The Flash has run his last race. Or at least, the Grant Gustin version of the Flash has. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the CW series will end with a 13-episode abbreviated short season in 2023. This would make The Flash the longest-running (pun intended) Arrowverse series. Arrow, the parent series, ran for eight seasons. Here’s what The Flash showrunner Eric Wallace said about the show’s upcoming swan song season:
“Nine seasons! Nine years of saving Central City while taking audiences on an emotional journey full of heart, humor and spectacle. And now Barry Allen has reached the starting gate for his last race. “So many amazing people have given their talents, time and love to bring this wonderful show to life each week. So, as we get ready to honor the show’s incredible legacy with our exciting final chapter, I want to say thank you to our phenomenal cast, writers, producers and crew over the years who helped make The Flash such an unforgettable experience for audiences around the world.”
The Flash‘s final season will feature the return of characters and actors from across the Arrowverse. At one time, showrunner Eric Wallace hoped they could wrap some additional character arcs. In an interview with The Nerds of Color (which we spotted at Collider), he said they just didn’t have enough time, with only 13 episodes. However, he did add, “We’re still writing a series finale so you never know what could happen at the very end. Hope does spring eternal, but I just want to put that to rest.” Perhaps the cast from the beloved Legends of Tomorrow could still show up.
When The Flash leaves the air, it will effectively end the Arrowverse, as Superman and Lois was confirmed as being on a separate Earth. The news of The Flash ending doesn’t come as a great surprise to fans. Many of the original cast members had left the series over the past few years, including Carlos Valdez (Cisco) Jesse L. Martin (Joe West) and Tom Cavanagh (Harrison Wells). Add to that, co-star Candice Patton has expressed growing frustration with the series publicly lately, suggesting she probably was itching to leave. With Warner Bros. dropping a Flash movie next year, it makes sense they want less brand confusion. But for a whole generation, Grant Gustin will always be “their” Scarlet Speedster, so let’s raise a glass to Central City’s greatest hero.
The Flash will air its ninth and final season on the CW during the mid-season of 2023.
Originally published August 1, 2022.
