Stephen Amell’s Arrow vs. Grant Gustin’s The Flash: Which CW Show Had a Better Ending? (2024)

Comparing the endings of Arrow & Grant Gustin's The Flash highlights key differences in narrative closure, character arcs, and audience reactions.

Written by: Siddhika

Reviewed by: Sayantan

Ah, the Arrowverse! It’s like that perfect blend of coffee and donuts: rich, complex, and incredibly addictive. Since bursting onto the scene in 2012, this universe has spun a colorful web of storytelling, weaving together not just four TV shows but also a delightful array of digital spin-offs, comics, and novels.

Now, as fate would have it, the spotlight shines once again on the dynamic duo: Arrow and The Flash.

Stephen Amell’s Arrow vs. Grant Gustin’s The Flash: Which CW Show Had a Better Ending? (1)

Arrow might be the elder statesman, laying the foundation for the entire universe, but it took The Flash’s supercharged debut to create the shared universe fans know and love. Despite their shared DNA—crossed wires and…even crossover episodes—Arrow sticks to the shadows with its gritty, grounded escapades, while The Flash zips around with fun, fast-paced, lightning-powered antics.

Yet, both shows hold the torch for DC’s television conquest, leading us to wonder: when it comes to small-screen supremacy, which hero wears the crown? Sure, two heads are better than one, but competition can be quite a thrilling spectacle!

Arrow and The Flash: A Legacy of Heroes in the Arrowverse

After eight action-packed seasons, Arrow bid adieu in 2020, serving up an emotional finale that felt like wrapping up in a cozy blanket on a rainy afternoon. The show earned an impressive 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and its first season was showered with praise for character development and absorbing storylines.

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Critics lauded it for creating depth and complexity, awarding it multiple accolades along the way. The series finale was a love letter to Oliver Queen’s journey, showcasing his growth and the sacrifices he made for his loved ones. With storylines neatly tied up and character arcs reaching their zenith, Arrow left its viewers feeling satisfied and grateful.

Stephen Amell’s Arrow vs. Grant Gustin’s The Flash: Which CW Show Had a Better Ending? (3)

Now, let’s zoom over to Grant Gustin’s The Flash, which premiered on October 7, 2014, and became the second-most watched pilot in The CW’s history, right behind The Vampire Diaries (via TV Line). This speedy series was well-received, even snagging the People’s Choice Award for ‘Favorite New TV Drama’ in 2014.

In the ratings department, The Flash, which has nine seasons, stood tall like a skyscraper, boasting a robust 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season. This strong reception reflected its ability to engage viewers with compelling storytelling and rich character arcs. Its strong ratings and awards reflect its successful blend of action, humor, and emotional depth, not to mention its pivotal role in expanding the Arrowverse with spin-offs like Legends of Tomorrow.

Fans Are Divided Over The Best Arrowverse Show

Stephen Amell’s Arrow vs. Grant Gustin’s The Flash: Which CW Show Had a Better Ending? (4)

The Arrowverse might’ve been the best thing to happen to CW’s DC slate after the success of Smallville, but not all shows were received equally.

Anyway, among the myriad of shows, two stand out as the true champions of the CW superhero realm: The Flash and Arrow. These two programs often get fan votes for being the best of the best, like Batman and Superman in the TV world. But, much like a good pizza debate, fans are fiercely divided when it comes to choosing a favorite.

However, a poll on Reddit makes it a bit clearer which show managed to woo more viewers:

While the votes clearly favor Arrow (that too by a huge margin), we have to remember both shows had their moments where they outshined each other. The general consensus among the fans stands that while Arrow had its ups and downs during its 8 season run, it had a very satisfying ending. Whereas in The Flash’s case, the series had a pretty strong start, much like The Fastest Man Alive, peaking in the middle before waning into “wokeness” by the end of the series, which ruined the show for a lot of fans.

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Stephen Amell’s Arrow vs. Grant Gustin’s The Flash: Which CW Show Had a Better Ending? (5)

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For now, the Green Archer and the Scarlet Speedster have hung up their cowls and boots. But we might see a newer version of these characters in James Gunn’s DCU very soon.

Arrow and The Flash are available for streaming on Apple TV+.

Stephen Amell’s Arrow vs. Grant Gustin’s The Flash: Which CW Show Had a Better Ending? (2024)
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