How To Watch The Arrowverse In Order

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the expansive television universe that is the CW’s Arrowverse. From its inception with “Arrow” back in 2012, it has blossomed into an impressive collection of DC superhero shows such as “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “Legends of Tomorrow,” “Black Lightning,” and “Batwoman,” among others. What sets this franchise apart is not just the simultaneous airing of multiple seasons, but the intricate web of characters that binds them together.

If you decide to only watch one show in the interconnected series known as The CW’s Arrowverse, you may find yourself confused or lost because crucial plot points from other shows will be referenced and developed. This is similar to how comic book crossover events work, where multiple storylines intersect. With numerous multi-episode crossovers and standalone episodes filled with interwoven events, it can become quite complex for casual television viewers.

If you’re keen on following the entire Arrowverse chronologically without missing any part from one series to another, you might find it helpful to consult a guide similar to this one. Keep in mind, though, that your Arrowverse journey will likely be time-consuming. There are multiple ways to access the franchise, but we suggest the sequence provided below as the most optimal.

Start with the beginning — Arrow Seasons 1 and 2

The creation of the Arrowverse can be attributed to the success of the show “Arrow,” which made its debut in 2012 and featured Stephen Amell in the lead role as Oliver Queen. Drawing heavily from its original source material, “Arrow” originally intended to serve as a spinoff of “Smallville,” where Justin Hartley portrayed Green Arrow. Although Hartley’s individual superhero series never came to fruition, both shows share similarities in their exploration of the background stories of their central characters, adopting elements from the “Smallville” formula.

In “Arrow” Season 1, viewers are presented with two distinct narratives: one unfolds in the current timeline as Oliver Queen returns to Starling City, while another delves into his transformation into the hero, set five years ago. This latter story is conveyed through flashbacks that reveal how he evolves into the man we see today. Additionally, this season introduces key characters such as John Diggle (David Ramsey), Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards), Laurel Lance (Katie Cassidy), and others.

In Season 1, we witness Oliver developing his Hood identity (which isn’t known as Green Arrow yet), supported by Diggle and others. The narrative carries over into Season 2, delving deeper into Oliver’s past, specifically when he was stranded on a Pacific Ocean island. To get acquainted with the Arrowverse, start by watching the following:

“Arrow” Season 1: Episodes 1-23
“Arrow” Season 2: Episodes 1-23

The Arrowverse quickly expands to include new and old heroes

Barry Allen, known as the Flash, initially made an appearance on “Arrow.” His entrance was met with such positive response that The CW swiftly commissioned a pilot for a brand-new show. This new series, titled “The Flash,” premiered in October 2014, and it soon gained massive popularity.

Before getting his own TV show, the character known as the Flash made an appearance in two episodes of “Arrow’s” second season. Initially planned to appear again in another episode, this was changed when they decided to launch his own series instead. Not long after the premiere of “The Flash’s” first season coinciding with “Arrow’s” third season, The CW introduced its first Arrowverse crossover event, cleverly titled “The Flash vs. Arrow.

2014’s television season didn’t just produce what we saw, as “Constantine,” starring Matt Ryan, also debuted on NBC. Initially, he wasn’t tied to the Arrowverse, but John Constantine eventually showed up in “Arrow” and other series, which later incorporated his NBC show into the DC superhero universe. Therefore, here’s the correct sequence of events:

1. “Constantine” (NBC)
2. Other appearances within the Arrowverse (e.g., “Arrow”)

“The Flash” Season 1: Episodes 1-7
“Arrow” Season 3: Episodes 1-7
“The Flash” Season 1: Episode 8 – “The Flash vs. Arrow” Part 1
“Arrow” Season 3: Episode 8 – “The Flash vs. Arrow” Part 2
“The Flash” Season 1: Episodes 9-23
“Arrow” Season 3: Episodes 9-23
“Constantine” Season 1: Episodes 1-13 (First and only season)

It’s time for Supergirl, Legends, and Vixen

The popularity of “The Flash” sparked the development of multiple other DC shows, such as “Supergirl,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” and a web-based series titled “Vixen.” Launched in 2015, this animated show centers around Mari McCabe (Megalyn Echikunwoke), a character who possesses powers from the animal kingdom due to her totem. Intriguingly, Echikunwoke also portrayed Vixen in live-action during the fourth season of “Arrow.

