Arrow (TV series)#Critical response

The series follows billionaire playboy Oliver Queen, who spent five years shipwrecked on the mysterious island Lian Yu, before returning home to Starling City.{{Cite web |url=https://www.dc.com/tv/arrow-2012-2020 |title=Arrow (2012 - 2020) |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=DC Comics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203164456/https://www.dc.com/tv/arrow-2012-2020 |archive-date=2023-02-03}}

In season one, Oliver returns to Starling City and is reunited with his family and friends, including Tommy Merlyn and Laurel Lance. By night, he acts as a vigilante, known as "The Hood",{{Cite episode |title=Lone Gunmen |episode-link=Lone Gunmen (Arrow) |series=Arrow |series-link=Arrow (TV series) |network=The CW |airdate=October 24, 2012 |season=1 |number=3 |time=13:47 |quote=We still found arrows in the scene. Solid evidence that The Hood was there.}} hunting down those listed in his father's notebook, with assistance from John Diggle and Felicity Smoak. A conspiracy known as "The Undertaking", led by Malcolm Merlyn, threatens the city. The season also features flashbacks to Oliver's first year on the island, and his struggle to survive, alongside both new allies, including Slade Wilson, and foes.

In season two, following the death of Tommy Merlyn, Oliver vows to no longer kill. Operating under a new alias, "The Arrow",{{Cite episode |title=City of Heroes |episode-link=City of Heroes (Arrow) |series=Arrow |series-link=Arrow (TV series) |network=The CW |airdate=October 9, 2013 |season=2 |number=1 |time=40:25 |quote=I don't want to be called "The Hood" anymore.}}{{Cite episode |title=Broken Dolls |episode-link=Broken Dolls (Arrow) |series=Arrow |series-link=Arrow (TV series) |network=The CW |airdate=October 23, 2013 |season=2 |number=3 |time=26:53 |quote=Last year you were working with "The Arrow", what a difference a few months make.}} he is tested when the city comes under attack from Slade. He also struggles to balance his vigilante activities alongside his role as CEO of Queen Consolidated. The season sees the return of Sara Lance, now also known as "The Canary", as well as the introduction of government agency A.R.G.U.S and its leader Amanda Waller. The flashbacks see Oliver face a new threat on Lian Yu, as well as revealing the origins of his feud with Slade.

In season three, following Sara's murder and the loss of his family's company to Ray Palmer, Oliver refuses to believe he can lead a normal life whilst continuing as The Arrow. He becomes embroiled in a conflict with Ra's al Ghul, in order to protect his sister Thea. Felicity becomes vice-president of the now renamed Palmer Technologies and Laurel sets out to follow in Sara's footsteps, assuming the mantle of Black Canary. The season's flashbacks see Oliver escape Lian Yu, only to be forced to work with Waller in Hong Kong, attempting to stop the release of a lethal pathogen.

In season four, Oliver and Felicity are living in Ivy Town, but return to the renamed Star City, to fight terrorist group H.I.V.E., led by Damien Darhk. Oliver adopts the moniker "Green Arrow"{{Cite episode |title=Green Arrow |episode-link=Green Arrow (Arrow episode) |series=Arrow |series-link=Arrow (TV series) |network=The CW |airdate=October 7, 2015 |season=4 |number=1 |time=36:56 |quote=I am the Green Arrow.}} whilst also running for mayor. The discovery of the existence of his son William, and his decision to conceal the truth, leads to the breakup of his relationship with Felicity. Laurel is killed by Darhk, and Oliver discovers his plan to detonate nuclear weapons. The season's flashbacks see Oliver returned to Lian Yu by Waller, where he attempts to infiltrate criminal group Shadowspire.

In season five, Oliver and Felicity recruit a new team of vigilantes to aid their mission, including former police detective Dinah Drake, as the new Black Canary. Oliver struggles to adjust to his break-up with Felicity, alongside trying to balance his new role as mayor with the threat posed by the serial killer Prometheus. The season also sees the introduction of an antagonistic version of Laurel Lance, known as Black Siren, a doppelganger from Earth-2, who made her debut during the second season of The Flash. In the season's flashbacks, Oliver travels to Russia where he joins the Bratva, and is trained by Talia al Ghul, before returning to Lian Yu.

In season six, Oliver attempts to balance his vigilantism alongside his role as mayor, whilst also being a father to William, following the death of the boy's mother. He rekindles his relationship with Felicity, with the pair marrying in the season's Arrowverse crossover. A new threat in the form of terrorist hacker Cayden James and his criminal gang emerges. When Ricardo Diaz kills James, and with team Arrow facing a bitter split, Oliver is forced to enlist the aid of the FBI, striking a deal that leads to his incarceration in federal prison and his outing as Green Arrow to the public.

In season seven, Felicity seeks new allies to help catch Diaz and release Oliver from prison. Following his defeat of Diaz and his prison release, Oliver and his team are deputized by the SCPD. His half-sister, Emiko Queen, emerges as the new Green Arrow; however, it is later revealed she is the leader of the terrorist group the Ninth Circle. The season features flash-forwards to twenty years into the future, with the now-adult William receiving a mysterious message. Joining Oliver's former allies, he discovers his half-sister, Oliver and Felicity's daughter Mia, and works to save the city from a cyber attack.

In the eighth and final season, the Monitor recruits Oliver to aid him in his mission to prevent the coming Crisis. William, Connor Hawke, and Mia mysteriously time travel from 2040 to present-day Star City. During the Crisis, Oliver sacrifices himself and becomes the Spectre to stop the Anti-Monitor. Following their final battle, a new universe is born at the cost of Oliver's life. He is then reunited with Felicity in a "paradise dimension",{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2020/01/29/arrow-boss-talks-series-finale-the-episode-hed-redo-and-biggest-writers-room-debates/|title=Arrow boss talks series finale, the episode he'd redo, and biggest writers' room debates|last=Agard|first=Chancellor|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=January 29, 2020|access-date=June 23, 2020}} in the final scene of the series.

{{Main|List of Arrow episodes{{!}}List of Arrow episodes}}

{{:List of Arrow episodes}}

{{Main|List of Arrow characters|List of supporting Arrow characters|List of Arrowverse cast members}}

• Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen / Arrow / Green Arrow,{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/stephen-amell-star-heels-wrestling-drama-starz-picked-up-series-order-mike-omalley-1202670994/|title='Arrow' Star Stephen Amell To Headline Starz Wrestling Drama Series 'Heels'|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=August 19, 2019|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820001018/https://deadline.com/2019/08/stephen-amell-star-heels-wrestling-drama-starz-picked-up-series-order-mike-omalley-1202670994/|archive-date=August 20, 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/08/25/arrow-stephen-amell-season-8-premiere-dialogue/|title=Arrow: Stephen Amell Teases Heartbreaking Dialogue From Final Season Premiere|website=ComicBook|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826024403/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/08/25/arrow-stephen-amell-season-8-premiere-dialogue/|archive-date=August 26, 2019|url-status=live}} a billionaire playboy turned hooded vigilante-hero who is initially known as the "Hood", "Vigilante", and simply "Arrow". He is based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow. He survives on an isolated island for five years after the sinking of his father's yacht. Oliver returns to his home city with a mission—to right the wrongs of his father and save the city from the crime that has grown in his absence. Amell was one of the first actors to audition for the role, and Kreisberg felt that he "hit the target from the outset" and "everyone else just paled in comparison". In season six's finale, Oliver confesses he's the Green Arrow and is sent to prison where he's known as "Inmate 4587". The actor, who was already in shape from Rent-a-Goalie, did physical fitness training at Tempest Freerunning Academy in Reseda, California. Amell received archery training as well, which included watching a video on how archery has been displayed inaccurately or poorly in television and film before learning the basics of shooting a bow.{{cite web |url=http://o.canada.com/entertainment/television/stephen-amell-brings-arrow-to-small-screen |title=Stephen Amell brings Arrow to small screen |website=canada.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024053733/http://o.canada.com/entertainment/television/stephen-amell-brings-arrow-to-small-screen/ |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |access-date=April 3, 2016}} For Amell, the appeal of portraying Queen was that he saw multiple roles tied to the same character: "There's Queen the casual playboy; Queen the wounded hero; Queen the brooding Hamlet; Queen the lover; Queen the man of action, and so on". Amell also portrays Dark Arrow (Oliver's Earth-X doppelganger) in the sixth season's crossover "Crisis on Earth-X".{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbr.com/green-arrow-prometheus-x-arrowverse-crossover/ |title=Green Arrow Faces Prometheus-X in Arrowverse Crossover Photo |date=October 17, 2017 |work=CBR |access-date=May 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521104349/https://www.cbr.com/green-arrow-prometheus-x-arrowverse-crossover/ |archive-date=May 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}
• Katie Cassidy as Laurel Lance / Black Canary (seasons 1–4; guest: season 5–8) and Laurel Lance / Black Siren / Black Canary (seasons 6–8;{{efn|Although Cassidy is billed as a "special appearance" in season 8, she is still considered a series regular for the season.{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2019/10/16/the-flash-earth-two-destroyed-arrow-season-8-premiere/ |title=Arrow/The Flash: Burning Qs Answered About Earth-Two, the New Hood, Canaries Spinoff Set-Up and More |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb|work=TVLine|date=October 16, 2019|access-date=October 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016201807/https://tvline.com/2019/10/16/the-flash-earth-two-destroyed-arrow-season-8-premiere/|archive-date=October 16, 2019|url-status=live}}}} recurring: season 5),{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/08/19/arrow-spoilers-final-season-spinoff-birds-of-prey-katie-cassidy/|title=Arrow's Katie Cassidy Rodgers Pitched a Birds of Prey Spinoff to The CW|website=DC|date=August 19, 2019 |access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826192840/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/08/19/arrow-spoilers-final-season-spinoff-birds-of-prey-katie-cassidy/|archive-date=August 26, 2019|url-status=live}} based on the DC Comics character of the same name,{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/s206/arrow/news/a464829/arrow-exec-on-black-canary-debut-it-has-to-be-earned.html |title=Arrow exec on Black Canary debut: 'It has to be earned' |date=March 11, 2013 |last=Jeffrey |first=Morgan |work=Digital Spy |access-date=April 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509125206/http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/s206/arrow/news/a464829/arrow-exec-on-black-canary-debut-it-has-to-be-earned.html |archive-date=May 9, 2013 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2012/02/katie-cassidy-set-as-female-lead-in-cw-pilot-arrow-231444/ |title=Katie Cassidy Set As Female Lead In CW Pilot Arrow |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=February 15, 2012 |access-date=April 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923100458/http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/katie-cassidy-set-as-female-lead-in-cw-pilot-arrow/ |archive-date=September 23, 2013 |url-status=live}} an attorney turned vigilante and former girlfriend of Oliver Queen. Cassidy said she was drawn to the show by Berlanti, Nutter, Kreisberg, and Guggenheim, whom she called smart, creative, and edgy. She was the first primary character to be cast.{{cite web |url=http://www.greenarrowtv.com/greenarrowtv-interview-with-katie-cassidy-laurel-lance/11422 |title=GreenArrowTV Interview With Katie Cassidy, "Laurel Lance" |last=Byrne |first=Craig |work=GreenArrowTV.com |date=August 7, 2012 |access-date=November 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222120/http://www.greenarrowtv.com/greenarrowtv-interview-with-katie-cassidy-laurel-lance/11422 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |url-status=live}} Cassidy sees her character as a "caregiver" to her family, which led her to become an attorney. She said, "I think that she's very, very driven, and she has a huge heart ... she's sensitive. She has really strong morals and values, and she expects everybody to live up to them the way that she does".{{cite web |url=http://www.greenarrowtv.com/arrows-canary-interview-with-katie-cassidy-laurel-lance/11348 |title=Arrow's Canary: Interview With Katie Cassidy, "Laurel Lance" |last=Byrne |first=Craig |work=GreenArrowTV.com |date=July 23, 2012 |access-date=November 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202230458/http://www.greenarrowtv.com/arrows-canary-interview-with-katie-cassidy-laurel-lance/11348 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |url-status=live}} The Earth-1 version of the character dies near the end of season four, but Cassidy returned as a series regular from season six as the Earth-2 version of the character who first appeared in the spin-off show The Flash.{{Cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2017/03/27/arrow-season-6-katie-cassidy-series-regular-black-siren/ |title=Arrow: Katie Cassidy to Return as Series Regular for Season 6, Playing [Spoiler] |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |date=March 27, 2017 |website=TVLine |access-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328013523/http://tvline.com/2017/03/27/arrow-season-6-katie-cassidy-series-regular-black-siren/ |archive-date=March 28, 2017 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/katie-cassidy-returning-arrow-black-siren-season-6-the-cw-1202017139/ |title=Katie Cassidy Returning to 'Arrow' for Good as Black Siren |last=Wagmeister |first=Elizabeth |date=March 27, 2017 |work=Variety |access-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328195400/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/katie-cassidy-returning-arrow-black-siren-season-6-the-cw-1202017139/ |archive-date=March 28, 2017 |url-status=live}}
• Colin Donnell as Tommy Merlyn (season 1; recurring: seasons 7–8; guest: seasons 2–3 and 6), Oliver's best friend,{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2012/02/titus-welliver-to-star-in-nbcs-midnight-sun-cws-arrow-adds-colin-donnell-234108/ |title=Titus Welliver To Star In NBC's Midnight Sun, CW's Arrow Adds Colin Donnell |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=February 21, 2012 |access-date=November 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114210058/http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/titus-welliver-to-star-in-nbcs-midnight-sun-cws-arrow-adds-colin-donnell/ |archive-date=November 14, 2013 |url-status=live}} the son of Malcolm Merlyn and boyfriend to Laurel Lance. His character dies in season one's finale but Donnell reprises his role as hallucinations and flashbacks in subsequent seasons and also portrays his Earth-X doppelganger Prometheus and a posthumous impersonation by Human Target in season six. Donnell returns in the eighth and final season as Merlyn's Earth-2 doppelgänger and is brought back to life by Oliver when he restored the multiverse in the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover event.
• David Ramsey as John Diggle / Spartan,{{cite web |url=http://dccomicsmovie.com/marc-guggenheim-confirms-diggles-codename-is-spartan/ |title=Marc Guggenheim Confirms Diggle's Codename is Spartan – DC Comics Movies — DCComicsMovie.com |date=November 12, 2015 |access-date=January 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308002112/http://dccomicsmovie.com/marc-guggenheim-confirms-diggles-codename-is-spartan/ |archive-date=March 8, 2016 |url-status=live}} Oliver's partner, confidant, and bodyguard, who becomes part of their vigilante team.{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2012/tv/news/ramsey-cast-in-cw-s-arrow-pilot-1118049941/ |title=Ramsey cast in CW's Arrow pilot |last=Levine |first=Stuart |work=Variety |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=November 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717191653/http://variety.com/2012/tv/news/ramsey-cast-in-cw-s-arrow-pilot-1118049941/ |archive-date=July 17, 2014 |url-status=live}} Named after comic book writer Andy Diggle, and created specifically for the show, Diggle was designed to be Oliver's "equal in many respects". Guggenheim further explained that Diggle's mutual abilities are a means of setting him up early in the series as a confidant for Oliver's vigilante persona.{{cite web |url=http://www.greenarrowtv.com/interview-marc-guggenheim-unlocks-the-secrets-connections-in-arrow/11329 |title=Interview: Marc Guggenheim Unlocks The Secrets & Connections In Arrow |last=Byrne |first=Craig |work=GreenArrowTV.com |date=July 19, 2012 |access-date=November 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002406/http://www.greenarrowtv.com/interview-marc-guggenheim-unlocks-the-secrets-connections-in-arrow/11329 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=live}}
• Willa Holland as Thea Queen / Speedy (seasons 1–6; recurring: season 8; guest: season 7), Oliver's younger half-sister; based on a DC Comics character with similar traits.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2012/02/arrow-nick-stoller-comedy-add-to-casts-231747/ |title=Arrow & Nick Stoller Comedy Add To Casts |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=February 15, 2012 |access-date=November 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222053/http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/arrow-nick-stoller-comedy-add-to-casts/ |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |url-status=live}} The character is later revealed to be the daughter of Malcolm Merlyn. Holland exited the series in season six. Guggenheim stated that the door is always open for Holland to reprise her role as Thea.{{Cite news |url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/03/29/arrow-willa-holland-thea-exit/ |title='Arrow' boss on that shocking cast departure |work=EW.com |access-date=April 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330233751/http://ew.com/tv/2018/03/29/arrow-willa-holland-thea-exit/ |archive-date=March 30, 2018 |url-status=live}} After departing the series in the sixth season, Holland returned in a special guest star role during season seven.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/arrow-150th-episode-thea-lance-roy-sara-sin-rory-return/|title=Arrow's 150th Episode: Holy Cameos, Batman! {{!}} TV Guide|date=February 4, 2019|website=TVGuide.com|access-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205201858/https://www.tvguide.com/news/arrow-150th-episode-thea-lance-roy-sara-sin-rory-return/|archive-date=February 5, 2019|url-status=live}} Melissa Benoist had auditioned to portray Thea but was ultimately cast as Supergirl instead.
• Susanna Thompson as Moira Queen (seasons 1–2; guest: seasons 5 & 8), Oliver and Thea's mother.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2012/02/pilot-castings-susanna-thompson-joins-arrow-nashville-county-add-actors-230983/ |title=PILOT CASTINGS: Susanna Thompson Joins Arrow, Nashville & County Add Actors |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=February 14, 2012 |access-date=November 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105151451/http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/pilot-castings-susanna-thompson-joins-arrow-nashville-county-add-actors/ |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |url-status=live}} She is murdered at the end of season two,{{Cite news |url=https://screenrant.com/arrow-moira-queen-return-susanna-thompson/ |title=Arrow: Moira Queen Returning For 100th Episode |date=September 29, 2016 |work=Screen Rant |access-date=May 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504225339/https://screenrant.com/arrow-moira-queen-return-susanna-thompson/ |archive-date=May 4, 2018 |url-status=live}} but was brought back by Oliver after he restored the multiverse.
• Paul Blackthorne as Quentin Lance (seasons 1–6; recurring: season 8; guest: season 7), Laurel and Sara Lance's father and Starling City police detective.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2012/03/paul-blackthorne-arrow-cast-jamey-sheridan-arrows-dad-238838/ |title=The River{{'s}} Paul Blackthorne Joins Arrow, Jamey Sheridan Set To Play Arrow's Dad |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=March 2, 2012 |access-date=October 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103072103/http://www.deadline.com/2012/03/paul-blackthorne-arrow-cast-jamey-sheridan-arrows-dad/ |archive-date=November 3, 2013 |url-status=live}} The character is partly based on the DC Comics character Larry Lance. The character dies in the sixth-season finale,{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-star-paul-blackthorne-exit-season-6-1107665 |title='Arrow' Star Paul Blackthorne to Exit After Season 6 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=May 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502231355/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-star-paul-blackthorne-exit-season-6-1107665 |archive-date=May 2, 2018 |url-status=live}} but his death is averted after Oliver restored the multiverse.
• Emily Bett Rickards as Felicity Smoak / Overwatch (seasons 2–7; recurring: season 1; guest: season 8),{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/27/arrow-felicity-codename-overwatch-oracle |title=Arrow reveals Felicity's codename |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=January 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130230027/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/27/arrow-felicity-codename-overwatch-oracle |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2012/08/shiri-appleby-poised-to-recur-on-nbcs-chicago-fire-more-tv-castings-316918/ |title=Shiri Appleby Poised To Recur On NBC's Chicago Fire & More TV Castings |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=August 10, 2012 |access-date=February 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301085431/http://www.deadline.com/2012/08/shiri-appleby-poised-to-recur-on-nbcs-chicago-fire-more-tv-castings/ |archive-date=March 1, 2014 |url-status=live}} an IT technician at Queen Consolidated who later becomes part of Oliver's vigilante team, adopting the codename 'Overwatch'.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/27/arrow-felicity-codename-overwatch-oracle |title=Arrow reveals Felicity's codename |last=Abrams |first=Natalie |date=January 17, 2016 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130230027/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/27/arrow-felicity-codename-overwatch-oracle |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |access-date=October 19, 2017 |url-status=live}} She is loosely based on the character of the same name, from the 1984 Fury of Firestorm comics run.{{Cite web |url=http://comicsalliance.com/tags/felicity-smoak/ |title=Gerry Conway Starts Blog Aimed at Fair Compensation For DC Character Creators |last=Wilson |first=Matt D. |date=July 1, 2013 |website=ComicsAlliance |publisher=Townsquare Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906085511/http://comicsalliance.com/gerry-conway-blog-dc-comics-character-fair-compensation-fans/ |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |url-status=dead |quote=Gerry Conway, the writer who co-created the character with artist Rafael Kayanan in a 1984 issue of Firestorm.}} The character goes on to develop a romantic relationship with Oliver, with the pair marrying during the "Crisis on Earth-X" crossover event. She becomes stepmother to Oliver's son, William, and mother to their daughter Mia. During season four she worked as CEO of Palmer Tech, and in season seven founded her own company, Smoak Technologies. Rickards was initially cast as a one-off guest star but was promoted to a series regular for season two, after becoming a recurring character throughout season one.{{cite web |url=http://www.craveonline.com/tv/articles/204841-emily-bett-rickards-promoted-for-arrow-season-2 |title=Emily Bett Rickards Promoted For 'Arrow' Season 2 |work=CraveOnline |last=Marnell |first=Blair |date=February 12, 2013 |access-date=February 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701122328/http://www.craveonline.com/tv/articles/204841-emily-bett-rickards-promoted-for-arrow-season-2 |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |url-status=live}} Describing the character's personality, Rickards stated "Felicity is really focused, and I think that focus can be overpowering. The whole bubbly/awkward thing is a product of the focus. I don't think they're parts on their own."{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/emily-bett-rickards-brings-personality-to-arrows-felicity-smoak/ |title=Emily Bett Rickards Brings Personality To "Arrow's" Felicity Smoak |last=Phegley |first=Kiel |work=Comic Book Review |date=October 30, 2013 |access-date=October 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421004401/https://www.cbr.com/emily-bett-rickards-brings-personality-to-arrows-felicity-smoak/ |archive-date=April 21, 2017 |url-status=live}} In March 2019, Rickards announced she would be leaving the series ahead of its final season.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/arrow-actress-emily-bett-rickards-announces-exit-ahead-of-final-season-1202585660/ |title='Arrow' Actress Emily Bett Rickards Announces Exit Ahead Of Final Season |work=Deadline Hollywood |first=Anita |last=Bennett |date=March 30, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330210601/https://deadline.com/2019/03/arrow-actress-emily-bett-rickards-announces-exit-ahead-of-final-season-1202585660/ |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |url-status=live}} She returned as a special guest star for the series finale.{{Cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2019/11/01/arrow-emily-bett-rickards-returns-series-finale-felicity/ |title=Arrow{{'s}} Series Finale: Emily Bett Rickards Returns for Series Finale – Will Olicity Reunite? |last=Mittovich |first=Matt Webb |date=November 1, 2019 |website=TVLine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101171650/https://tvline.com/2019/11/01/arrow-emily-bett-rickards-returns-series-finale-felicity/ |archive-date=November 1, 2019 |access-date=November 1, 2019}}
• Colton Haynes as Roy Harper / Arsenal (seasons 2–3 and 7; recurring: seasons 1 & 8; guest: seasons 4 & 6), a character based on the DC Comics character of the same name.{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Arrow-Colton-Haynes-1057668.aspx |title=Exclusive: Teen Wolf Vet Colton Haynes Joins Arrow as ... Who?! |last=Holbrook |first=Damian |work=TV Guide |date=December 11, 2012 |access-date=December 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006205311/http://www.tvguide.com/news/arrow-colton-haynes-1057668.aspx |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |url-status=live}} He is also Thea Queen's romantic partner. Haynes was moved to series regular status at the beginning of season two, following his recurring appearance in season one.{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-colton-haynes-series-regular-season-2-428346 |title=Arrow Promotes Colton Haynes to Series Regular for Season 2 |first=Lesley |last=Goldberg |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=March 13, 2013 |access-date=March 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316011439/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-colton-haynes-series-regular-season-2-428346 |archive-date=March 16, 2013 |url-status=live}} Haynes left the series after season three when his contract ended, and later appears as a guest star in the fourth, sixth, and eighth seasons{{cite magazine |last1=Abrams |first1=Natalie |title=Arrow twist: Scoop on the big exit |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/04/15/arrow-twist-scoop-big-exit |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=April 15, 2015 |access-date=April 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416052646/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/04/15/arrow-twist-scoop-big-exit |archive-date=April 16, 2015 |url-status=live}} (attributing his departure from to his mental and physical health at that time),{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/05/05/colton-haynes-interview |title=Colton Haynes gets honest about life after Arrow |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=May 5, 2016 |access-date=August 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812024938/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/05/05/colton-haynes-interview |archive-date=August 12, 2016 |url-status=live}} but returned as a regular for season seven.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-colton-haynes-returning-as-season-7-regular-1100766 |title='Arrow': Colton Haynes Officially Returning as Season 7 Regular |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=April 9, 2018 |access-date=April 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409212652/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-colton-haynes-returning-as-season-7-regular-1100766 |archive-date=April 9, 2018 |url-status=live}}
• Manu Bennett as Slade Wilson / Deathstroke (season 2; recurring: season 1; guest: seasons 3 & 5–6), a mercenary and international terrorist. He is based on the DC Comics character of the same name.{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2012/11/30/arrow-manu-bennett/|title=Arrow casts Spartacus actor |last=Hibberd |first=James |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=November 30, 2012 |access-date=March 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518172517/https://ew.com/article/2012/11/30/arrow-manu-bennett/ |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |url-status=live}} Bennett was initially cast as a recurring character for season one, before receiving series regular status during season two.{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/arrow-manu-bennett-season-2-430044/ |title=Arrow{{'s}} Manu Bennett Upped to Series Regular for Season 2 (Exclusive) |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=March 20, 2013 |access-date=March 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102102723/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/arrow-manu-bennett-season-2-430044/ |archive-date=January 2, 2022 |url-status=live}}
• John Barrowman as Malcolm Merlyn / Dark Archer (seasons 3–4; recurring: seasons 1–2; guest: seasons 5–8),{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/01/06/arrows-john-barrowman-to-write-dark-archer-comic |title=Arrow's John Barrowman to Write Dark Archer Comic |author=Jesse Schedeen |date=January 6, 2016 |work=IGN |access-date=January 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204052724/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/01/06/arrows-john-barrowman-to-write-dark-archer-comic |archive-date=February 4, 2016 |url-status=live}} a wealthy businessman who is the father of Tommy and Thea. He serves as Oliver's nemesis. He is based on the DC Comics character Merlyn. After being a recurring guest star for the first two seasons, Barrowman became a series regular in season three.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-john-barrowman-series-regular-704413 |title=Arrow: John Barrowman Promoted to Series Regular for Season 3 |last=Ng |first=Philiana |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517192014/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-john-barrowman-series-regular-704413 |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |url-status=live}} Barrowman reprised the role in season five during the crossover event "Invasion!" and later with his character's apparent death occurring off-screen, and again in season seven's crossover "Elseworlds" in a hallucination.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2461181/john-barrowman-confirms-return-in-arrow-season-7|title=John Barrowman Confirms Return In Arrow Season 7|date=November 11, 2018|website=CINEMABLEND|access-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201065731/https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2461181/john-barrowman-confirms-return-in-arrow-season-7|archive-date=February 1, 2019|url-status=live}}
• Echo Kellum as Curtis Holt / Mister Terrific (seasons 5–7; recurring: season 4; guest: season 8), based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Holt is a technological savant, inventor and medal-winning Olympic decathlete, who works with Felicity at Palmer Technologies.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/16/arrow-echo-kellum-mr-terrific-season-4 |title=Arrow casts Mr. Terrific for season 4 |last=Abrams |first=Natalie |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=July 17, 2015 |access-date=July 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703015106/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/16/arrow-echo-kellum-mr-terrific-season-4 |archive-date=July 3, 2018 |url-status=live}} Kellum was upgraded to series regular in the fifth season.{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2016/04/04/arrow-season-5-echo-kellum-series-regular-curtis/ |title='Arrow' Season 5: Echo Kellum promoted to Series Regular as Curtis Holt |last=Mitovich |first=Matt |work=TVLine |date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405065334/http://tvline.com/2016/04/04/arrow-season-5-echo-kellum-series-regular-curtis/ |archive-date=April 5, 2016 |url-status=live}} Kellum exited the series during season seven,{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/02/11/arrow-echo-kellum-terrific-exit/|title='Arrow' star on their shocking exit from the show: 'It's not the end of [SPOILER]'|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=February 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801232110/https://ew.com/tv/2019/02/11/arrow-echo-kellum-terrific-exit/|archive-date=August 1, 2019|url-status=live}} but returned for the finale and later appears as a guest star in season eight.{{Cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2019/05/07/arrow-season-7-finale-photos-laurel-canary-curtis-bronze-tiger/|title=Arrow Season Finale Photos Tease 3 Returns — Watch a Sneak Peek of Emily Bett Rickards' Final Episode|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|date=May 8, 2019|website=TVLine|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514022146/https://tvline.com/2019/05/07/arrow-season-7-finale-photos-laurel-canary-curtis-bronze-tiger/|archive-date=May 14, 2019|url-status=live}}
• Josh Segarra as Adrian Chase / Prometheus (season 5; guest: seasons 6 & 8), based on the DC Comics characters Adrian Chase and Prometheus. The new Star City district attorney, he is later revealed to be season five's arch-villain Prometheus.{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv/2017/03/01/arrow-prometheus-identity-chase-spoilers/ |title=Arrow unveils Prometheus' identity — what's next? |last=Abrams |first=Natalie |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 1, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302062525/http://ew.com/tv/2017/03/01/arrow-prometheus-identity-chase-spoilers/ |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/04/13/arrow-season-6-episode-18-adrian-chase-returns/ |title='Arrow' Fans Are Loving SPOILER's Return in "Fundamentals" |work=DC |access-date=May 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521065811/http://comicbook.com/dc/2018/04/13/arrow-season-6-episode-18-adrian-chase-returns/ |archive-date=May 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}
• Rick Gonzalez as Rene Ramirez / Wild Dog (seasons 6–8; recurring: season 5), a dishonorably discharged Marine with an estranged daughter who joins Oliver's vigilante team. He is based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Gonzalez was promoted to series regular from season six.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/04/arrow-rick-gonzalez-juliana-harkavy-wild-dog-black-canary-promoted-season-6-regulars-1202068856/ |title=Arrow Ups Rick Gonzalez & Juliana Harkavy To Season 6 Regulars |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=April 13, 2017 |access-date=October 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518031146/http://deadline.com/2017/04/arrow-rick-gonzalez-juliana-harkavy-wild-dog-black-canary-promoted-season-6-regulars-1202068856/ |archive-date=May 18, 2017 |url-status=live}}
• Juliana Harkavy as Dinah Drake / Black Canary (seasons 6–8; recurring: season 5), an undercover detective in Central City who later joins Oliver's team, taking on the Black Canary mantle. Harkavy was promoted to series regular from season six.
• Kirk Acevedo as Ricardo Diaz (season 7; recurring: season 6), a drug lord recently released from incarceration who terrorizes Star City, and targets Oliver. Acevedo was promoted to series regular for season seven.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/arrow-kirk-acevedo-upped-to-series-regular-for-season-7-on-the-cw-1202481369/ |title='Arrow': Kirk Acevedo Upped To Series Regular For Season 7 On The CW |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=October 11, 2018 |access-date=October 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012033237/https://deadline.com/2018/10/arrow-kirk-acevedo-upped-to-series-regular-for-season-7-on-the-cw-1202481369/ |archive-date=October 12, 2018 |url-status=live}}
• Sea Shimooka as Emiko Queen / Green Arrow (season 7; guest: season 8), Oliver's paternal half-sister and a vigilante who takes over the Green Arrow mantle after Oliver's imprisonment.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/recap/arrow-season-7-episode-8/|title=Arrow recap: The new Green Arrow is unmasked!|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Agard|first=Chancellor|date=December 3, 2018|access-date=December 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204143258/https://ew.com/recap/arrow-season-7-episode-8/|archive-date=December 4, 2018|url-status=live}}
• Katherine McNamara as Mia Smoak / Blackstar / Mia Queen / Green Arrow (season 8; recurring: season 7), Oliver and Felicity's daughter in the flash-forwards set in the 2040s. McNamara was promoted to series regular for season eight.{{cite web |last1=Matt |first1=Mitovich |title=Arrow's Katherine McNamara Promoted to Series Regular for Final Season |url=https://tvline.com/2019/07/11/arrow-final-season-8-katherine-mcnamara-series-regular-mia/ |website=TVLine |date=July 11, 2019 |publisher=TVLine Media, LLC. |access-date=July 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711200115/https://tvline.com/2019/07/11/arrow-final-season-8-katherine-mcnamara-series-regular-mia/ |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/green-arrow-spinoff-show-plot-details-mia-queen/ |last=Alvarez |first=Daniel |title=Arrow Spinoff Show Backdoor Pilot Synopsis Reveals Mia Makes A Name Change |website=Screen Rant |date=January 3, 2020 |access-date=March 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323232642/https://screenrant.com/green-arrow-spinoff-show-plot-details-mia-queen/ |archive-date=March 23, 2020 |url-status=live }}
• Ben Lewis as an adult William Clayton (season 8; recurring: season 7), Oliver and Samantha Clayton's son in the flash-forwards set in the 2040s. Lewis was promoted to series regular for season eight.{{Cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2019/07/17/arrow-final-season-8-ben-lewis-series-regular-future-william/ |title=Arrow Promotes Ben Lewis to Series Regular for Final Season |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |date=July 17, 2019 |website=TVLine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717181638/https://tvline.com/2019/07/17/arrow-final-season-8-ben-lewis-series-regular-future-william/ |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=July 17, 2019}}
• Joseph David-Jones as an adult Connor Hawke (season 8; recurring: season 7), Ben Turner's biological son, Diggle's adopted son and an agent of Knightwatch in the flash-forwards set in the 2040s. David-Jones was promoted to series regular for season eight.{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/06/arrow-joseph-david-jones-promoted-series-regular-final-season-the-cw-drama-season-8-1202627136/ |title='Arrow': Joseph-David Jones Upped To Series Regular For Final Season Of the CW Drama |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=June 4, 2019 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605045537/https://deadline.com/2019/06/arrow-joseph-david-jones-promoted-series-regular-final-season-the-cw-drama-season-8-1202627136/ |archive-date=June 5, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=June 7, 2019}}{{Cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2019/06/04/arrow-season-8-joseph-david-jones-series-regular-connor-hawke/ |title=Arrow Promotes Joseph David-Jones to Series Regular for Final Season |last=Gelman |first=Vlada |date=June 4, 2019 |website=TVLine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607192148/https://tvline.com/2019/06/04/arrow-season-8-joseph-david-jones-series-regular-connor-hawke/ |archive-date=June 7, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=June 7, 2019}} Jones previously appeared in Legends of Tomorrow as John Diggle Jr. / Connor Hawke.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/02/25/legends-tomorrow-green-arrow-connor-hawke-diggle/|title=Legends of Tomorrow boss and Joseph David-Jones dissect Green Arrow reveal|last=Abrams|first=Natalie|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=March 19, 2017|access-date=July 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718025340/https://ew.com/article/2016/02/25/legends-tomorrow-green-arrow-connor-hawke-diggle/|archive-date=July 18, 2019|url-status=live}}
• LaMonica Garrett as Mar Novu / The Monitor (season 8; guest: season 7), a multiversal being testing different Earths in the multiverse in preparation for an impending "crisis". He made his first appearance in the Arrowverse crossover "Elseworlds".
• Garrett also portrays Mobius / Anti-Monitor, the Monitor's polar opposite, an evil being dedicated to ending the multiverse.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/crisis-infinite-earths-lamonica-garrett-anti-monitor-interview/|title=Crisis on Infinite Earths' LaMonica Garrett Introduces the Anti-Monitor|last=Damore|first=Meagan|date=November 16, 2019|website=Comic Book Resources|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117051907/https://www.cbr.com/crisis-infinite-earths-lamonica-garrett-anti-monitor-interview/|archive-date=November 17, 2019|access-date=November 20, 2019}}

