Legends of Tomorrow.

This is a rather seismic shift for Arrow. Guggenheim was one of the co-creators for Arrow and has been running the series, in some fashion, from the very beginning. In the first two seasons, Guggenheim shared duties with Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg. Yet when The Flash was launched, Kreisberg moved over to that show (for a time) and Berlanti took more of a supervisor role. Since season 3, Guggenheim has been the Arrow showrunner, before being ed by Mericle in season 4. With them gone, the future of Arrow is certainly going to change.

Deadline first reported the news of the behind-the-scenes arrangement. While Schwartz' name might not be that recognizable to some Arrow viewers, she has a very long history with the show, having started out as a writer in season 1. To date, she's written episodes like "Vendetta," "Seeing Red" and "The Thanatos Guild". Schwartz also has a long working history with Arrowverse boss, Greg Berlanti. In a statement talking about Schwartz' promotion, Berlanti explained:

We are all so incredibly thrilled to announce Beth Schwartz as the new showrunner of Arrow. She has been a source of some of the show’s most exciting and memorable moments from the beginning. Beth is a true leader and a captivating storyteller, and we all can’t wait for the audience to see what she and her team dream up as they take Arrow into its next big chapter.

The reason for the shake-up isn't stated, although it is likely very tiring to run one series, let alone two, like Guggenheim was doing. Of course, Mericle and Guggenheim could've just wanted to move on from a series that has already lasted an impressive six seasons. The move could, and likely will, represent a slight creative revamping for Arrow, though also one that could come about very naturally.

Throughout Arrow season 6, the series has gone through the effort to remove Oliver from his previous status quo. Oliver's current team has abandoned him, he's gotten married, he's raising a son, and his sister, Thea, has now left town. Arrow season 6 has deconstructed and reconstructed Oliver's life but the arrival of a new showrunner, even if she's been around since the start, could signal Arrow moving into a whole different era. Berlanti's comments seem to that, claiming that Schwartz will move Arrow into "its next big chapter."

Some of the changes that have been brought forth in Arrow season 6, like Oliver going it alone as a hero, could be made permanent. Or Arrow season 7 could also offer some big twist in the start of the season that could change things forever. It's probably not safe to speculate on what will occur exactly until Arrow season 6 reaches its finale. That episode could easily bring everything back to its status quo by the time things are finished.  Most of the big changes that Oliver has undergone could end up being no more than temporary.

No matter what happens on-screen though, behind the camera things will be changing. It's only right too. A series in seventh season does need to change things up to feel fresh and exciting.

More: 10 Couples That Hurt The Arrowverse (& 10 That Saved It)

Arrow continues Thursday, April 19 with “The Dragon” at 9pm ET on The CW.

Source: Deadline