patel as the titular character Alex Singh / Superboy, a costumed superhero. Also returning are main cast members Michael Bishop, Inde Navarrette, Wolé Parks, Tayler Buck, Dylan Walsh, and Emmanuelle Chriqui. Superboy was ordered in early 2019.
The season premiered on March 15, 2021 and concluded on August 16, 2021. The series was renewed for a second season in August 2021, which premiered on June 10, 2022.
Episodes[edit | edit source]
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Pilot" | Freddie Goodwin | Freddie Goodwin | March 15, 2021 | T28.14101 | 1.67 |
| Alex Singh, a staff member under the General Supportive Program at South City High School, faces the abrupt shutdown of the program by new principal Jackson Edge. Although Alex's brother, Max, offers to help rebuild it, Alex chooses to move on. During a chance encounter with Wells Smith, a childhood friend, Alex accidentally reveals that he is Superboy, the mysterious vigilante who has been protecting the school from danger and bullying. Principal Edge, unaware of Superboy's identity, vows to take control of the situation and ensure the school’s safety. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense (DOD) collaborates with Superboy to address a growing threat involving secretive agents studying his blood to create enhanced individuals. In a confrontation with an exo-suited adversary seeking revenge for his father's death, which he blames on Superboy, Alex is overpowered and defeated. Concerned for his well-being, Alex's girlfriend, Nova Smart, expresses her worries about the risks he faces. In a twist, the exo-suited individual is revealed to be operating under the alias "Mr. Luthor." | |||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Game of Fools" | Freddie Goodwin | Jackson Greene & Freddie Goodwin | March 22, 2021 | T28.14102 | 1.43 |
| Alex unveils his new suit to Nova and begins planning to uncover the identity of the mysterious suited individual known as "Luthor." Meanwhile, Luthor starts investigating South City High School, eventually discovering Alex's true identity and linking him to the Superboy persona. Alex, working alongside Wells, initially considers forming a team but soon decides to abandon the idea. The DOD intensifies its efforts to track down Luthor, deploying soldiers to find him. However, when they finally confront Luthor, he kills them all and escapes just before Superboy arrives. Alex's father, General Sam Singh, orders him to exercise more caution and insists that they work together rather than at odds, a request Alex reluctantly agrees to. Nova, still unaware of the DOD's involvement and Alex's connection to his father, begins to suspect he is secretly working for a mysterious organization. Alex eventually regains her trust by revealing his father's role in the situation. A week later, Luthor reappears and confronts Alex, demanding that he go with him. | |||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Miss Thy Father" | Brenton Spencer | Marl Brenton | March 29, 2021 | T28.14103 | 1.43 |
| Alex chooses to follow Luthor, who reveals that he knows Alex's identity as Superboy. This revelation leads to a confrontation, with Alex attacking Luthor. During the fight, Luthor's true identity is revealed to be Tony Stark from an alternate reality. Stark blames Alex for the death of his father, Howard Stark, and vows to end him. Superboy manages to escape and reports the incident to the DOD, uncovering the truth behind Luthor's identity. However, Superboy is soon attacked by a powerful individual calling himself "Mister Mxyzptlk." During the battle, Superboy discovers that Tony Stark was never real, and the entire scenario was an illusion created by Mxyzptlk. Mxyzptlk attacks Superboy, leaving him unconscious. Alex's father, Sam, finds him and has him transported to the DOD for recovery. It is then revealed that "Luthor" was Mxyzptlk in disguise, and his true form is finally unveiled. Flashbacks to 2002 show that Alex was sent to Earth after his home planet was destroyed and was discovered by Sam and his mother, Cat. Over the next fifteen years, Alex learned about his powers and his role as a protector of Earth. | |||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Shattered Illusions" | Brenton Spencer | Jackson Greene | April 5, 2021 | T28.14104 | 1.44 |
