Why Supergirl Moved from CBS to The CW and Its Fate in the Arrowverse

Supergirl's Journey: From CBS to The CW

Supergirl first premiered on CBS in October 2015. Initially, the connection between Supergirl and the Arrowverse was tenuous, primarily due to the multiverse concept. This premise suggested that Supergirl's Earth was distinct from the Earth where The Flash and The Arrow lived. The multiverse concept added an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, making it less straightforward to integrate the two series seamlessly. However, the two networks, CBS and The CW, both under the Warner Bros. umbrella, made a strategic decision to move the series to The CW. This decision was driven by the low ratings on CBS. To make this transition possible, significant changes were made, such as relocating the production base from Los Angeles to Vancouver, which required Callista Flockhart to step away from the show as a regular cast member.

Strategic Relocation for Better Collaboration

The move to Vancouver proved to be a strategic decision that benefited the entire Arrowverse. The relocation of production to the same city as the other Arrowverse shows, Arcade, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow, facilitated easier coordination and more manageable crossover events. By the time the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event took place, all the CW superhero shows, including the new Vancouver series Batwoman (which later moved to another city) and the Atlanta-based Black Lightning, were unified on a single Earth. This integration allowed for more complex and compelling storytelling across the Arrowverse.

Supergirl's Final Seasons and the Arrowverse's Dissolution

However, the end of Supergirl marked the dissolution of its place within the Arrowverse. In the midst of the planning stages for the sixth season, Melissa Benoist announced that it would be her final season. This decision was largely influenced by personal and professional considerations. During the fifth season, Melissa and her husband Chris Wood were expecting a child, limiting her availability for filming in the latter part of that season and the early part of the sixth season due to her pregnancy. Moreover, the ongoing challenges of the COVID pandemic and the personal desire to focus on family likely contributed to her decision not to commit to another series while raising a newborn. The circumstances surrounding the show's end coincided with the cancellations of both Batwoman and Legends of Tomorrow, further solidifying the end of an era in the Arrowverse.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Supergirl and Its Impact

The move of Supergirl from CBS to The CW and its subsequent role in the Arrowverse stands as a testament to the complexities and strategic decisions that define television franchises. The show not only showcased the power of the multiverse concept but also illustrated the importance of production logistics in the seamless integration of series. Although Supergirl's time in the Arrowverse may have come to an end, it leaves a lasting legacy in the annals of superhero TV.