The CW’sDC Universe continues to thrive ten years later. The current flagship series of the Arrowverse,The FlashandSuperman & Lois,are officially renewed for new seasons in the 2022-23 block, alongside the upcomingGotham Knightsseries.
The CW’s press release confirmed new seasons all across the network, includingThe Flash,Superman & Lois,Riverdale,Nancy Drew,Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and more. It is currently unclear if the remaining two Arrowverse series,BatwomanandLegends of Tomorrow, will be renewed. But neither are officially canceled either, so fans have reason to hope for their continued adventures.
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“As we prepare for the 2022-23 season, these scripted series, along with the alternative series we renewed earlier, will serve as the start of a solid foundation utilizing some of our most-watched series for us to build on for next year and beyond,” said The CW Network Chairman and CEO Mark Pedowitz in a statement. “These dramas are also important to our overall digital strategy, as they are some of our most-streamed and socially-engaged programming, and we look forward to adding more new and returning series to help strengthen and expand our multiplatform footprint.” WithThe Flashbeing renewed for a ninth season, it has become the longest-running Arrowverse series on The CW, surpassing the eight seasons acheived byArrow.
The Arrowverse, the CW’s DC Universe beginning with 2012’sArrow, remains a massive success. While Marvel definitely perfected their film cinematic universe first, DC absolutely beat Marvel to the punch with TV. Even though most TV today goes for a more cinematic route, the CW’s soapy approach translates to the comics perfectly. The earnest tone of these shows provides a strong alternative to DC’s movies, with many fans consideringSuperman & Loisthefinest live-action Superman adaptationin decades.
The Flashalso remains a monster hit, which is ironic considering the long delays of his feature film. This series clearly proves there’s an audience for Flash, so what’s the hold up? But it’s hard to complain too much, since this show has long delighted fans with its fun and outlandish adventures. And priorseries in the ArrowverseincludeSupergirlandBlack Lightning, which shows a wider diversity in this universe than most blockbuster franchises.
It’s no surprise the CW wants to continue these series, largely because WarnerMedia has allegedly never turned a profit on the network, and so continued streams of the Arrowverse andRiverdaleare their only hope. Everyone’s aware that cable TV is a dying method, and for better or worse, what gets popular on streaming services is all that matters. Currently, most of these shows are only on Netflix, presumably due to a prior contract, with only the newer ones likeSuperman & LoisandBatwomanon HBO Max. It’s annoying how it’s not all in one place, but that’s the nature of the streaming era.
The FlashandSuperman & Loiswill return next year, with new episodes airing now on The CW.
