On May 17, 1966, Jonathan and Martha Kent witness the crash-landing of a small spaceship in Shuster's Field outside of Smallville, Kansas. When they investigate, they discover the baby Kal-El and decide to raise him as their own, naming him Clark Jerome Kent. Throughout the series, Clark proudly states his mother made his Superman costume for him. Clark often consults his parents either by telephone or in person, after impromptu Superman flights to Smallville, about personal and moral concerns and dilemmas.
The series opens twenty-seven years later, on the day Clark moves to Metropolis after leaving his position as a newspaper editor of Smallville Press and interviews for a job at the Daily Planet under editor Perry White. Clark becomes acquainted with photographer Jimmy Olsen and gossip columnist Cat Grant. Soon after being hired, Clark is partnered with star reporter Lois Lane. Clark falls in love with Lois at first sight. When Superman saves Lois from a space shuttle disaster, she instantly becomes infatuated with Clark's alter-ego, and names him Superman.