The idea for a Green Arrow TV series was first discussed during the sixth season of Smallville, with talk of spinning off Justin Hartley's portrayal of the character into his own series. Hartley however refused to entertain the idea, feeling it was his duty to respect what Smallville had accomplished in five seasons, and not "steal the spotlight" because there was "talk" of a spin-off after his two appearances. According to Hartley, "talking" was as far as the spin-off idea ever got.{{Cite book |title=Smallville: The Official Companion Season 6 |last=Byrne, Craig |date=March 2008 |publisher=Titan Books |isbn=978-1-84576-656-6 |location=London |pages=136–138}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/former-smallville-star-reveals-green-arrow-and-lois-lane-nearly-had-a-spinoff-series?amp |title=Former Smallville Star reveals Green Arrow and Lois Lane nearly had a spin-off series' |last=Marnell |first=Blair |date=June 1, 2018 |website=SyFy |access-date=October 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613000131/http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/former-smallville-star-reveals-green-arrow-and-lois-lane-nearly-had-a-spinoff-series?amp |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |url-status=live}} A spin-off series in which Oliver led the Justice League made it into early development. The series was to have been helmed by Stephen S. DeKnight, who would later go on to be the showrunner for the first season of Marvel's Daredevil.{{Cite web |url=http://www.kryptonsite.com/an-untold-tale-steven-deknight-discusses-smallvilles-justice-league-spinoff/ |title=An Untold Tale: Steven DeKnight Discusses Smallville's Justice League Spinoff |last=Byrne |first=Craig |date=August 31, 2016 |website=Kryptonsite |access-date=December 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117205230/http://www.kryptonsite.com/an-untold-tale-steven-deknight-discusses-smallvilles-justice-league-spinoff/ |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |url-status=live}}

In January 2012, following Smallville{{'}}s conclusion, The CW prepared a new series centered around the character Green Arrow. Andrew Kreisberg, Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim were announced to be developing the series.{{Cite magazine |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/01/12/green-arrow/ |title='Green Arrow' TV series near pilot order at The CW! |last=Hibberd |first=Justin |date=January 12, 2012 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=April 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202100301/http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/01/12/green-arrow/ |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |url-status=live }} A week later, the series was ordered to pilot with David Nutter signed to direct. Nutter also directed the pilot for Smallville, the aforementioned series following Clark Kent on his journey to become Superman.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/18/green-arrow-tv-pilot-ordered-by-cw |title=Green Arrow TV Pilot Ordered by CW |last=Goldman |first=Eric |date=January 18, 2012 |website=IGN |access-date=April 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111051757/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/18/green-arrow-tv-pilot-ordered-by-cw |archive-date=November 11, 2019 |url-status=live }} When developing the series, producer Marc Guggenheim expressed that the creative team wanted to "chart [their] own course, [their] own destiny", and avoid any direct connections to Smallville. Thus rather than continuing on with Hartley's incarnation of the character, they opted to cast a new actor in the role and establish the series as its own separate continuity.{{Cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2012/07/30/arrow-cast/amp/ |title='Arrow' producers explain why Justin Hartley wasn't cast |last=Hibberd |first=James |date=July 30, 2012 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=October 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009104740/https://ew.com/article/2012/07/30/arrow-cast/amp/ |archive-date=October 9, 2019 |url-status=live }} At the end of the same month, Stephen Amell was cast in the titular role of Oliver Queen.{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2012/01/stephen-amell-is-green-arrow-lands-title-role-in-cw-drama-pilot-arrow-223663/ |title=Stephen Amell Is Green Arrow: Lands Title Role In CW Drama Pilot 'Arrow' |last=Andreeva |first=Natalie |date=January 31, 2012 |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=April 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217124923/http://www.deadline.com/2012/01/stephen-amell-is-green-arrow-lands-title-role-in-cw-drama-pilot-arrow// |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |url-status=live }}

