Will The Flash's Sixth Season Only Have 13 Episodes In 2020?

There has been speculation that the sixth season of The Flash may only consist of 13 episodes, but this is highly unlikely.

Current Episode Plan and Renewal Status

The Flash is a highly successful show on the CW network, consistently ranking among the top-rated series. Currently, the show is in its sixth season, which is set to air 22 episodes in total. This number was likely chosen to follow a consistent episode order that the network has used in the past to ensure the show's profitability.

Contradictory Speculations

Some have speculated that the network might revert to the previous order of 13 episodes per season, but this seems improbable. CW has not restructured their show order to 13 episodes in recent seasons, and doing so now would mean missing out on significant revenue. Each episode contributes to the show's profitability and viewer engagement. Therefore, it is more likely that the network will continue the 22-episode format as they have been doing.

Episode Air Dates and Season Finale

While much of the attention has focused on the number of episodes, it is more important to consider the episode airing schedule. Here is the confirmed schedule for the remaining episodes of The Flash's sixth season:

Air Dates for Episodes 10-13

Episode 10: “Marathon” - February 4, 2020 Episode 11: “Love Is A Battlefield” - February 11, 2020 Episode 12: “A Girl Named Sue” - February 18, 2020 Episode 13: “Grodd Friended Me” - February 25, 2020

As these episodes are already scheduled, it is unlikely that the show will go on hiatus for the March break with only three episodes left. The CW typically aims to have all main shows conclude their current season by May. Therefore, it is probable that the remaining 9 episodes will air in late March through May, following the typical broadcast schedule.

Renewal and Future Plans

The Flash has been successfully renewed for a seventh season, though the exact number of episodes has not been announced yet. This latest renewal indicates that the show remains a valuable asset to the network.

Warner Bros. and Netflix Contracts

It is also worth noting that the show's success has implications beyond just the network. Warner Bros., the production studio behind The Flash, has been carefully managing its intellectual property rights. One possibility is that new shows may be developed under Warner Bros. and streamed on HBO Max, potentially avoiding the Netflix deal for new shows. The current contract between The CW and Netflix only grants streaming rights to existing shows, not new ones starting in the 2019-2020 season or later.

The Future of The Flash

While the future of The Flash is uncertain, its continued success and renewal suggest it isn't on the verge of ending. However, it is also a possibility that Warner Bros. may choose to end the show and develop a successor series to stream on HBO Max. This strategy would allow them to control the distribution of new shows and maintain streaming rights.

In conclusion, while there have been speculations about the number of episodes for The Flash's sixth season, the current plan is to air a full 22 episodes. This aligns with the usual episode order and maximizes the show's profitability. The remaining episodes will air in late February and March, with the season finale planned for late May, as typical broadcast schedules dictate.