As a huge comic book nerd and lover of all things science fiction, and supernatural it’s hard to find a show that captures the heart of humanity while also dealing with superpowers; in a way that has you balled up crying, and laughing. Grey’s Anatomy triggers those reactions for many people, even myself but I always need a science fiction or supernatural element as well. This idea got me thinking after binge-watching the previous seasons and catching up on the latest season that Supergirl is the Grey’s Anatomy for comic book nerds.

Supergirl is not your typical run of the mill superhero series; it takes a different approach to things than its other Arrowverse counterparts. You see Arrow is dark and gritty, and The Flash is a more lighthearted series. But, Supergirl is heartfelt, humane, witty, and powerful; the same way Grey’s Anatomy is to many viewers. Grey’s Anatomy has become a staple in television and has gain critically acclaimed success and Netflix binge-worthy status. Also, with the few seasons so far of Supergirl, I believe it has had the same impact as the earliest seasons of Grey’s Anatomy has had but for comic book lovers and serves as a gateway to new comic book fans.

She's got, Heart

Supergirl and Grey’s Anatomy have heart, which is essential to have in a series, showing the emotions and conflicts of everyday life. Both shows display conflict in characters duality or living double lives.

In Grey’s Anatomy, we follow the life of Meredith Grey, a surgeon who juggles all the baggage that comes with being an everyday hero as a medical professional. Grey deals with a medical professional life from workplace drama to the ups and downs of trying to save a patient’s life. On the flip side, viewers see how she deals with her life struggles and the relationships she has with loved ones.

Supergirl does the same thing, with Kara Danvers (Zor-El) juggling double lives as an alien superhero and a human journalist at CatCo Worldwide media. Kara is an alien who at 12 years old arrives at earth and adopted by the Danvers family. Kara grows up alongside her foster sister, Alex, hiding her extraordinary powers from the public and became your average American teenage girl. Years later, Kara is leading a very human life as a journalist, but things change when a disaster strikes, and she must use her powers to save the day and become Supergirl. Kara begins to lead double lives, as a human who is a sister, daughter, and friend and as an alien superhero. These two parts that make up who Kara is as a person, split into two different worlds similar to Meredith Grey. Each piece of Meredith and Kara's lives provides heart and a sense of relatability to the viewers watching each show.

Powerful Society Impact

Both series also tackle issues in society that touch viewers and even spark positive discussion on various issues, such as race, sexuality, classism, and more.

In Grey’s Anatomy season 14 episode 10, the series addresses racism and the often-deadly bias of law enforcement. Race and tackling hatred and bigotry have been an ongoing theme in Supergirl, as it is not your typical idea of immigrants but ones from other worlds. Supergirl shows how aliens have become targets each day and portrayed negatively in the media to fuel some humans’ bigotry, much like our society treats minorities.

Both shows have also talked about sexuality and acceptance. Grey's Anatomy address sexuality and acceptance when two young girls in love with each other come into the hospital, on season 12 episode 1. Supergirl season 4 features a new superhero, Dreamer, who is part human and alien and a transgender woman. Dreamer's story is unique but relatable to any viewer dealing with anything that makes society look or treat them differently.

These are the reasons I can declare that Supergirl is Grey’s Anatomy for comic book lovers. Don’t take my word for it, check out both of these great series on Netflix.