The series does not initially feature super-powered heroes and villains. This decision was, in part, based on the executives' desire to take a realistic look at the characters in this universe.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/30/arrow-star-stephen-amell-talks-about-playing-tvs-new-oliver-queen |title=Arrow Star Stephen Amell Talks About Playing TV's New Oliver Queen |last=Eric Goldman |date=May 30, 2012 |website=IGN |access-date=November 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061455/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/30/arrow-star-stephen-amell-talks-about-playing-tvs-new-oliver-queen |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |url-status=live}} Production on the pilot began in March 2012 in Vancouver,{{Cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cw-back-canada-a-slew-299086 |title=The CW Back to Canada With a Slew of Drama Pilots |last=Vlessing |first=Etan |date=March 13, 2012 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=April 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608235513/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cw-back-canada-a-slew-299086 |archive-date=June 8, 2014 |url-status=live}} which would continue to act as the primary filming location for the series.{{Cite web |url=http://o.canada.com/2012/10/11/stephen-amell-brings-arrow-to-small-screen/ |title=Stephen Amell brings Arrow to small screen |last=Strachan |first=Alex |date=October 11, 2012 |website=canada.com |access-date=February 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054607/http://o.canada.com/2012/10/11/stephen-amell-brings-arrow-to-small-screen/ |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |url-status=live}} The series' skyline shots use a combination of footage from Frankfurt, Germany, Center City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Maryland, Back Bay, Boston, and Tokyo, Japan.{{Cite web |url=http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2013/05/16/from-great-gatsbys-west-egg-to-springfield-the-10-best-fictional-towns/ |title=From Great Gatsby's West Egg to Springfield, the 10 Best Fictional Towns |last=Howard |first=Brian Clark |date=May 16, 2013 |website=National Geographic |access-date=September 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929205935/http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2013/05/16/from-great-gatsbys-west-egg-to-springfield-the-10-best-fictional-towns/ |archive-date=September 29, 2013 |url-status=dead}} The series was given a full season pick up on October 22, 2012.{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2012/10/the-cws-arrow-gets-full-season-pickup-357647/ |title=The CW's 'Arrow' Gets Full-Season Pickup |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=October 22, 2012 |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=April 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520142828/http://www.deadline.com/2012/10/the-cws-arrow-gets-full-season-pickup/ |archive-date=May 20, 2014 |url-status=live}}

{{quote box|quote=I think the idea is to—not all the time, and not with a set regularity—but I think it is critical to explore how he went from the person that he was when he left the island—which is extremely different: he's spoiled, he's entitled, he's a bit of a jerk—and he comes off it something very, very different. So we're going to explore how he gets there.|source= – Stephen Amell on the use of flashback storytelling.|width=30%|align=left}}

For the first five seasons Arrow features two storylines: one in the present, and the other, shown in flashback, during Oliver's time on the island five years before his rescue. These flashbacks are used to illustrate how Oliver transformed into the man that returns to Starling City. Filming for the island flashbacks takes place in Vancouver's Whytecliff Park area, near beachfront homes. Much planning is required to keep the buildings out of camera frame.{{Cite web |url=http://www.greenarrowtv.com/greenarrowtv-interview-talking-with-executive-producers-kreisberg-guggenheim/11399 |title=GreenArrowTV Interview: Talking With Arrow Executive Producers Kreisberg & Guggenheim |last=Byrne |first=Craig |date=August 1, 2012 |website=GreenArrowTV.com |access-date=November 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024023446/http://www.greenarrowtv.com/greenarrowtv-interview-talking-with-executive-producers-kreisberg-guggenheim/11399 |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |url-status=live}} Guggenheim said, "Stephen [Amell] has to wear a wig, and his look has to be changed ... there's a lot. It's actually incredibly ambitious to do these flashbacks every week, every single episode. Because like Andrew [Kreisberg] said, it's almost like it's its own show." Regarding the flashbacks after the fifth season, Guggenheim and Mericle stated that the series would explore flashbacks from other character's perspectives, such as Curtis Holt, along with the possibility of flashforwards. Guggenheim said, "We still want to make [flashbacks] part of our storytelling, because we do like them. We like it when those non-island flashbacks sort of illuminate what's going on in the present day. That'll always be a part of the show and a part of the show's storytelling structure. It just won't be telling a serialized story."{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/11/arrow-season-6-will-have-multiple-character-flashbacks-potentially-flashforwards |title=Arrow: Season 6 Will Have Multiple Character Flashbacks, Potentially Flashforwards |last=Schwartz |first=Terri |date=August 11, 2016 |website=IGN |access-date=August 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813143003/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/11/arrow-season-6-will-have-multiple-character-flashbacks-potentially-flashforwards |archive-date=August 13, 2016 |url-status=live}}

The series develops relationship triangles: some love triangles, others designed to catch characters in "philosophical debates".{{Cite web |url=http://www.greenarrowtv.com/sdcc-interview-andrew-kreisberg-talks-arrow/11312 |title=SDCC Interview: Andrew Kreisberg Talks Arrow |last=Craig Byrne |date=July 17, 2012 |website=GreenArrowTV.com |access-date=November 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222616/http://www.greenarrowtv.com/sdcc-interview-andrew-kreisberg-talks-arrow/11312 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |url-status=live}} Kreisberg provides one such example: "Every week, Oliver will be facing a bad guy, but the truth is, his real nemesis is Detective Lance, who's trying to bring him into justice... His daughter is going to be caught in the middle, because she loves and respects her father, and she's always believed in what he believed, but at the same time, she's going to see this dark urban legend out there that's actually doing a lot of good; the kind of good that she wants to be doing in her role as a legal aid attorney." Learning from previous experiences working in television, the producers worked early on identifying the major story arcs for the series, specifically the first season, including "mapping out" how to accomplish them. Taking inspiration from Christopher Nolan's Batman film series, the creative team decided to "put it all out there" and "not hold back" from episode to episode.

The team strives to include various DC Comics characters and aspects of the DC universe. Guggenheim cited Big Belly Burger, a restaurant franchise introduced in the Superman comics, which appears in Arrow{{'s}} third episode and onward. Kreisberg said, "There are so many characters in the DC Universe who haven't gotten their due in TV and film. We're so excited to reach into [the DC comics] roster and take some of these lesser-known characters that are beloved by fans, and do our spin on the characters."

Ahead of the 100th episode, Guggenheim talked about the commitment to quality the series strives for, stating, "We never skimped on the writing, the production or in the post-process going, 'This is going to be one of those stinkers, we might as well cut our losses and move on.' We worked as hard as we possibly can on the scripts. If episodes have come in bad, we reshoot ... Even in season 5, we have no problems with doing reshoots, or pickups, or anything we need to do to make each episode as successful as it can possibly be." He also noted his biggest regret in the series was "I wish we had allowed the Oliver-Felicity storyline in season 4 to unfold at a more natural pace. We had set these tentpoles at the beginning of the season, and we were a bit too rigorous on how we hit them. That was a case where the planning overtook the storytelling. We didn't do things as naturally and as elegantly as we should have."{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/11/29/arrow-100-episode-spoilers |title=Arrow boss previews Matrix-esque 100th episode |last=Abrams |first=Natalie |date=November 29, 2016 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=November 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201064532/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/11/29/arrow-100-episode-spoilers |archive-date=December 1, 2016 |url-status=live}}

On January 31, 2019, The CW renewed the series for an eighth season.{{Cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cw-renews-flash-charmed-riverdale-supernatural-6-more-1181714 |title=CW Renews 'The Flash,' 'Charmed,' 'Riverdale,' 'Supernatural,' 6 More |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=January 31, 2019 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=January 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202015411/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cw-renews-flash-charmed-riverdale-supernatural-6-more-1181714 |archive-date=February 2, 2019 |url-status=live}} On March 6, 2019, it was announced that the eighth season would be the final season of the series, with an abbreviated ten-episode run. Stephen Amell had approached Greg Berlanti towards the end of the sixth season about "mov[ing] on" following the expiration of his contract at the end of the seventh season. Amell had hoped that the show could go on without him, but Berlanti, Mark Guggenheim and Beth Schwartz decided to conclude the series with a shortened eighth season, which Amell agreed to.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/06/arrow-ending-season-8-cancelled-no-season-9 |title=Arrow Ending After Season 8 With Shortened Final Season |last=Prudom |first=Laura |date=March 6, 2019 |website=IGN |access-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307054344/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/06/arrow-ending-season-8-cancelled-no-season-9 |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |url-status=live}} The season premiered on October 15, 2019, and concluded on January 28, 2020.{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/06/the-cw-sets-fall-premiere-dates-batwoman-supergirl-the-flash-nancy-drew-1202633821/ |title=The CW Sets Fall Premiere Dates: 'Batwoman', 'Supergirl', 'The Flash', 'Nancy Drew', More |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=June 17, 2019 |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618053243/https://deadline.com/2019/06/the-cw-sets-fall-premiere-dates-batwoman-supergirl-the-flash-nancy-drew-1202633821/ |archive-date=June 18, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=March 6, 2019 |title='Arrow' to End With Season 8 on The CW |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/arrow-season-8-final-season-cw-1203156254/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307053950/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/arrow-season-8-final-season-cw-1203156254/ |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |access-date=March 9, 2019 |website=Variety}}

File:Arrow (Stephen Amell).jpg, during the first season]]

The realistic approach to the series included the costume design for Oliver's vigilante persona, created by Colleen Atwood.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cw-arrow-stephen-amell-pilot-photo-301663 |title=CW Fires Off First 'Arrow' With Pic From Comic-Inspired Pilot (Photo) |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=March 19, 2012 |access-date=April 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403102740/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cw-arrow-stephen-amell-pilot-photo-301663 |archive-date=April 3, 2014 |url-status=live}} According to Amell, it was important for the suit to be functional, and the best way that he knew for that was if he could put the costume on by himself: "If I can put it on by myself, I think that people will buy it. And that was our idea. That's our world."

In the second half of season two, Oliver dons a domino mask, similar to one worn by the character in the comics. Kreisberg said of the mask, "It's actually a big plot point in an episode, and there really is a story behind, not only the need for the mask but also who provides him with it."{{cite magazine |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/11/19/arrow-oliver-mask-photos/ |title='Arrow' gives Oliver Queen's alter-ego a mask – EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS |last=Gonzalez |first=Sandra |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=November 19, 2013 |access-date=November 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120024147/http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/11/19/arrow-oliver-mask-photos/ |archive-date=November 20, 2013 |url-status=live}} On adding the mask now, Kreisberg stated that, "Conceptually, it was something we wanted to do because Oliver himself is [...] stepping out of the dark and being more of a symbol, so he has to take steps to conceal his identity more." He added that it will "allow the Arrow to interact with people who don't know his identity in a much more organic way than having him constantly keep his head down."

