2014: The Flash Streaks Onto The CW
Original illustration — swap for licensed art
On October 7, 2014, The Flash premiered on The CW with Grant Gustin as Barry Allen, a Central City forensic scientist struck by lightning after a particle-accelerator explosion. Spun out of Arrow, the DC Comics adaptation drew about 4.83 million viewers and a 1.9 rating in adults 18-49, making it The CW's most-watched and highest-rated series premiere since The Vampire Diaries in 2009, according to Wikipedia's season guide. The cast also featured Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes, Tom Cavanagh and Jesse L. Martin. A full-season pickup followed within two weeks, and the show ran for nine seasons and became a cornerstone of the Arrowverse.
