Smallville was built around a simple premise: a young Clark Kent navigates high school, young love, and keeping his powers secret while forming an unlikely friendship with the ultimate nepo baby, Lex Luthor. Starring Tom Welling as Clark and Michael Rosenbaum as Lex, the series was a massive hit, ultimately running for 10 seasons from 2001 to 2011. A key factor in Smallville’s success was its first leading lady, Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang.

https://screenrant.com/smallville-storyline-ruined-great-season/