Costume designer Maya Mani put together roughly 50 mask options for the producers. Kreisberg said, "What's so wonderful about the design that Maya came up with is that it really is very simple, and it feels as if it's been part of his costume since the beginning ... once we finally had this mask and put it on Stephen [Amell], even Stephen was like, 'This is the right one.{{' "}} In the episode "Three Ghosts", Oliver receives the mask from Barry Allen, who is able to create a mask that will help conceal his identity, while still being functional and allowing Oliver to see clearly.{{cite episode |title=Three Ghosts |series=Arrow |credits=John Behring (director), Andrew Kreisberg & Geoff Johns (writers) |network=The CW |airdate=December 11, 2013 |season=2 |minutes=42}}

To compose the score for Arrow, executive producer Greg Berlanti invited Blake Neely, with whom he had first worked on Everwood. Neely created a score that combined electronic and orchestral cues, varying between action themes and romantic ones.{{cite web |last=Beedle |first=Tim |url=http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2013/09/18/island-music-an-interview-with-arrow-composer-blake-neely |title=Island Music: An Interview with Arrow Composer Blake Neely |publisher=DC Comics |date=September 18, 2013 |access-date=November 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006090631/http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2013/09/18/island-music-an-interview-with-arrow-composer-blake-neely |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |url-status=live}} Berlanti told Neely the series would be dark, and the music should be as well. After reading the pilot script, Neely went away to start composing on his own.{{cite web |last1=Neely |first1=Blake |title=CBR TV: Super Composer Finds "Flash" & "Arrow" Inspiration for "Legends," Makes "Supergirl" Fun |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/cbr-tv-super-composer-finds-flash-arrow-inspiration-for-legends-makes-supergirl-fun |website=Comic Book Resources |date=September 4, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920100039/http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/cbr-tv-super-composer-finds-flash-arrow-inspiration-for-legends-makes-supergirl-fun |archive-date=September 20, 2015 |url-status=live}} According to Neely, "Of course, Oliver has his main theme but also sub-themes for the many layers of his character. He and Laurel have a love theme. Mom had a theme for the Undertaking. The bad guys all have themes, which makes it sad for me when one of them dies. So I try not to become attached to bad-guy themes. Diggle has a theme. Even the Island itself has a theme." A soundtrack for season one was released on September 17, 2013, by WaterTower Music.{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Arrow-Original-Television-Soundtrack-Season/dp/B00EHALHF6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010155620/http://www.amazon.com/Arrow-Original-Television-Soundtrack-Season/dp/B00EHALHF6 |title=Arrow – Original Television Soundtrack: Season 1 |website=Amazon |access-date=November 2, 2014 |archive-date=October 10, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.watertower-music.com/releases_spotlight.php?search=WTM39468 |title=WaterTower Music – Arrow – Original Television Soundtrack: Season 1 |work=WaterTower Music |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824194406/http://www.watertower-music.com/releases_spotlight.php?search=WTM39468 |archive-date=August 24, 2013}} Two versions of a soundtrack for season two were released on September 16, 2014, by WaterTower Music and La-La Land Records; the compact disc release includes two exclusive tracks not available on the digital release.{{cite web |url=http://www.lalalandrecords.com/Site/Arrow2.html |title=Film music – movie music - film score – ARROW: SEASON 2 – Blake Neely |work=lalalandrecords.com |access-date=October 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006071056/http://www.lalalandrecords.com/Site/Arrow2.html |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.watertower-music.com/releases_spotlight.php?search=WTM39610_arrow2 |title=WaterTower Music – Arrow: Season 2 (Original Television Soundtrack) |work=WaterTower Music |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006145724/http://www.watertower-music.com/releases_spotlight.php?search=WTM39610_arrow2 |archive-date=October 6, 2014}} On December 18, 2014, WaterTower Music and La La Records released a selection of music from The Flash / Arrow crossover episodes, as well as two bonus tracks from their respective 2014 midseason finales.{{cite web |url=http://www.watertower-music.com/releases_spotlight.php?search=WTM39625 |title=The Flash vs. Arrow: Music Selections from the Epic 2-Night Event |work=WaterTower Music |access-date=December 19, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220000519/http://www.watertower-music.com/releases_spotlight.php?search=WTM39625 |archive-date=December 20, 2014}} The Season 3 soundtrack was released in December 2015, consisting of 2 discs for the first time (previous albums consisted of one CD).{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Arrow-Season-Original-Soundtrack-Score/dp/B013R4QU7W/ |title=Original Soundtrack (Score) – Arrow: Season 3 |work=Amazon.com Music |access-date=August 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329125625/http://www.amazon.com/Arrow-Season-Original-Soundtrack-Score/dp/B013R4QU7W |archive-date=March 29, 2016 |url-status=live}}

Arrow premiered on The CW network from October 10, 2012, during the 2012–13 television season.{{cite web |url=http://sky1.sky.com/arrow/arrow-to-come-to-sky1-hd |title=Sky announces 2012 season premier this Autumn |access-date=September 29, 2012 |work=SkyOne |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930180631/http://sky1.sky.com/arrow/arrow-to-come-to-sky1-hd |archive-date=September 30, 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/17/cw-2011-12-primetime-schedule-supernatural-to-wednesday-nikita-to-9pm-beauty-the-beast-follows-vampire-diaries-lots-more-changes/134657 |title=CW 2012–13 Primetime Schedule: 'Supernatural' To Wednesday, 'Nikita' To 9pm, 'Beauty & the Beast' Follows 'Vampire Diaries' & Lots More Changes |last=Gorman |first=Bill |work=TV By the Numbers |date=May 17, 2012 |access-date=August 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815193426/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/17/cw-2011-12-primetime-schedule-supernatural-to-wednesday-nikita-to-9pm-beauty-the-beast-follows-vampire-diaries-lots-more-changes/134657/ |archive-date=August 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }} In Canada, the show is broadcast simultaneously on the same day as the United States.{{cite web |url=http://www.bellmediapr.ca/ctv/releases/release.asp?id=15184 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720181739/http://www.bellmediapr.ca/ctv/releases/release.asp?id=15184 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 20, 2012 |title=CTV |work=Bell Media }} The show premiered outside North America throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland,{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2013/0711/461879-summer-glau-joins-cast-of-arrow/ |title=Summer Glau joins the cast of 'Arrow' |date=July 11, 2013 |access-date=August 28, 2013 |work=RTÉ News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928124211/http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2013/0711/461879-summer-glau-joins-cast-of-arrow/ |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |url-status=live}} on October 22, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Arrow-Season-1/18147|title=Arrow – Blu-rays, DVDs for {{'}}The Complete 1st Season{{'}}: Date, Cost, Packaging, More!|last=Lambert|first=David|work=TV Shows on DVD|date=April 3, 2013|access-date=May 16, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528070113/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Arrow-Season-1/18147|archive-date=May 28, 2013}} In Australia, the series premiered on May 1, 2013,{{cite web |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/04/airdate-arrow-bumped-the-following.html |title=Airdate: Arrow. Bumped: The Following |work=TV Tonight |date=April 20, 2013 |access-date=October 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927223253/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/04/airdate-arrow-bumped-the-following.html |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |url-status=live}} on the Nine Network, before moving to Foxtel for Season 4.{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/foxtel-snaps-up-marvels-agents-of-shield-as-more-freetoair-tv-locked-away-20150923-gjt3dq.html |title=Foxtel snaps up Marvel's Agents of SHIELD as more free-to-air TV locked away |last=Turner |first=Adam |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=September 23, 2015 |access-date=March 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103000903/https://www.smh.com.au/technology/foxtel-snaps-up-marvels-agents-of-shield-as-more-freetoair-tv-locked-away-20150923-gjt3dq.html |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |url-status=live}}

{{See also|List of Arrow episodes#Home media}}

Each season release contains additional features, which include: making-of featurettes, episode commentaries, deleted scenes, gag reels, Comic-Con panels, and highlights from the Paley Fest. Starting with season four and continuing through each subsequent season, the boxsets included the crossover episodes from other connected series, as well as commentary on those episodes.

{{Television critical response

| link1 = Arrow season 1

| rotten_tomatoes1 = 85% (285 reviews)

| metacritic1 = 73 (25 reviews)

| link2 = Arrow season 2

| rotten_tomatoes2 = 95% (266 reviews)

| link3 = Arrow season 3

| rotten_tomatoes3 = 89% (365 reviews)

| link4 = Arrow season 4

| rotten_tomatoes4 = 85% (369 reviews)

| link5 = Arrow season 5

| rotten_tomatoes5 = 88% (193 reviews)

| link6 = Arrow season 6

| rotten_tomatoes6 = 64% (186 reviews)

| link7 = Arrow season 7

| rotten_tomatoes7 = 88% (213 reviews)

| link8 = Arrow season 8

| rotten_tomatoes8 = 95% (125 reviews)

}}

The first season received favorable reviews, with a Metacritic score of 73 out of 100, based on reviews from 25 critics, making it the highest rated CW show in five years.{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/arrow |title=Arrow |work=Metacritic |access-date=November 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009000818/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/arrow |archive-date=October 9, 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/feature/best-new-television-shows-fall-2012 |title=Fall TV Results: The Season's Best & Worst New Shows |work=Metacritic |date=November 6, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328034649/http://www.metacritic.com/feature/best-new-television-shows-fall-2012 |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |url-status=live}} Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes calculated an approval rating of 85%, based on 36 reviews, with an average rating of 7.47/10. The site's consensus reads, "The CW nails the target with Arrow, a comic book-inspired series that benefits from cinematic action sequences, strong plotting, and intriguing characters."{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s01/ |title=Arrow: Season 1 (2012–2013) |work=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=January 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408160908/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s01/ |archive-date=April 8, 2015 |url-status=live}} Mary McNamara of the Los Angeles Times called the series an interesting setup with a quality look, describing Amell as "a poster boy (no doubt literally) for the Katniss Everdeen set."{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-arrow-20121010,0,554315.story |title=Review: The CW's 'Arrow' right on target with a riveting superhero |last=McNamara |first=Mary |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=December 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121211025028/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-arrow-20121010,0,554315.story |archive-date=December 11, 2012 |url-status=live}} Brian Lowry at Variety described the series as a "handsome but stiff surrogate for Batman that could benefit from sharper execution."{{cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117948503 |title=Arrow TV Reviews |last=Lowry |first=Brian |work=Variety |date=October 8, 2012 |access-date=November 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015113503/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117948503 |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |url-status=live}} In reviewing the final episode of season one, Alasdair Wilkins of The A.V. Club gave the season as a whole a rating of B+, noting that the show "hasn't quite figured everything out yet, but it's had some standout episodes."{{cite web |last=Wilkins |first=Alasdair |title=Sacrifice |url=https://www.avclub.com/articles/sacrifice,97555/ |work=The A.V. Club |date=May 15, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607021641/http://www.avclub.com/articles/sacrifice,97555/ |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |url-status=dead}}

The second season received acclaim from critics for the action sequences, storytelling, performances of the cast, drama, and the portrayal of Slade Wilson.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/19/arrow-season-2-review |title=Arrow: Season 2 Review |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |website=IGN |date=June 2, 2016 |access-date=June 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818005657/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/19/arrow-season-2-review |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |url-status=live}} Rotten Tomatoes reported a 95% approval rating based on 12 reviews, with an average rating of 8.15/10. The site's consensus reads, "The second season of Arrow boasts more fantastic action, as well as a widening cast of intriguing, richly written characters."{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s02|title=Arrow: Season 2 – Rotten Tomatoes|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=May 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203162739/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s02/|archive-date=December 3, 2017|url-status=live}} Jeff Jensen of Entertainment Weekly gave the first half of season two a rating of B+, saying, "Arrow possesses an intelligence that shines through its TV-budget production values, which aren't too shabby. The writing is adult and witty, the action is exciting, and Amell holds the center with well-cultivated ease."{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2013/12/16/arrow-tv/ |title=Arrow TV Review |last=Jensen |first=Jeff |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=December 16, 2013 |access-date=January 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122012119/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20760355,00.html |archive-date=January 22, 2014 |url-status=live}} The A.V. Club{{'}}s Carrie Raisler gave the first half of season two a rating of A−. She said, "Arrow [has] officially established itself as one of the most satisfying shows on television. The most satisfying thing of all is that it did so by respecting its characters ... [Arrow respects] the character's comic-book roots in its overarching plotlines, all while using the network-appropriate soap-opera stories to do the heavy character lifting."{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/review/arrow-became-great-by-emphasizing-characters-above-200605 |title=Arrow became great by emphasizing characters above all else |last=Raisler |first=Carrie |work=The A.V. Club |date=December 10, 2013 |access-date=February 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213030409/http://www.avclub.com/review/arrow-became-great-by-emphasizing-characters-above-200605 |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |url-status=live}}

Despite receiving positive responses for the season three premiere,{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s03/ |title=Arrow: Season 3 |date=October 8, 2014 |work=rottentomatoes.com |access-date=January 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610103428/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s03/ |archive-date=June 10, 2015 |url-status=live}} the second half of the season was met with criticism. The flashback sequences were characterized as sporadic and "superfluous", with Ra's al Ghul described as a "shallow" and "underutilized" villain "absent of clear antagonism",{{cite web |url=https://screencrush.com/arrow-season-3-review-what-went-wrong/ |title=Where 'Arrow' Season 3 Went Wrong |author=Fitzpatrick, Kevin |date=May 15, 2015 |work=ScreenCrush |access-date=January 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223041927/http://screencrush.com/arrow-season-3-review-what-went-wrong/ |archive-date=December 23, 2016 |url-status=live}} although Matt Nable was generally praised for his portrayal of the character. Furthermore, while parallels to Batman had always existed in the show, the use of such a major character from Batman's rogues gallery and the essential application of the "Daughter of the Demon" and several other Batman and Ra's al Ghul storylines applied to Queen came under particular fire from viewers, who accused the show of "ripping off" Batman.{{cite web |url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/36373/20150301/arrow-tv-series-is-it-just-a-huge-batman-rip-off-yeah-it-is.htm |title='Arrow' TV Series: Is It Just A Huge Batman Rip-Off? Yeah It Is |first=Vamien |last=McKalin |work=Tech Times |date=March 1, 2015 |access-date=January 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122132105/http://www.techtimes.com/articles/36373/20150301/arrow-tv-series-is-it-just-a-huge-batman-rip-off-yeah-it-is.htm |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |url-status=live}} The season finale was described as "dull", "lacking scope", and "underwhelming" by IGN's Jesse Schedeen in light of the "high standard" the show had previously established for its finales. He cemented the mixed reception of season three as being "haphazardly paced" and "struggling to develop a clear sense of direction".{{cite web |url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2015/05/20/arrow-season-3-review |title=Arrow: Season 3 Review |author=Jesse Schedeen |date=May 20, 2015 |work=IGN |access-date=January 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202180949/http://au.ign.com/articles/2015/05/20/arrow-season-3-review |archive-date=December 2, 2017 |url-status=live}} The third season holds a score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 9 reviews, with an average rating of 8.37/10. The site's consensus reads, "Arrow stays on target with new characters and a steady supply of exciting action."{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s03|title=Arrow: Season 3 – Rotten Tomatoes|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=May 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129070101/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s03/|archive-date=November 29, 2017|url-status=live}}