| A few weeks after his battle with Mister Mxyzptlk, Sam confronts Alex, urging him to express his feelings and confess his fears, worried that Mxyzptlk might still have some control over his mind. Feeling accused and misunderstood, Alex runs off. Later, Nova finds him and pleads with him to work more closely with his father to ensure his safety on the battlefield. Alex confides in Nova, admitting that ever since his encounter with Mxyzptlk, he's been struggling to distinguish between reality and illusion. Meanwhile, Max, spends time with his girlfriend Jessica, attending a football game for a sense of normalcy. Back at the DOD, Sam informs Alex that they might be able to defeat Mxyzptlk by outsmarting him. Nova, in a separate conversation with Wells, learns that he has built a new steel suit and has taken on the alias "Steel." Sam later apologizes to Alex for doubting him, but Alex begins to hear unsettling voices from his family and friends, all ominously telling him, "he's doomed." | |||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Familiar Faces" | Mark Jackson | Freddie Goodwin | April 19, 2021 | T28.14105 | 1.39 |
| Alex begins to experience severe panic attacks, tormented by illusions of his family and friends attacking him. In these hallucinations, his late mother, Cat, appears, revealing her regret over her failed attempt to avoid having him. Sam manages to free Alex from the illusion, but Alex, overwhelmed, flees. A month later, Alex makes the difficult decision to drop out of high school to focus on his superhero responsibilities, despite Sam's strong disapproval. As Superboy, Alex responds to a situation in South City, where he stops a vigilante from harming civilians and is praised as a hero. However, the moment is short-lived, as Superboy is struck by agonizing visions induced by Mxyzptlk, who finishes off the civilians the vigilante failed to kill before vanishing once again. At the DOD, Alex tells Sam that although he saved people, Mxyzptlk attacked him and caused him to experience disturbing visions. Meanwhile, Nova and Wells begin researching Mxyzptlk’s origins and discover that he hails from a mysterious place called the "Fifth Dimension," where he is believed to be "unstoppable." Elsewhere, principal Jackson secretly works on a mysterious project in his basement. | |||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Crossing the Line" | Alice Rose | Teleplay by : Mark Rogueson Story by : Freddie Goodwin | April 26, 2021 | T28.14106 | 1.42 |
| Superboy is approached by the South City police, who plead with him to stop Mxyzptlk as the death toll continues to rise. Frustrated and feeling overwhelmed, Superboy lashes out at his friends, Nova and Wells, demanding they consult him before conducting any further research on his enemies. Sam, however, sides with Nova and Wells, leaving Alex feeling isolated. Soon after, Mxyzptlk confronts Superboy and reveals the truth behind his motives: contrary to earlier beliefs, Mxyzptlk never lost his father but harbors a deep grudge against the people of South City, blaming them for trapping him in the Fifth Dimension for a decade. To further torment Superboy, Mxyzptlk captures Nova and Wells, forcing Alex to choose who lives. In the end, Mxyzptlk spares both, allowing them to flee. Filled with remorse, Alex apologizes to Nova and Wells, asking them to join him in working with the DOD to defeat Mxyzptlk. Sam steps in and initiates a training program designed to teach them how to function as a team. Meanwhile, Principal Jackson secretly begins developing artificial intelligence with the goal of killing Superboy. | |||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Unseen Forces" | Alice Rose | Freddie Goodwin | May 10, 2021 | T28.14107 | 1.46 |
| A DOD soldier informs Sam about mysterious technology being used in a South City household, which could become dangerous if ignored, prompting Sam to send soldiers to raid the home, though they find only a computer and lab equipment with no clear threat. Meanwhile, Alex suffers from power fluctuations, impairing his abilities, and Nova and Wells agree to improve his suit for Wells to help Alex in the field. Mxyzptlk ensnares Sam, Nova, Wells, and Alex in a harrowing illusion where Alex is powerless and repeatedly witnesses Sam's death, only to be released from the torment moments later. In the midst of this, Superboy battles and easily defeats a villain known as "Anvil." As Sam continues his investigation into Mxyzptlk’s past, he uncovers crucial details behind the villain’s motives, realizing the personal tragedies that have driven him to seek revenge on Superboy and South City. | |||||||
