ⓒ The Australian News
The CW network’s long-running DC Comics franchise has officially come to an end with the finale of “Superman & Lois.” This marks not only the conclusion of the show’s four-season run but also signifies a major shift in the network’s programming strategy. The show served as the final link to the CW’s Arrowverse, a collection of interconnected superhero shows that defined the network’s identity throughout the 2010s. The decision to end “Superman & Lois” and the overall DC franchise on The CW aligns with the network’s recent strategic shift away from homegrown scripted programming and towards unscripted content and sports.
The network’s move is also influenced by changes at Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of DC. DC Studios is now focusing its television projects on HBO and Max, aiming for larger budgets, shorter seasons, and a different tone than the CW’s offerings. This approach is evident in shows like “The Penguin” and the upcoming “Lanterns.” The shift suggests a move away from the sprawling, interconnected narratives that characterized the CW’s DC shows and towards more standalone, mature productions.
Over its 12-year run, the CW aired 10 DC series, totaling 817 episodes. These shows, predominantly produced by Greg Berlanti, achieved remarkable success, outperforming most multi-show franchises since 1990, second only to a few notable series such as Law & Order and CSI. The success of these shows is further highlighted by the six major crossover events, including the ambitious “Crisis on Infinite Earths” event, which drew high viewership across multiple shows. The conclusion of this era marks a significant turning point for both The CW and the landscape of superhero television, suggesting a shift away from network-based interconnected universes towards streaming platforms and more mature storytelling.
The legacy of the CW’s DC era remains substantial, leaving a lasting impact on the network and shaping the trajectory of superhero television. The numbers behind the franchise speak volumes of its success, but also point to changes in the TV industry and the future of superhero programming.
