Child of networks WB and UPN, the CW is finally turning 10, and it’s hard to believe the channel managed to churn out such a variety of fan favorites within the span of a decade. It produced several influential, or at the very least, mindless sources for entertainment over the years, with certain shows appealing more to some than others. Luckily, it’s never too late to binge-watch. Here are our picks.
Lisa’s shows:
I’m partially ashamed to admit I’ve seen every single episode of every one of these shows, but there’s a reason why this hopeless romantic was hooked. Every single one of my picks produced real-life couples, attesting to their authentic chemistry on-screen. What can I say? I’m a sucker for love and a little drama to keep things interesting.
“The Vampire Diaries”
Disclaimer: I don’t like “Twilight,” but I looooove TVD. The fact that the characters are vampires is secondary to the plot (well, that may be a bit of a stretch, but it’s fantastic nonetheless). The love triangles are messy, the storytelling is full of twists and the cast is to die for. If Paul Wesley’s abs or Ian Sommerhalder’s smoldering grin and devilish eyes don’t do it for you, then Nina Dobrev absolutely will.
“Gossip Girl”
It’s basically a prerequisite to watch this series before you are allowed to live in New York City. The shenanigans that occur on the Upper East Side are far from realistic, but that’s not why we watch. We tune in to witness more of Blair and Serena’s gorgeous wardrobes — that, and our favorite housemaid Dorinda.
“One Tree Hill”
This show is borderline ridiculous but strangely addictive. With a lot of laughable acting skills, the series is more akin to a soap opera, but once again the drama, questionable morals and beautiful cast make it all worth it.
“90210”
Many who watched the original would say this is a poor excuse of a show, but I wouldn’t know. The appeal to young adults is obvious. Who doesn’t appreciate over-privileged, rambunctious teens wilding out in the beautiful setting of southern California all the while trying to create a storyline relatable to your life?
Zach’s shows:
Long before there was the CW, there was KidsWB. A Saturday line-up of epic tales of superheroes and villains clashing for the fate of the world or paranormal investigators taping into the secrets hidden behind the curtain. As an adult, the CW has brought those cartoons to life with the same flare and fun, while having more substance than the movies could hope for.
“Smallville”
“Smallville” is the story of a young Clark Kent struggling with average high school problems including trying to figure out the man he wanted to be albeit with super powers. I believe it to be the best on-screen interpretation of Superman to date because we got to see our Clark Kent become the man of steel we know and love.
“Supernatural”
When “Supernatural” launched, I was hooked from the first episode. The buddy road trip between two estranged brothers as they hunt down monsters and demons hadn’t really been done on TV, and the relationship between them was fascinating. Whether it was wendigos, vampires or ghosts, I always looked forward to the Winchester brothers delivering sarcastic jokes, exorcisms and good old-fashioned silver.
“Arrow and Flash”
Continuing with the superhero genre, the stories of Oliver Queen and Barry Allen are also great series. The use of their powers for good meanwhile trying to balance life behind the mask had me returning for several years running. The dark and gritty “Arrow” juxtaposes with the light and funny “Flash” in a way that “Batman v Superman” wished it could.
