'Supergirl': New DC superhero TV series set for CBS

Supergirl[Photo credit: DC Comics]

There really is a high demand for superheroes, because movie and television outfits are quite ready to supply. News has gotten out that CBS has made a commitment for a new DC superhero series featuring Superman's 24-year old cousin, Kara Zor-El a.k.a. Supergirl.

According to IGN, the network gave its commitment to the one-hour drama flick, skipping the usual "in development" and "pilot" stages.

The upcoming television series – which has no official title announced just yet – will feature Kara who, like her cousin Kal-El/ Clark Kent/ Superman, managed to escape the devastation of their planet, Krypton. But unlike her famous cousin, Kara kept her powers hidden for over two decades. But then, she finally "decides to embrace her superhuman abilities and be the hero she was always meant to be."

Why she makes that decision will perhaps be revealed when the show airs. According to reports, the series will be a fresh take on Kara's story, and that bit will rely on writers/ executive producers Ali Adler and Greg Berlanti. Berlanti is behind "Arrow" and "The Flash," and he worked with Adler on "No Ordinary Family."  Sarah Schechter will also produce.

Variety quotes Berlanti as saying, "...we're well past due for those kind of characters in film and TV."

He also said that when people found out about Supergirl, "I've gotten a number of messages from friends and former coworkers who write me about their daughters wearing superhero outfits instead of princess outfits and how they're grateful that people are working on it. I definitely think there's a need."

Created for comics in 1959 by writer Otto Binder and drawn by artist Al Plastino, the character was last seen onscreen in "Smallville," played by Laura Vandervoort. In 1984, the movie "Supergirl" was released, starring Helen Slater as the main protagonist and Faye Dunaway as her nemesis.

Superhero fans will have to wait for further announcements on who will play Kara, and when the show will start airing.