(Photo Credit: DC)
For many years, The CW and Netflix had a partnership. Most of the network’s shows were later streamed exclusively on Netflix. This included many shows based on DC Comics. It was presumed that these shows would eventually make their way onto HBO Max; However, an announcement today confirmed a new home for at least one beloved CW show.
Pluto TV has announced that several CW series previously streaming on Netflix would soon move to their service. The free, ad-supported streaming network already has a curated library available on-demand or through linear channels that emulate traditional broadcast television. Now, the 2012 DC series Arrow will be joining that line-up.
Running for eight seasons, Arrow was based upon the classic DC Comics featuring Green Arrow. The show centered around privileged son Oliver Queen, who returns home after five years marooned. However, Oliver has comes back with a mission: to save his city from the corruption his family helped foster. This leads him to become a modern-day Robin Hood, slowly building a band of allies to help him.
Arrow grew to be more popular and influential than anyone anticipated. The show lay the foundation for more superhero adaptations, including The Flash and Supergirl. This led to a shared multiversal setting, dubbed the Arrowverse, which eventually united every movie and television series based on the DC Universe.
Why Pluto TV acquiring Arrow is a big deal
(Photo Credit: Warner Bros.)
In the wake of the failed DC Universe streaming service, it was presumed most of the Arrowverse shows would make their way to HBO Max once the Netflix licensing deal expired. This was the case with later DC/CW collaborations, like Batwoman and Superman and Lois, which were not part of the initial deal. However, with Arrow moving to Pluto TV, this assumption has been called into question.
Given that Pluto TV is owned by Paramount and Paramount may soon own Warner Bros, the question may be academic. However, this still poses an inconvenience to those superhero fans hoping to have the entire Arrowverse on a single streaming service. Additionally, Pluto TV is currently only available in the Americas and Europe. This may close the show out to some viewers. The one saving grace is that this deal will not require DC fans to pay extra to rewatch the adventures of Oliver Queen.
Arrow will be available exclusively on Pluto TV beginning May 1, 2026.
