With the news that NBC has reduced the number of Cape episodes from 13 to 10 (deservedly so for losing viewers from Chuck‘s low ratings) and No Ordinary Family‘s ratings heading downhill, is it fair to ask if superhero shows on TV are gone forever (or for awhile)? If we look at the recent history of superhero TV shows (non animated TV shows), we’ll see that in the last 20 years, there have really only been two successful superhero shows: Smallville and Lois and Clark. Those two have one thing in common: Superman.

When was the last time a non-Superman superhero show survived? Greatest American Hero (about a Superman like hero) lasted three seasons. Batman (the Adam West/Burt Ward show) lasted three seasons. Flash died a merciful death after one season. Justice League was killed before it aired for good reason. So we are left to wonder, is Superman the only hero that can last on the small screen?