Every CW Superhero Show: RANKED!
#9: “Batwoman” (2019-)
After Batman leaves Gotham, his cousin Kate arrives in the city and decides to fight crime as Batwoman. Her efforts to save Gotham are complicated by her father's security agency and her villainous sister Alice. Batwoman’s various adventures take place in a setting that’s literally and figuratively darker than most of the CW superhero offerings. The show also makes time to shine the spotlight on LGBTQ+ themes and issues. After “Batwoman’s” first season, there was a major shake-up when Ruby Rose left the role of Kate and Batwoman was replaced by Javicia Leslie’s Ryan Wilder. Although Leslie is great, the show’s supporting characters and plotlines were definitely thrown off by this. But with time, Batwoman could still become the superheroine show Gotham deserves. Meanwhile, season 2 is set to see the return of the Kate character, but played by Wallis Day.
#8: “Stargirl” (2020-)
When Starman failed to defeat the Injustice Society of America, he wanted his powerful Cosmic staff to be wielded by a worthy successor. His wish came when a high schooler named Courtney picked up the staff and started fighting the Injustice Society. During her quest, the heroic teen inspired other kids and even her stepfather to don costumes and take on villains. A few members of the fascinating ensemble can occasionally outshine Stargirl herself. But no matter who has the main focus, the show’s strong storylines and creative fight scenes make for compelling viewing. After finding success on the DC Universe streaming service, Stargirl moved to the CW to keep forging its bright tegacy.
#7: “Superman & Lois” (2021-)
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Superman's powers make fantastic feats of strength and speed easy. But they made it hard for him to raise a family. After hiding the truth from his sons for years, he reveals he’s Superman. The series shows the family coping with this truth and dealing with villains that want to see the Kryptonian fall. While “ Superman and Lois” has breathtaking action scenes, the show’s complex characters are arguably its biggest strength. It's genuinely uplifting to see characters come together and heartbreaking whenever they fall apart. Since “Superman & Lois” is a relative newcomer, it's hard to say if it will continue to maintain its high quality over time. But an extremely strong start gives us hope this Superman series will continue to soar.
#6: “Smallville” (2001-11)
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Before the CW created a slew of live-action superhero shows, fans of the genre had “Smallville” to tune into - which was first broadcast on The WB until it merged with UPN to become The CW. The show followed Clark Kent's life before he put on Superman’s costume. Although you'll have to watch a lot of episodes before seeing him suit up, there's still plenty to love about the series. Tom Welling’s portrayal of Clark Kent is pitch perfect. Despite starting its run in the early 2000s, many of “Smallville’s” effects still hold up. The series also rewards viewers by bringing in notable characters from across the DC Universe. Between its fanservice and deep storylines, the show proved live-action superhero stories still had a place on TV. If you're ever feeling nostalgic, it's 100% worth it to revisit “Smallville”.
#5: “Supergirl” (2015-21)
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Rounding out the trio of Kryptonian shows is “Supergirl”. This series follows Kara Danvers saving lives with her range of superpowers and inspiring words. She's joined by a spectacular supporting cast that includes DEO agent Alex Danvers, Martian Manhunter, Brainiac 5 and Dreamer. While the show's big bads aren't always as compelling as the heroes, strong performances from the morally grey Lena and twisted Lex Luthor help keep things interesting. “Supergirl’ also crafts memorable storylines by drawing parallels to real life issues. It’s unafraid to tackle issues like immigration, inclusivity and identity. While Kara can’t solve every problem with her powers alone, her willingness to keep fighting for justice makes every episode inspiring to watch.
#4: “Arrow” (2012-20)
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In the 2010s, CW superhero shows began to be grouped under one name: the Arrowverse. That’s because the show about a vigilante’s mission to save his city launched an entire universe. Stephen Amell's physical prowess and acting range made audiences take Oliver Queen seriously. And strong performances from Emily Bett Rickards’ Felicity and David Ramsey’s Diggle turned both characters into household names. During “Arrow’s” eight season run, a few plot twists and flashbacks occasionally missed their marks. But audiences could always count on the show to pair incredible fight scenes with emotional stakes. Although Oliver’s mission was full of heartbreak, he can be happy with what he left behind. “Arrow” paved the way for many fictional heroes and multiple real shows to begin their own journeys.
#3: “Legends of Tomorrow” (2016-)
What happens when you put a bunch of heroes, anti-heroes and villains on a time-traveling ship? You get a ridiculously fun show. After a more serious first season, “Legends of Tomorrow” fully embraced how weird and wacky things could get aboard the time ship. They poked fun at their powers, each other and even other DC properties. And although heroes and villains rotate in and out of the ensemble each season, there's always genuine chemistry between the cast members. Every time someone leaves or passes away, it feels like a genuine moment of heartbreak. But you never stay sad for too long because “Legends of Tomorrow” knows how to balance drama comedy and wild plots. It’s truly a time-traveling show like no other.
#2: “Black Lightning” (2018-21)
Supervillain Origins The Boys Black Noir
Jefferson Pierce stopped saving lives as the superhero Black Lightning to take care of his family. But after he’s forced out of retirement, his daughters gain powers of their own. The show follows Jefferson’s struggle to save his city while mentoring his daughters and keeping his family safe. “Black Lightning’s” storylines also take time to discuss and draw parallels to issues that affect black communities. The show supports its timely messages and complex family drama with impressive and dynamic action scenes. Aside from being a consistently good show, “Black Lightning” constantly gives underrepresented communities in the superhero genre time to shine. The show is ultimately both an entertaining series and a beacon of representation for people who don’t always get to see themselves as heroes.
#1: “The Flash” (2014-)
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A bolt of lightning gave us one of the best superhero shows around. After Barry Allen gets super speed from an electrifying source, he works to fight metahuman threats. The show’s first season started strong by introducing a fantastic rogues gallery, superb supporting characters and one of the best supervillains ever. Although later storylines didn't always match the insanely high bar season one set, they still delivered creative action scenes and breathtaking finales. It also helps that Grant Gustin was basically born to play the Flash. The show has always managed to balance its great cast with complex storylines and emotional scenes.“The Flash’s” incredibly strong and consistent run makes it a solid pick for the top CW superhero spot.
