Melissa Benoist is set to fly high on her newest show “The Girls on the Bus.” The “Supergirl” alum stars in the Max series as a political journalist who hits the campaign trail alongside three other female reporters.
In a rowdy presidential campaign year with a tumultuous climate, the actor feels that the streamer will do more than entertain. She thinks it could inspire young people to vote in November.
“I think that every single election is an important election and they always have been,” Benoist told Variety at the show’s premiere in New York City on Tuesday night. “Hopefully this show will encourage people and maybe younger people to remain passionate and informed and have their voices heard.”
Rounding out the cast are Carla Gugino, Natasha Behnam, and Christina Elmore. As their characters travel on the press bus, a strong sisterhood develops despite different personalities, beliefs and the competition to grab the next big scoop.
Benoist admits her fan base will think the Max series “is certainly different” than her famous portrayal of a superhero reporter who works in a newsroom while carrying on a secret life where she wears a cape. But she believes “The Girls on the Bus” will have the audience captivated for other reasons, saying it will shine a light on what it really means to be a member of the media.
“I hope they’re surprised by how hard this lifestyle is and the job is,” she reflected. “I certainly digest my news differently. And I think I look more. I don’t just look past a byline when I read an article and I really take care into who’s bringing me my news and trying to get the truth to me.”
From creators Julie Plec and Amy Chozick, “The Girls on the Bus” is inspired by Chozick’s past experiences as a political reporter on the campaign bus with multiple presidential candidates. The two serve as executive producers alongside showrunner Rina Mimoun, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, and Marcos Siega.
Chozick took time on the carpet to talk about how Benoist can help attract viewers to the project.
“I didn’t know this until we cast her what a devoted fan base she has and they basically think she is a golden goddess,” the writer said. “I hope they all come over and watch her new thing because she’s brilliant. And yeah, I want those fans on our bus.”
“The Girls on the Bus” debuts March 14 on Max.
