The CW Network has decided to renew 12 of its scripted television series including an early renewal for “Walker,” the network’s freshman drama that stars “Supernatural” alum Jared Padalecki.
Other CW Shows renewals include “All American” (renewed for Season 4), “The Flash” (renewed for Season 8), “Charmed” (renewed for Season 4), “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” (Renewed for Season 7), “Batwoman” (Season 3), “Dynasty” (Season 5), “In the Dark” (Season 4), “Nancy Drew (Season 3), “Legacies” (Season 4), “Riverdale” (Season 6).
The former DC Universe show, “Stargirl” has already been picked up for a second season, airing this summer. A season 3 announcement has yet to be released.
“Roswell New Mexico,” “Legends of Tomorrow,” “In the Dark” and “Dynasty” have yet to air their new season this year. “The Flash” returns March 2, 2021.
Excluding “Walker,” The freshman shows that have not been given season renewals as of yet include the upcoming “Superman & Lois,” “Kung Fu” and “The Republic of Sarah.” The introductory shows have not aired yet. Superman and Lois airs February 23.
In addition to the renewals, The CW has ordered five additional episodes for Season 1 of “Walker”, bringing the total to 18 for the season. “Superman and Lois” have been given an extra two episodes bringing the first season to a 15 chapter run instead of the originally planned 13.
“Black Lightning” and “Supergirl” are missing from the renewal line due to announcements that both shows would ending after their respective seasons air in 2021.
“Though we’re just a few weeks into the new season, we wanted to get a strategic head start on next season with these early renewals, which allows our production teams to start laying out story arcs and hiring staff, and at the same time, continues to provide us with a strong, stable schedule to build on for next season,” said Mark Pedowitz, chairman and CEO of The CW. “As The CW’s 2020-2021 season kicks into high gear, we are thrilled creatively with the direction of our first new shows out of the gate, ‘Walker’ and ‘Superman & Lois,’ that we wanted to order the additional episodes to complete their first seasons, and we are particularly pleased with the huge success of the launch of ‘Walker,’ which debuted as our most watched series premiere in five years.”
The renewal announcements usually arrive during the CW’s January Day at the Television Critics Association’s winter tour stop, but the pickups should still be considered early given that the network pushed back its fall launch from it usual October start date to late January due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In terms of development, The CW is plotting spinoffs based off multiple shows in its lineup with the help of backdoor pilots. The network is currently working on a potential spin-off for “Black Lightning” character, Painkiller.
It was also announced that Tian Richards will make his debut as Tom Swift in an upcoming episode of “Nancy Drew.” His appearance could lead to a potential spin-off for the character.
Also in the potential spin-off world, the network announced that Geffri Maya would star in a backdoor pilot for a spin off of “All American.”