At this juncture, characters hailing from different Earths start intermingling significantly, paving the way for the second Arrowverse crossover titled “Heroes Join Forces.” This occurrence serves as a prelude to “Legends of Tomorrow,” where we’re introduced to main DC antagonist Vandal Savage (portrayed by Casper Crump) and numerous other characters. Additionally, there’s a smaller crossover named “World’s Finest” that transports Barry Allen into Supergirl’s universe, which is distinct from both “Arrow” and “Flash.” To enjoy the sequence, follow this suggested viewing order:

“Vixen” Season 1: Episodes 1-6
“The Flash” Season 2: Episodes 1-7
“Arrow” Season 4: Episodes 1-7
“The Flash” Season 2: Episode 8 – “Heroes Join Forces” Part 1
“Arrow” Season 4: Episode 8 – “Heroes Join Forces” Part 2
“Arrow” Season 4: Episodes 9-23
“Supergirl” Season 1: Episodes 1-17
“The Flash” Season 2: Episode 18 (This episode is loosely related to “World’s Finest”)
“Supergirl” Season 1: Episode 18 – “World’s Finest”
“The Flash” Season 2: Episodes 19-23
“Supergirl” Season 1: Episodes 19-20
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season 1: Episodes 1-16

The leadup to Invasion!

2016 marked a year without any new show debuts; instead, it focused on extending the ongoing series from their launches. The central crossover event was “Invasion!”, revolving around an alien race called the Dominators, which represented the first extraterrestrial danger in the Arrowverse. This brought all the heroes together to save the world, making it the first instance where Teams Flash, Arrow, and Legends were simultaneously on screen at the same time, signifying a significant milestone in their shared universe.

In the crossover event, Supergirl interacts with other heroes from the Arrowverse, marking a significant milestone during her tenure within the franchise. The crossover concludes with her being given an interdimensional hopper, a gadget that enables her to move freely between dimensions, her own included and those of her newfound friends. Additionally, there’s a smaller crossover in “Supergirl” Season 2, Episode 17 titled “Duet,” which serves as the first musical collaboration between Supergirl and Gustin, both former cast members from “Glee.” To enjoy it all sequentially, watch it in this sequence:

“Vixen” Season 2: Episodes 1-6 (Final season)
“The Flash” Season 3: Episodes 1-7
“Arrow” Season 5: Episodes 1-7
“Supergirl” Season 2: Episodes 1-7 (Episode 1 introduces Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman)
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season 2: Episodes 1-6
“The Flash” Season 3: Episode 8 – “Invasion!” Part 1
“Arrow” Season 5: Episode 8 – “Invasion!” Part 2
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season 2: Episode 7 – “Invasion!” Part 3
“Supergirl” Season 2: Episodes 9-16 (Episode 16 is a prequel to a mini-crossover with the Flash)
“The Flash” Season 3: Episodes 9-17 (Episode 17 is the mini-crossover, “Duet”)
“Supergirl” Season 2: Episodes 17-22
“The Flash” Season 3: Episodes 18-23
“Arrow” Season 5: Episodes 9-23
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season 2: Episodes 8-17

The Crisis on Earth-X

During the upcoming season of the Arrowverse, there’s a lot going on! We meet new heroes and witness the debut of fresh series. A major crossover event, “Crisis on Earth-X,” unfolds, bringing together almost every character from the Arrowverse. Additionally, “Black Lightning” and “Freedom Fighters: The Ray” make their appearance, adding more powerful characters to the already expansive Arrowverse universe.

The storyline revolves around Nazis hailing from Earth-X who aim to conquer the main Earth within the Arrowverse. Luckily, the heroes unite to counteract this menace orchestrated by Dark Arrow (played by Amell) and Overgirl (Benoist), malevolent counterparts of Green Arrow and Supergirl respectively. The Reverse Flash also resurfaces. Barry Allen ties the knot with Iris West (Patton), various alternate heroes and villains from Earth-X are debuted, and a significant character’s death from “Legends” creates turmoil. Jump in and enjoy it by following this sequence:

“Supergirl” Season 3: Episodes 1-7
“Arrow” Season 6: Episodes 1-7
“The Flash” Season 4: Episodes 1-7
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season 3: Episodes 1-7
“Supergirl” Season 3: Episode 8 – “Crisis on Earth-X” Part 1
“Arrow” Season 6: Episode 8 – “Crisis on Earth-X” Part 2
“The Flash” Season 4: Episode 8 – “Crisis on Earth-X” Part 3
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season 3: Episode 8 – “Crisis on Earth-X” Part 4
“Freedom Fighters: The Ray” Season 1: Episodes 1-6
“Supergirl” Season 3: Episodes 9-23
“Arrow” Season 6: Episodes 9-23
“The Flash” Season 4: Episodes 9-23
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season 3: Episodes 9-18
“Black Lightning” Season 1: Episodes 1-13
“Freedom Fighters: The Ray” Season 2- Episodes 1-6 (Final season)

It’s finally time for Elseworlds

In the 2018 season, the Arrowverse franchise didn’t introduce any new series, leaving fans eagerly anticipating a fresh show. However, they were treated to a special crossover event called “Elseworlds”. This crossover focused on The Monitor, portrayed by LaMonica Garrett, who granted Dr. John Deegan (Jeremy Davies) the ability to alter reality. Consequently, various changes occurred, such as exchanging Oliver Queen and Barry Allen’s powers and lives.

