Season 6 saw Smallville double down on its superhero elements, leaning further into the wider DC universe. The season is notable for the introduction of a fan-favorite character, Oliver Queen, a.k.a. the Green Arrow, played by Justin Hartley. Hartley's portrayal was so well-received that it helped lay the groundwork for the eventual Arrow series and the entire Arrowverse.
on October 16, 2001, the year was defined by a massive Blu-ray release of all 10 seasons and several high-profile cast reunions. The 20th Anniversary Milestone (2021) The centerpiece of the 2021 celebration was the release of Smallville: The Complete Series 20th Anniversary Edition smallville season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 threes 2021
Additionally, the COVID-19 lockdowns (2020-2021) led to massive binge-watching of long-running series. Smallville with its 218 episodes was perfect for deep immersion. Season 6 saw Smallville double down on its
This season heavily explored Clark's Kryptonian heritage, featuring the arrival of his cousin, Kara (Supergirl), and the dramatic departure of major cast members, changing the show's dynamic forever. The Final Chapters: Becoming Superman (Seasons 8-10) Hartley's portrayal was so well-received that it helped
In 2021, the series experienced a massive resurgence in pop-culture discourse. This revival was driven by its 20th anniversary, the launch of the Talk Ville podcast by series stars Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum, and the announcement of a potential animated sequel. Fans and critics began re-evaluating the show through the lens of "threes"—examining the structural trilogies within the seasons, the iconic character trios that drove the narrative, and how the core themes evolved across specific blocks of time.
A core theme is Clark's budding but complicated relationship with the girl next door, Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk), and his secret friendship with the man who will one day become his greatest enemy, Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum), whom Clark saves from a car accident. The season follows a "villain of the week" structure where meteor-infected individuals ("meteor freaks") gain powers from the green rock, forcing Clark to protect his identity while dealing with the usual trials of teenage life.