In a surprising move, The CW has decided to cancel all of its non-superhero shows, rebranding as an exclusive superhero series channel called CW Heroes.
“It’s Oliver Queen’s world, and we’re just living in it!” says CW President Mark Pedowitz in today’s statement, which reveals the network’s baffling new content strategy.
In an effort to compete with the ever-growing market for superhero series and movies in Hollywood, the already hero-heavy CW network has decided to expand its Arrowverse to max capacity, turning its focus entirely to DC property comic book adaptations starting next year.
That of course means dropping all plans for future series, along with existing favorites Jane the Virgin, The 100, iZombie, The Originals, Supernatural and all the other CW series not fitting their new profile.
In other words: If it’s not wearing a cape, it’s not on CW Heroes.
Related: The best and most vibrant spring 2017 TV shows
The network only came into being in 2006, the result of a merger between The WB and UPN. Just over a decade later, and it’s ready for another major overhaul. Pedowitz explains in the statement:
“We at The CW are proud to announce that, after months of negotiations, we have established an exclusive partnership with DC Comics, bringing exciting changes and expansions to the CW family — nay, the CW heroes.
Article Continues BelowYes. We do see ourselves as heroes. Heroes of Hollywood, committed to bringing our audience great entertainment! And we’ve been looking at your Netflix queues. You can’t get enough of superheroes, and let’s be honest, it’s not like anyone will actually miss our non-Arrowverse shows. I know I won’t!”
One might be tempted to wonder if the decision to focus entirely on superhero shows is really the wisest one for the network. But according to Mark Pedowitz, people will never get tired of caped crusaders.
“Look, I love teen comedies as much as the next middle-aged man. But let’s get real. Who wants another Gossip Girl when you can have Supergirl?” Pedowitz says, flashing his trademark rugged, boyish grin.
And speaking of Supergirl, Pedowitz can tease some big changes to the recently acquired series, specifically the decision to add fan-favorite Mon-El to the show’s title. “The fans just love him!” Pedowitz enthuses. “Mon-El and Supergirl is really gonna take off.”
The mood sobers as the topic turns to the existing, non-superhero programming at The CW that will, unfortunately, have to be cancelled to make room for more DC branded content.
“There is no greatness without sacrifice,” admits Pedowitz, bowing his head in something like sorrow. “I have had some very difficult conversations over the past weeks with showrunners whom I greatly admire, but whose brands now unfortunately do no longer fit our profile.”
All series currently airing (exempting Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl) will have one more season before wrapping up for good — all but one curious exception.
“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is staying!” Pedowitz trills with glee. “We struck a very special deal with DC to keep our critics’ darling around on CW Heroes — we’ll be revealing in season 3 that Rebecca has actually been moonlighting as the supervillain Star Sapphire all along! A superhero musical comedy! We’re very excited about that one.”
Clearly, a network focusing exclusively on superhero content opens the door to introduce lesser-known, more diverse characters from the comics universe. But don’t get too excited, because as Pedowitz notes, “People can only handle so much diversity. There’s a reason why Arrow scores better than Supergirl, and we don’t want to rock the boat too much. In fact, this is an opportunity to get more white, straight men on television. We just want to make great TV!”
CW Heroes is launching will an all-superhero slate of content exactly one year from today: April 1, 2018.
We want to hear your thoughts on this topic!
Write a comment below or submit an article to Hypable.