| 8 | 8 | "Echoes of the Past" | Brenton Spencer | Teleplay by : Jeff Hersh & Jess Carson Story by : Sam Chalsen | May 17, 2021 | T28.14108 | 1.57 |
| Alex learns that Mxyzptlk was originally a human trapped in the Fifth Dimension, prompting him to begin further research with Nova's help. Together, they discover two possible ways to deal with Mxyzptlk: either trap him back in the Fifth Dimension or try to help him. They choose the latter option, hoping to save him. Superboy tracks down Mxyzptlk and confronts him, offering help, but Mxyzptlk becomes enraged and attacks. A fierce battle ensues, with both outsmarting each other until they are both weakened. Sam arrives mid-battle and uses a plasma-based weapon on Mxyzptlk, forcing him to flee. Frustrated with his father's intervention, Superboy flies off angrily. Meanwhile, Wells, now operating as Steel, investigates a string of crimes involving the theft of technology and an advanced robot from a tech company. Wells reports this to Sam, who begins to fear that someone may be constructing a weapon of mass destruction. Hours later, Sam uncovers a shocking truth: Mxyzptlk is killable and was responsible for the death of his wife, Cat. | |||||||
| 9 | 9 | "The Trickster's Game" | Brenton Spencer | Teleplay by : Mark Rogueson & Freddie Goodwin Story by : Jackson Miller | May 24, 2021 | T28.14109 | 1.32 |
| In 2013, Mxyzptlk, originally known as Ben deRoy, worked as a journalist for the Daily Planet. During a routine day, his boss unexpectedly orders him to investigate the alien figure known as "Superboy." Surprised but intrigued, Ben begins obsessively researching how he could gain powers to capture Superboy. However, his plans are interrupted when the former General of the DOD, Mark Laro, uses a specialized weapon that banishes Ben to the Fifth Dimension. Trapped and isolated in the harsh, disorienting conditions of the Fifth Dimension, Ben realizes he is doomed to die there. Months later, after surviving what should have been a fatal event, he discovers that the dimension has altered him, granting him extraordinary powers. With his new abilities, Ben, now Mxyzptlk, finds an opening back to Earth and emerges, driven by a thirst for revenge on the DOD and South City. | |||||||
| 10 | 10 | "The Breaking Point" | Brenton Spencer | Teleplay by : Jackson Miller Story by : Mark Rogueson & Freddie Goodwin | June 14, 2021 | T28.1410 | 1.45 |
| In an alternate reality, Alex lives a life where his mother, Cat, is still alive, while his father, Sam, has passed away. Cat works as a reporter at the Daily Planet, with Alex serving as her personal assistant. Despite still being Superboy, Alex lacks the support of the DOD, which instead hunts him due to their deep distrust of him. During one of his missions, Alex is attacked and captured by a powerful gang. The gang's leader, Ben, who never transformed into Mxyzptlk in this reality, reveals himself, explaining that his life remains "perfect" and untouched by the Fifth Dimension's corruption. Alex manages to escape but learns that the longer he stays in this illusion, the weaker he will become. Ignoring the warnings, Alex chooses to remain, cherishing the time spent with his mother. However, Ben orders his accomplice to find and kill Alex. At the Daily Planet, Cat confronts Alex, revealing that she knows this is all an illusion and that she’s supposed to be dead, ultimately convincing Alex to return to his real world. Back in reality, Alex learns the devastating news that Max was murdered by Mxyzptlk, who had vowed to kill him if Alex refused to cooperate with his demands. | |||||||
| 11 | 11 | "Rise of the Hero" | Mark Rogueson | Freddie Goodwin | June 21, 2021 | T28.1411 | 1.46 |
| Alex blames himself for Max's death, while Sam harshly criticizes him for prioritizing the illusion world over reality. Overwhelmed with guilt, Alex retreats to space, where he realizes that in order to truly embody the symbol of hope as Superboy, he must stop running from his responsibilities and vows to kill Mxyzptlk. Meanwhile, Jackson continues experimenting with his AI technology, discovering that he can merge it with the stolen robot parts he has been collecting. A week later, Mxyzptlk, still appearing as Ben, confronts Alex and apologizes for killing Max, explaining that his original target was Alex, but in his rage, he mistakenly killed Max. Devastated, Max’s girlfriend, Jessica, discovers Alex’s alter ego as Superboy and, in her grief, vows to expose his identity as revenge for Max's death. However, she eventually comes to terms with the situation and decides to keep his secret. A few days later, Alex and his family mourn Max during his funeral, saying their final goodbyes. In the background, Mxyzptlk vows to gain full control over Superboy, while Jackson’s robot, despite his best efforts, fails to boot up, leaving him frustrated and eager to fix it. | |||||||
