The series finale of Superman & Lois, which aired on The CW Monday night, not only brought an end to the show’s four-season journey but also marked the conclusion of a significant era for the network. Superman & Lois was the last series derived from DC Comics to be broadcast on The CW, closing the chapter on the Arrowverse, a franchise that shaped the network’s identity throughout the 2010s.
The finale offers a poignant reflection on the lives of its main characters, portrayed by Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch, as it flashes forward several decades. This significant leap in time suggests that there won’t be any revival or continuation of the series under the new strategies being implemented by both The CW and Warner Bros. Discovery, which are moving in different creative directions than those that defined the Arrowverse’s success.
The CW has shifted away from scripted programming and is now primarily focusing on unscripted content and sports. Only one pre-Nexstar scripted series remains—All American—which reflects the broader changes taking place within the network. In contrast, DC Studios is reallocating its TV projects to HBO and Max, allowing for bigger budgets and more varied storytelling. Upcoming shows like The Penguin and Lanterns signal a pivot towards mature and stylistically distinct narratives compared to the earlier DC offerings on The CW.
The Arrowverse left an indelible mark on The CW, with a total of 10 series based on DC characters since Arrow premiered in October 2012. The combined legacy of these shows amassed an impressive 46 seasons and 817 episodes, creating one of the largest multi-show franchises in TV history.
The series featured collaborative efforts across multiple shows, including six major crossover events, which highlighted the interconnectedness of the Arrowverse and helped garner significant viewership during their run.
In summary, the end of Superman & Lois symbolizes a broader evolution within superhero storytelling on television, as networks adapt to changing viewer preferences and the landscape of content production. While this shift marks a bittersweet moment for fans of the Arrowverse, it opens doors for new narratives and diverse explorations in the growing realm of DC television. This presents a hopeful outlook on the future of superhero stories, potentially appealing to a broader audience while introducing innovative themes and formats.