New reports are emerging about what Arrowverse shows are likely to be renewed and which ones are on the bubble for cancelation in 2022. Around this time of year, The CW has usually revealed what shows are returning for the following TV season. The network has tended to hand out renewals in the last few years as early as January/February. In turn, the early greenlight has allowed the writers to start planning ideas for the next season. However, 2022 has been a different story due to The CW currently being up for sale. With the network's future up in the air, it has delayed the renewal and cancellation process for all of its shows.
The Arrowverse has been one of the flagship franchises for The CW since Arrow began in 2012. The success of the Green Arrow drama paved the way for spinoffs like The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, Batwoman, Black Lightning, and Superman & Lois to come to life. For the first time in a long time, none of the current shows have been renewed, with Batwoman season 3 and Legends of Tomorrow season 7 having finished their run this week. This is the first time one or more DC dramas have ended their latest season without knowing they'll be back. Depending on how The CW sales go, the Arrowverse's future is uncertain at the moment.
However, new reports are giving indications on what Arrowverse shows are getting renewed and which ones may get the axe. In THR's TV scorecard 2022, they listed what the likeliest scenarios are for various shows on multiple networks. For the Arrowverse, there were a few positives but also possible unfortunate predictions for the DC dramas. According to THR, The Flash season 9 is considered a lock, but the report noted that the "end is near" for the series. Superman & Lois season 3 is also set to take flight, while newcomer Naomi "could go either way." Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman are, per THR, on the bubble, meaning cancellation could be coming their way. Since Stargirl season 3 has yet to premiere, there's no way yet to tell if a fourth season is happening.
What's likely to stand out the most in this report is The Flash season 9, as Grant Gustin was reported in January to be finalizing a new deal for another year. Having a status that the show's end is approaching could mean one of two things. Either The CW is prepping The Flash season 9 to be the show's final one, or they'll assess during its run if a tenth season is viable. What's probably the most concerning aspect is Batwoman and Legends of Tomorrow's potential cancellations. Even though Batwoman season 3 ended with a mystery villain, Legends of Tomorrow season 7 ended on a massive cliffhanger as the heroes were arrested, including the newly arrived Booster Gold.
As The CW has their Upfront presentation set for May 19, final decisions will likely be revealed there, if not a few weeks earlier. Usually, even if considered a bubble show, The CW has been good with at least giving those shows one final season that lets the creators do a proper wrap-up. However, the sale situation could always prevent that as The CW's future is in flux. If Batwoman and/or Legends of Tomorrow don't make the cut, it could likely be that The CW is making room for Gotham Knights, which recently scored a pilot order. Hopefully The CW will reveal the Arrowverse plans for the 2022-2023 TV season sooner rather than later.
Source: THR