The fourth season received mixed reviews. The season earned praise for the action scenes and Neal McDonough's performance as Damien Darhk. However, it also received increasingly negative reviews for its mundane flashbacks, lack of narrative focus, and formulaic season finale.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/02/arrow-season-4-review |title=Arrow: Season 4 Review |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |website=IGN |date=June 2, 2016 |access-date=June 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625173926/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/02/arrow-season-4-review |archive-date=June 25, 2016 |url-status=live}} Ryan Fleming of Deadbeatspanel.com noted that Arrow was "honoring the comics, but it isn't beholden to them. Characters ... have been introduced, but they aren't exact replicas of their comic counterparts. Instead, the characters tend to be loosely connected."{{cite web |last1=Fleming |first1=Ryan |title=66 TV Shows Based on Comics in the Works |url=http://www.deadbeatspanel.com/tv-shows-based-on-comics/ |website=Deadbeatspanel.com |date=September 6, 2016 |access-date=October 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022164635/http://www.deadbeatspanel.com/tv-shows-based-on-comics/ |archive-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live}} Lesley Goldberg of The Hollywood Reporter noted the presence of the character Thea "Speedy" Queen as one of the larger departures from the comics in the series, as well as the character's early willingness to kill.{{cite web |last1=Goldberg |first1=Lesley |title=How Does The CW's 'Arrow' Compare to the DC Series? A Comic Book Expert Weighs In |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cw-green-arrow-tv-show-dc-comic-book-374921 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=October 3, 2012 |access-date=October 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012050837/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cw-green-arrow-tv-show-dc-comic-book-374921 |archive-date=October 12, 2016 |url-status=live}} Comic Book Resources' Kevin Melrose has also noted the series tendency to have loose connections to the source material.{{cite web |last1=Melrose |first1=Kevin |title=Arrow Is 'Sophisticated and Edgy,' and a Little Like the Bourne Series |url=http://www.cbr.com/arrow-is-sophisticated-and-edgy-and-a-little-like-the-bourne-series/ |work=Comic Book Resources |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=October 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022155642/http://www.cbr.com/arrow-is-sophisticated-and-edgy-and-a-little-like-the-bourne-series/ |archive-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live}} Rotten Tomatoes gave the season an 85% approval rating based on 10 reviews, with an average rating of 7.55/10. The critical consensus reads: "Season four of Arrow flourishes with a refreshing new tone, a thrilling new villain, and a gripping story arc."{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s04|title=Arrow: Season 4 – Rotten Tomatoes|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=November 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401100536/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s04|archive-date=April 1, 2019|url-status=live}}

The fifth season received mostly positive reviews from critics, with praise directed towards the performances of Amell and Josh Segarra, action sequences, storytelling, and the season finale.{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/arrow-is-great-once-more-with-a-little-help-from-his-f-1798190862|title=Arrow is great once more, with a little help from his friends|first=Alasdair|last=Wilkins|website=The A.V. Club |date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=May 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614044741/https://tv.avclub.com/arrow-is-great-once-more-with-a-little-help-from-his-f-1798190862|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live}} IGN gave the season a score of 8.7 out of 10, stating that it "managed to overcome them and recapture a lot of what made the show so memorable in its first two seasons."{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/01/arrow-season-5-review |title=Arrow: Season 5 Review |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |date=June 1, 2017 |website=IGN |access-date=June 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606051827/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/01/arrow-season-5-review |archive-date=June 6, 2017 |url-status=live}} Rotten Tomatoes reported an approval rating of 88% based on 13 reviews, with an average rating of 7.38/10. The site's consensus reads, "No stranger to dramatic twists and turns, season five of Arrow continues to introduce new villains and surprise viewers despite some inconsistency".{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s05|title=Arrow: Season 5 – Rotten Tomatoes|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=November 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205105246/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s05/|archive-date=December 5, 2017|url-status=live}}

The sixth season received mixed reviews from critics. IGN gave the season a score of 6.7 out of 10, stating that it "captured the show at its best and worst, with a strong finish redeeming months of disappointment."{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/25/arrow-season-6-review|title=Arrow: Season 6 Review|last=Schedeen|first=Jesse|date=May 25, 2018|website=IGN|access-date=June 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614045538/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/25/arrow-season-6-review|archive-date=June 14, 2018|url-status=live}} Rotten Tomatoes reported an approval rating of 64% based on 7 reviews, and the average score is 6.86/10. The site's consensus reads, "Arrow{{'}}s sixth season deals with the literal fallout from the explosion in season five's finale and promises a drastic change in direction for the series".{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s06/|title=Arrow: Season 6 – Rotten Tomatoes|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=December 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022131212/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s06|archive-date=October 22, 2019|url-status=live}}

The seventh season received more favorable reviews than the previous season. IGN gave the season a score of 7.4 out of 10, crediting Beth Schwartz's work with giving new life and energy to the show, while remarking that the season was "full of missed potential". Particular praise was given to Amell and Rickards' performances, as well as new directions for the show via "more willingness to take risks and venture off the beaten path this year, even if it often bit off more than it could chew with its large ensemble cast."{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/05/29/arrow-season-7-review|title=Arrow: Season 7 Review|last=Schedeen|first=Jesse|date=May 29, 2019|website=IGN|access-date=June 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530015137/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/05/29/arrow-season-7-review|archive-date=May 30, 2019|url-status=live}} Rotten Tomatoes reported an approval rating of 88% based on 211 reviews, with an average score of 7.35/10.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s07/|title=Arrow: Season 7 – Rotten Tomatoes|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523201233/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s07|archive-date=May 23, 2019|url-status=live}}

The eighth and final season was met with an approval rating of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 125 reviews, with an average score of 7.5/10. The site's consensus reads, "Oliver Queen's final adventure hits emotional peaks while spearheading the game-changing 'Crisis on Infinite Earths', giving the Emerald Archer a rousing sendoff."{{Cite web |title=Arrow: Season 8 – Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arrow/s08 |access-date=2022-11-07 |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes}}

{{Television season ratings

| link1 = Arrow season 1

| timeslot1 = Wednesday 8:00{{nbsp}}pm

| timeslot_length1 = 5

| episodes1 = 23

| start1 = October 10, 2012

| startrating1 = 4.14{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/10/11/wednesday-final-ratingsthe-x-factor-survivor-the-neighbors-no-adjustments-for-arrow/152524|title=Wednesday Final Ratings: 'The X Factor', 'Survivor', 'The Neighbors' & 'Modern Family' Adjusted Up; No Adjustments for 'Arrow'|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|work=TV by the Numbers|date=October 11, 2012|access-date=October 11, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013180840/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/10/11/wednesday-final-ratingsthe-x-factor-survivor-the-neighbors-no-adjustments-for-arrow/152524/|archive-date=October 13, 2012}}

| end1 = May 15, 2013

| endrating1 = 2.77{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/16/wednesday-final-ratings-chicago-fire-modern-family-american-idol-criminal-minds-nashville-adjusted-down-adjusted-up/182915|title=Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Chicago Fire', 'Modern Family', 'American Idol', 'Criminal Minds' & 'Supernatural' Adjusted Up; 'Nashville' Adjusted Down|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|work=TV by the Numbers|date=May 16, 2013|access-date=May 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607114236/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/16/wednesday-final-ratings-chicago-fire-modern-family-american-idol-criminal-minds-nashville-adjusted-down-adjusted-up/182915/|archive-date=June 7, 2013|url-status=dead}}

| season1 = 2012–13

| rank1 = 119

| viewers1 = 3.68

| 18_49_rank1 = 118

| 18_49_rating1 = 1.2

| link2 = Arrow season 2

| episodes2 = 23

| start2 = October 9, 2013

| startrating2 = 2.74{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/10/10/wednesday-final-ratings-survivor-back-in-the-game-modern-family-and-the-tomorrow-people-adjusted-up-nashville-adjusted-down/208074|title=Wednesday Final Ratings: Survivor, Back in the Game, Modern Family and The Tomorrow People Adjusted Up; Nashville Adjusted Down|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|work=TV by the Numbers|date=October 10, 2013|access-date=October 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010211008/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/10/10/wednesday-final-ratings-survivor-back-in-the-game-modern-family-and-the-tomorrow-people-adjusted-up-nashville-adjusted-down/208074/|archive-date=October 10, 2013|url-status=dead}}

| end2 = May 14, 2014

| endrating2 = 2.37{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/05/15/wednesday-final-ratings-revolution-arrow-survivor-suburgatory-modern-family-law-chicago-p-d-adjusted-down/264573/|title=Wednesday Final Ratings: Revolution, Arrow, Survivor, Suburgatory, Modern Family & Law & Order: SVU Adjusted Up; Chicago P.D. Adjusted Down|last=Bibel|first=Sara|work=TV by the Numbers|date=May 15, 2014|access-date=May 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723232213/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/05/15/wednesday-final-ratings-revolution-arrow-survivor-suburgatory-modern-family-law-chicago-p-d-adjusted-down/264573/|archive-date=July 23, 2014|url-status=dead}}

| season2 = 2013–14

| rank2 = 128

| viewers2 = 3.28

| 18_49_rank2 = {{TableTBA|N/A}}

| 18_49_rating2 = {{TableTBA|N/A}}

| link3 = Arrow season 3

| episodes3 = 23

| start3 = October 8, 2014

| startrating3 = 2.83{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/10/16/revised-wednesday-october-8-final-ratings-the-flash-encore-adjusted-up-the-middle-the-goldbergs-modern-family-black-ish-nashville-adjusted-down/|title=Revised Wednesday, October 8 Final Ratings: The Flash Encore Adjusted Up; The Middle, The Goldbergs, Modern Family, black-ish & Nashville Adjusted Down|last=Bibel|first=Sara|work=TV by the Numbers|date=October 16, 2014|access-date=October 16, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114180103/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/10/16/revised-wednesday-october-8-final-ratings-the-flash-encore-adjusted-up-the-middle-the-goldbergs-modern-family-black-ish-nashville-adjusted-down/|archive-date=November 14, 2014}}

| end3 = May 13, 2015

| endrating3 = 2.83{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/14/wednesday-final-ratings-law-supernatural-black-ish-nashville-adjusted-down/403989/|title=Wednesday Final Ratings: Law & Order: SVU, Survivor, The Middle & American Idol Adjusted Up; Supernatural, black-ish & Nashville Adjusted Down|last=Bibel|first=Sara|work=TV by the Numbers|date=May 14, 2015|access-date=May 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516011420/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/14/wednesday-final-ratings-law-supernatural-black-ish-nashville-adjusted-down/403989/|archive-date=May 16, 2015|url-status=dead}}

| season3 = 2014–15

| rank3 = 135

| viewers3 = 3.52

| 18_49_rank3 = 111

| 18_49_rating3 = 1.3

| link4 = Arrow season 4

| episodes4 = 23

| start4 = October 7, 2015

| startrating4 = 2.67{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/10/08/wednesday-final-ratings-oct-7-2015/477200/|title=Wednesday final ratings: 'Empire', 'SVU' and others adjusted up, 'Arrow' holds, 'Nashville' adjusted down|last=Porter|first=Rick|work=TV by the Numbers|date=October 8, 2015|access-date=October 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008210328/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/10/08/wednesday-final-ratings-oct-7-2015/477200/|archive-date=October 8, 2015|url-status=dead}}

| end4 = May 25, 2016

| endrating4 = 2.19{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/05/26/wednesday-final-ratings-may-25-2016/|title=Wednesday final ratings: 'SVU' finale adjusts up, 'Supernatural' finale adjusts down|last=Porter|first=Rick|work=TV by the Numbers|date=May 26, 2016|access-date=May 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528130310/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/05/26/wednesday-final-ratings-may-25-2016/|archive-date=May 28, 2016|url-status=dead}}

| season4 = 2015–16

| rank4 = 145

| viewers4 = 2.90

| 18_49_rank4 = 110

| 18_49_rating4 = 1.1

| link5 = Arrow season 5

| episodes5 = 23

| start5 = October 5, 2016

| startrating5 = 1.87{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/10/06/empire-survivor-svu-chicago-pd-adjust-up-black-ish-adjusts-down-wednesday-final-ratings/|title='Empire,' 'Survivor,' 'SVU,' 'Chicago PD' adjust up, 'Black-ish' adjusts down: Wednesday final ratings|work=TV by the Numbers|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=October 6, 2016|access-date=October 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109133928/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/empire-survivor-svu-chicago-pd-adjust-up-black-ish-adjusts-down-wednesday-final-ratings/|archive-date=November 9, 2016|url-status=dead}}

| end5 = May 24, 2017

| endrating5 =1.72{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/wednesday-final-ratings-may-24-2017/|title='Empire' finale and 'Dirty Dancing' adjust up, 'Survivor' reunion adjusts down: Wednesday final ratings|work=TV by the Numbers|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=May 25, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525215520/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/wednesday-final-ratings-may-24-2017/|archive-date=May 25, 2017|url-status=dead}}

