Superman & Lois was one of the most exciting additions to The CW’s lineup in 2021, and in superhero television overall. In its debut season, the main cast consisted of both classic Superman characters from the comics along with new original characters that were created for the show. Just like the other shows in the CW’s Arrowverse, some of the characters in Superman & Lois are very likable and stand out to viewers, while others may not.
With the second season having premiered on January 11, 2022, now is the perfect time to look at the characters that make Superman & Lois such a strong show.
Morgan Edge (Tal-Rho)
Morgan Edge (Tal-Rho), had very understandable motivations given his difficult upbringing after arriving on Earth. However, nothing about him was very likable in comparison to the rest of the main cast, due to his lack of character development in the six episodes following his big reveal. Given that he is still alive by the conclusion of the first season, there is room for him to grow into a more likable character, should the writers choose to utilize him again.
General Sam Lane
Although his intentions are good, General Lane becomes fairly unlikable early on due to his motives and continued distrust of Clark. Similar to Lois Lane in the comics he can be pretty hardcore at times. He often criticizes Lois and Clark's parenting decisions when it comes to them balancing Clark's superhero duties and their responsibilities as parents. There is hope that his choice to retire in the season one finale will make him much more loved by the fanbase. Despite his hardcore and often frustrating personality, Lane is still a great character and the show is better with him.
Sarah Cushing
Sarah's main issue comes with her having a short fuse and not listening to her parents, specifically with her mother, Lana. On multiple occasions, Sarah has had disagreements and arguments with Lana that often come across as immature or juvenile. Most of this can be blamed on her only being a teenager and having a rough couple of years predating the series, but after a while, it makes her less likable. The most interesting part about Sarah's character right now is her relationship with Jordan, so we'll have to keep our eyes peeled on how it progresses.
Kyle Cushing
At the start of Superman & Lois, Kyle Cushing was easily the most unlikable of the entire main cast. His hardheaded personality made it difficult to like his character because he truly believed that he knew what was best and that anyone opposing him was wrong. After he was ostracized by almost all of Smallville, he goes on a journey of redemption that gives viewers wholesome family moments that boosts Kyle's likability. Kyle arguably went through the most growth out of anyone in the main cast during season one and he's a much better character as a result.
Jordan Kent
In the first half of the season, Jordan Kent is often shown complaining and shutting out those around him that are trying to help, especially Clark. He has the shyness and reserved personality that is typically seen from a young Clark Kent in the comics or even in the earlier seasons of Smallville from the 2000s. However, seeing Jordan come out of his shell by joining the football team, begin training with Clark, and get into his first relationship with Sarah later on, is a lot of fun to watch. The best part about Jordan is the growing trust he has with the rest of his family, as they offer him endless support through the continued manifestation of his powers and his struggles with fitting in. He's a great character whose development will continue to be one of the highlights of Superman & Lois.
Lana-Lang Cushing
Superman & Lois takes a different perspective on the classic comic book character, Lana Lang. Seeing Lana navigate her way through holding together a rocky family with both Kyle and Sarah's struggles has shown how strong of a character she already is and will continue to be. Her bravery and loyalty to her family as well as Smallville are admirable. This loyalty is solidified when she volunteers to have her body possessed by Lara Lor-Van in the show's 10th episode to save the entire town. Hopefully, there are more courageous moments from Lana as the series progresses, which will ultimately make her even more liked by the show's fanbase than she already is.
Jonathan Kent
Jonathan is mostly a confidante for his brother Jordan, often giving him confidence and support whenever he struggles with his new powers or his social life. It would've been easy for the show's writers to have Jonathan become jealous that his brother is the one with powers, given that he's the one with the natural athletic talent, but he is happy for Jordan instead. He might not have superpowers like his comic book counterpart, but Jonathan has the heart of Superman and will do anything to protect his brother.
While it would be interesting to have him inherit superpowers like Jordan and Clark, what makes Jonathan so likable is how much of a hero he is without them.
John Henry Irons
Spending time developing John Henry Irons as both a rival and teammate to Superman made him into one of the most likable characters because it shows how far he is willing to go to protect others, while also showing that he is willing to adapt when necessary. Having Irons save a brainwashed Superman who is almost turning evil rather than kill him late in the season was his defining moment that showed how much of a hero he can become as the show continues. There are expectations that Irons will become even more likable in season two as his relationship with his daughter, Natalie, develops and hopefully he officially becomes Steel.
Clark Kent (Superman)
Everything about Tyler Hoechlin's portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman makes it impossible to hate his character. There are times when viewers get to see the cheerful symbol of hope that Superman is known to be, but also those points when Superman has to control his anger. This is why fans love his character so much - because he's not perfect and he's still learning things every episode. Superman might be from another planet, but fans truly feel his human side when he is with his family. It doesn't matter where he is in the world, if Lois or his boys needs help, he drops whatever he is doing and immediately attends to them.
A more family-oriented and relatable Superman is exactly the type of portrayal that works best with the classic superhero, and Superman & Lois' version has somehow managed to make him more likable in that right.
Lois Lane
Elizabeth Tulloch steals the show as Lois Lane in almost every scene the character is in. Similar to Clark, a lot of this version of the character rides on her being a mother raising their children in Smallville. She is still the same no-nonsense, aggressive journalist that comic book fans know Lois Lane as, but the series explores more of her vulnerable moments as well. Whenever one of her boys is hurt or in danger, she doesn't hesitate when turning on her maternal instincts. The series takes the time to explore her inner struggles with losing their daughter to a miscarriage predating the series and how it still haunts her to this day. Despite all of this, what makes Lois Lane so likable in this show is her relationship with Superman. Superman and Lois Lane's relationship on the show is the strongest chemistry since Smallville. She is constantly standing up to her father and John Henry Irons whenever they voice their concerns with her husband. Lois' trust and faith in her husband no matter the circumstances makes her one of the most likable characters in all of the Arrowverse, not just Superman & Lois. Since these are relationships that will continue to grow for the rest of the series, the sky is the limit for Lois Lane.