| 12 | 12 | "Fading Lines" | Freddie Goodwin | Jack Markson | July 12, 2021 | T28.1412 | 1.50 |
| Superboy arrives at the DOD seeking help, only to find Sam in the process of resigning. Despite their strained relationship, Superboy convinces his father to continue in honor of Max, though he still refuses to fully trust him. Sam tries to apologize, but Superboy leaves without acknowledging it. Meanwhile, Wells, as Steel, launches a series of attacks on various gang organizations throughout South City. Concerned by his aggressive methods, Superboy confronts Wells, who insists on continuing his solo mission to save the city. However, Superboy manages to persuade him to join forces in their fight against Mxyzptlk. Later, Sam, feeling remorseful, approaches a downcast Superboy and sincerely apologizes for blaming him for Max's death. In an emotional exchange, Alex forgives his father and apologizes for not being able to save Max. Meanwhile, Jackson grows increasingly resentful toward Superboy, destroying his computer in a fit of frustration. In the wreckage, he discovers a piece of advanced technology that may hold the key to powering his stalled robot, renewing his dangerous ambitions. | |||||||
| 13 | 13 | "Man Behind the Curtain" | Freddie Goodwin | Freddie Goodwin & Jackson Miller | July 19, 2021 | T28.1413 | 1.47 |
| Jackson begins upgrading his AI technology, determined to use it to stop Superboy once and for all. Meanwhile, Sam contacts Alex, summoning him to the DOD and revealing that Mxyzptlk was involved in his mother’s death. Sam admits he had known for a few weeks but didn’t tell Alex until he was certain of the facts. Alex, though hurt, agrees with Sam's decision. Wells then asks Alex to assist in building a machine to trap Mxyzptlk and send him back to the Fifth Dimension. However, Alex warns that Mxyzptlk could escape if he gains more power, meaning they would have to kill him. Sam reluctantly agrees and orders the machine to be repurposed into a weapon to eliminate Mxyzptlk. On an ordinary day, Alex crosses paths with Jackson, suspecting that he’s hiding something but decides to let it go. Shortly after, Jackson quits his job as principal, leading to the school’s closure. Superboy travels to the sun to supercharge a crucial machine part that will power the DOD’s device. Meanwhile, Mxyzptlk, preparing for the final stage of his ultimate plan, aims to merge the sun of the Fifth Dimension with his own to enhance his power. He opens a portal and travels back to his dimension. | |||||||
| 14 | 14 | "Systems Online" | Freddie Goodwin | Freddie Goodwin | August 9, 2021 | T28.1414 | 1.46 |
| Jackson, growing more desperate, approaches Mxyzptlk and requests his help in acquiring Kryptonite from the DOD storage. Mxyzptlk obliges, stealing the Kryptonite and delivering it to Jackson, who uses it to power his robot and link it to his computer, bringing his creation to life. Meanwhile, Mxyzptlk attacks Superboy, using his powers to place him under mind control. He teleports Alex to Smallville, where a gang under Mxyzptlk’s influence torments him. Mxyzptlk then teleports Wells to the scene, threatening to kill him if anyone attempts to intervene. For three weeks, Superboy remains isolated, refusing to battle Mxyzptlk as he feels too overwhelmed to face the threat. Sam tries to convince Alex to return to the fight, but Alex resists, consumed by doubt. When Nova returns from a long holiday, she encourages Alex to think about his future as Superboy, reminding him that he can step away once Mxyzptlk is defeated. Alex eventually admits to Nova that he’s scared to kill Mxyzptlk, conflicted between his desire for revenge for his mother's death and the burden of taking a life. Thirty-one days later, Mxyzptlk launches a devastating attack on South City, creating mass illusions that cause everyone to see visions of their lost loved ones, with Alex seeing a haunting image of Max. | |||||||
| 15 | 15 | "The Last Laugh" | Freddie Goodwin | Freddie Goodwin | August 16, 2021 | T28.1415 | 1.51 |
