7 best CW shows on Netflix (that aren’t superhero shows)

You know a show from The CW when you see it… mostly because there’s probably superhero in it. Over the years, the network has gained a reputation as the home of superhero shows, thanks to the incredible and expansive Arrowverse. But there are plenty more CW shows on Netflix without superheroes.

Although we love a good superhero moment (who doesn’t?), some viewers prefer content from The CW that’s full of drama, maybe even of the supernatural variety.

More so than probably anyone other network currently on air, The CW is a one-stop shop for any kind of show you might want to watch. An alien-centric sci-fi drama? Got it! Vampires and witches? Got them, too. A soap about excess and romance? Well, that’s The CW’s bread and butter.

For those who think The CW only has superhero shows to offer, we’re here to prove you wrong and direct you toward some of the most exciting, enchanting, and enthralling television you should be watching. Luckily, these shows are at the palm of your hand on Netflix.

Best CW shows on Netflix

Whether you’re the biggest superhero stan around or you’re tired of the comic book adaptations, both camps can come together to check out these seven CW shows on Netflix. They’re fan-favorites that make a great addition to any watch list.

All American

By far one of the most popular shows currently on The CW, All American takes place in the world of high school football. Spencer James (Daniel Ezra) receives a culture shock when he’s transferred from his South LA high school to play football for a school in Beverly Hills.

The series has been deservedly well-received by critics and beloved by its passionate fanbase. Proving its influence and impact, All American earned a spin-off called All American: Homecoming, and you can bet both will be around for quite some time.

Dynasty

As long as Dynasty remains on the air, we’ll be imploring anyone and everyone to watch the delightfully bonkers primetime soap. Five seasons into a hopefully lengthy run, the series shows no signs of exhausting its narrative. It only gets better with age.

Obviously, Dynasty reboots the concept of the classic 1980s primetime soap of the same name. While paying homage to the original, The CW’s underrated darling has created something totally unique and unmissable. On what other show has an actress played her own mother?!

Roswell, New Mexico

It’s never too soon to return to Roswell, and that’s exactly what The CW’s fresh take on the tale proves. Rather than rebooting the fan-favorite series that ran for three seasons on The WB and UPN from 1999 to 2002, Roswell, New Mexico takes inspiration from the Roswell High book series.

However, this time around, the undercover aliens in the storied alien capital of the United States aren’t in high school. Roswell, New Mexico adds layers that had been previously missing, and it’s carved out a space for the sci-fi series to shine with its devoted fandom.

In the Dark

Since its premiere in April 2019, the crime drama In the Dark has sort of flown under the radar. It’s not the most popular show on The CW, but it’s also not the least popular. Thanks to a slight Netflix bump, In the Dark has enjoyed a three (going on four) season run.

Perry Mattfeld stars as Murphy Mason, a blind woman with a rebellious streak, who takes it upon herself to investigate the murder of her young friend. Little does she know, this pursuit will upend her life, as well as those of the people around her, in ways she could have never imagined.

Charmed

Whether you’re sick of reboots or welcome revamped blasts from the past, we can all agree that bringing back Charmed in some form or another was both inevitable and an amazing idea. The magical adventures of a trio of young witches will never go out of style.

Of course, there was a bit of drama surrounding the Charmed reboot’s arrival to say the very least, but four seasons into its run, the fresh take on The WB classic has established its own identity. It’s by far one of the best CW shows still streaming on Netflix.

Legacies

Even years following its series finale, the love for The Vampire Diaries remains alive and well. Although the adored series that started it all will soon depart Netflix, the franchise still stands today with its latest spin-off series Legacies.

Technically an off-shoot of TVD spin-off The Originals, Legacies follows Hope Mikaelson (Danielle Rose Russell) as she attends the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted. The series also features the return of franchise vet Matt Davis as Alaric Saltzman. What’s not to love?!

Riverdale

Either you hate to love it or you love to hate it. Now in its sixth season, Riverdale continues to be the show that gets everybody talking. From ships to its wildest plot twists (hello, Rivervale!), the Archie Comics reboot has all the camp and crazy a TV fan could ever want.

Fresh off of its game-changing five-episode event, Riverdale season 6 dives back into the real world of our favorite characters and further explores their adult lives in their struggling hometown. No doubt about it, this show will be a must-watch to the bitter end.

What are your favorite CW shows on Netflix that aren’t superhero shows? Share your picks in the comments!