Surprising absolutely nobody, the CW has announced an early renewal for "Arrow." According to The Hollywood Reporter, the DC Comics-based drama was announced as one of five returning series for the network's 2014-2015 season that also includes "The Vampire Diaries," "Supernatural," "The Originals" and "Reign."
"Arrow" seemed like a no-brainer for renewal given its consistent ratings and audience numbers for the network -- it's the CW's most-watched series and is first in its timeslot in the 18-49 male demographic. (THR even goes so far to note that the show has seen a 25 percent spike in digital viewing over its first season.) Plus, considering that the anticipated "The Flash" spinoff is already in development, building a world based on the coveted DC Comics properties might be difficult if "Arrow" were to vanish from the network's programming schedule.
It's anyone's guess what the focus of the third season might be, but it's likely the second season finale will bring about some kind of shift in the status quo.
Official Press Release
The CW Network has ordered early pickups for the 2014-15 season for its hit series ARROW, REIGN, THE ORIGINALS, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES and SUPERNATURAL,which will be returning for itstenth season next fall. The series pickups were announced today by Mark Pedowitz, President, The CW.
"This season we've had great success with our new hit series THE ORIGINALS paired with SUPERNATURAL, giving us our best Tuesday nights in years. THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is #2 in its time period in the young adult demos, and with ARROW continuing to gain among young men, and REIGN growing its time period, we now have strong nights on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday," said Pedowitz. "I'm very pleased to announce early pickups for all five series, and let our fans know theyll have more great drama to look forward to next season."
The CW's lineup of breakout freshman hit series THE ORIGINALS and fan favorite SUPERNATURAL has doubled the network's Tuesday night ratings year-to-year in adults 18-34 (+100%, 1.4 vs. 0.7), grown +150% in adults 18-49 (1.5 vs. 0.6), and gained +88% in total viewers (3.2 million vs. 1.7 million) versus last season. In its ninth season, SUPERNATURAL has seen double-digit increases year-to-year in total viewers and all key demos, and recently had its most watched episodes since 2010.
In its second season, ARROW is The CW's most-watched series (3.9 million), and is #1 in its time period among men 18-34 (1.4). THE VAMPIRE DIARIES remains the network's highest-rated show in all key demos in its fifth season, and season to date is ranked #2 in its time period among adults 18-34 (1.8 tie), and #3 in adults 18-49 (1.
, ahead of ABC and NBC. Season to date, REIGN has improved its time period in total viewers (+4%, 2.35 million) and in women 18-49 (+8%, 1.3).
This season, both ARROW and THE VAMPIRE DIARIES have also seen a 25% jump in digital viewing versus last season, and SUPERNATURAL has seen a huge 57% jump in digital viewing over last year. THE ORIGINALS was also named the most social new series of the fall season by ListenFirst Media.
