The Arrowverse changed forever in 2026 with Arrow’s removal from Netflix, eliminating the franchise’s foundational eight seasons. Despite this significant loss, hundreds of episodes across The Flash, Supergirl, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, and Black Lightning remain available for streaming. Here’s your complete guide to navigating what’s left of DC’s most ambitious superhero television universe.
What’s Available on Netflix in 2026
| Show | Seasons Available | Total Episodes | Departure Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Flash | Seasons 1-9 | 184 episodes | TBA |
| Supergirl | Seasons 1-6 | 126 episodes | December 15, 2026 |
| DC’s Legends of Tomorrow | Seasons 1-7 | 110 episodes | TBA |
| Black Lightning | Seasons 1-4 | 58 episodes | September 1, 2026 |
| Arrow | REMOVED | 0 episodes | Already Departed |
Note: Batwoman and Superman & Lois require HBO Max subscriptions
Source: What’s On Netflix
The Impact of Arrow’s Removal
The first two years of the Arrowverse are no longer in the Netflix library, representing a significant loss given the number of characters introduced in Arrow who later starred in their own shows or crossover events. Most notably, Barry Allen debuts in Arrow’s second season before becoming The Flash, while Sara Lance transforms from Arrow supporting character to White Canary, a core member of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.
This creates a challenging entry point for new viewers. Without Arrow’s foundational seasons, the Arrowverse begins mid-story with The Flash Season 1, missing crucial character introductions and relationship building that informed the entire franchise.
Explore more superhero series guides and streaming recommendations on our entertainment hub.
Starting Your Arrowverse Journey in 2026
Begin with The Flash Season 1 (2014-2015)
With Arrow unavailable, The Flash becomes your entry point. Barry Allen’s origin story introduces the Scarlet Speedster, his supporting cast at S.T.A.R. Labs, and the Reverse Flash. Episode 8 features the first major crossover titled “Flash vs. Arrow,” though you’ll miss Arrow’s perspective on this team-up.
Year 2: The Flash Season 2 (2015-2016)
The second year explores the Multiverse concept with Zoom as the primary antagonist. This season introduces Earth-2 and sets up future crossover events. The musical crossover with Supergirl in episode 17 reunited Glee alumni Grant Gustin and Melissa Benoist, showcasing their vocal talents.
Year 3: Adding Supergirl and Legends (2016-2017)
The fourth year saw two massive arrivals: Supergirl and DC Legends of Tomorrow. Supergirl aired on CBS before moving to The CW, while DC Legends featured all-new and established superheroes, as well as some rogues from previous years.
Watch the first seven episodes of The Flash before the “Invasion!” crossover event, which brings together Earth’s mightiest heroes against the alien Dominators. This marks Supergirl’s proper integration into Arrowverse continuity.
Understanding the Crossover Structure
The Arrowverse’s major crossover events typically occur in episode 8 of each season, making navigation straightforward. Here are the essential crossovers still viewable on Netflix:
Invasion! (2016) – The Flash, Supergirl, and DC’s Legends unite against alien invaders connected to Barry’s Flashpoint creation.
Crisis on Earth-X (2017) – A Nazi-ruled Earth threatens to destroy Barry and Iris’s wedding in this four-part event.
Elseworlds (2018) – Reality-bending adventure introducing Batwoman (though her series requires HBO Max).
Crisis on Infinite Earths (2019-2020) – The ultimate Arrowverse event featuring guest appearances from across DC television history, including Brandon Routh’s Superman Returns character.
For detailed DC universe content and character analysis, check our entertainment section.
Black Lightning’s Integration
Year 6 of the Arrowverse saw the introduction of its Black superhero lead, Cress Williams, as Black Lightning. Initially operating separately from the main Arrowverse, Black Lightning integrated during Crisis on Infinite Earths, becoming part of the Justice League equivalent. The show departs Netflix on September 1, 2026, so prioritize it if you’re starting your watch-through soon.
Watching Strategy for 2026
Option 1: Release Order Within Each Season
Watch each season of The Flash, then Supergirl, then Legends, pausing at episode 8 of each for crossovers. This mirrors the original weekly viewing experience.
Option 2: Show-by-Show Completion
Complete entire shows before moving to the next. Start with The Flash (all 9 seasons), then Supergirl (6 seasons), followed by Legends (7 seasons) and Black Lightning (4 seasons). You’ll miss crossover context but maintain narrative momentum within individual shows.
Option 3: Crossover-Focused Viewing
Watch only crossover episodes and their immediate lead-ups/follow-ups across all shows. This condensed approach captures the Arrowverse’s most significant moments while reducing the 478-episode commitment.
The Vanishing Arrowverse Problem
Time is running out for Arrowverse completionists. Supergirl departs December 15, 2026, and Black Lightning leaves September 1, 2026. The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow have no announced departure dates but likely won’t remain indefinitely. With Arrow already gone and Batwoman never arriving on Netflix, the window for experiencing DC’s television universe grows narrower.
For fans seeking the complete experience, HBO Max offers Batwoman and Superman & Lois, though these weren’t central to main Arrowverse continuity. Superman & Lois particularly exists in its own corner of the multiverse after initially appearing to share continuity with other shows.
Visit Netflix’s official site to start streaming the Arrowverse before more shows depart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still enjoy the Arrowverse without Arrow on Netflix in 2026?
Yes, though your experience will be compromised by missing foundational elements. The Flash Season 1 provides sufficient introduction to Barry Allen and Central City even without Arrow’s backdoor pilot episode. However, you’ll miss critical context for crossover characters like Sara Lance/White Canary, whose journey from Arrow supporting character to Legends team leader loses impact without her origin story. The Flash Season 1 references Oliver Queen and their friendship, but these moments won’t resonate as deeply. Consider supplementing your Netflix viewing with online episode summaries for Arrow Seasons 1-2 to understand character relationships and the broader universe’s establishment. Alternatively, explore HBO Max or other streaming services where Arrow might be available. The good news is that crossover events remain largely comprehensible even without Arrow’s direct episodes, as other characters provide enough exposition during team-ups to keep viewers oriented.
