Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers forSuperman & Loisseason 4, episode 10.
TheArrowverse, one of the most ambitious and interconnected superhero franchises in television history, has come to a close after 12 years withSuperman & Lois. This shared universe, which began withArrowin 2012 and expanded to include several other hit series, has officially ended. For over a decade, the Arrowverse broughtDC Comics’ heroes to life on the small screen, redefining superhero storytelling on network television.
TheArrowverse refers to the interconnected universeof DC superhero shows that began withArrow, which debuted on The CW in 2012. New shows likeThe Flash,Supergirl,Legends of Tomorrow,Batwoman, andBlack Lightningwere introduced. These series not only expanded the roster of heroes but also deepened the lore of the universe, introducing multiverse concepts, crossovers, and story arcs that spanned multiple shows. Massive crossover events likeCrisis on Infinite EarthsandElseworldsbecame major television events, uniting characters across the Arrowverse in thrilling and dynamic ways.
The CW’s Final Arrowverse TV Show Has Officially Ended
Superman & Lois Concluded The Arrowverse
The Arrowverse officially ended withSuperman & Loisseason 4, episode 10. The thrilling final episode saw Superman rematch against Doomsday, defeat Lex Luthor, and even meet Krypto, the superdog. Thebombastic and emotional finalewas atriumphant swansong toSuperman & Loisand, indeed, the entire Arrowverse.
Superman & Loishad separated itself from the core Arrowverse shows by establishing a distinct tone and narrative focus. It oftenemphasizes the family dynamics of Clark Kent and Lois Lane. While the show maintained a strong critical reception, its ending symbolizes the final chapter of the franchise that once dominated The CW’s lineup.
This conclusion follows a series of cancelations and finales for other Arrowverse shows.Legends of Tomorrowended in 2022,Batwomanwas canceled the same year, andThe Flash, the last mainline Arrowverse show, aired its final episode in 2023. WithSuperman & Loisgone, The CW hasofficially bid farewell to its superhero era.
The Arrowverse’s Main Universe Ended In 2023 With The Flash
Superman & Lois Is Set In An Adjacent Universe
AlthoughSuperman & Loiswas the last Arrowverse-related show to end, theArrowverse’s core universe concluded with the final season ofThe Flashin 2023. During its final season,The Flashdelivered an emotional farewell, featuring cameos from Arrowverse alumni and resolving long-standing storylines. It served as a definitive ending for the Earth-Prime timeline, the main continuity shared byArrow,Supergirl, and other core Arrowverse shows.
Superman & Lois, whileinitially connected to the Arrowverse through its introduction inSupergirl,was revealed to be set in a separate universe within the multiverse.Superman & Lois’s titular stars, Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch appeared as Clark Kent and Lois Lane inSupergirlandThe Flash.However, COVID-19 restrictions and the cancelation of another crossover event prompted Warner Bros. to keepSuperman & Loisin a separate continuity. This was confirmed in season 2 through the multiverse, but the series was borne out of the Arrowverse’s mighty crossovers.
This distinctionallowedSuperman & Loisto develop its own mythology, unburdened by the events of Earth-Prime. However, its ties to the Arrowverse were never fully severed, and it continued as a spiritual successor to the franchise. With its conclusion, the Arrowverse multiverse is now completely dormant.
Why The Arrowverse Was Such An Important DC Franchise
The Arrowverse Has Been The Most SUccessful DC Franchise
The Arrowverse’s significance in the superhero genre cannot be overstated. Over its 12-year run, the franchise introduced millions of viewers to DC Comics characterswho had long been overshadowed by the likes of Batman and Superman. Shows likeArrowandThe Flashturned Green Arrow and Barry Allen into household names, whileSupergirlandBlack Lightningbrought diverse perspectives and representation to the forefront of superhero storytelling.
Before the Arrowverse, characters like Green Arrow were niche figures in the DC Comics pantheon.Arrowtransformed Oliver Queen into a compelling protagonist, blending action, drama, and moral dilemmas intoa formula that resonated with viewers. Similarly,The Flashintroduced audiences to Barry Allen’s heartwarming origin story, endearing his optimism and heroism to fans around the world.
Supergirl, which premiered in 2015, was a game-changer for the Arrowverse. The show placed Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, front and center, exploring themes of female empowerment, immigration, and acceptance. It wasone of the first major superhero series to feature a female leadin the modern era, paving the way for greater representation in the genre.
The Arrowverse also broke barriers with its depiction of LGBTQ+ characters.Batwomanintroduced the first openly lesbian superhero to headline her own show, whileSupergirlfeatured significant storylines about coming out and acceptance. These narrativesresonated with audiences who had long been underserved by the mainstream superhero mediaandthe DCEU timeline.
One of the Arrowverse’s greatest achievements was its embrace of the multiverse. Shows likeLegends of Tomorrowand crossovers such as “Crisis on Infinite Earths” explored alternate versions of characters,bringing together heroes from different timelines and universes, with some thrilling cameos as a result - including Kevin Conroy as Batman. These events not only expanded the Arrowverse’s scope but also honored DC Comics’ rich history by incorporating Easter eggs and nods to past adaptations.
“Crisis on Infinite Earths,” in particular, was a groundbreaking event that united nearly every Arrowverse series while paying homage to earlier DC properties, includingSmallvilleand the 1966Batmanseries. By weaving these disparate worlds together,the Arrowverse celebrated the legacy of DC Comicswhile creating a cohesive narrative tapestry. It was a landmark television event that expertly juggled several major shows and narratives.
I Seriously Cannot Believe Superman & Lois Introduced Krypto The Dog In The Last 5 Minutes Of The Show’s Entire Run
Superman & Lois' very final moments introduced Krypto to the DC show’s world, bringing him in just when it seemed impossible for the canine to appear.
The Arrowverse’s success paved the way for other shared universes, proving that interconnected storytelling could work on television. Its influence can be seen in later projects like HBO Max’sPeacemakerand Marvel’s Disney+ series, which have embraced serialized formats and character-driven narratives. Beyond its storytelling achievements,the Arrowverse inspired countless viewers to explore the source material. Many who were introduced to Green Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl through the shows went on to read their comic book adventures, contributing to a resurgence of interest in these characters.
While the franchise has officially ended, its legacy endures andeven outperforms DC’s cinematic counterpart. TheArrowversedemonstrated the potential of superhero television and left an indelible mark on the genre. For 12 years, it gave audiences a universe to believe in, one where hope, justice, and teamwork could prevail against even the darkest odds.
Arrowverse
The Arrowverse is a shared universe centered on multiple television series airing on The CW and web series based on characters from DC Comics. It began with Arrow in 2012 and expanded to include shows like The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow, creating a vast interconnected narrative that includes numerous crossovers and parallel universes.
