10 CW Shows of the 2010s

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In the 2020s, The CW has adopted a more modest approach, which is intentional. After Nexstar took over the network, they shifted their focus away from scripted series towards reality shows, sports, and other content that can be consumed quickly. This change was likely due to the fact that The CW had never been profitable since its launch in 2006, a fact that might surprise many considering the number of successful shows it produced. Now, “All American” seems like the last guest at the party as the network prepares to move on to a new location.

Looking back, we’ll never forget those golden years. Shows like Smallville and The Vampire Diaries made us feel spoiled for choice. It was an incredible era for the network, with so many critically acclaimed shows. From superhero series to ordinary dramas, soap operas, comedies, and thrillers, there was a fantastic variety of programs on offer. Here’s a taste of the network’s finest offerings from the last decade.

10
‘The 100’ (2014 – 2020)

In a world devastated by nuclear wars, welcome to “The 100”, set 97 years later. Here, survivors reside on a spacecraft named the Ark. As resources dwindle, an intriguing decision is made: 100 juvenile convicts are sent back to Earth to check if it’s habitable again. However, they find that the planet, once thought to be deserted, surprisingly houses some remaining humans. The question remains, what became of the human population?

A Perfect Adaptation of Kass Morgan’s Book

Engaging, charming, and thought-provoking, “The 100” spans seven seasons and unravels slowly, giving it an introspective feel. Its striking visuals and eerie soundtrack leave lasting impressions. The series boasts a fantastic ensemble cast, including Paige Turco, Thomas McDonell, Eli Goree, Marie Avgeropoulos, and Eliza Taylor who portrays a human reacting to post-apocalyptic life as authentically as any actor ever has.

9
‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ (2015 – 2019)

Wondering what’s up with the character Rebecca Bunch from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend? Despite having degrees from Yale and Harvard, she receives a promotion but instead of accepting, she becomes fearful and leaves the building. After unexpectedly bumping into her high school sweetheart, Josh Chan, she chooses to move to West Covina, California, where he resides. Could this rekindled affection develop into an enduring romantic relationship?

You’ll Love the Crazy

In a rich, extravagant production, this captivating show managed to snatch two Emmys awards. Its dialogue, settings, and storylines are compelling enough to explain its success. However, drama connoisseurs might find it somewhat extended, overdramatic, and quirky when the characters like Rebecca and her group unexpectedly break into song – but remember, we’re talking about The CW network here, where such elements are integral to the overall enjoyment. Those who appreciate this unique style of entertainment will be carried away by it.

8
‘The Flash’ (2014 – 2023)

In The Flash, the life of forensic scientist Barry Allen (played by Grant Gustin) is drastically altered when he’s hit by lightning following an explosion at a particle accelerator. This event grants him extraordinary speed, leading him to transform into the superhero called The Flash. Instead of wasting time, he uses his powers to protect the world alongside his colleagues at S.T.A.R. Labs.

Best Arrowverse Show

As a devoted cinephile, I must say that what sets The Flash apart is its portrayal of the title character as an ordinary person. When Barry Allen isn’t The Flash, he feels incredibly relatable. This series truly stands out when compared to other live-action adaptations of the same DC character. The Ezra Miller film was a confusing jumble, while the early ’90s show was laughably cheesy, even by Golden Age comic book standards. Thankfully, this production, which in 2020 made its way into the Guinness World Records as the “Most in-demand superhero TV show,” has proven to be a breath of fresh air.

7
‘Nikita’ (2010 – 2023)

In the second rendition of Luc Besson’s well-known French film “La Femme Nikita,” the character Nikita (played by Maggie Q) resurfaces after spending years in concealment with the goal of dismantling a covert government agency known as Division, which had trained her to be an assassin. However, she finds the leadership within this organization corrupt, prompting her to act against it and uphold justice.

Plucking the Rot

Reflecting on her impressive fighting skills, it’s unfortunate that Maggie Q didn’t become a globally recognized top female action star. In essence, the blend of martial arts, gunplay, tech elements, and the show’s focus on Q’s captivating visual appeal make Nikita highly engaging. The primary criticism is that there aren’t enough seasons. Time seems to pass quickly as you become engrossed in watching Nikita.

6
‘Dynasty’ (2017 – 2022)

As a cinephile, I find myself drawn to the modern reinvention of the iconic 1980s drama series, “Dynasty.” This updated version delves into the lives of the affluent Carrington family, who hail from Atlanta, as they navigate an array of complex predicaments. After a day filled with chaos, they unwind through laughter, cocktails, and a fair share of passionate encounters.

