The CW and Warner Bros. TV has officially confirmed that The Flash season 9 will be the Arrowverse drama's final season when it premieres in 2023. Since 2012, The CW has been primarily known for the Arrowverse franchise, co-created by executive producer Greg Berlanti, bringing multiple heroes and villains to life from the DC Universe. While 2022 became a slightly controversial year for the network, The CW is still getting DC TV content for the 2022-2023 TV season.
While Batwoman, Legends of Tomorrow, and Naomi all got canceled earlier this year, The Flash season 9 was one of the handfuls of DC TV renewals to happen in 2022. Superman & Lois season 3 is also set to premiere alongside The Flash, but in 2023 rather than fall. With The Flash being the longest-running Arrowverse drama on The CW, there had been speculations as to whether or not season 9 or season 10 may be the show's final one.
After several months of waiting, The CW and Warner Bros. TV have officially decided. The Wrap reports that The Flash season 9, consisting of a 13-episode order, will be the Arrowverse drama's final season, arriving in 2023. Showrunner Eric Wallace said the following in this statement:
"Nine seasons! Nine years of saving Central City while taking audiences on an emotional journey full of heart, humor, and spectacle. And now Barry Allen has reached the starting gate for his last race. So many amazing people have given their talents, time, and love to bring this wonderful show to life each week. So, as we get ready to honor the show's incredible legacy with our exciting final chapter, I want to say thank you to our phenomenal cast, writers, producers, and crew over the years who helped make The Flash such an unforgettable experience for audiences around the world."
Why The Flash season 9 only gets 13 episodes is unclear. In January 2022, when Grant Gustin was reportedly signing on for The Flash season 9, he was committing to 15 episodes, which was already a hint that the next season would be shorter. The Flash season 9 will join not only Superman & Lois season 3 next year but also the new series, Gotham Knights. It's unclear if those shows will have a similar episode order as The Flash's final season.
While it's undoubtedly sad for The Flash season 9 to end, it is still impressive for the series as a whole. The Flash passed Arrow's 170-episode run this season and will still retain the title as the longest-running Arrowverse drama on The CW. Even though The CW is going through many changes with its DC TV content, it wouldn't be shocking if an attempt at a The Flash spinoff is made to keep the brand going on the network, given its massive popularity.
The Flash season 9 premieres in 2023 on The CW.
Source: The Wrap