Netflix is preparing to unlock a powerful wave of nostalgia—and for Virgin River fans, the moment carries an extra emotional punch. Beginning January 13,

the streaming platform will add Smallville, the iconic early-2000s television phenomenon, making all ten seasons available to a new generation of viewers.

With more than 200 episodes spanning a full decade, Smallville is not just another library addition—it’s a cultural milestone returning to the spotlight.

And at the heart of that legacy stands a familiar face beloved by Virgin River audiences: Annette O’Toole. Long before she became the fierce, vulnerable, and endlessly human Hope McCrea in Virgin River, O’Toole was already anchoring one of television’s most emotionally resonant dramas as Martha Kent, the moral backbone of Smallville. Her presence connects the two series in a deeply meaningful way, reminding viewers that great storytelling—whether set in a Kansas farm town or a Northern California community—always comes down to heart, family, and the bonds that shape us.

A Superhero Story That Redefined the Genre

When Smallville premiered in 2001, superhero television looked very different from today’s CGI-heavy, multiverse-spanning spectacles. Instead of focusing on Clark Kent as Superman, the series dared to ask a more intimate question: who was Clark before the cape, the legend, and the destiny?

Portrayed by Tom Welling in a breakout performance, Clark Kent is introduced as a quiet, conflicted teenager grappling with extraordinary abilities he doesn’t fully understand. Rather than racing toward heroics, Smallville takes its time, exploring Clark’s internal struggles, his desire to belong, and the emotional weight of being different. The result was a coming-of-age story that resonated far beyond comic book fans.

Week after week, Smallville blended supernatural mystery, teen drama, romance, and moral dilemmas, building a slow-burning narrative that emphasized character growth over spectacle. This approach helped the series run for ten successful seasons—an extraordinary feat for any drama, let alone one rooted in comic book mythology.

Annette O’Toole: The Emotional Core of Smallville

While Clark Kent’s journey drives the story, Smallville would not have endured without the steady presence of Martha Kent. Played with warmth, intelligence, and quiet strength by Annette O’Toole, Martha is far more than a supportive TV mom. She is Clark’s compass, his conscience, and often his emotional safe harbor.

Martha’s relationship with Clark is central to the show’s emotional gravity. She is the one who teaches him empathy, responsibility, and restraint—lessons that ultimately shape the man he will become. O’Toole’s performance brought depth to these moments, grounding the series in real, human emotion even when the plot veered into the fantastical.

This is precisely why Virgin River fans will find Smallville so rewarding. O’Toole’s portrayal of Hope McCrea echoes many of the same qualities: resilience, vulnerability, and an unshakable commitment to family and community. In both roles, she embodies women who are flawed yet formidable, capable of tenderness and toughness in equal measure.

From Smallville to Virgin River: A Throughline of Heart

For viewers who discovered Annette O’Toole through Virgin River, revisiting her work in Smallville feels like uncovering a vital chapter of her artistic legacy. Hope McCrea may be outspoken, stubborn, and occasionally divisive, but she is also the soul of Virgin River—much like Martha Kent was the soul of Smallville.

Both characters occupy similar narrative spaces. They are matriarchs who hold their communities together, even as they wrestle with personal pain, loss, and change. They offer wisdom when it’s least expected and demand accountability when it’s most needed. Watching Smallville now, with the benefit of hindsight, only deepens appreciation for O’Toole’s ability to bring emotional authenticity to every scene.

Why Smallville Still Matters Today

More than twenty years after its debut, Smallville remains remarkably relevant. Its themes—identity, belonging, moral responsibility, and the cost of power—feel just as urgent today as they did in 2001. The series also laid the groundwork for modern superhero television, proving that long-form character development could coexist with genre storytelling.

It’s no exaggeration to say that without Smallville, shows like Arrow, The Flash, and even the Marvel television universe might look very different. The series demonstrated that audiences were willing to invest in slow, emotionally rich narratives rather than instant gratification.

Netflix’s decision to add Smallville now feels especially timely. As viewers increasingly gravitate toward comfort television and emotionally grounded dramas, the series offers both nostalgia and substance. It’s a reminder of a time when storytelling unfolded patiently—and when characters were allowed to grow, stumble, and evolve over years rather than episodes.

A Gift for Virgin River Fans

For fans of Virgin River, Smallville is more than just a superhero prequel—it’s an opportunity to see Annette O’Toole shine in a role that helped define an era of television. It also reinforces why her presence in Virgin River feels so powerful: she brings decades of storytelling experience, emotional intelligence, and gravitas to every scene.

As Virgin River continues to explore love, loss, healing, and second chances, Smallville serves as a poignant companion piece. Both series celebrate the idea that extraordinary change often begins in small towns, shaped by ordinary people who choose compassion over fear.

A Perfect Time to Rewatch—or Discover—Smallville

Whether you’re revisiting Smallville for the first time in years or discovering it fresh through Netflix, the series offers a rich, rewarding experience. Its blend of emotional depth, iconic performances, and long-form storytelling makes it a standout even decades later.

And for Virgin River fans, the added joy lies in recognizing how Annette O’Toole’s journey—from Martha Kent to Hope McCrea—has quietly shaped some of television’s most beloved communities.

When Smallville lands on Netflix this January, it won’t just be a blast from the past. It will be a powerful reminder that the most enduring stories—whether superhero sagas or small-town dramas—are built on heart, humanity, and the people who hold others together when everything feels uncertain.