| season5 = 2016–17

| rank5 = 147

| viewers5 = 2.21

| 18_49_rank5 = 133

| 18_49_rating5 = 0.8

| link6 = Arrow season 6

| timeslot6 = Thursday 9:00{{nbsp}}pm{{efn|For episode 8 ("Crisis on Earth-X Part 2"), the show was moved to Monday 9:00{{nbsp}}pm to fit the chronology of the crossover.}}

| episodes6 = 23

| start6 = October 12, 2017

| startrating6 = 1.52{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-oct-12-2017/|title='Will & Grace,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Gotham' and NFL adjust up: Thursday final ratings|last=Porter|first=Rick|work=TV by the Numbers|date=October 13, 2017|access-date=October 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015051258/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-oct-12-2017/|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=dead}}

| end6 = {{End date|2018|5|17}}

| endrating6 = 1.35{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-may-17-2018/|title='SWAT' and 'Arrow' finales adjust down: Thursday final ratings|work=TV by the Numbers|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=May 18, 2018|access-date=May 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519120454/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/thursday-final-ratings-may-17-2018/|archive-date=May 19, 2018|url-status=dead}}

| season6 = 2017–18

| rank6 = 181

| viewers6 = 1.76

| 18_49_rank6 = 155

| 18_49_rating6 = 0.6

| link7 = Arrow season 7

| timeslot7 = Monday 8:00{{nbsp}}pm (1–17)
Monday 9:00 pm (18–22)

| episodes7 = 22

| start7 = October 15, 2018

| startrating7 = 1.43{{cite web|url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/monday-final-ratings-oct-15-2018/|title='Magnum P.I.' and 'Bull' adjust up, 'Dancing with the Stars' adjusts down: Monday final ratings|work=TV by the Numbers|last=Welch|first=Alex|date=October 16, 2018|access-date=October 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017010653/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/monday-final-ratings-oct-15-2018/|archive-date=October 17, 2018|url-status=dead}}

| end7 = {{End date|2019|5|13}}

| endrating7 = 0.95{{cite web|url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/monday-final-ratings-may-13-2019/|title='The Voice' adjusts down: Monday final ratings|last=Rejent|first=Joseph|work=TV by the Numbers|date=May 14, 2019|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514213011/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/monday-final-ratings-may-13-2019/|archive-date=May 14, 2019|url-status=dead}}

| season7 = 2018–19

| rank7 = 172

| viewers7 = 1.58

| 18_49_rank7 = 147

| 18_49_rating7 = 0.5

| link8 = Arrow season 8

| timeslot8 = Tuesday 9:00{{nbsp}}pm{{efn|For episode 8 ("Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Four"), the show was moved to 8:00{{nbsp}}pm on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 to fit the chronology of the crossover.}}

| episodes8 = 10

| start8 = October 15, 2019

| startrating8 = 0.84{{cite web|url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tuesday-final-ratings-oct-15-2019/|title='Mixed-ish' adjusts down: Tuesday final ratings|last=Welch|first=Alex|work=TV by the Numbers|date=October 16, 2019|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023062424/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tuesday-final-ratings-oct-15-2019/|archive-date=October 23, 2019|url-status=dead}}

| end8 = January 28, 2020

| endrating8 = 0.73{{cite web|url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tuesday-final-ratings-jan-28-2020/|title='This is Us' adjusts up, 'Arrow' adjusts down: Tuesday final ratings|last=Welch|first=Alex|work=TV by the Numbers|date=January 29, 2020|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129214435/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tuesday-final-ratings-jan-28-2020/|archive-date=January 29, 2020|url-status=dead}}

| season8 = 2019–20

| rank8 = 120

| viewers8 = 1.52

| 18_49_rank8 = 106

| 18_49_rating8 = 0.6

}}

In the United States, Arrow{{'}}s premiere episode drew 4.14 million viewers, making it The CW's most-watched telecast of any show on any night in three years, and The CW's most-watched series premiere since The Vampire Diaries in 2009. In its second episode, Arrow became the only new network drama in the 2012–13 season to hold its ratings in both adults 18–34 and adults 18–49 from its premiere to its second week. In Australia, the premiere received 1.32 million viewers, making it the third most-watched broadcast on the network that night.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/05/wednesday-1-may-2013.html|title=Wednesday 1 May 2013|work=TV Tonight|last=Knox|first=David|date=May 2, 2013|access-date=February 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325205719/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/05/wednesday-1-may-2013.html|archive-date=March 25, 2015|url-status=live}} The UK broadcast was the highest-rated telecast of the week on Sky 1, with 1.85 million viewers.{{cite web|url=http://www.barb.co.uk/whats-new/weekly-top-30|title=Weekly Top 30|work=BARB|access-date=February 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215200025/http://www.barb.co.uk/report/weeklyTopProgrammesOverview|archive-date=December 15, 2010|url-status=live}} Note: The ratings must be searched for. In Canada, the first episode got 1.32 million viewers, making it the fourth most-watched airing of the night and the twenty-third of the week.{{cite web|url=http://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/October%208-15,%202012%20(Week%207).pdf|title=Top 30 Programs (October 8–14, 2012)|work=Numeris|date=October 15, 2012|access-date=February 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220212426/http://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/October%208-15,%202012%20(Week%207).pdf|archive-date=February 20, 2015|url-status=live}}

Arrow has generated other media and spin-offs, including digital comic books and Internet-based mini-episodes with characters from the series.

To promote the series, DC Comics produced a 10-page preview comic for the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con, written by Kreisberg, illustrated by Omar Francia, and featuring a cover by artist Mike Grell. The comic was regarded by the production crew as sharing the same canon as the series, with Kreisberg commenting, "[For] anyone who grabs a copy: Hold onto it and as the series progresses, you'll appreciate it more and more."Spiegel, Danny (July 16, 2012). "Arrow Targets San Diego". TV Guide. Page 10 It was later released free online.{{cite web |title=Arrow (2012–2013) #1: Special Edition |work=DC Web Store |url=http://www.readdcentertainment.com/Arrow-2012-2013-1-Special-Edition/digital-comic/28622 |access-date=December 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209050447/http://www.readdcentertainment.com/Arrow-2012-2013-1-Special-Edition/digital-comic/28622 |archive-date=December 9, 2013}} On October 10, 2012, DC Comics debuted a weekly digital comic tie-in written by Kreisberg and Guggenheim and drawn by various artists, including Mike Grell, which remained in continuity with the television series.{{cite web |url=http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2012/10/10/dc-comics-celebrates-arrow-day |title=DC Comics Celebrates Arrow Day |last=Mahadeo |first=Kevin |work=DC Comics |date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=March 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801113645/http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2012/10/10/dc-comics-celebrates-arrow-day |archive-date=August 1, 2013 |url-status=live}} The comics were to be released initially as digital chapters, and then later be collated to produce monthly print issues.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/exclusive-dc-launches-digital-arrow-comic-series/ |title=EXCLUSIVE: DC launches digital "Arrow" comic series |last=Phegley |first=Kiel |date=September 14, 2012 |website=CBR.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725170629/https://www.cbr.com/exclusive-dc-launches-digital-arrow-comic-series/ |archive-date=July 25, 2017 |access-date=December 9, 2019}} The series lasted for 36 chapters, running until June 2013. These were collected, together with the initial preview comic, in two volumes with the first released digitally in October 2013 and the second in both print and digital formats in May 2014.{{cite web |title=Arrow (2012–2013) Vol. 1 |work=DC Web Store |url=http://www.readdcentertainment.com/Arrow-2012-2013-Vol-1/digital-comic/49444 |access-date=December 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216042514/http://www.readdcentertainment.com/Arrow-2012-2013-Vol-1/digital-comic/49444 |archive-date=December 16, 2013 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Arrow (2012–2013) Vol. 2 |work=DC Web Store |url=https://www.readdc.com/Arrow-2012-2013-Vol-2/digital-comic/T1227000018301?ref=Y29taWMvdmlldy9kZXNrdG9wL3NsaWRlckxpc3Qvc2VyaWVz |access-date=December 9, 2019}} Titan Magazines published the comics in a physical format in the UK. The first issue was published on October 17, 2013, and contained the first four chapters of the series, with the complete series lasting 6 issues.{{cite web |title=Arrow Issue #1 |url=http://titanmagazines.com/t/arrow/uk/1/ |publisher=Titan Magazines |access-date=December 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131208215503/http://titanmagazines.com/t/arrow/uk/1/ |archive-date=December 8, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

A follow-up to the original digital title, Arrow: Season 2.5, is written by Guggenheim and Keto Shimizu, one of the show's executive story editors and writers, with art by Joe Bennett and Jack Jadson. Arrow 2.5 is intended to tell one continuous story across two arcs, that fits within the television narrative. Guggenheim stated, "We've tried to put in all the elements that people like about the show ... We're going to see what's happened to Detective Lance after he collapsed in the season [two] finale. A good chunk of the burning questions left over will get answered in the tie-in comic. Particularly towards the latter half of the series, we're going to start introducing characters [in the comic] who you'll see in Season 3 ... before they show up on TV." On the comic's relationship to season three of the show, Guggenheim said, "Season three is designed to stand on its own feet without requiring anyone to do any outside reading. But what the comic book will give is a deeper appreciation for some of the moments [in the show] and a more complete narrative experience. If you want to go deeper into the story, that's what Season 2.5 is for." Shimizu added that the comic also allows the writers to "accomplish things on the page that are nearly impossible to do with our production schedule and our budget", including bigger action sequences, as well as visits to locations that cannot be recreated on the show.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-season-25-reveals-hidden-729128 |title='Arrow: Season 2.5' Reveals Hidden Story Between TV Seasons |last=McMillan |first=Graeme |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=August 29, 2014 |access-date=August 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831102704/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-season-25-reveals-hidden-729128 |archive-date=August 31, 2014 |url-status=live}} The character Caleb Green, who has ties to Robert Queen, was created specifically for the comic.{{cite web |url=http://www.nerdist.com/2014/09/exclusive-arrow-showrunner-marc-guggenheim-on-the-arrow-season-2-5-digital-comic/ |title=Exclusive: Arrow Showrunner Marc Guggenheim On The Arrow: Season 2. Digital Comic |last=McCabe |first=Joseph |work=Nerdist |date=September 8, 2014 |access-date=September 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009072327/http://www.nerdist.com/2014/09/exclusive-arrow-showrunner-marc-guggenheim-on-the-arrow-season-2-5-digital-comic/ |archive-date=October 9, 2014 |url-status=dead}} Guggenheim said "The goal is to end Season 2.5 basically five minutes before Season 3 begins."{{cite web |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=55579 |title=GUGGENHEIM PROMISES NEW SAGA, RETURNING VILLAINS IN "ARROW SEASON 2.5" |last=Phegley |first=Kiel |work=Comic Book Resources |date=September 17, 2014 |access-date=September 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922034749/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=55579 |archive-date=September 22, 2014 |url-status=live}} The comic launched digitally biweekly on September 1, 2014, with its first physical release featuring a collection of the digital releases releasing on October 8.{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/DC-Arrow-Comics-1084098.aspx |title=Exclusive: DC Entertainment Launches New Arrow and The Flash Digital Comics |last=Sands |first=Rich |work=TV Guide |date=July 9, 2014 |access-date=July 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712005322/http://www.tvguide.com/News/DC-Arrow-Comics-1084098.aspx |archive-date=July 12, 2014 |url-status=live}} The series featured 24 digital issues, which constituted 12 physical issues.

