One of the newest superheroes to emerge from the pages of a DC Universe comic and onto the screen is Stargirl. Originally appearing in Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. #0 in July 1999, she is now featured in a self-titled television show that streams on DC Universe and the CW Network. The series follows the titular character, played by Brec Bassinger, as she navigates the difficulties of teenage life and tries to master her newly acquired superpowers. The comic was created by Geoff Johns, who used his sister as inspiration for the heroic lead character.

High-schooler Courtney Whitmore (Stargirl) reluctantly moves from California to Nebraska with her blended family, but she quickly realizes that this unwanted relocation is the least of her problems. After discovering the Cosmic Staff in her basement, she gains super abilities like flight and energy manipulation. The staff leads her to the local drive-in, where a group of bullies is terrorizing moviegoers. She gets into an altercation with them as she attempts to thwart their bullying, and begins to realize the power she now holds. Following this violent interaction, she starts to think she may need some help navigating this new world that she’s stumbled into.

Luckily for her, her stepfather is Pat Dugan, a mechanical engineering expert and the former sidekick of Starman. Despite her reluctance to form a close relationship with her new stepdad, Courtney accepts his help. Pat, played by Luke Wilson, uses his engineering expertise to modify a battle suit for her to don as Stargirl. His experience with Starman is also put to good use as he guides her through the ins and outs of a life that’s filled with heroes, villains, and superpowers. Courtney’s mother, portrayed by Amy Smart, is elated to see their relationship strengthening, even if she isn’t yet aware of what has brought them closer.

As her confidence grows, Stargirl begins recruiting members to join her in the Justice Society of America, including Dr. Mid-Nite, Wildcat, and Hourman. New to the superhero game and unaccustomed to teamwork, they initially face defeat. However, they learn from their past missteps and emerge stronger in order to face villains like the Dragon King and Icicle. The series, which premiered in May of 2020, features internal and external battles as the novice heroes learn to use their powers, work together, and figure out who to trust.

Keeping their secret identities hidden is hard enough, but they must also determine which of their fellow community residents might be living a double life. Neighbors, classmates, and friends could all be hiding sinister alter egos. To complicate matters, the Injustice Society of America converges in town to figure out who is behind the new streak of heroic activities. Stargirl and her team of heroes must maintain all appearances of being normal high schoolers to avoid suspicion, which means keeping up with grades, extracurricular activities, and social events like homecoming. 

The series has been nominated for multiple Saturn Awards, which are presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Other members of the cast include Nelson Lee, Trae Romano, Anjelika Washington, and Yvette Monreal.