Is The CW era coming to a close on Netflix?

The storied Netflix viewership bump has been used by networks to boost the ratings of their flagging shows for years. One of the most impressive examples is The CW’s Riverdale, a series that’s reached cult status now but had low returns for its first season run.

Its land on Netflix, however, shot the show into the stratosphere as subscribers fell in love with the weird, often over-the-top tale about the town with pep, Riverdale U.S.A. But Netflix’s connection to The CW predates this series that premiered in 2017.

According to What’s on Netflix, the streamer and the network signed their first output deal in 2011, bringing new CW shows to the platform days after their season finales aired on the channel.

Their partnership was renewed in 2016, but in 2019 the companies parted ways on the deal. Why? Here’s what we know!

Where are The CW shows going?

The CW is owned by WarnerMedia and ViacomCBS and they now each have their own streaming platforms, HBO Max and Paramount+ respectively, though the co-owners agreed to have new CW shows housed on HBO Max. That’s why Nancy Drew, Batwoman, Stargirl, and Kung Fu–the network’s newest shows to their line-up–aren’t on Netflix.

Currently, The CW catalogue is divvied up between Netflix and HBO Max, and it will remain so for the time being. Though Netflix and CW’s co-owners didn’t re-up their deal, there’s a stipulation in their previous agreement that requires the network’s shows a part of said deal to remain on the streamer for a whopping five years after their final season run.

So while HBO Max holds The CW crown as the new streaming home for the channel’s latest series, Netflix’s time as the go-to place to watch your favorite CW shows isn’t over just yet. At least in terms of the network’s OG Arrowverse and shows that made their name on the channel prior to 2019 like Jane the Virgin and The 100. Not to mention shows that are still airing like All American.

The CW’s reign on Netflix is coming to a close, but we’re not at the end of the era just yet. In fact, we could be nearing the 2030s before the last CW show leaves. That’s how impactful the five year stipulation is. In the meantime, Netflix Life will keep you posted on the CW series leaving the platform. Stay tuned!