Sci Fi TV Network Scorecard: The CW

Network Scorecard: Scoring the networks based on their history of airing and supporting sci fi and fantasy television shows.

Network Overview

The CW is the youngest of the broadcast networks, having come into existence in 2006 when UPN and The WB merged together.  Both of those networks already had a history of airing sci fi and fantasy shows (Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise on the former, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel on the latter), and that carried over to the new network.  Both Smallville and Supernatural started on The WB and continued for long runs on The CW.  The network tried some other genre entries during its first five years (Nikita, Vampire Diaries) before it had the breakout hit with Arrow in the 2012-13 season.   After that, the network began to shift heavily towards genre programing as it built up the Arrow-verse while also adding other sci fi and supernatural entries to its schedule.  And unlike the other broadcast networks, The CW has been expanding its scripted programming, adding additional nights during the week and keeping a pretty full slate of scripted programming year round with acquisitions.

What Type of Sci Fi Shows Does the Network Air?

The CW is definitely a very genre-friendly network and you pretty much know what you will be getting from its shows.  These days, it is usually Arrow-verse entries based on DC Comics characters or young adult dramas with either sci fi elements (The 100) or supernatural themes (Legacies).  There are also a few non-genre entries sprinkled across the schedule, but those are the minority.  And while sci fi/fantasy does get the focus on the network, they do not necessarily count as top-notch genre entries.  The shows typically have a lower budget and higher cheese factor than what we see from the Big Four broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC) and have plenty of copy-and-paste stories and dialogue, as well as lots of teen angst from the YA entries.  Even the more respected Arrow-verse shows have plenty of padding throughout their seasons, and often tend to repeat storylines and recycle large sections of dialogue.  If you happen to like The CW’s product, then this is certainly a great network for genre shows.  But if you are looking for something a little more next-level, this network will tend to disappoint with its output.

How Quick is the Network to Cancel Sci Fi Shows?

The CW is a great network for a new show because not only does it have a good chance of surviving past its first season, the odds are also in its favor to stick around for at least four years.  Over the past ten seasons, only 32% of first year shows were cancelled and only 28% of those were sci fi/fantasy (notably lower than the Big Four broadcast networks ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC).  And 49% of new shows have made it to a fourth season or more with 52% of those counting as genre entries (a much, much higher percentage than the other networks).  The only show that was renewed for a second year and then cancelled before getting to a third since the 2011-12 season was non-genre entry The Carrie Diaries.  Every other show that has been renewed for a second season has lasted at least four years over that ten year period (thus the reason I have dubbed it the “Happy Net”).  Unlike the other broadcast networks, The CW pays less attention to the same-day ratings, where it generally ranks last.  Instead, it has successfully adjusted to the 21st century emphasizing digital viewing on the network’s website and app.  And since it targets a younger demographic, its viewership is much higher on digital platforms.  The network has also worked out streaming deals (previously with Netflix and now more so with HBO Max) that help bolster its shows and set them up for longer runs.

CW New Scripted Programming 2011-12 Season thru 2020-21 Season

Network Score

I give The CW a score of 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest). If I were to base it just on the network’s renewal/cancellation record over the past ten years, I would bump it up at least another half point.  But while the network has been supportive of sci fi and fantasy shows, the quality of its output is not great with the heavy focus on sophmoric tales that appeal to the young adult demo.  And its shows have plenty of padding in order to fill out that twenty-plus episode mark each season.  But the Arrow-verse entries have at least been fun and delivered probably the best live-action take on DC heroes of late.  And the network has put out a few other shows that have delivered competent or better genere tales over the past ten years like The 100 and The Originals.  It would certainly be great if a new network were to follow a similar model as The CW and focus more on serious sci fi.  Shows don’t have to have a huge budget to be good, just good talent behind and in front of the scenes.  But for now, we will have to settle on this network.

Sci Fi/Fantasy Shows Over the Past Ten Years

This is a list of the sci fi and fantasy shows that have debuted on The CW since the 2011-12 season sorted by how many seasons they lasted. The entire 2020-21 lineup is carrying over to the upcoming season with the exception of the two shows that were in their final years (Black Lightning and Supergirl).  Note that this does not count acquisitions like The Outpost and Pandora whose success is gauged partially by different factors such as international viewership.

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