Ranking Every Superhero TV Show From Worst To Best
5. Arrow
Premiering back in 2012, Arrow is the show that gave way to a number of series on this list, and not just the DC ones. It not only launched the Arrowverse, introducing Barry Allen so we could have The Flash, and then setting up Legends of Tomorrow along with it, but proved that a dark, action-packed, and violent take on a lesser-known hero could be a big success.
After a stunning second season, it lost its way during Seasons 3 and 4. Had it continued in the same vein as Season 2, there's a strong case for it being even higher on this list. That it's still 5th is testament to its former glory, and of the promise that it might get back to something approaching that level.
It's been bogged down by magic and mysticism, dead characters not staying that way, ridiculous stakes, boring and irrelevant flashbacks, and too much soap opera.
Season 5 promises to get back to where it was before, and the premiere backs that up: a big focus on fast-paced, exciting, and intense action, strong thematic ties between the present day and flashbacks (which should also be interesting), and Green Arrow cleaning up the streets of Star City, portrayed through Stephen Amell's fantastic performance (something that only improved even as the show got worse).