The CW’s Most Underrated Shows That Deserve More Recognition

CW (formerly WB) was at home to some of our favorite shows, from One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries and Arrowverse. However, not all of the network’s programs have been wildly successful with critics.

Take Nancy Drew for example, which was adapted from Carolyn Keanecult youth detective series of 2016. Even though it aired for four seasons. The show never received the hype and attention it so rightly deserved, despite an impressive script, a bunch of unexpected twists, dynamic characters and The epic story of “They Won’t Love” between Nancy (Kennedy McMann) and Ace (Alex Saxon).

“(Nancy and Ace) go on a very unexpected journey. I think this will surprise many. It’s not necessarily going to be the structure that anyone expects in terms of how they’re going to deal with the new reality,” McMann. exclusively told Us weekly in May 2023, ahead of season four. “This results in a lot of emotional distress for both of them.”

Of course, Nancy and Ace were victims of the “deadly curse” that prevented them from becoming a couple. Fortunately, by the series finale the pair defeated the hexagon and finally got ready.

Keep scrolling and join us in looking back at some of the most underrated CW series that ended too soon:

“Nancy Drew”

The 2019 CW adaptation was latest reinvention belonging Nancy Drew franchise, in which McMann plays a very curious teenage detective. This version specifically makes Nancy’s age 18. It also featured Leah Lewis, Maddison Jaizani, Tunji Kasim, Riley Smith And Party of Five‘s Scott Wolf.

“Roswell, New Mexico”

Two decades after the original World Bank Roswell on air, the show was rebooted How Roswell: New Mexico and starred Janine Mason as Liz Ortecho opposite Nathan Dean Parsons“Max Evans. Michael Vlamis and Lily Coles completed Max’s alien trio as Michael and Isobel. Let’s not forget Tyler Blackburn, Michael Trevino And Heather Hemmens breathed new life into the roles of Alex, Kyle and Maria. O.G. Liz and Max (Shiri Appleby And Jason Behr) also both starred in cameos.

“Black Lightning”

CW was home a number of superhero showsfrom Arrow To Supergirl To Flash. Black Lightningdebuted in 2018, was another DC Comics adaptation series starring Cress Williams like an electrifying director turned vigilante. But what really captured our hearts? The show’s authenticity lies in its portrayal of real-life issues.

“Hart of Dixie”

Hart of Dixie gave us the same quaint small town feel. Gilmore Girls (which was especially appropriate since it was filmed on the same sound stage) if Stars Hollow was set in Bluebell, Alabama. Rachel Bilson from OK fame played slick town doctor Zoe Hart comes back to life when she moved south to continue her late father’s medical practice. Love triangle between George (Scott Porter) and Wade (Wilson Bethel) also kept Us on our toes for years and we still have opinions about who Zoe should have ended up with. (And, t.s.: Bilson too; watch her July 2024 interview with Us Here.)

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend ran for four seasons and earned the creator Rachel Bloom some Golden Globe nominationsbut it still seems like we as avid TV fans don’t talk about it enough. Bloom’s Rebecca literally sang and danced her way through career changes, love dilemmas and mental health crises, making the show entertaining and hilarious in equal measure.

“Katy Keene”

Certainly, Riverdale was one of the network’s biggest hits 2010s and even led to additional income. Based on another Archie Comics character. Katy Keene starred Pretty Little Liars‘ Lucy Hale as an aspiring fashion designer who strived to make his dreams come true in New York. Katy’s Big Apple best friends were pictured Ashley Murray (repeating it Riverdale role of Josie McCoy) Johnny Beauchamp And Julia Chan. Emily in Paris star Lucian Laviscount also appeared on Katy Keene, like Riverdale own Casey Cott. Unfortunately, Katie’s adventures ended after just one season.

“Life is unexpected”

Another brief CW miracle was Life is unexpected, in which Appleby (yes, from OG Roswell) and Hallmark staple Kristoffer Polaha reunite with the daughter they gave up for adoption 16 years ago, Lux (played by Britt Roberston). The two-season series also featured Dawson Creek Kerr Smith as Appleby’s radio host, groom and future Oscar nominee Austin Butler as Lux’s high school love interest.

“The Carrie Diaries”

To Sarah Jessica ParkerCarrie Bradshaw moved to Manhattan as a teenager in Castlebury, Connecticut. The Carrie Diaries tells the story of Carrie’s school years with AnnaSophia Robb portraying a fashionista. Long before Mr. Big or Aidan came on the scene, Carrie was head over heels in love with Castlebury bad boy Sebastian Kidd (Butler again). The show was amazing and what if Sex and the City and him And just like that revival completely contradicts plot points?

“Privileged”

Joanna Garcia Swisher played a new tutor twin heiress played by Lucy Hale and Ashley Newbrough on the short-lived CW series. Garcia Swisher’s Megan not only ended up forming a sisterly bond with Hale and Newbrough’s Rose and Sage Baker, but also enjoyed a fun love triangle between her childhood friend and the Bakers’ wealthy neighbor.

“Reign”

Reigna reimagining of Mary Queen of Scots’ love story with French prince (and future husband) Francis, aired on The CW for four seasons. Adelaide Kane brought Mary to life, encouraging Us to live vicariously through her royal expeditions and the sultry love triangle between Francis (Toby Regbo) and his illegitimate half-brother Bash (Torrence Coombs).

“Life imprisonment”

Hale also starred in the 2018 film. Life imprisonmentwhich only lasted one season on the network. As explained in the pilot, Hale’s Stella decides to throw caution to the wind after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, including marrying relative stranger Wes (Elliott Knight). When Stella’s terminal cancer is miraculously cured, she must deal with the consequences of her decisions—and everything she neglected—as she faces her impending mortality.

“Batwoman”

Batwoman The premiere took place in 2019 with Ruby Rose taking on the mantle of Batman. When she left after one season, Javicia Leslie wore the suit for the remaining two seasons. In addition to interesting, action-packed storylines and an entertaining Batman team, Batwoman was also a huge win for LGBTQIA+ representation as both Rose and Leslie’s versions of the hero were downright weird.

“Heritage”

Everybody’s always talking about The Vampire Diaries And Originals as the pinnacle of The CW’s programming, often overlooking the younger spin-off. Premiere in 2018. Heritage takes us to the Salvatore School (named after Damon and Stefan, naturally), where Klaus’ daughter, Hope, attends school with Caroline’s twins, Josie and Lizzie. Heritage brought many new monsters to Mystic Falls, as well as some not-so-subtle easter eggs and links.