2018 saw no fresh series added to the Arrowverse, but it did introduce Kate Kane (played by Ruby Rose), also known as Batwoman, in “Elseworlds” Part 1. This was essentially a trial run or ‘backdoor pilot’ to bring her into the Arrowverse. Since including the Legends of Tomorrow could have complicated the narrative too much with multiple characters, they were left out during this episode. The story arc of “Elseworlds” concludes in an episode of “Supergirl,” setting the stage for the upcoming major crossover event, titled “Crisis on Infinite Earths.

“Black Lightning” Season 2: Episodes 1-16
“The Flash” Season 5: Episodes 1-8
“Arrow” Season 7: Episodes 1-8
“Supergirl” Season 4: Episodes 1-8
“The Flash” Season 5: Episode 9 – “Elseworlds” Part 1
“Arrow” Season 7: Episode 9 – “Elseworlds” Part 2
“Supergirl” Season 4: Episode 9 – “Elseworlds” Part 3
“The Flash” Season 5: Episodes 10-22
“Arrow” Season 7: Episodes 10-22
“Supergirl” Season 4: Episodes 10-22
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season 4: Episodes 1-16

The Crisis on Infinite Earths

Among all the interconnected stories in the Arrowverse, none are as grand and significant as “The Crisis on Infinite Earths.” This is the major one – the crossover that invited many film and TV stars back to the DC Universe, thus integrating them into the Arrowverse’s multiverse. Some of the key figures who returned include Tom Welling, revisiting his “Smallville” character of Clark Kent, and Kevin Conroy, famous for “Batman: The Animated Series,” making his debut as a live-action Bruce Wayne.

In addition to those already part of the Arrowverse, newcomers such as Tom Ellis (as Lucifer), Burt Ward (Dick Grayson), Ezra Miller (Barry Allen from DCEU), and others, joined in during the crossover event. This event, where the Monitor enlists heroes to prevent the Anti-Monitor from annihilating all existence, has reshuffled some aspects of the Arrowverse, influencing the stories and characters within each show going forward. To catch up on this epic storyline, follow these steps:

This version is more conversational and uses easier language, making it more approachable for a wider audience.

“Supergirl” Season 5: Episodes 1-8
“Black Lightning” Season 3: Episodes 1-8
“Batwoman” Season 1: Episodes 1-8
“The Flash” Season 6: Episodes 1-8
“Arrow” Season 8: Episodes 1-7
“Supergirl” Season 5: Episode 9 – “Crisis on Infinite Earths” Part 1
“Batwoman” Season 1: Episode 9 – “Crisis on Infinite Earths” Part 2
“The Flash” Season 6: Episode 9 – “Crisis on Infinite Earths” Part 3
“Arrow” Season 8: Episode 8 – “Crisis on Infinite Earths” Part 4
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season 5: Episode 0 – “Crisis on Infinite Earths” Part 5
“Supergirl” Season 5: Episodes 10-19
“Black Lightning” Season 3: Episodes 10-16
“Batwoman” Season 1: Episodes 10-20
“The Flash” Season 6: Episodes 10-19
“Arrow” Season 8: Episodes 9-10 (Final season)
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season 5: Episodes 1-14

Making your way to the next crossover

The event titled “Crisis on Infinite Earths” significantly impacted the Arrowverse, serving as a possible prelude to its conclusion since several series ended either during or after the crossover. Following this, there were no more crossover episodes, but a fresh series, “Superman & Lois,” made its debut on The CW’s DC lineup in the subsequent season. Unlike other Arrowverse shows, this new production operates independently of the usual continuity and features minimal interaction between its characters and established heroes such as Green Arrow or The Flash.

Originally, I had envisioned a thrilling crossover between “Superman & Lois” and “Batwoman.” But as it turned out, John Diggle made brief appearances in “Superman & Lois,” not enough to call it a full-blown crossover. Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to many Arrowverse show interactions, including a potential collaboration between Batwoman and Black Lightning. Instead, each series forged its own path, with “Supergirl” and “Black Lightning” concluding their runs in 2020.

“Batwoman” Season 2: Episodes 1-18 (Wallis Day takes over the role of Kate Kane from Ruby Rose)
“The Flash” Season 7: Episodes 1-18
“Supergirl” Season 6: Episodes 1-20 (Final season)
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season 6: Episodes 1-15
“Black Lightning” Season 4: Episodes 1-13 (Final season)
“Superman & Lois” Season 1: Episodes 1-15

As a die-hard fan, I can confidently say that since “Superman & Lois” primarily operates outside the regular timeline of the Arrowverse, you’ve got the luxury of binge-watching all four seasons right now. However, for an optimal viewing experience, it would be wiser to wait and follow along with the show as suggested below.

