Netflix is preparing to unleash a powerful wave of television nostalgia, and longtime fans of Virgin River are about to experience a thrilling sense of déjà vu. Beginning January 13,

the streaming giant will add Smallville—one of the most influential and beloved series of the early 2000s—to its library in its entirety. All ten seasons, spanning more

than 200 episodes, will be available to stream, reintroducing a generation-defining show while spotlighting a familiar face who helped shape both worlds: Annette O’Toole.

For viewers who know O’Toole as the sharp-tongued yet big-hearted Hope McCrea on Virgin River, her role in Smallville offers a fascinating and deeply emotional contrast. Years before she ruled the town council in Northern California, O’Toole portrayed Martha Kent, the moral backbone of the Kent family and one of the most important parental figures in superhero television history. With Smallville arriving on Netflix, fans old and new will have the chance to rediscover why her performance remains unforgettable.

A Series That Redefined the Superhero Genre

When Smallville premiered in 2001, superhero television looked vastly different. Long before cinematic universes dominated pop culture, the series dared to ask a simple but powerful question: who was Superman before he became Superman? Rather than focusing on costumes and epic battles, Smallville centered on Clark Kent’s formative years in the fictional town of Smallville, Kansas, exploring identity, destiny, friendship, and first love.

Led by Tom Welling in a career-defining role, the series chronicled Clark’s struggle to understand his powers while trying to live a normal teenage life. The show’s now-famous rule—“no tights, no flights”—kept the focus firmly on character development. That decision paid off, allowing audiences to connect with Clark not as an untouchable icon, but as a young man wrestling with responsibility and fear.

Across a decade-long run, Smallville evolved from a high-school drama with supernatural elements into an epic saga involving political power, moral ambiguity, and the slow march toward destiny. Its influence can still be felt in modern superhero storytelling, particularly in the emphasis on emotional stakes and long-form character arcs.

Annette O’Toole: The Heart of the Kent Family

At the emotional core of Smallville was Martha Kent, portrayed with grace, strength, and warmth by Annette O’Toole. As Clark’s adoptive mother, Martha wasn’t just a supporting character—she was his moral compass. Her quiet wisdom, unwavering love, and fierce protectiveness helped define Clark’s values long before he ever considered becoming Superman.

O’Toole’s performance gave the series emotional credibility. Martha Kent wasn’t perfect; she worried, doubted, and feared for her son’s safety, but she never stopped believing in him. Whether offering heartfelt advice at the kitchen table or standing her ground against powerful adversaries, Martha embodied compassion and resilience. For many fans, she remains the definitive on-screen version of the character.

That legacy resonates strongly with Virgin River audiences. As Hope McCrea, O’Toole once again plays a woman whose sharp exterior masks deep loyalty and love for her community. In both roles, she brings a rare emotional authenticity that grounds larger-than-life stories in human truth.

A Nostalgic Homecoming for Virgin River Fans

Netflix’s decision to add Smallville feels especially timely as Virgin River continues to thrive as one of the platform’s most-watched dramas. Fans who discovered Annette O’Toole through Hope McCrea now have the opportunity to see another defining chapter of her career—one that helped shape television history.

The connection between the two series goes beyond casting. Both shows prioritize emotional storytelling, relationships, and personal growth over spectacle. While Smallville deals with superpowers and destiny, its heart lies in family bonds, small-town values, and the cost of doing what’s right. Those same themes echo throughout Virgin River, making the transition from one series to the other feel surprisingly seamless.

For longtime viewers, revisiting Smallville is like opening a time capsule—one filled with early-2000s fashion, music, and storytelling rhythms that defined an era. For new audiences, it’s a chance to experience a landmark series that laid the groundwork for today’s superhero television boom.

The Enduring Appeal of Smallville’s Characters

Beyond Clark and Martha Kent, Smallville boasts a rich ensemble that helped sustain its decade-long run. Kristin Kreuk’s Lana Lang, Michael Rosenbaum’s iconic Lex Luthor, and Erica Durance’s fearless Lois Lane each brought depth and complexity to characters fans thought they already knew. The evolving relationships—especially the tragic friendship between Clark and Lex—gave the series emotional weight that set it apart from its peers.

These layered character dynamics are part of what makes Smallville so binge-worthy even today. The show isn’t just about a hero discovering his powers; it’s about how choices, loyalty, and ambition shape people over time. That long-form storytelling aligns perfectly with Netflix’s current strategy, which favors immersive series capable of keeping viewers engaged across multiple seasons.

Netflix’s Strategy: Nostalgia Meets Prestige

Adding Smallville to Netflix’s library underscores the streamer’s growing emphasis on nostalgia-driven content with proven cultural impact. As competition in the streaming world intensifies, Netflix continues to leverage beloved legacy series alongside new originals, creating a viewing ecosystem that appeals across generations.

For fans of Virgin River, this move feels particularly personal. Annette O’Toole’s presence bridges two very different yet emotionally resonant worlds, reinforcing Netflix’s reputation as a home for character-driven drama. The platform understands that audiences don’t just follow stories—they follow actors whose performances leave lasting impressions.

Why Smallville Still Matters

More than twenty years after its debut, Smallville remains a standout example of how superhero stories can be intimate, emotional, and deeply human. Its success paved the way for later series that focused on heroes as flawed individuals rather than distant icons. In that sense, Smallville didn’t just tell a story—it changed the genre.

With all ten seasons now available on Netflix, the series is poised to find a new audience while reigniting passion among longtime fans. And for Virgin River viewers, watching Annette O’Toole as Martha Kent offers a powerful reminder of her extraordinary range and enduring impact on television.

As nostalgia meets modern streaming convenience, Smallville’s arrival on Netflix isn’t just a content addition—it’s a celebration of storytelling that stands the test of time.