The CW's Mark Pedowitz on Expanding the DC Comics Universe, the Future of Hart of Dixie, and More
The CW's Mark Pedowitz faced a room full of television reporters on Sunday morning during the Television Critics Association winter press tour, and in addition to sharing the exciting news that the network has renewed its entire fall lineup, he revealed some scoop on the future of Hart of Dixie, when you can expect Beauty and the Beast to return, and whether or not the network will be expanding its DC Comics universe anytime soon. Here we go!
On the possibility of more crossovers like the two-night Arrow/Flash event that aired this fall:
"When you're doing crossovers, they have to have an organic basis," Pedowitz said. When it comes to The Vampire Diaries and its spin-off, The Originals, he's leaving the possibility of a giant vampire orgy in the capable hands of producers Julie Plec and Caroline Dries, but plans to do an Arrow/Flash crossover once a year. It will always air late in the year, similar to the way Doctor Who airs an annual Christmas special.
On expanding the Arrow/Flash universe:
Pedowitz says he's happy about the network's current genre/non-genre show ratio, but is also open to producing new shows within the DC Comics universe as long as there's no audience fatigue and the show can stand on its own legs. He noted that The CW is actually having preliminary discussions about expanding the Arrow/Flash universe, but declined to provide further details. Luckily, Greg Berlanti—who executive-produces both shows—had no qualms spilling the beans during the Arrow/Flash panel that followed the executive session. They're in "very early talks" regarding a spin-off featuring Brandon Routh's Atom.
Bonus: The producers have also confirmed the identity of Reverse Flash!
On when Beauty and the Beast will return:
"One of the reasons we picked it up was to begin bringing scripted programming in the summer," Pedowitz said. Although there is no formal date set, fans of the show should expect a late May or early June premiere.
On the future of Hart of Dixie:
When asked whether the southern dramedy's shortened fourth season—which is currently airing Friday nights at 9pm—will be its last, Pedowitz said, "We're not committed one way or the other." The network is waiting to see how the show performs in Season 4 before making a decision about its future, but notes that if the season finale turns out to be a series finale, it'll be a "great" one.
On the possibility of another Supernatural spin-off:
Despite the failure of Bloodlines, the network is still open to the possibility of a spin-off of the popular demon-hunting series. "We are completely open at looking at a spinoff.. Hopefully next year [executive producers Jeremy Carver and Robert Singer] will come up with something that we can use," said Pedowitz.
On the success of The 100:
"The 100 is as intense as some cable shows," Pedowitz said, also noting that the network has to walk a fine line with regard to the series' brutality due to its 9pm timeslot. "[Creator Jason Rothenberg] has done a great job at making a dark show. It's one of the reasons I think it's worked."
