If you think networks like Fox, ABC and CBS are driving a superhero trend on TV, they’ve got nothing on the CW.
(The CW is owned in part by Time Warner, CNN’s parent company).
The fifth network is quite confident about its new fall schedule, and much of that has to do with the “Fastest Man Alive,” thanks to his super-ratings.
Here are five things we’ve learned about the CW’s new fall schedule:
1.Superheroes, superheroes everywhere
With the success of “The Flash” (a fan favorite and the network’s most-watched show ever), it’s no wonder the CW ordered up a spinoff. “Legends of Tomorrow” will star Brandon Routh and other supporting characters from the various superhero shows on the CW, along with new cast members like “Doctor Who’s” Arthur Darvill. The series arrives in 2016.
2. More comedy in the vein of ‘Jane’
“Jane the Virgin” is perhaps the most critically acclaimed show ever on the CW, with star Gina Rodriguez earning a Golden Globe, a first for the network.
The CW is banking on a show with a similar vibe to lead off Mondays. “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” about a young woman who leaves New York for the suburbs of California, was originally meant for Showtime.
3. The long life of ‘Supernatural’
“Supernatural” is now the longest-running sci-fi or horror series on television, heading into its 11th season. CW President Mark Pedowitz says there’s no end in sight.
As long as the ratings stay strong and the desire to do the show is there, they will keep picking it up, he told reporters Thursday.
(“The Vampire Diaries,” on the other hand, may struggle next season with the loss of Nina Dobrev.)
4. ‘Constantine’ a non-starter at CW?
Rumors that NBC’s recently canceled comic book adaptation “Constantine” might land on the CW are just that, “rumors,” said Pedowitz. He joked that there were rumors he might join the NBA, not offering fans much hope.
Time for the show’s devoted social media following to look toward cable or streaming, it sounds like.
5. The apocalypse theme continues
The CW already has zombies (“iZombie” was a hit this season), but the apocalypse is dead serious on the upcoming series “Containment.”
The show is shot in — and set in — Atlanta, where a deadly virus causes the city to be quarantined. (Shades of “Under the Dome,” perhaps?)
The CW’s full fall schedule is below:
MONDAY
8-9 p.m. — “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”
9-10 p.m. — “Jane the Virgin”
TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. — “The Flash”
9-10 p.m. — “iZombie”
WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. — “Arrow”
9-10 p.m. — “Supernatural”
THURSDAY
8-9 p.m. — “The Vampire Diaries”
9-10 p.m. — “The Originals”
FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. — “Reign”
9-10 p.m. — “America’s Next Top Model”