| Superboy and Wells, now operating as Steel, team up to prevent further innocent lives from being lost amid the chaos caused by Mxyzptlk's illusions. At the DOD, Sam and Nova work tirelessly to find a way to stop the illusions and discover that the only solution is to defeat and eliminate Mxyzptlk. In the field, Steel saves a mind-controlled Jackson, who, regaining his senses, thanks him before retreating to his basement. Superboy confronts Mxyzptlk, demanding that he surrender. When Mxyzptlk refuses, Superboy uses the specially designed machine and kills him, bringing an end to the illusions. As Mxyzptlk's defeat restores normalcy, Superboy finally accepts that his mother is at peace. In a moment of relief, Nova kisses Alex, and Sam reveals his plans to upgrade Alex’s suit for future battles. Meanwhile, in Jackson’s basement, his robot awakens, triggering massive explosions that result in Jackson’s death. The robot, however, survives the blast and ominously declares, "Brainiac online." | |||||||
Cast and characters[edit | edit source]
Main[edit | edit source]
- Dev Patel as Alex Singh / Superboy
- Michael Bishop as Max Singh
- Inde Navarrette as Nova Smart
- Wolé Parks as Jackson Edge
- Tayler Buck as to be decided
- Dylan Walsh as Sam Singh
- Simon Pegg as Mister Mxyzptlk
Guest[edit | edit source]
Production[edit | edit source]
Development[edit | edit source]
The creation of Superboy was heavily inspired by the storytelling approach in Superman & Lois, but with a deliberate focus on taking the concept in a fresh, more personal direction. The show’s creator, influenced by classic superhero tales, sought to reimagine familiar elements while focusing on deep character development, emotional conflicts, and internal struggles. Central to the series is Alex Singh’s journey of self-discovery as he grapples with the challenges of being Superboy, navigating his strained relationship with his father and his sense of isolation. Rather than emphasizing just the action-packed sequences typical of superhero shows, Superboy dives into the psychological and emotional toll of heroism.
Alex Singh, the show’s protagonist, was conceived as a hero with both incredible powers and relatable human struggles. His journey is marked by family tension, grief, and the pressure of figuring out his purpose in a world that expects him to be more than he feels ready to be. The show introduces complex relationships, notably between Alex and his father, Sam, which are not always supportive. This dynamic pushes Alex to stand on his own and confront the internal and external challenges that come with being a hero. Additionally, Alex’s diverse background adds depth to his character, reflecting modern-day superhero narratives that prioritize inclusivity and identity exploration.
The decision to make Mister Mxyzptlk the main antagonist for the first season was a deliberate one. The show uses Mxyzptlk's reality-bending powers to create a villain who challenges Alex not only physically but mentally, forcing him to rethink his approach to problem-solving and his perception of reality. This choice was inspired by a desire to explore deeper psychological themes, making Mxyzptlk more than just a trickster, but a character with his own motivations rooted in a reimagined backstory that ties to his Earth origins.
As the series progresses, the introduction of alternate realities, particularly in Episode 10, adds layers to Alex’s emotional arc. Being thrust into a world where his mother is alive but his father is dead brings intense internal conflict for Alex, further complicating his hero’s journey. These episodes, alongside the tragic death of Alex’s close friend Max, elevate the emotional stakes of the season. Max’s death, caused accidentally by Mxyzptlk, deeply affects Alex and propels him toward making harder decisions about his future as a hero, while also impacting his relationships, especially with Max’s girlfriend, Jessica.
Superboy also introduces Principal Jackson, a character who transitions from being a seemingly ordinary school administrator to a key player in the overarching plot. Jackson’s obsession with control and power manifests through his creation of AI technology, ultimately leading to his downfall in the season’s finale, setting the stage for future developments. This blend of character-driven storytelling, psychological tension, and emotional stakes makes Superboy stand out from other superhero series, offering a fresh take on the genre while delivering heartfelt and complex narratives.