Since Marvel’s Jessica Jones first hit the digital airwaves late last month on Netflix, there’s been a lot of talk and debate about how it compares to television’s other female driven superhero show, CBS’ Supergirl. Ultimately, the problem with this debate is having it at all, when it seems like the two shows would better stand as allies rather than rivals in such a male-dominated genre. As it turns out, this is how Supergirl co-creator/co-showrunner Ali Adler feels about the whole thing too, as she explained to press during a recent set visit.
“I love what’s happening in social media right now,” said Adler, when asked about how she views having her show compared to the Netflix series. “We’re supporting each other. No one asks, ‘Is there room for one more male superhero?’ It’s like, that’s what it is. So, I don’t think it’s even a question. [Jessica Jones and us] are very different tonally. We’re on at 8 o’clock on CBS and can’t begin to touch some of the topics they touch, [and] vice-versa. I think there’s room for all of us out there.”
Jessica Jones and Supergirl share similar themes, but they are not similar shows. In addition, while some may scoff at Adler’s “vice-versa” comment, it’s very much true. Because Jessica Jones is, essentially, a premium cable show that happens to air online, Netflix mandates state it can’t take on more lighthearted things like a Kara love triangle because it’s an arc that’s just a little too “cute” for something striving to be a brooding, psychological drama. Ultimately, Adler’s correct. There is indeed room for both shows within the television landscape, and with any luck, they won’t be the last ones we see come to fruition in the next few years.
Supergirl airs Mondays at 8/7c on CBS.
