In 2012, “Arrow” premiered on The CW, ushering in a new era for the network. At the time, The CW was grappling with so-so rated series like “Hart of Dixie,” “Gossip Girl,” and “90210.” Its only broad-appeal hit was the long-running “Supernatural.” The network was in desperate need of a game-changer, and “Arrow” was about to be just that.
With Mark Pedowitz succeeding Dawn Ostroff as the network's president of entertainment, a strategic pivot was made. The focus shifted from women 18–34 to a broader adult demographic. Central to this shift was “Arrow,” the DC Comics adaptation that sparked a wave of six interconnected superhero shows, collectively known as the Arrowverse. This universe eventually spanned nearly 700 episodes and thirty-seven seasons, reshaping the TV landscape.
Marc Guggenheim, co-creator and executive producer of “Arrow,” recently reflected on those transformative years during an appearance on The Showrunner Whisperer podcast. Guggenheim shared the immense pressure felt during the show's early days, stating, “the pressure of keeping the whole network on the air.” Just after the pilot was greenlit, Warner Bros. TV chairman Peter Roth underscored this reality by telling the creators that if “Arrow” failed, so would The CW.
The creative freedom and unique conditions of that era were pivotal. Guggenheim reminisced, “I don't think we could do ‘Arrow' today, certainly not the way we had originally done it.” The flexibility and autonomy they enjoyed were rare and unlikely to be replicated in today's industry.
“Arrow” didn't just save The CW; it set the stage for even greater successes. Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg, who also executive produced the series, went on to develop hits like “The Flash,” the cult favorite “Legends of Tomorrow,” and the solid performer “Supergirl.”
As Guggenheim moves on to projects like Amazon's “Carnival Row,” the legacy of “Arrow” endures. It not only revitalized a struggling network but also created a rich tapestry of interconnected superhero stories that captivated millions. The show's success is a testament to the power of bold creative vision and the enduring appeal of superhero tales.
