The Flash is finishing its run on The CW with Season 9. Production on the series about the DC speedster is expected to begin in September, with the final season releasing in 2023. It will have 13 episodes. 

News of the cancellation comes amid Nexstar’s plans to purchase a majority stake in the network from Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global. The impending sale has also raised questions about how much original content will remain on The CW after the deal goes through.

The Flash is the latest series to be axed, with others like Batwoman and Legends of Tomorrow also meeting the same fate. In May, Legacies was cancelled too, bringing an end to the Vampire Diaries universe. However, Barry Allen and his friends have enjoyed the longest run on the network and remained popular throughout. 

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While The CW does have shows like Supernatural, which went on for 15 seasons and is technically longer than The Flash, these shows were part of WB’s offerings and not a CW original. 

Eric Wallace, the showrunner, spoke about the cancellation, “Nine seasons! Nine years of saving Central City while taking audiences on an emotional journey full of heart, humour, and spectacle”. 

He added, “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 honour 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”, as per Variety. 

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Grant Gustin returns as the titular hero who gains superspeed after being struck by lightning, and in the DC comics, Flash eventually becomes a member of the Justice League.