Increased Popularity of Revisiting Classic CW Shows in 2025
Revival of Old CW Shows: Nostalgia, Streaming, and Fandom
In the streaming era, a surprising trend is gaining momentum - the resurgence of old CW shows among Gen Z and Millennials. This revival can be attributed to a combination of factors, including nostalgia, streaming accessibility, pandemic-induced comfort viewing, and active social media engagement.
The DNA that once defined CW programming is now largely found in reruns and streaming archives. Shows like One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, and Gilmore Girls are experiencing renewed popularity because they capture teen and young adult themes that still resonate today. The CW's beloved scripted series, such as The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017), which spawned The Originals and Legacies, are also seeing a comeback.
The pandemic has played a cultural role by driving audiences towards comfort viewing, which included classic teen dramas and nostalgic shows that provided escapism. Shows like Outer Banks and Yellowjackets blend contemporary storytelling with elements reminiscent of older teen dramas, bridging generations and drawing younger viewers into the genre.
Streaming platforms have made these series easily accessible, pulling in curious newcomers and nostalgic fans alike. The CW's back catalog offers consistency, heart, and a reminder of why fans fell in love with these fandoms in the first place. Fans are returning not just for the stories, but to preserve a piece of pop culture history.
The easy availability of old CW shows on streaming platforms has boosted their accessibility. Shows like Arrow (2012-2020), which kicked off the Arrowverse, CW's interconnected DC superhero universe, are now within reach. Shows like Supernatural (2005-2020), a juggernaut that ran for 15 seasons, and The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, and Batwoman, which built on the success of Arrow and expanded CW's genre empire, are all now easily accessible.
The CW's golden era lives on through passionate fans who continue to stream, celebrate, and share its iconic shows. Fandoms for shows like Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries are experiencing a digital rebirth thanks to social media platforms like TikTok and fan accounts on Instagram and Twitter. Even shows like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Jane The Virgin continue to garner attention, with Crazy Ex-Girlfriend being moved to Fridays at 9:00pm.
However, the CW underwent a dramatic shift in programming in the early 2020s, pivoting to cheaper unscripted and syndicated content. Despite this, the network's legacy lives on, solidified by shows like One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl, and 90210 that solidified CW as the go-to for dramatic teen soap operas.
In summary, the key drivers for the CW's older shows’ resurgence among Gen Z and Millennials are nostalgia for teen dramas of earlier decades, streaming availability facilitating binge-watching, pandemic-related viewing habits, and active social media fandom participation. The CW's golden era continues to captivate audiences, offering a unique blend of comfort, nostalgia, and cultural resonance.
The resurgence of old CW shows among Gen Z and Millennials is not limited to scripted series, as even unscripted shows like 'Supernatural' and 'The Vampire Diaries' are experiencing a digital rebirth on social media platforms.
Aside from television, the influence of these shows extends to various aspects of lifestyle, including cosplay events where fans dress up as their favorite characters from 'One Tree Hill' or 'Gilmore Girls'.
The entertainment industry has recognized this trend, leading to the creation of books that delve into the behind-the-scenes stories of shows like 'The Flash' and 'Supergirl', providing fans with a deeper connection to these beloved series.
