The CW is getting a jump on things. It may only be January, but the littlest network has already ordered new seasons for some of its most successful hits, including work horse ‘Supernatural’ which will be embarking on its astonishing THIRTEENTH season and the entire line of DC Comics-based shows, ‘Arrow‘, ‘The Flash‘, ‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow‘ and ‘Supergirl’, the last of which migrated over from CBS for its sophomore season. In addition, the network renewed its less flashy, but critically acclaimed comedies ‘My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ and ‘Jane the Virgin’. (‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ is actually The CW’s poorest rated show of the current season!)
The CW president Mark Pedowitz explained the rationale behind these early green lights by saying:
“Over the past several seasons, The CW has built a schedule of proven performers, from our lineup of DC superheroes, to critically acclaimed comedies, to sci-fi dramas. Early pickups of these seven series now allow our producers to plan ahead for next season, and gives us a solid base to build on for next season, with original scripted series to roll out all year long.”
‘Supernatural‘ is currently in its 12th season, making it The CW’s longest running show in its history, including when it was two separate networks, The WB and UPN. (‘7th Heaven’, which started on The WB previously head the title, with 11 seasons.) The upcoming 13th season will continue the show’s winning streak. Not only are ratings still strong (although the arrivals of ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ and ‘Supergirl’ have shoved it down to the fifth rated show spot, whereas it was previously #3), but the fan base is ravenously devoted and the show rakes in quite a bit from licensed merchandise, making it a valuable jewel in The CW’s crown.
Order some pie to celebrate, boys!
‘Arrow’ may have launched the DC shared universe for The CW, but ratings have slipped and it is currently being beaten by ‘The Flash’ which has been the top-rated show on the network since it launched. ‘Supergirl’ has also zipped past ‘Arrow’ in ratings, but at least ‘Arrow’ still outdoes ‘Legends of Tomorrow’.
The verdict is still out on freshman series ‘Frequency’ and ‘No Tomorrow’, which unfortunately are at the bottom of the heap (although, as stated they still outperform ‘Mt Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ which was renewed. ‘The Originals’, ‘The 100’ and ‘iZombie’ were not picked up for full seasons this year and have yet to return, but at least regarding ‘The Originals’, Pedowitz is hopeful, saying “It’ll probably be a discussion in May. I’m a big Julie Plec fan. I’m hoping The Originals will continue. A lot of it will depend on performance.”
Also yet to premier is the highly anticipated Archie comics-based drama ‘Riverdale’.
Are you excited to see these shows return? What about the shows that have not yet been officially renewed? Are you hoping to see more of ‘The Originals’, ‘Frequency’, ‘No Tomorrow’, etc.?
Source: The CW
