Starting January 13, Smallville will be available on Netflix in several international regions, including France. The full run of the show is arriving at once, giving viewers access to all ten seasons of the series that helped redefine superhero storytelling on television between 2001 and 2011.
A coming-of-age take on Superman
Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, Smallville focuses on Clark Kent long before he fully embraces the mantle of Superman. The story kicks off with a meteor shower striking the quiet Kansas town of Smallville and follows a teenager trying to understand who he is while dealing with extraordinary abilities.
Instead of centering on the usual superhero imagery, the show leans into character growth, moral dilemmas, and relationships. A core creative rule sums up this approach: no suit, no flying. Smallville is less about the symbol of Superman and more about how Clark Kent gradually builds his identity.
A pivotal series for DC adaptations on television
Originally airing on The WB before moving to The CW, Smallville left a lasting mark on genre TV. With 217 episodes, it became one of the longest-running science fiction series of its era and helped set the template for many later comic book adaptations on the small screen.
The show also updated and expanded Superman’s mythology through long-form storytelling, especially around the dynamic between Clark Kent and Lex Luthor. Their doomed friendship, portrayed by Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum, is still one of the most discussed aspects of the series.
- Original broadcast from 2001 to 2011
- 10 seasons and 217 episodes
- Produced by Warner Bros. Television
A cast that defined a generation of fans
Over its ten seasons, Smallville helped launch or solidify the careers of several actors who went on to stay present in both TV and film. Tom Welling plays Clark Kent throughout the entire series, while Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex Luthor is frequently highlighted as one of the most memorable versions of the character.
The ensemble also features Kristin Kreuk, Allison Mack, Erica Durance, John Glover, and Justin Hartley, who joins from season six as Oliver Queen. Together, they ground the show in an emotional, character-driven tone that balances intimate moments with serialized storytelling.
With its debut on Netflix, Smallville speaks both to longtime viewers eager for a rewatch and to younger audiences curious to explore a key series from 2000s television.
Release details and availability
When is Smallville available on Netflix?
The series is available on Netflix starting January 13.
How many seasons does Smallville have?
Smallville runs for ten seasons, for a total of 217 episodes.
Is Smallville streaming everywhere on Netflix?
The show is rolling out on Netflix in several international territories, but it is not arriving on the service in the United States.
FAQ
What is the main focus of Smallville?
Smallville follows Clark Kent’s formative years before he becomes Superman, emphasizing his psychological evolution, moral choices, and relationships rather than traditional superhero spectacle.
Who created Smallville?
The series was created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar.
On which networks did Smallville originally air?
Smallville first aired on The WB and later continued its run on The CW.
Is Smallville included in the U.S. Netflix catalog?
No. While the series is joining Netflix in multiple international regions, including France, it is not being added to Netflix in the United States.
