Since the series premiere of The Flash, the death of Barry Allen's (Grant Gustin) mother has been an important part of the character's back story - and revisited a number of times throughout the show's first two seasons, prompting speculation among fans about whether the DC Comics storyline Flashpoint would eventually be tackled. Then this spring the season 2 finale featured Barry, now having lost both his mother and father to evil speedsters, making the decision to go back in time and save his mother's life.

The result? Flashpoint. Gustin confirmed season 3 of The Flash will follow Flashpoint when he revealed the premiere episode title. Furthermore, the trailer released at Comic-Con International in San Diego offered fans a first look at what the alternate universe will look like. However, since The Flash exists in a universe along with Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow (fellow CW series Supergirl exists in a different world within the multiverse), there has been speculation about whether the other shows will be affected by Flashpoint.

This question was addressed by network president Mark Pedowitz during The CW's presentation at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour when he said Flashpoint "bleeds over to every DC show." Additionally, Pedowitz said Flashpoint will last "only for a couple of episodes before it comes back in" to the regular universe.

The CW Legends of Tomorrow Arrow The Flash Supergirl

Of course, Pedowitz failed to divulge any specifics of how Flashpoint will affect Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow - and, as he implies, Supergirl. Previously, Arrow star Stephen Amell teased an impact on the series, though he later clarified his comments to say he didn't know how Flashpoint will affect Oliver Queen and Star City. Additionally, though we knew Flashpoint wouldn't last all season on The Flash, we now have a better idea of when it will be resolved.

That said, it's unclear how exactly Flashpoint will bleed over into Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl. While it's incredibly unlikely each of The CW's other DC Comics series will also feature an alternate universe in addition to The Flash, there could be smaller changes to the world as a whole that span across all four shows. Or, the conclusion of Flashpoint could be utilized to make a major change: merge Supergirl's Earth with that of The Flash, Arrow, and Legends of Tomorrow.

Of course, with little information to go on regarding the Flashpoint arc's impact on the other CW series, it remains to be seen how it unfolds when the shows return this fall. Still, considering all the planned crossovers - a four-show event as well as a musical crossover between The Flash and Supergirl - in addition to Flashpoint bleeding into the other series, The CW's DC Comics television universe feels more and more like a cohesive superhero world.

Next: The Flash Season 3 Villains Confirmed to Include Dr. Alchemy

The Flash season 3 will premiere Tuesday October 4th at 8pm on The CW, Arrow season 5 will premiere in the same timeslot on Wednesday October 5th, Supergirl season 2 on Monday October 10th, and Legends of Tomorrow season 2 on Thursday October 13th.

Source: Mark Pedowitz [via ComicBook.com]