It was recently confirmed by the CW network that the Arrowverse's Earth-Prime. This raises further questions around exactly why The Flash is ending.
The future of The Flash was uncertain for quite a while. The show was originally speculated to end after season 8, until the studio and network were able to convince Gustin and co-lead Candice Patton, who plays Iris West-Allen, to sign another deal, paving the way for season 9 (via Deadline). Danielle Panabaker, who plays Caitlin Snow as well as (Killer) Frost, is reportedly set to return too, along with Brandon McKnight, who plays Team Flash’s tech genius, Chester P. Runk. Other cast ’ futures are still uncertain, though Jesse L. Martin, who plays Iris’ father Joe West, has the option to return for cameos throughout The Flash’s ninth season.
Though most shows are canceled as a result of low ratings, The Flash hasn’t suffered from such issues. In fact, The Flash to continue as the Arrowverse’s flagship series.
Why The Flash Ending With Season 9 Is The Right Choice
With the news that The Flash season 9 will be its last, also comes the news that it will be its shortest season yet, with a total of 13 episodes. The two-part finale of The Flash season 8 left plenty of narrative set-ups to contend with, however, including the possibility of a new, more villainous version of Killer Frost, as well as long-awaited villain Cobalt Blue. Despite these exciting probable storylines, The Flash will still be ending after season 9. In light of the difficulties facing the Arrowverse after the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as casting complications, The Flash ending after season 9 is a fitting finale.
For all its potential, this conclusion is the right thing for the show. Long-time nemesis the Reverse Flash has finally been vanquished, Iris’ time sickness has been healed, and Iris’ and Barry’s children Nora (Jessica Parker Kennedy) and Bart’s (Jordan Fisher) futures are secure for the time being. 13 episodes are plenty to wrap up Caitlin’s and Frost’s storyline, too. Some shows stretch out their story beyond their means, leading to complaints of filler episodes, and cast who feel their characters’ journeys are going nowhere, dissatisfied with their roles in the narrative. It’s better to let a show end naturally, as The Flash seems to be doing now, and going out on a high note. The Flash finishing after nine seasons and possibly concluding the Arrowverse seems a fitting ending for a show that was instrumental in the CW’s creation of a shared superhero universe.