The Arrowverse’s Best Show Exposed All The Problems With The CW

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The Arrowverse, a series of DC Comics-based shows on The CW, was very successful from 2012 to 2023. However, one of its strongest shows also exposed some problems with the others. It all started with Arrow in 2012. The showrunners chose a lesser-known DC character, making it simpler to manage the series without needing to coordinate around the major characters typically saved for blockbuster movies.

Following the success of Arrow, the Arrowverse quickly grew, especially after The Flash became popular as its first spin-off. As more shows were added, the universe continued to expand and appeal to an increasingly larger audience.

Because The CW largely created these shows for its own platform, the Arrowverse experienced both successes and failures. While this allowed for greater connection between series and the development of a shared universe, many shows also fell into predictable patterns, hindering their ability to tell truly original stories.

Superman & Lois Was The Best Entry In The Arrowverse

When many other shows in the Arrowverse were ending or losing popularity, Superman & Lois arrived as a particularly interesting addition. Having previously played Superman (Clark Kent) on Supergirl, Tyler Hoechlin’s return to lead his own series, alongside Elizabeth Tulloch as Lois Lane, was a welcome surprise.

Beyond simply introducing a well-known hero, Superman & Lois presented Superman in a fresh way for the Arrowverse. Unlike previous portrayals, this Superman wasn’t a beginner; he was already established and skillfully juggled the demands of being a superhero with the responsibilities of raising a young family.

The show was a fantastic addition to the larger interconnected universe, and everyone involved—the actors, the visual effects team, and the storytelling—benefited from its four-season run.

The CW Ditched The Arrowverse Formula In Superman & Lois

Meanwhile, Superman & Lois brought attention to a problem that was becoming typical for other shows in The CW’s Arrowverse. Over time, these series had become repetitive, relying on predictable plots and uninspired episodes.

All of these shows followed a similar pattern: a hero who was still learning and growing, a tight-knit team of friends who supported them, a complicated relationship with the authorities, and a new villain appearing each week to challenge them.

It’s not that these shows aren’t enjoyable, but they’ve largely become superhero stories formatted like standard police or medical dramas. While those kinds of shows are reliably popular on network television, attracting consistent viewers, they generally don’t reach the same artistic heights as shows with more emotional depth and creative goals.

Superman & Lois really delivered on its promise by focusing on a strong family at its heart, while also building a believable community around them. While new dangers did appear from time to time, each season generally revolved around one main villain, and the storylines unfolded in interesting and unexpected ways.

Superman & Lois Reminds Us Of How Much Better The Arrowverse Could’ve Been

As a big fan of superhero shows, I’ve noticed how Superman & Lois really stood out. It definitely had echoes of the family-as-team dynamic we saw in other shows, and the government occasionally lending a hand, but it managed to avoid feeling repetitive. Honestly, the other Arrowverse series started to feel a bit predictable, but Superman & Lois broke free from that and kept things fresh.

What really made Superman & Lois stand out was its strong focus on family and big, season-long villains – something the other Arrowverse shows could have used to stay strong. Sadly, most of those shows started well, but didn’t maintain their quality for very long.

Superman & Lois actually improved by stepping back from the shared ‘Arrowverse’ universe. This allowed the show to focus on its own stories without being tied to ongoing plots from other series. While those crossover events were enjoyable, they often disrupted the flow of individual shows and made it harder for each series to develop its own distinct identity, as they all had to fit into a larger, interconnected narrative.

Like other shows in the Arrowverse, Superman & Lois definitely had its highs and lows. However, it enjoyed more creative freedom and opportunities for exploration than any of its counterparts. This allowed it to truly stand out as the best show in the Arrowverse, and it could have set a higher standard for the rest of the series.

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2025-12-05 19:19