The series finale of “Superman & Lois” aired on Monday night, signaling not only the conclusion of its four-season journey but also the end of a significant era for The CW network. “Superman & Lois” was the last show based on DC Comics characters to air on The CW and represented the final remnant of the renowned Arrowverse, a franchise that dominated the network’s offerings throughout the 2010s.
The finale notably featured a time jump that showcased the later years of its beloved characters, portrayed by Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch, indicating a definitive conclusion to their story and eliminating any prospects of a continuation elsewhere. Changes in leadership at both The CW and Warner Bros. Discovery have ushered in new programming strategies that differ sharply from the approach taken during the peak of the Arrowverse’s popularity.
The CW is now focusing more heavily on unscripted and sports content, with only “All American” remaining as a scripted series from the network’s earlier lineup, primarily produced by Greg Berlanti’s company. Many upcoming scripted shows on The CW will be co-productions from international partners, reflecting a sharp reduction in budget compared to previous series.
Simultaneously, DC Studios is pivoting its television production towards HBO and Max, investing in projects with larger budgets and distinct tone shifts away from the lighter narratives associated with The CW’s offerings. Examples include “The Penguin,” which presents a crime-driven storyline, and “Lanterns,” anticipated to have a somber, investigative feel reminiscent of “True Detective.”
With Marvel also consolidating its TV properties exclusively on Disney+, it is unlikely that we will witness another expansive comic-book franchise take shape on traditional network television. The DC era on The CW left a notable legacy, underscored by impressive statistics.
A remarkable ten series based on DC Comics characters were featured on The CW, starting with “Arrow” in October 2012, culminating in a total of 46 seasons and 817 episodes across those shows. The Flash and Arrow each made significant contributions, leading in episode counts and fan engagement. The network also facilitated six multi-series crossover events, most notably the “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” which significantly boosted viewership metrics across several series.
Despite the changes and closures, there remains a vibrant legacy of storytelling and character development established over more than a decade. Fans can take solace in the depth and creativity that the Arrowverse brought to screen, and the hope that future adaptations of beloved characters will emerge on different platforms, expanding the universe in new and exciting ways.
In summary, while “Superman & Lois” marks the end of an era for The CW and the Arrowverse, it also opens possibilities for fresh narratives and styles within the comic book genre that may resonate with audiences in different ways.