Arrow made a return to the schedule this week after taking a break in mid-February. If the CW was hoping the show’s absence from the schedule would give some fans time to catch up on the series, it did not take. In fact, Arrow hit a low in the 18-49 advertising demographic and the bad news doesn't end there.
In fact, the numbers also marked only the fourth time in the show’s history that Arrow dipped below a million viewers during a live airing of the episode. The show ultimately did .9 million total viewers, which granted isn’t wildly under 1 million. However, it also only did a .2 rating in the 18-49 demographic. The news is coming after Arrow had seen its numbers drop some last season and was moved to a new timeslot by the network heading into the fall.
Look, Arrow has been less popular than some of the other CW superhero shows for some time. The drama was quickly supplanted by The Flash when the likable Barry Allen debuted on the small screen just a couple of seasons after Arrow hit the airwaves.
Arrow is also less popular than Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow on average, although it typically beats Black Lightning, which airs an hour later. This week, that's not true in the 18-49 demographic, according to TV By The Numbers, as Black Lightning also did a .2 rating, albeit with .78 million total viewers.
While Arrow may have seen better days at the CW, fans still do welcome crossover episodes involving Green Arrow. In addition, Stephen Amell has a wide fanbase, is a big draw at fan events and is one of the most recognizable individuals in the Arrow-verse and the CW superhero universe-at-large.
Arrow initially started strong, averaging over 3 million total viewers during its first three seasons on the air. However, the show is getting a little long in the tooth at this point. In addition, viewer habits have changed over time. Fewer people are watching the shows live and the show adds a lot of additional eyeballs via DVR but also streaming platforms. New seasons are available on Netflix eight days after the current season ends. This is true of other CW programs and not just Arrow.
Regardless, the lower numbers do not seem to be enough to deter The CW or at least the numbers in delayed viewing are good enough the network will continue airing new episodes. Back in January, The CW renewed most of its original programming lineup. Arrow was renewed for Season 8, along with newcomers Legacies and Charmed. In addition, The superhero slate will be back, which included Arrow, The Flash, Black Lightning, Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow. Finally, veteran programs Supernatural, Dynasty and fan-favorite Riverdale will also be back. Shows like Jane The Virgin and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend are already planning to end this season.
So, despite the fact that Arrow seems to be past its heyday, it's still a viable property for The CW and fans don't need to be worried about whether or not the show will be back for the 2019-2020 TV season. I likely can't say the same for all of your favorites, however, and you can keep track of what's cancelled and renewed with our network rundown.