Armageddon

In 2021, the usual interconnected narrative across different series in the Arrowverse is absent, which makes binge-watching all the episodes slightly less complex due to the standalone nature of each show. The solitary and conclusive crossover event, titled “Armageddon,” occurs within the first five episodes of “The Flash.” However, it features characters from other series who are summoned to the Flash’s world to assist him in this particular adventure.

In the TV show “Armageddon,” the Fast Scarlet confronts Despero, played by Tony Curran, while Eobard Thawne, or Reverse Flash as he’s also known (portrayed by Tom Cavanagh), reappears. Other key characters in this event include the fresh Batwoman (Javicia Leslie), Mia Queen (Katherine McNamara), Ray Palmer (Brandon Routh), Ryan Choi (Osric Chau), Black Lightning (Cress Williams), and Damien Darhk (Neal McDonough). Instead of gathering on various series, these characters all came together on the set of “The Flash” because of COVID safety measures that suggested a traditional crossover with hundreds of crew members could lead to a higher risk of an outbreak.

“The Flash” Season 8: Episodes 1-5 – “Armageddon” (The final Arrowverse crossover)
“Batwoman” Season 3: Episodes 1-13 (Final season)
“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season 7: Episodes 1-13 (Final season)
“Superman & Lois” Season 2: Episodes 1-15
“The Flash” Season 8: Episodes 6-20

To fully appreciate Season 8 of “The Flash” as a single narrative, it’s recommended to watch the other series that lead up to the crossover event, followed by the last 15 episodes of the season. This way, you’ll experience the storyline as an integrated part of the Arrowverse.

The beginning of the end

As a dedicated gamer of the Arrowverse, I must admit that while this year still holds some thrilling content, only two of the once-vibrant series are left standing. Unlike in past seasons where crossovers were the norm, these final two shows don’t share any connection whatsoever. This isn’t due to the production challenges we faced during the last two years because of COVID, but rather a sign that the Arrowverse is slowly wrapping up its epic journey. The incredible ride The CW has taken us on since 2012 is nearing its conclusion, but it’s not the end yet. There’s still more story to be told in this universe we’ve grown to love.

In contrast to the extensive multi-episode crossovers of past seasons, “The Flash” offers a standalone crossover episode titled “It’s My Party and I’ll Die If I Want To,” in which Barry Allen’s birthday celebration is disrupted by Ramsey Rosso, portrayed by Sendhil Ramamurthy. In need of assistance, he summons the Arrow, played by Stephen Amell, who reprises his role as Oliver Queen after his series ended in 2019. Alongside him are John Diggle, performed by David Ramsey, and Kid Flash, portrayed by Keiynan Lonsdale.

Since “The Flash” and “Superman & Lois” don’t connect in their narratives, viewers are free to decide their viewing order. However, we suggest starting with “The Flash” first as it features a host of Arrowverse characters and effectively concludes the Arrowverse saga. Afterward, you might want to delve into the penultimate season of “Superman & Lois.

“The Flash” Season 9: Episodes 1-13 (Final season)
“Superman & Lois” Season 3: Episodes 1-13

The end of an era

Essentially, the Arrowverse concludes with the final episode of “The Flash,” as “Superman & Lois” is set in a distinct universe of its own. Being the last DC series remaining, there are no more crossovers or additional shows to watch; instead, the storyline wraps up with Superman’s Season 4, which shares a connection to the Arrowverse.

In the last season of “Superman & Lois,” Lex Luthor (Michael Cudlitz) uses every bit of his brains and anger to try to destroy Lois Lane (Elizabeth Tulloch) and those she cherishes. To accomplish this, he seizes John Henry Irons’ armor and sets loose Doomsday on Smallville. Since everyone is in peril, Superman is forced to confront the beast, urging his family to flee for safety. However, they disregard him, and ultimately, everyone bands together to vanquish the monster. This leaves only Luthor standing, and Superman moves against his longtime adversary, leaving nothing in reserve as he fights for his family’s protection.

Following the conclusion of the grand contest, “Superman & Lois” wraps up its run by delving into an unprecedented aspect of Superman lore – sketching out the later years shared by Clark and Lois. This heartfelt finale not only brings the series to a satisfying close but also serves as an emotionally resonant coda for the Arrowverse.

“Superman & Lois” Season 4: Episodes 1-10 (Final season and last series in the Arrowverse)

2025-01-07 00:31