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CBS is picking up a full season of Supergirl

CBS is picking up a full season of Supergirl

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The network must be happy with its piece of the DC universe

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Supergirl is sticking around a little longer. According to The Hollywood Reporter, CBS is picking up seven more episodes of the oft-campy, feminist-friendly superhero show, bringing its first season up to a total of 20 episodes. (Its sixth episode is airing tonight.) That's two episodes short of a traditional full season pick-up, a gap that's being chalked up to Supergirl's late start date and the expenses associated with its production. The network hasn't yet commented on a potential second season of the show, but extending its initial run constitutes a vote of confidence.

Supergirl's premiere was one of this fall's most-watched debuts, and the show has maintained decent ratings that pair well with its sterling critical reception. Executive producer Greg Berlanti makes two other shows rooted in the DC universe for The CW, Arrow and The Flash, and all three shows have balanced critical acclaim and healthy audiences in their time on the air. Given its success on multiple fronts and CBS Entertainment chairperson Nina Tassler's mandate regarding the production of female-fronted dramas, it would've been a greater surprise had Supergirl been left to languish in network purgatory.

The show's pickup is the cherry on top of a banner month for shows about female superheroes. While Supergirl was holding strong on CBS, Marvel's Jessica Jones debuted on Netflix to some of the year's best reviews and an enthusiastic audience response. Just over a month ago, you couldn't find a show about female superheroes anywhere on TV; now there are two, and it seems like they're both here for the long haul.