The CW Cancels Another Arrowverse Superhero Show

By Tom Drew Updated:
CW Arrowverse Superhero Show

Following reports of The Flash, Batwoman, and more ending their series runs, another superhero show in DC's ongoing Arrowverse has just been canceled by The CW.

After months of uncertainty and cancellations, the future of the DCU finally looks bright now that Warner Bros. Discovery tapped James Gunn and Peter Safran to lead DC's film, TV, and animation sectors as co-CEOs of DC Studios.

However, the same can't be said for blue brand content on the soon-to-be overhauled The CW in its targeting of older audiences.

While there was hope that the remaining DC series would survive and even continue to host superhero crossovers, that no longer appears to be the case. 

The CW Cancels DC's Stargirl

Stargirl, DC, Arrowverse character
DC

Deadline reported that The CW has canceled DC's Stargirl after three seasons. The series was one of the few remaining in DC's wider Arrowverse franchise, though it was only tangentially connected through being part of the universe's wider Multiverse.

Stargirl's creatives were reportedly told early on about the decision to end the show after Season 3 by Nexstar, the conglomerate that recently acquired The CW. This luckily allowed the writers to create a suitable ending reflecting the show's coming to a close.

After previously hoping for the show's chance of renewal, lead star Brec Bassinger shared a statement of gratitude for her time working on the show:

"Getting to play Stargirl and be a part of the DC Universe has been the greatest honor, and I am so grateful for every moment of it. I would like to thank our fearless leader Geoff Johns, along with WBTV, The CW, the cast and crew of Stargirl, and of course, the fans. Thank you. This show will forever live in my heart.”

Show creator Geoff Johns also reflected on the show's cancellation in a statement, calling Season 3 "what [he] believe[s] to be the best season of Stargirl yet, with complete creative closure:"

Stargirl has always held a special place in my heart for many reasons. With all the brewing changes at the network, we were aware this was possibly the last season, so we wrote with that in mind and have delivered what I believe to be the best season of Stargirl yet, with complete creative closure. The cast and crew are extraordinary, and I’d like to thank them for helping me bring this series to life. Brec embodied Courtney in every way possible — with grace, strength and humor — exceeding my wildest expectations. I am grateful to WBTV and The CW for giving us a home to tell this story and to honor my beloved late sister, and I’m beyond thankful to the press and fans who have always championed us for three amazing seasons. Most series never get this far. We couldn’t be more proud of our show and the fan community it’s built!”

This decision comes amid several shakeups at Warner Bros. Discovery, Nexstar, and The CW alike, the latter of which recently lost its CEO.

Crossovers Await in the Final Season of Stargirl?

Since the third and final season of Stargirl is currently airing on The CW, it will be interesting to see how the writers conclude Courtney Whitmore's story. 

Also, since the writers penned this current season knowing it could be the last, it will be equally fascinating to see if those crossovers do, in fact, happen. 

Not only did Brec Bassinger express interest in crossing paths with Superman & Lois and Supergirl, but Stargirl's Blue Valley High School has been spotted on the Titans set.

As for the remains of the Arrowverse, it's worth noting that David Ramsey, who plays John Diggle, claimed that the Justice U series from The CW is still in the works.

Does this mean there's hope for the remnants of the Arrowverse? For now, that remains to be seen as DC and The CW continue their ongoing transitions. 

In the meantime, Stargirl still has plenty of stories left to tell between now and December 7.

New episodes of Stargirl debut on Wednesdays.

- About The Author: Tom Drew
Tom Drew is the Executive Editor at The Direct. Tom writes for The Direct's Marvel, Star Wars, and DC branches while specializing in all things movies, from blockbuster to indie darlings.