Superman and Lois, the last Arrowverse show on the CW’s roster, had to make sacrifices to stay on the air for its fourth season. The move, which comes after the CW’s other DC show got cut off in the last round of renewals, might affect the show’s storylines quite a bit.
Based on the DC Comics characters,Superman and Loisfollows the eponymous couple as they return to Clark Kent’s hometown with their two kids to settle down after certain events make them leave Metropolis. However, wrongdoers and evil conspiracies gather around the family like moths to the flame, leading to more conflict and drama for the Man of Steel and his loved ones. The show gave fans a different, more down-to-earth Superman story than most recent iterations, which became evident when it was revealed thatSuperman and Loiswould take place in Smallvillebefore its debut.
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As a testament to its success,Superman and Loiswas renewed for a second seasonafter just one episode, later earning a third season in early 2023. The season ran its course, withSuperman and Loiscoming up for renewal alongside the newer DC showGotham Knights,which had just concluded its first season, and other CW shows. Managing to succeed where the newer show failed,Superman and Loiswas renewed for a fourth season at the CW with some adjustments to be made as part of the deal. However, the price may have been greater than first thought, asDeadlinereported the show had dropped seven actors from being series regulars.
It was clear that some adjustments to the cast would happen when it was initially announced thatSuperman and Loiswas being renewedafter a period of uncertainty. However, it has now been clarified that Dylan Walsh, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Erik Valdez, Inde Navarrette, Wolé Parks, Tayler Buck, and Sofia Hasmik, the first five of which have been with the show from the very first season, will all be dropped from the series regular list. While no longer regulars, the actors could still potentially guest star or feature recurringly in future seasons, depending on availability and plans.
Conversely, Lex Luthor actor Michael Cudlitz will join the titular couple and their kids as a series regular.Micheal Culditz joining the cast as Lex Luthorwas a welcome addition, and news of theWalking Deadstar’s more prominent role in the upcoming season will be well met. However, the loss of so many other familiar faces as regulars will be difficult to bear, as will the reduced number of episodes resulting from cuts included in the renewal deal. How well the showrunners, cast, and crew ofSuperman and Loiscan overcome these new developments to satisfy fans remains to be seen.
Superman and Loisseasons 1-3 is showing now on the CW and for streaming on Max.
