When Smallville first aired (which would've been 20 years ago marking this October) the show was wildly successful with viewers. The pilot broke the record for the WB's highest viewed debut, clocking in 8.4 million viewers. Even former Superman actor Christopher Reeves gave the show high praise and guest-starred in the series before his passing.
The show's success wasn't just thanks to devoted DC comic fans, but thanks to the likability of the cast. The show had a pleasant and attractive crew that delivered the acting chops, even if they were shaky in the first few seasons. The show went beyond comic books and felt like a cross between The X-Files and Dawson's Creek, emitting a unique combination that gave the show its own likability.
10 Chole Sullivan Is Smart & Vulnerable
Many long for the simpler days when Allison Mack was known for being the high school newspaper editor, Chloe Sullivan, and not for the more salacious story surrounding the group NXIVM. That's because there was something innocent yet tough about Mack's character.
Sullivan was resilient as Clark Kent's best friend who also had a secret crush on him. Despite being a bridesmaid and not the bride, she developed well into her own as a whip-smart journalist with savvy computer skills. The story arc with her and Daily Planet photographer Jimmy Olsen made her character more compelling.
9 Lex Luthor Made Fans Love The Future Villain
Smallville's biggest accomplishment was writing a likable backstory to an iconic villain, Lex Luthor. Michael Rosenbaum, who absolutely nailed the role, brought a sense of humanity to Lex that made viewers root for him at the beginning of the series.
The struggle between Lex and his father, Lionel, played by the amazing John Glover, humanized a character that most Superman fans know as a megalomaniac. Even as Clark and Lex's relationship soured and turned dark, there was still a part of fans that believed there was still some good in Lex.
8 Lana Lang Was The Rachel To Clark Kent's Ross
Lana Lang took a hold of fans from the moment Kristin Kreuk appeared in the pilot. While Lois Lane appeared as a potential contender for Clark's heart in the fourth season, Lana Lang is the flame that's most associated with Smallville.
After losing her parents to the meteor shower, Clark and Lana had a very conflicted on-again-off-again relationship, becoming the Ross and Rachel of the WB series. Critics may have had some objections to Kristin Kreuk's early acting skills, but it's impossible to mention this show without thinking of Lana.
7 Henry James Olsen Brought A New Love Story To Smallville
Jimmy Olsen was always known as a side character in the comics. Smallville added a deep and tragic plotline to the eager Daily Planet photographer. While he is very dedicated and hardworking, Jimmy (real name Henry) is also laid back when it comes to his personal life.
Jimmy's love for Chloe made Smallville enthusiasts more invested. The jealousy that he felt toward Chloe and Clark's relationship made it easier to sympathize with him. Even though it's revealed he wasn't the Jimmy Olsen, the likability factor is what made this Jimmy's death at the hands of Davis Bloome (Doomsday) all the more tragic.
6 Jonathan Kent Was Clark's Role Model Of Heroic Humility
For someone with Clark's abilities, it's important to have a good father figure. Jonathan Kent led the way to show his adoptive son the value of humility and how to curb his powers from inflating his ego. It was hard for Clark to not allow himself to flaunt his gifts.
Yet despite bullies and the temptation to impress girls, Clark knew the responsibility he had. This was an ethic instilled in Clark by Jonathan. Clark's adoptive father also was willing to sacrifice his wellbeing to protect his secret from his real father, Jor-El. Point blank, Clark's morals wouldn't have been as cemented without Jonathan Kent's help.
5 Martha Kent Was A Calming & Protective Matriarch
Jonathan Kent can't take all the credit for Clark turning into the beloved hero of Metropolis. Martha Kent, played by the incredible Annette O'Toole, was always the loving, yet level-headed matriarch that the Kent family needed. Martha was a soothing force to rein in Jonathan and Clark when they got overwhelmed.
She was also cherished by many of Clark's friends, with even the sassy Lois Lane considering Martha to be a mother figure. The testament to O'Toole's acting abilities is that she was absolutely adored by Smallville buffs for her aura, only to become a shrewd villain in the Netflix show The Punisher.Â
4 Pete Ross Is The Epitome Of Loyalty
Besides Chloe, Pete Ross is the closest friend Clark had in high school. Sam Jones III really had an outgoing radiance and a contagious smile that made Pete Ross popular. Once Clark's secret was revealed, it's shown to fans that Pete is also a character who could be a solid friend in hard times.
Pete is so loyal to Clark that even being detained and beaten up by an FBI agent won't make him give up his secret. Pete's character left the show in Season 3, but Jones made an indelible mark as a likable Smallville cast member.
3 Oliver Queen Almost Stole The Show As The Fan-Favorite Hero
Besides Clark, Oliver Queen is probably the most significant superhero in the show. Not to take away from the other members of the Justice League, who made an appearance in one of the series' most important episodes. But Oliver Queen quickly became a fan favorite.
Though Oliver was reluctant to work with Clark, the future Man of Steel eventually won him over and the duo made an amazing team. Oliver's charm is also pretty respectable considering his wealth never corrupted his morals. In addition, Justin Hartley could've easily played the Green Arrow in the following series.
2 Smallville's Lois Lane Was One of The Best Representations Of The Character
Erica Durance may arguably go down in history as the best portrayal of Lois Lane in television or in film. Durance nailed her audition so hard the producers couldn't fathom anyone else playing Lois. While Lana was Clark's first serious love, fans enjoyed the introduction to Lois as a playful partner who would make fun of Clark.
Despite teasing him, Lois had a deep admiration for the Kents, making her very personable. Lois has it all: she's intelligent, tough, funny, and protective of Clark's secret. The Lois Lane of Smallville makes it easy to see why Clark would tie the knot with the future reporter later in life.
1 Young Clark Kent Embodied The Hero Fans Love
Casting a young and likable Clark Kent may have been a daunting task since he's the most important character on the show. Tom Welling, a construction worker-turned-model, was a perfect fit for the adolescent Man of Steel. Welling was able to bring a mixture of modesty and confidence that made viewers intrigued by the trials and tribulations of teenage Superman.
The series did showcase the challenges, such as trying to fit in and navigating romantic relationships, that ultimately made Clark into the hero he was destined to be. No matter what, fans were confident that Clark would always do the right thing (even when red kryptonite turned him rebellious). Clark's boyish charm, good looks, and heroic nature will consistently make him one of the most popular characters on the show.