It’s renewal time in the states and television networks are beginning to tell the audience/their shareholders which shows will return next year. ABC dropped their list the other day and confirmed a forth season for Agents of SHIELD and a debut season of Marvel’s Most Wanted while leaving Agent Carter out in the cold til further notice.
The CW has no such plans for anybody. In a bold move it has renewed every scripted show on it’s roster. The Flash, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, iZombie, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, The 100, Reign, Jane the Virgin and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend will all be back on our screens again in September.
This a massive show of confidence for a network on the top of their game. Their ratings are strong for their target audience and they dominate social media by enabling crossovers and shared universe storytelling (in both DCTV and The Vampire Diaries/Originals). It would have made sense to cut weaker shows like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend or Reign from the slate to make room for new pilots but the network is committed.
The announcement also ensured veteran Supernatural will reach 250 episodes, overtaking 7th Heaven as the 32nd longest running scripted show ever. Other milestones include The Vampire Diaries 150th episode and Arrow‘s 100th. Impressive for a second-tier channel.
