Future Of The DC Television Universe

In this new Golden Age for superhero media, many people have their eyes fixated on the Marvel and DC Comics cinematic universes. With movies like Captain America: Civil War and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice it is hard for comic fans to focus on anything but these major blockbusters. Although as much as DC has focused on their major DC Extended Universe (DCEU) in cinema, they have seemingly begun to create one of the most amazing and interesting universes in television history as well.

DC began their television universe when they premiered their first superhero show since Smallville - Arrow. Arrow premiered on October 12th 2012 and it was a complete success. The show continued to grow its fan base and became one of the most talked about shows in 2012. Fans could not wait to see what other villains and heroes that would show up on the show. Over the past three seasons, fans have enjoyed seeing Deathstroke, Huntress, Ras Al Ghul, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and other well known villains.  We have also seen well-known heroes such as Red Arrow, Speedy, Black Canary, the Atom, and The Flash!

The show continues to grow its fan-base and has reached such a height that the show runners at DC and CW decided to begin plans for a spinoff that would begin the DC TV Universe. In the later episodes of Arrow’s second season, fans were introduced to none other than Barry Allen - before he becomes the Flash. This appearance was the first step down this ambitious path!

On October 7th 2014, CW premiered their next superhero show The Flash. This show was announced to be running in tandem with Arrow and would have episodes where characters from each show would crossover with one another. The show follows Barry Allen who, after an accident at S.T.A.R Labs, obtains his speed powers. The show was one of the most anticipated shows in 2014, but many had their reservations about it.  The show was tonally very different from Arrow and needed substantial special effects for each episode, due to Barry’s powers.

The Flash, like Arrow, began to gain a very strong fan base and became one of the most talked about shows on television. The show would continue to surprise fans with the look of the show and the story lines it followed. The special effects worked, with both heroes villains, and made it extremely believable. This was evident when Gorilla Grodd was shown in the episode “Grodd Lives”. Grodd looked amazing and his appearance allowed fans to take a big sigh of relief, it also gained the special effects team an Emmy nomination!

The show runners also introduced some of the most well known Flash villains in the DC Universe. In one season they introduced the Reverse-Flash, Gorilla Grodd, the concept of the Rogues Gallery and much more. They also introduced many heroes in the first season with the likes of Firestorm, Arrow, The Atom, and Vibe. The show shocked fans by how well it was produced and how well there show tapped into the Flash's comics lore.

During the seasons for both The Flash and Arrow, it was announced that CW will be introducing another show that will be entering the DC TV Universe. The new show will be called Legends of Tomorrow that will also crossover with The Flash and Arrow.

It was announced that the main heroes will be The Atom, White Canary, Firestorm, Hawkgirl, Captain Cold, Heatwave, and Rip Hunter. These characters will be traveling through time with Rip Hunter to try and stop the immortal villain Vandal Savage.  The producers announced that Hawkman will be a part of all three CW shows and also stated that by using time travel and going to different parts of the multiverse, it opens up a wide variety of characters that can join the show or even cameo.

The show runners of Arrow and The Flash are looking to make both shows one of the best on television.

For Arrow's fourth season, it was announced that Oliver Queen will take on the official name of the Green Arrow. It was also announced that he will be making jokes and be more like his comic counterpart.  John Diggle will be getting his own costume and officially become the Guardian. Other heroes and villains have been rumoured to be joining the show, like Mr. Terrific.

For The Flash, the show runners are ensuring that this next season is going to top their first. They announced that Jay Garrick will be coming to the show and will let Barry know about a great evil that will be showing up and that he will be mentoring Barry to further develop his powers. It was also announced that Wally West is going to be introduced into the show. Professor Zoom is going to be the big bad for season 2. He will be faster than Barry and will be faster than Reverse-Flash ever was. These are just some of the new characters that have been announced for the new seasons and there will surely be more to be announced as we get closer to the premiere dates.

The DC TV Universe continues to grow and seems to be something that will give fans enjoyment for many years to come; especially with the plethora heroes and villains being introduced into this universe. Only time will tell what other heroes will join these series or what new show will join the lineup, but one things for sure, it's going to be entertaining.

Let us know what you are looking forward to the most out of the DC TV Universe!

 

Ryan Mayer is a Writer for ComiConverse. He can be followed on Twitter: @RMayer94