Never a Dull Day When Family Drama Is Involved

The series, titled Dynasty, exudes elegance through its captivating settings and outstanding costume designs. The acting is top-notch, with Elizabeth Gillies delivering a standout performance as the heiress striving to escape her father’s influence. Grant Snow, who previously tackled similar themes in Devious Maids, also shines as the family head. Although it didn’t run for as many seasons as the original, this revamped version is likely to resonate more with contemporary audiences than its ’80s counterpart.

5
‘iZombie’ (2017 – 2022)

If you’re tired of slow-moving zombies with no other abilities than biting, why not give “iZombie” a try? It’s a show centered around Liv (played by Rose Mclver), an exceptional crime solver who just happens to be part of the undead. However, instead of feeding on human flesh like most zombies, she feeds on brains, which grants her access to people’s memories. This unique ability proves incredibly useful when it comes to solving homicides.

TV’s Most Likable Zombie

This captivating drama cleverly alternates between humor and suspense, allowing us to cheer on Liv’s detective advancements one moment, and shudder at the horrific nature of the crimes another. Despite occasional leanings towards sitcom-like humor and an overabundance of unexpected dramatic turns, the exceptional acting of Rose Mclver more than compensates for these minor flaws. The most amusing scenes occur when Liv adopts the peculiar habits of her victims upon consuming their brains, such as suddenly speaking French or finding humor in dog flatulence. These moments are absurdly entertaining!

4
‘Riverdale’ (2017 – 2023)

Riverdale, modeled on characters from Archie Comics, primarily revolves around a cluster of individuals ensnared in the town’s most intricate mysteries following a tragic murder. Amidst this, there’s also plenty going on at school, making it difficult to juggle everything effectively.

Consistently Good

This unusual and charming drama garnered numerous Teen Choice Awards and left many impressed. It takes traditional teenage storytelling and flips it upside down, creating a series that might seem too sophisticated for its intended audience. Yet this isn’t necessarily a drawback. The show is highly addictive, making viewers eager to watch more. When it landed on Netflix, it quickly became a massive hit, demonstrating that there’s an appetite for stories like these in the world.

3
‘Black Lightning’ (2018 – 2021)

In the series Black Lightning, Jefferson Pierce (played by Cress Williams) is seen as merely a high school principal and a respected community figure to most people. However, unknown to many, he leads a double life as the masked superhero, Black Lightning, who tirelessly works to thwart the evil plans of Tobias Whale and his criminal organization, aiming to protect their neighborhood from destruction.

Culturally Relevant

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’ve always found myself appreciating the underappreciated. In the realm of the Arrowverse, Black Lightning stood tall as one of the most undervalued series, yet it was nothing short of flawless. Dive into the expansive DC live-action TV universe and you’ll find it challenging to unearth a more compelling villain than Tobias Whale. The show masterfully navigates the thin line between pulse-pounding action and incisive social commentary, shedding light on pressing issues like oppression and crime in a thought-provoking manner. If you’ve yet to give it a try, I strongly encourage you to do so.

2
‘No Tomorrow’ (2016 – 2017)

The TV series “No Tomorrow” revolves around Evie, a woman from Seattle, who encounters a carefree individual convinced that the world is ending imminently. This man encourages her to compile an “apocalyst,” or a list of things to do before the end. Can she break free from this belief system?

Should Have Had a Longer Run

Corinne Brinkerhoff’s new series draws inspiration from her past works like “Jane the Virgin” and “The Good Wife,” yet manages to establish its own unique identity as a lively tapestry of witty jokes and lengthy conversations. Occasionally, the show leans on visual and auditory elements more than dialogue, but this approach proves effective. A delightful depiction of Seattle life and a subtle jab at those who overanalyze, this series is a must-watch for fans who appreciate straightforward characters.

1
‘Jane the Virgin’ (2014 – 2019)

Jane Villanueva’s story, as depicted in “Jane the Virgin,” unfolds after she unintentionally becomes artificially inseminated during a routine medical exam and finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. The father is none other than the son of a prosperous hotel magnate, suggesting that love may blossom amidst the chaos, but whether it does or not remains to be seen.

Virgin Until Season 3

The captivating mix of memorable characters, wit, and binge-worthy plotlines make “Jane the Virgin” tough to turn away from. Although it has a dedicated fanbase, even casual viewers might find themselves drawn in for a quick glimpse. Gina Rodriguez’s performance deserves numerous Emmy nominations, but given the show’s tremendous success, she won’t have much room for complaint. Here’s hoping that more shows similar to “Jane the Virgin” emerge in the future.

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2025-02-24 00:35