Smallville Season 3

If you want science fiction that respects its own premise, Smallville Season 3 is available on and right now. A single, tightly-focused season means there is plenty to get through without ever feeling padded. 4,515 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Tom Welling leads a cast that never lets the concept overwhelm the characters. Start it whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Smallville Season 3 earns its spot. Smallville Season 3 uses its genre premise as cover for asking bigger questions. Everyone has a future. Clark Kent has a destiny — if he’s willing to accept it and to master all the awesome powers and responsibilities that come with it. In an event-packed third season, the fascinating reinterpretation of the Superman mythology and its classic characters continues as Clark embraces the dark side and Jonathan Kent strikes a devil’s bargain with Jor-El to rescue his son. Tom Welling and Kristin Kreuk lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was aired in 2003. The rules of Smallville Season 3's world are consistent enough that the big swings never feel like cheating. The consistency throughout is what elevates it — not every moment is the best, but none of them are a reason to stop watching.

For late-night viewing or a proper weekend binge, Smallville Season 3 fits the bill. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. Short enough to finish in a weekend, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Watch for Tom Welling in particular — the performance elevates the material. Satisfying on multiple levels.