A Guide to All of The CW’s Superheroes Through the Years: From ‘Arrow’ to ‘Gotham Knights’

Credit: The CW (3) ; Shutterstock

A Guide to All of The CW's Superheroes Through the Years: From 'Arrow' to 'Gotham Knights'

Creating their own superhero universe. From Arrow to The Flash to Gotham Knights, The CW is known for its prolific selection of shows based on various DC comics. The network originally kicked off its superhero content by introducing Arrow in 2012. Stephen Amell was cast in the role of Oliver Queen — who went on to become the Green Arrow. "Stephen was one of the very first people who came in and auditioned. Usually when you go into the studio or the network, you bring multiple choices, and we didn't do that," executive producer Andrew Kreisberg explained at a press panel ahead of the show's debut. "Every step of the way was Stephen, Stephen, Stephen, because not just physically, but talent-wise and emotionally, he was always Oliver Queen to us." The Canada native recalled having to learn some unexpected skills for the role. "I had never picked [a bow and arrow] up before, and it's literally one of the most dangerous things that you can do on a film set," Amell added. "The first thing for me was getting the form — I have a wonderful coach who started my training by showing me a 45-minute video of all the ways archery has been done badly in film and TV. I really like archery — I enjoy practicing it when I have time off." After nearly a decade as Oliver, Amell hung up his bow and arrow to star in Starz's wrestling drama, Heels. "I was totally hesitant. It's not what I was looking for. I wasn't looking for anything, frankly," the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles star exclusively told Us Weekly in August 2021. "I hadn't thought about what my next move was going to be after Arrow. And then they found me. They sought me out and my manager told me how great he thought the scripts were." [jwplayer ym9QHrxy-zhNYySv2] At the time, Amell gushed about getting the opportunity to grow alongside his Arrow character. "When I got the job as Green Arrow/Oliver Queen, I was at a really interesting point in my life. I was dating a young lady who's now my wife," he shared with Us, referring to wife Cassandra Jean, with whom he shares two kids. "I was ready for that opportunity. You've got to believe that there are forces in the universe that are working that you're not aware of." Meanwhile two years later, Grant Gustin reflected on playing Barry Allen on The Flash for eight years in a touching tribute. "I said goodbye to The Flash and my Flash family on Saturday. Very special day, with moments I will cherish for the rest of my life. My family got to see my last shot as The Flash — that’s something I could’ve never imagined nearly 10 years ago when I started this journey," he wrote via Instagram in March 2023. "I got a chance to thank the crew, who have worked longer hours than anyone can image and are the reason we were able to accomplish 184 episodes of The Flash. More than anything I’ll miss chatting and laughing in between takes(and sometimes during takes) with so many of them. Regardless of how challenging this journey was at times, I know I laughed every single day at work for the last 9 + years. I made lots of mistakes and did a lot of growing up on this journey." In the lengthy message, the Glee alum thanked his fellow cast and crew for working alongside him over the years. "Thank you for believing in me. Thank you to the cast, old and new. Series regulars over the series and guest stars that popped in and out. Our guest stars are the unsung heroes of this show, that really made it special over the years," he continued. "I made a lot of friends, and I’m sure many of us will be in each others lives forever. THANK YOU to the fans who remained passionate about our show through 9 seasons. The show went through lots of changes but so many people stuck with us through it all. I look forward to hopefully continuing to meet some of you out in the world in passing and maybe even at conventions in the future." Gustin concluded: "Honored to have had the chance to play this iconic character. I gave it absolutely everything I had. That’s all for now. ⚡️❤️." Scroll on for a breakdown of every superhero show on The CW:

Credit: Berlanti Tv/Dc Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock

'Arrow'

Based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow, The CW introduced Amell as Oliver Queen in 2012. The series, which ran until 2020, also starred Katie Cassidy, Colin Donnell, David Ramsey, Willa Holland, Paul Blackthorne, Emily Bett Rickards and Colton Haynes.

