With the debut of Arrow in 2012, The CW kicked off what is now an impressive lineup of DC Comics television series. After adding The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and newly acquired Supergirl, the network will dominate primetime programming once the shows return in the fall. To the delight of fans everywhere, the network also has plans for the biggest four-way crossover event, demonstrating the popularity of its super-powered shows among audiences and, significantly, its uniqueness for having a shared television universe.

When Arrow, the show that started it all, returns to the small screen this fall, it will pick up where season 4 ended – with the superhero team largely disbanded. Oliver (Stephen Amell) is serving as Star City's interim mayor, while Thea (Willa Holland) and Diggle (David Ramsey) have decided to take a break from from the crime fighting scene. The season also said goodbye to longtime regular, Laurel Lance (played by Katie Cassidy). But while some characters are taking a step back, others are just stepping in.

According to THR, filling the void left by Captain Lance (Paul Blackthorne) in Arrow season 5 will be Tyler Ritter as Detective Malone, a major recurring role kicking off in the new season. Of course, just because Captain Lance is off the force doesn't mean his time on Arrow is ended – or even downgraded. A series regular, fans can still expect Captain Lance to play a major part in the story.

Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen in Arrow

Ritter, son of the late John Ritter, is best known for his starring role on The McCarthys, a CBS comedy that the network canceled after only 11 episodes. Since 2008, his television work has also included appearances on popular shows like Modern Family, Grey's Anatomy, and (crossing over to the Marvel Cinematic Universe), Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Most recently, Ritter had a recurring role on the NCIS franchise and on Freeform's Young and Hungry.

Ritter joins the growing list of other Arrow season 5 newbies, including Chicago P.D.'s Josh Segarra (as D.A. Adrian Chase – also known by his Team Arrow alter-ego, Vigilante), Rick Gonzalez (as Wild Dog, another debuting Team Arrow crime-fighter), and The Walking Dead's Chad L. Coleman (as new villain and crime boss, Tobias Church).

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The Flash season 3 will premiere Tuesday October 4 at 8pm on The CW, Arrow season 5 will premiere in the same timeslot on Wednesday October 5, Legends of Tomorrowseason 2 on Thursday October 13, and Supergirl season 2 on Monday October 17.

Source: THR