Success is killing DC Universe.
It is being reported that the comic book/movie/TV streaming service that contains all things DC Comics is losing one of its few smash shows: Stargirl. The series, which has just been renewed for a second season, is moving from DC Universe to The CW, home to quite a few DC TV shows. Stargirl will not be available on DC Universe when the second season premieres, instead only airing on The CW and then streaming on CW-related platforms. The network currently airs new episodes the day after they premiere on Universe so this change isn’t a huge surprise. But it does point to trouble ahead for DC Universe.
Sharing shows isn’t new to the subscription service. The streamer initially premiered Doom Patrol before that critically-acclaimed series found a second home on HBO Max. With the news of Stargirl completely leaving DC Universe and Doom Patrol finding success elsewhere, it is becoming apparent that Warner Media is moving things away from DC Universe, not towards it. That suggests that maybe they are looking to kill off the streaming service. Perhaps they plan to shuffle around the shows that are successful elsewhere and cancel the ones that aren’t pulling their weight. They have already axed Swamp Thing and several other exclusive shows. The few hits they do have are all setting up shop elsewhere.
It’ll be a shame if DC Universe does in fact die. It certainly isn’t the most amazing streaming service on earth, in fact it has many problems. But it’s a nice one-stop shop for DC properties. I use it for reading comics and, boy, do they have quite the selection there. If Warner decides to do away with DC Universe as it is now, I hope the comic book side of things lives on elsewhere, it’s a treasure trove of great content.
It’s too bad that things don’t look promising for DC Universe. At the same time, the shows that are moving are finding larger audiences on different platforms so at least they will live on. Plus, DC Universe’s demise doesn’t mean we won’t get new DC-related shows. Quite the contrary. It sounds like The CW is becoming even more invested in DC.