DC's Stargirl has been renewed for season 2 - but it will be leaving the DC Universe streaming service and becoming a network original for The CW. The DC Universe streaming service launched to widespread acclaim among superhero fans, but industry analysts have increasingly believed it's in trouble because of the rise of HBO Max.
For all that's the case, though, DC Universe has been home of some tremendously popular digital originals. The latest is Stargirl, which stars Bree Bassinger as a teenage girl who stumbles into a world of superheroes and founds the new Justice Society of America. It's a refreshingly positive and upbeat series, and episodes air on The CW a day after they air on DC Universe. They've been strong performers for The CW, perhaps boosted by the increased demand for new content during the lockdown.
Stargirl, currently only halfway through its first season, has already been renewed for season 2. In a surprising twist, however, it will no longer be available on DC Universe. Instead, it will air on The CW. DC Universe now has only one exclusive live-action series, Titans, given Doom Patrol is shared with HBO Max.
This isn't much of a surprise. The CW is fond of female-led dramas, including the likes of Batwoman, Nancy Drew, and Katy Keene. The network has always been focused on the teenage demographic, and Stargirl is a perfect match for that, starring teen characters on journeys of self-discovery. What is surprising, though, is just how many DC superhero shows now call The CW home. Batwoman, Black Lightning, The Flash, and Superman & Lois are all confirmed for January 2021, while Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl have both been renewed as well. Only a few years ago, The CW was wary of commissioning too many superhero shows at once; that isn't a concern anymore.
The Stargirl decision does, however, leave DC Universe increasingly depleted of original content. The streaming service has been popular, but - with the exception of DC Universe All-Star Games - no new series have been announced for quite some time. Meanwhile, international rollout - which was promised as a priority as far back as September 2018 - has stalled. The truth is that corporate priorities have changed, and HBO Max has taken precedence over DC Universe right now. The decision to move Stargirl to The CW suggests the future of the DC Universe streaming service is in doubt.
Source: The CW