As the Arrowverse is shifting its crossover format, it is becoming an excellent approach for cancelled DC TV shows. The CW has gained recognition for the annual crossover events between the ever-growing DC TV franchise for several years. As the Arrowverse keeps adding new shows to their line-up, the crossovers have also changed along the way.
The most significant crossover for the network became Crisis on Infinite Earths, which marked as a culmination for the Arrowverse's first phase, adapting one of DC Comics' most iconic storylines to screen. But the ambitious 5-part event became the last major crossover, as the franchise has entered a new era that, unfortunately, happened amid a global pandemic. While they haven't organized large crossovers, due to COVID-19 health guidelines for productions, it may take a few years until a Crisis-like crossover ever happens again, regardless of the pandemic.
Initially, Superman & Lois and Batwoman were set to have a 2-part crossover featuring many Arrowverse heroes before having to scrap it. However, the Arrowverse has begun to explore new ways to do it, both in this current and upcoming TV season, a smart approach for DC shows that got cancelled/ended. Not only does it give the franchise a refreshing way for characters to come together, but it allows for more intimate stories. Despite Arrow's conclusion in 2020, David Ramsey's Diggle will be present in the Arrowverse this season. The fan-favorite is appearing for five episodes across The Flash, Batwoman, Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, and Superman & Lois, while Ramsey is also directing one episode of each of the shows.
The Flash season 8 is also staging a special 5-episode event that will include various Arrowverse heroes. One of them looks to be Black Lightning's Cress Williams, who confirmed he had been approached by The Flash's creative team multiple times for appearances next season. While nothing is signed and confirmed, it'd be logical for Jefferson Pierce to team up with Barry Allen, which is where the Arrowverse's new crossover tactics are paying off.
Just because an Arrowverse show has concluded, it doesn't mean characters of the said show have to be done in the franchise forever. Something to cherish about the past crossovers is that they did help create and flesh out various relationships across the Arrowverse. Jefferson and Barry's moments in Crisis on Infinite Earths is a solid example where there doesn't have to be a mega-event for them to come together. Having one hero guest on another hero's show can and should be the new normal for a big franchise like the Arrowverse. Having Ramsey's Diggle visit each series is also solid, especially as he is one of the Arrowverse's biggest fan-favorites.
Arrow fans who haven't seen one or more of the other shows get a reason to tune in through Diggle's multi-arc, which can help grow viewer interest. Even after Supergirl season 6 finishes its run this fall, there is no reason why Melissa Benoist's Kara Zor-El couldn't be one of the heroes to guest in The Flash season 8's special event. Characters who had cancelled spinoffs, like Painkiller and Green Arrow & the Canaries, also have the potential to return since they're all in the same universe. While a Crisis-like crossover is inevitable, having heroes guest star across the other Arrowverse shows might be the better tactic for the next few years, especially for the shows that have ended or been cancelled.