How and When to Watch DC’s ‘Stargirl’ on The CW
While Marvel and DC are still major competitors, it’s not stopping DC from trying to overstep Marvel in the TV universe. As Marvel fades out their network TV shows through 2020, DC is stepping into the shadow with a new streaming and network show called Stargirl.
Those familiar with this character from DC comics know it debuted 20 years ago by creator Geoff Johns as a tribute to his late sister who’d died in a plane disaster. For TV, the character is going to be a bit reimagined, not including the group she hangs out with: the Justice Society of America.
According to the show’s distributor (Warner Bros.), it’s going to be available on the DC Universe streaming app, plus it’ll be available for air as a regular series on The CW.
‘Stargirl’ could become a new female Captain America
Based on early promotional shots of the character and the trailer, Stargirl wears a costume quite similar to Captain America’s other than no shield. She does carry an anti-gravity cosmic staff, however, which gives a lot more badass characteristics than a shield typically does.
How much reinvention of the character will take place in the show is still up in the air. There isn’t even an official air date yet other than Warner Bros. saying it’ll debut in the second quarter of 2020.
During this time, each episode will debut weekly on DC Universe, the official DC streaming service few have been talking about. Then each episode will play on The CW weekly, followed by free streaming of each episode on CW’s streaming app throughout the season.
Of course, with the episodes available for free on The CW, it might make some wonder whether subscribing to DC Universe is really necessary.
DC is no doubt testing the waters with something new
Stargirl is going to be starring a group of relatively unknown teen actors. Brec Bassinger plays the title character, otherwise known as Courtney Whitmore, the daughter of the former “Starman” (played by Luke Wilson). Despite having a similar last name, Bassinger isn’t related to the actress Kim Basinger.
Even though Bassinger has been a young actress since 2013, it’s been mostly on teen-oriented shows not receiving as much attention as other mainstream offerings. Being the star of Stargirl will likely make her a household name, not including her co-stars who are also similar unknowns in the same age group.
Because this is an all-new concept with actors not everyone has seen, it’s no wonder Warner Bros. wants to have it play on The CW and their free streaming app this year. Once it becomes established, it might only become available through the DC Universe streaming service, something that could benefit from a hit show.
This streaming platform is only a little over a year old, yet already has a number of original shows airing there while also offering old DC comic books to view. They also have restored episodes of a few retro DC classics from television yore such as Shazam! and Wonder Woman.
Does ‘Stargirl’ have breakout hit potential?
Teen-oriented superhero shows don’t always go over well on TV lately as seen in the world of Marvel. Other than the MCU’s Spider-Man franchise proving teen heroes can be compelling, ones for television will soon be scant due to Marvel’s removal of their network TV shows.
At least DC proved young adult superheroes can be interesting if going by Supergirl, now in its fifth season. The latter series and Stargirl will both be on The CW together and be co-produced by Greg Berlanti. Thanks to Berlanti understanding a winning formula for women superheroes, there’s potential there for Stargirl to break through.
It could eventually place the DC Universe streaming app as a real contender, something it may need to stay alive. After all, DC likely continues to invest as much money into their originals as Marvel is for their Disney+ shows.
