Stargirl comes to an end at The CW
The DC hero is ending her flight on television, with the news that the CW series will come to a close at the end of its current third season this December
Stargirl, the CW series based on the DC comic book character, is ending with this December’s season finale, it’s been announced.
The series was initially developed for Warner Bros’ DC Universe streaming service, with work on the show beginning mid-2018. By the time the series debuted in May 2020, it had become a co-production with the CW network before moving entirely to the broadcast network the following season. (DC Universe was transitioned into a comics subscription service in January 2021, with the remainder of its original programming moving to HBO Max.)
Stargirl draws heavily not only from the comic book mythology surrounding the character, but also from the wider Justice Society of America lore, with Courtney Whitmore — the eponymous hero in the show, played by Brec Bassinger — inspiring a new generation of heroes to team up to become a contemporary version of the classic team; additionally, the Injustice Society originally created for All-Star Comics in the 1940s plays a significant role in the series.
The show’s cancellation marks the fourth CW scripted drama to conclude this season, alongside The Flash, Riverdale, and Nancy Drew. Additionally, no less than 10 other series were cancelled back in May, including Naomi, Batwoman, and DC's Legends of Tomorrow, all based on DC properties. The overhaul in the network’s line-up follows the August announcement that the network had been purchased by station group Nexstar, with the latter assuming control earlier this month.
In a statement, series creator Geoff Johns said, “With all the brewing changes at the network, we were aware this was possibly the last season, so we wrote with that in mind and have delivered what I believe to be the best season of Stargirl yet, with complete creative closure. The cast and crew are extraordinary, and I’d like to thank them for helping me bring this series to life. Brec embodied Courtney in every way possible — with grace, strength and humor — exceeding my wildest expectations. I am grateful to WBTV and The CW for giving us a home to tell this story and to honor my beloved late sister, and I’m beyond thankful to the press and fans who have always championed us for three amazing seasons. Most series never get this far. We couldn’t be more proud of our show and the fan community it’s built!”
Bassinger has issued her own statement, reading, “Getting to play Stargirl and be a part of the DC Universe has been the greatest honor, and I am so grateful for every moment of it. I would like to thank our fearless leader Geoff Johns, along with WBTV, The CW, the cast and crew of Stargirl, and of course, the fans. Thank you. This show will forever live in my heart.”
The final season of Stargirl is currently airing, with its finale scheduled for December 7.
Stargirl might be ending on the small screen, but she’s getting a new lease of life in comics as part of Geoff Johns’ New Golden Age line at DC.
