10 CW Shows That Prove the Network Deserves a Comeback

Television feels like it’s lost its fun side. We used to have more shows that were silly, unbelievable, and didn’t take themselves too seriously – even if they weren’t always perfect. Think of shows like The Vampire Diaries – full of attractive actors and exciting chemistry. This is especially true when looking at The CW, which unfortunately is struggling and making fewer original shows. The decline of The CW means we’re losing a type of TV that attracted a large and diverse audience. While known for its popular teen dramas, The CW also offered a wide range of shows that appealed to viewers of all ages.

The CW was great at providing fun, escapist television – the kind of shows you could just relax and enjoy without taking too seriously. It’s time the network made a return, and here are 10 shows that demonstrate why it still has something to offer.

‘iZombie’ – 5 Seasons (2015-2019)

Chances are, you already know the theme song! iZombie is a show based on the DC comic book of the same name. It centers around Liv Moore, a medical resident who unexpectedly becomes a zombie. Giving up on her dream of becoming a doctor, she finds work as a medical examiner and uses her new abilities to solve crimes. By eating the brains of murder victims, she gains access to their memories and personalities. Honestly, iZombie was my absolute favorite show on The CW. It felt really unique and wasn’t afraid to be over-the-top and funny. Plus, it introduced the amazing Rahul Kohli as Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti! Rose McIver is fantastic as Liv, and the entire main cast is incredibly funny.

‘Jane the Virgin’ – 5 Seasons (2014-2019)

The CW used to be known for shows with over-the-top plots, and Jane the Virgin is a perfect example. Inspired by the Venezuelan telenovela Juana la virgen, the show centers on Jane Gloriana, who unexpectedly becomes pregnant after a mix-up during a doctor’s appointment. The very premise hints at the delightfully dramatic journey ahead! While not perfect, Jane the Virgin is fantastic if you enjoy those classic, over-the-top soapy stories, and Gina Rodriguez gives an incredible performance. Despite a few minor storytelling issues, it’s a thoroughly entertaining show from beginning to end. Sometimes, that’s all you need!

‘Superman & Lois’ – 4 Seasons (2021-2024)

“Hope” is a powerful force, and the series Superman & Lois recently concluded its run on The CW. While it’s packed with superhero action, the show is also deeply emotional and heartwarming. Tyler Hoechlin brings a sense of optimism to his portrayal of Superman, presenting him as a devoted husband to Lois Lane and a loving father. Superman & Lois offers a personal look at their family life alongside the hero’s battles against larger threats. The show gives Lois Lane equal importance, creating a well-rounded narrative. Compared to other comic book adaptations on The CW, this series stands out as a more realistic and complex story.

‘Reign’ – 4 Seasons (2013-2017)

Let’s talk about Reign, the show that puts the spotlight on Mary, Queen of Scots. It’s packed with romantic drama and doesn’t worry much about being perfectly historically accurate – and honestly, that’s perfectly fine. People watch Reign to escape and have fun, not for a history lesson. By not sticking strictly to the facts, the show delivers a light and entertaining coming-of-age story. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, embracing a bit of cheese and a whole lot of enjoyment. Plus, Adelaide Kane is fantastic as Mary! Reign is classic CW – pure, escapist entertainment.

‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ – 4 Seasons (2015-2019)

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend was a truly unique show during its four seasons. Starring Rachel Bloom, this musical comedy bravely addressed mental health issues in a way that was ahead of its time. Despite earning rave reviews and a dedicated fanbase, it surprisingly never achieved high ratings. The show centers around Rachel Bunch, who unexpectedly leaves her successful New York City law career to chase a new life – and a crush named Josh Chan – in West Covina, California. The songs are hilarious, incredibly catchy, and beautifully performed. Even years after it ended, the show’s honest portrayal of mental health continues to connect with viewers. Rachel Bloom leads a remarkably talented cast, and The CW deserves credit for taking a risk on such an original and different program.

‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’ – 7 Seasons (2016-2022)

Time travel shows always seem to find an audience, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow really stood out. While other DC shows were often serious and dark, Legends of Tomorrow was surprisingly funny and lighthearted. It had a bit of a bumpy ride, but eventually became a hilarious, self-aware comedy that wasn’t afraid to poke fun at superhero tropes. It’s wonderfully over-the-top and silly, and the cast had amazing chemistry. Honestly, I think it’s the best show in the Arrowverse because it embraced how wonderfully weird it was. This kind of TV is rare these days. It didn’t get the attention it deserved for too long, but we should be grateful to The CW for giving this unique and quirky show a chance to shine.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ – 8 Seasons (2009-2017)

The Vampire Diaries really defined the era of dramatic, teen vampire shows. It wasn’t necessarily high art, but it aimed big and managed to become hugely popular. Inspired by L.J. Smith’s novels, the show aired during the peak of the Twilight phenomenon and definitely rode that wave. It centers on Elena Gilbert, a high school student in Mystic Falls, Virginia, who finds herself caught between two vampire brothers, Damon and Stefan Salvatore. The town of Mystic Falls seems to draw in all sorts of supernatural beings, and the series eventually led to a spin-off called The Originals, which focused on the powerful, original vampire family, the Mikaelsons. While I personally think The Originals was a stronger show, we still need series like The Vampire Diaries – shows you can just relax and enjoy without having to think too much.

‘The 100’ – 7 Seasons (2014-2020)

Following the success of shows like The Hunger Games in the 2010s, The 100 emerged as another popular young adult drama. Based on Kass Morgan’s book series, the show centers around 100 teenage criminals sent back to Earth nearly a century after a nuclear disaster to see if they can rebuild society. The 100 delivers plenty of action and adventure, and also explores complex moral questions within a bleak, futuristic world. While it’s not without flaws, the show is incredibly captivating. As you’d expect from a CW series, it’s also full of dramatic moments and teenage romance. The show really shines when it comes to developing its characters, making it a particularly enjoyable experience for those who appreciate that aspect of storytelling. It reminds us of a time when these kinds of post-apocalyptic young adult dramas were everywhere.

‘Riverdale’ – 7 Seasons (2017-2023)

There’s a playful rumor that saying “Riverdale” three times will summon Jughead Jones to talk about how strange he is. But seriously, watching Riverdale is a unique experience. When you start with its first season of murder and mystery, you have no idea where the story will end up. Each season feels completely different. Like The Vampire Diaries, Riverdale wasn’t focused on being conventionally “good,” but it definitely launched the careers of its stars. We need more shows that are willing to take big risks like this, even if they don’t always succeed. Very few shows are perfect from start to finish, and Riverdale should be celebrated for being boldly, wonderfully weird – a little like a certain show called Community for those who get the reference.

‘Supernatural’ – 15 Seasons (2005-2020)

The long-running CW series Supernatural concluded in 2020 after an impressive 15 seasons, and it was quite a journey! While not flawless, the show is incredibly enjoyable thanks to its memorable characters, clever humor, unique plots, and strong acting. At its heart, the show is about the unbreakable bond between brothers Sam and Dean Winchester. Though the ending wasn’t ideal, with 327 episodes available, you can easily find plenty to distract yourself from it. The show perfectly balances humor and emotion, and its themed episodes are particularly strong. Supernatural was a cornerstone series for The CW, and the network could really use another show like it now.

2026-04-15 05:04