During its onscreen run, Arrow inspired several spinoffs including The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow and a backdoor pilot for Green Arrow & The Canaries.

Credit: The CW

'The Flash'

Following several appearances on Arrow, Gustin went on to score a series for his character Barry Allen. The Flash, which aired from 2016 to 2023, introduced viewers to Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Tom Cavanagh, Jesse L. Martin, Keiynan Lonsdale and Jessica Parker Kennedy.

Credit: Bettina Strauss/The CW

'Legends of Tomorrow'

The CW expanded the superhero realm with Legends of Tomorrow, which followed core characters from Arrow and The Flash. Since its 2016 premiere, the spinoff series explored Caity Lotz as the White Canary in the time-travel show.

Victor Garber, Brandon Routh, Dominic Purcell, Wentworth Miller, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Nick Zano, Matt Ryan and more stars appeared on Legends of Tomorrow until its cancellation in 2022.

Credit: Katie Yu/The CW

'Supergirl'

Melissa Benoist originally introduced her version of Supergirl on a CBS series, which premiered in 2015. However, the show was moved to The CW after one season and ultimately lost cast members Calista Flockhart and Jenna Dewan.

Supergirl, which ended its run in 2021, explored key characters played by Mehcad Brooks, Chyler Leigh, Jeremy Jordan, David Harewood, Chris Wood, Floriana Lima, Katie McGrath, Odette Annable, Jesse Rath and Nicole Maines.

Credit: Guy D'Alema/The CW

'Black Lightning'

Viewers were introduced to Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce in 2018 when Black Lightning debuted on The CW. After three seasons, Black Lightning merged with the rest of the superheroes on the network with an appearance in the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event.

Black Lightning, which wrapped up its time on The CW in 2021, cast China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams, Christine Adams and Marvin "Krondon" Jones III in main roles.

Ahead of its cancellation, Black Lightning scored a spinoff focused on Jordan Calloway as Painkiller. It was ultimately passed on.

Credit: The CW

'Batwoman'

In 2019, Ruby Rose took on the role of Kate Kane in a superhero series titled Batwoman. Shortly after the conclusion of the first season, Rose exited the series and Javicia Leslie was cast as the new lead Ryan Wilder.

Throughout the seasons, Leslie was joined by Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy, Nicole Kang and Camrus Johnson. Batwoman ran for three seasons before The CW pulled the plug in 2022.

Credit: The CW

'Stargirl'

Based on the DC Comics superhero Courtney Whitmore, Brec Bassinger took on the role of Stargirl when the show premiered in 2020. The series also starred Yvette Monreal, Anjelika Washington, Cameron Gellman, Jake Austin Walker, Amy Smart, Luke Wilson and Joel McHale before its 2022 cancellation.

Credit: Nino Muñoz/The CW

'Superman & Lois'

Tyler Hoechlin was initially introduced as Clark Kent in an episode of Supergirl before scoring his own show focused on Earth's greatest superhero and his family. Superman & Lois, which debuted in 2021, has been confirmed to not be a part of the Arrowverse.

The show stars Elizabeth Tulloch, Jordan Elsass, Alex Garfin, Erik Valdez, Inde Navarrette, Wolé Parks, Adam Rayner and Dylan Walsh.

Following Elsass' departure ahead of season 3, the role of Jonathan was recast with Michael Bishop.

Credit: Youtube

'Naomi'

In 2022, comic book fans saw Kaci Walfall bring Naomi McDuffie to life in the short-lived CW series. Cranston Johnson, Alexander Wraith, Mary-Charles Jones, Mouzam Makkar, Daniel Puig and Camila Moreno appeared in the show before it was canceled after one season.

Credit: Amanda Mazonkey/The CW

'Gotham Knights'

Gotham Knights is set to follow Bruce Wayne's adopted son (Oscar Morgan) in the aftermath of his father's death. Fallon Smythe, Tyler DiChiara, Olivia Rose Keegan, Navia Robinson and Misha Collins will be starring in the series as well, which premieres in March 2023.