A third series, Arrow: The Dark Archer, is written by Barrowman with his sister Carole, and with an art team led by Daniel Sampere. The comic, initially set between seasons three and four of the show before flashing back, explores a younger Malcolm Merlyn and his past, with Corto Maltese and Nanda Parbat featured. Barrowman, who initially pitched the series to DC Comics as another with the ability to tell Merlyn's backstory, said he "had a backstory in my head for Malcolm from the beginning and a lot of it has made its way into our comic, and onto the screen. I think it's always been my job to help the audience relate to Malcolm in some way despite his questionable morals and evil ways." Executive producers Guggenheim and Kreisberg helped the Barrowmans ensure the story would fit within the continuity of the series. The 12-chapter series was released digitally once every two weeks starting January 13, 2016, before the entire story was collected in a single print edition in September 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.tvinsider.com/article/63671/arrow-the-dark-archer-malcolm-merlyn-dc-comics-series-john-and-carole-barrowman/ |title=The Secret Past of Arrow's Malcolm Merlyn Revealed in New DC Comics Series |work=TV Insider |last=Sands |first=Rich |date=January 6, 2016 |access-date=January 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108102259/http://www.tvinsider.com/article/63671/arrow-the-dark-archer-malcolm-merlyn-dc-comics-series-john-and-carole-barrowman/ |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.readdc.com/Arrow-The-Dark-Archer-2016-2/digital-comic/T1518500025001 |title=Arrow: The Dark Archer (2016) #2 |work=readdc.com |publisher=DC Comics |access-date=February 23, 2018 |quote=Digital Release Date January 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117063226/https://www.readdc.com/Arrow-The-Dark-Archer-2016-2/digital-comic/T1518500025001 |archive-date=November 17, 2018 |url-status=live}}

On November 6, 2013, a six-episode series of shorts, titled Blood Rush, premiered alongside the broadcast of the show, as well as online. The series, which features product placement for products of its sponsor, Bose, was shot on location in Vancouver, similar to the main show. The miniseries features Emily Bett Rickards, Colton Haynes and Paul Blackthorne reprising their roles of Felicity Smoak, Roy Harper and Quentin Lance, respectively.{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/bose-and-arrow-sound-company-helps-the-cw-launch-superhero-spinoff-blood-rush-1200809759/ |title=Bose and 'Arrow:' Sound Company Helps the CW Launch Superhero Spinoff 'Blood Rush' |last=Graser |first=Marc |work=Variety |date=November 8, 2013 |access-date=November 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111150006/https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/bose-and-arrow-sound-company-helps-the-cw-launch-superhero-spinoff-blood-rush-1200809759/ |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |url-status=live}}

The episodes set during the course of the second season of the television series, show Roy coming to Queen Consolidated to have a meeting with Oliver. As he is out, Felicity tells Roy to go wait in the lobby.{{cite episode |series=Blood Rush |network=CW.com |date=November 6, 2013 |season=1 |number=One}} As Roy leaves, Officer Lance calls Felicity, telling her that the blood sample the Starling City police found on the vigilante, which Felicity destroyed, has resurfaced. Felicity then calls Roy, using Oliver's voice encoder, asking him to break into the lab to retrieve the sample.{{cite episode |series=Blood Rush |network=CW.com |date=November 13, 2013 |season=1 |number=Two}} Felicity guides Roy through the lab, where he is able to recover the sample. As Roy is leaving, doctors enter the room, seemingly trapping him.{{cite episode |series=Blood Rush |network=CW.com |date=November 20, 2013 |season=1 |number=Three}} He notifies Felicity, who then hacks into the building's PA system, and issues an evacuation notice, giving Roy a chance to escape.{{cite episode |series=Blood Rush |network=CW.com |date=November 27, 2013 |season=1 |number=Four}} Roy gets out of the room before it enters into lock down, and is able to avoid two guards with the help of Felicity and exit the lab.{{cite episode |series=Blood Rush |network=CW.com |date=December 4, 2013 |season=1 |number=Five}} Roy returns to Queen Consolidated, and Felicity offers to mail the acquired sample for Roy as he goes in to meet with Oliver.{{cite episode |series=Blood Rush |network=CW.com |date=December 11, 2013 |season=1 |number=Six}}

A Green Arrow skin based on Oliver Queen's appearance in Arrow appears in the 2013 video game Injustice: Gods Among Us as downloadable content. The playable skin was given as a bonus reward to the first 5,000 voters of Injustice{{'}}s promotional Battle Arena competition, but was later released as a free download. Stephen Amell lends his voice and likeness to the skin.{{cite web |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=44284 |title=Stephen Amell Adds "Arrow" To "Injustice" Roster |last=Sunu |first=Steve |work=Comic Book Resources |date=March 14, 2013 |access-date=May 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510230957/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=44284 |archive-date=May 10, 2013 |url-status=live}}

Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham features an Arrow downloadable content pack that adds multiple playable characters, including Arrow, John Diggle, Felicity Smoak, Huntress, Slade Wilson, Roy Harper, Canary, and Malcolm Merlyn as well as vehicles and an exclusive level set during Oliver's time in Lian Yu. Amell reprised his role in addition to voicing the traditional Green Arrow in the game, while Cynthia Addai-Robinson reprised her role as Amanda Waller.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/lego_batman_3_beyond_gotham/b/playstation4/archive/2014/10/11/arrow-dlc-pack-with-stephen-amell-conan-o-39-brien-and-many-more-confirmed-for-lego-batman-3.aspx |title=Arrow DLC Pack (With Stephen Amell), Conan O'Brien, And Many More Confirmed |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |date=October 11, 2014 |access-date=October 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012003718/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lego_batman_3_beyond_gotham/b/playstation4/archive/2014/10/11/arrow-dlc-pack-with-stephen-amell-conan-o-39-brien-and-many-more-confirmed-for-lego-batman-3.aspx |archive-date=October 12, 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://1080players.com/index.php/xbox-menu/item/578-lego-batman-3-beyond-gotham-interview-with-tt-games-arthur-parsons |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227161208/http://1080players.com/index.php/xbox-menu/item/578-lego-batman-3-beyond-gotham-interview-with-tt-games-arthur-parsons |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 27, 2014 |title=Lego Batman 3 Beyond Gotham Interview With TT Games' Arthur Parsons |last=Boccher |first=Mike |work=1080 players |date=December 23, 2014 |access-date=March 27, 2015}}

The video game Lego DC Super-Villains features DLC inspired by Arrow in the "DC Super Heroes: TV Series DLC Character Pack". The DLC pack includes The Atom, Green Arrow, and Mister Terrific as playable characters.{{cite web |last1=Gutierrez |first1=Gerardo |title=LEGO DC Super-Villains DC TV Series Super Heroes Character Pack |url=http://www.brickstolife.com/lego-dc-super-villains-super-heroes-tv-character-pack-dlc-early-access/ |website=Bricks To Life |date=October 23, 2018 |access-date=March 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321023001/http://www.brickstolife.com/lego-dc-super-villains-super-heroes-tv-character-pack-dlc-early-access/ |archive-date=March 21, 2019 |url-status=live}}

On February 23, 2016, Titan Books released Arrow: Vengeance, a tie-in novelization written by Oscar Balderrama and Lauren Certo, which is set before and during the second season, detailing the origins of Slade Wilson, Sebastian Blood, and Isabel Rochev, and how they eventually meet and collaborate with each other to battle Oliver's alter-ego as seen in the television series.{{cite book |last1=Balderrama |first1=Oscar |last2=Certo |first2=Lauren |title=Arrow: Vengeance |date=February 23, 2016 |publisher=Titan Books |isbn=9781783294848 |pages=1–448}} On November 29, 2016, Titan Books released The Flash: The Haunting of Barry Allen, a tie-in novelization written by Susan and Clay Griffith, set during the second season of The Flash and the fourth season of Arrow, which features characters from both shows;{{cite book |last1=Griffith |first1=Clay |last2=Griffith |first2=Susan |title=Flash: The Haunting of Barry Allen |date=November 29, 2016 |publisher=Titan Books |isbn=9781785651410 |pages=1–416}} the story continued in Arrow: A Generation of Vipers, released on March 28, 2017, again written by the Griffiths.{{cite web |title=Arrow — A Generation of Vipers |url=http://titanbooks.com/arrow-a-generation-of-vipers-7926/ |website=Titans Books |access-date=January 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004034924/https://titanbooks.com/arrow-a-generation-of-vipers-7926/ |archive-date=October 4, 2017 |url-status=live}}

In August 2017, it was confirmed that Arrow executive producer Marc Guggenheim would co-author a fourth novel, alongside James R. Tuck, entitled Arrow: Fatal Legacies, which was released in January 2018. The novel focuses on events between the fifth-season finale and sixth-season premiere.{{cite web |url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2017/08/12/marc-guggenheim-arrow-novel/ |title=Marc Guggenheim To Write Novel Connecting Arrow Seasons 5 and 6 |last=Wickline |first=Dan |date=August 12, 2017 |access-date=November 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222094328/http://variety.com/2014/tv/columns/flash-arrow-crossover-review-episodes-1201368828/ |archive-date=February 22, 2016 |url-status=live}}

The first guidebook to be released was Arrow: Heroes and Villains by Nick Aires and published by Titan Books, released in February 2015.{{cite book |title=Arrow: Heroes and Villains |publisher=Titan Books |isbn=978-1783295234 |last=Aires |first=Nick |date=February 3, 2015 }} Described as "a companion" to the series, the book features sections on the various characters of the series, along with descriptions, backgrounds, comic book origins, and "where they stand as of the end of the second season of Arrow".{{cite web |last1=Graff |first1=Nicholas |title=Book Review: 'Arrow: Heroes and Villains' |url=http://sciencefiction.com/2015/03/18/book-review-arrow-heroes-villains/ |website=ScienceFiction.com |date=March 18, 2015 |access-date=December 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227084819/http://sciencefiction.com/2015/03/18/book-review-arrow-heroes-villains/ |archive-date=December 27, 2018 |url-status=live}}

A follow-up to Heroes and Villains by the same author and publisher, titled Arrow: Oliver Queen's Dossier, was released in October 2016, during the series' fifth season. The book is presented as information collected by the Green Arrow and Felicity Smoak over the course of his four years of activity. Included in the book are "handwritten notes" and "police reports" regarding the Green Arrow and those he targets.{{cite book |title=Arrow: Oliver Queen's Dossier |publisher=Titan Books |isbn=978-1783295227 |last=Aires |first=Nick |year=2016 }}

{{Main|Arrowverse}}

In July 2013, it was announced that Berlanti and Kreisberg, along with Nutter and Geoff Johns, would be creating a television series, The Flash, based on the character of the same name, with an origin story for Barry Allen.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2013/07/cw-eyes-flash-series-with-arrows-greg-berlanti-andrew-kreisberg-david-nutter-552232/ |title=CW Eyes 'Flash' Series With 'Arrow's Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg & David Nutter |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=July 30, 2013 |access-date=July 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801015113/http://www.deadline.com/2013/07/cw-eyes-flash-series-with-arrows-greg-berlanti-andrew-kreisberg-david-nutter/ |archive-date=August 1, 2013 |url-status=live}} The character, played by actor Grant Gustin, was set to appear in three episodes of season two of Arrow, with the final one acting as a backdoor pilot for the new series.{{cite news |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/flash-writers-preview-cws-newest-595705 |title='Flash' Writers Preview the CW's Newest Superhero |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=July 30, 2013 |access-date=July 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801185107/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/flash-writers-preview-cws-newest-595705 |archive-date=August 1, 2013 |url-status=live}} However, it was announced in November 2013 that the backdoor pilot would not be happening, with a traditional pilot being made instead.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2013/11/cws-the-flash-to-do-standalone-pilot-instead-of-arrow-backdoor-pilot-episode-637625/ |title=CW's 'The Flash' To Do Stand-Alone Pilot Instead Of 'Arrow' Backdoor Pilot Episode |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |work=Deadline Hollywood |date=November 18, 2013 |access-date=November 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119211413/http://www.deadline.com/2013/11/cws-the-flash-to-do-standalone-pilot-instead-of-arrow-backdoor-pilot-episode/ |archive-date=November 19, 2013 |url-status=live}} In January 2015, The CW president Mark Pedowitz announced the intention to do a Flash and Arrow crossover every season,{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/CW-Renewals-Beauty-Beast-1091649.aspx |title=The CW Renews Supernatural and 7 More — But Where's Beauty and the Beast? |last=Nguyen |first=Hanh |work=TV Guide |date=January 11, 2015 |access-date=January 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818045347/http://www.tvguide.com/news/cw-renewals-beauty-beast-1091649/ |archive-date=August 18, 2017 |url-status=live}} and The CW announced that an animated web-series, Vixen, featuring the DC heroine of the same name and set in the universe of Arrow and The Flash, would be debuting on CW Seed in late 2015.{{cite news |url=http://www.ksitetv.com/vixen/dc-comics-vixen-coming-to-cw-seed/52484 |title=DC Comics' Vixen Coming To CW Seed |work=KSiteTV |date=January 11, 2015 |access-date=January 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112060742/http://www.ksitetv.com/vixen/dc-comics-vixen-coming-to-cw-seed/52484 |archive-date=January 12, 2015 |url-status=live}} The character later made a live-action appearance on Arrow in the fourth-season episode "Taken". The next month, it was reported that a spin-off series, which is described as a superhero team-up show, was in discussion by The CW for a possible 2015–16 midseason release. Berlanti and Kreisberg would executive produce alongside Guggenheim and Sarah Schechter. The potential series would be headlined by several recurring characters from both Arrow and The Flash, with the potential for other Arrow/Flash characters to cross over to the new series as well.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2015/02/arrow-flash-spin-off-cw-new-superhero-series-1201382466/ |title=Arrow/Flash Superhero Team-Up Spinoff In Works At CW; Brandon Routh, Victor Garber, Wentworth Miller, Caity Lotz Star |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=February 26, 2015 |access-date=February 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227033833/http://deadline.com/2015/02/arrow-flash-spin-off-cw-new-superhero-series-1201382466/ |archive-date=February 27, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2015/03/dominic-purcell-cast-arrow-flash-spinoff-heat-wave-cw-1201393858/ |title=Dominic Purcell Joins Arrow/Flash Spinoff |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=March 16, 2015 |access-date=March 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318041408/http://deadline.com/2015/03/dominic-purcell-cast-arrow-flash-spinoff-heat-wave-cw-1201393858/ |archive-date=March 18, 2015 |url-status=live}} In May 2015, The CW officially picked up the series, titled Legends of Tomorrow.{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/07/dcs-legends-of-tomorrow-crazy-ex-girlfriend-cordon-ordered-to-series-by-the-cw/ |title='DC's Legends of Tomorrow', 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' & 'Cordon' Ordered to Series by The CW |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |work=TV by the Numbers |date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=May 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518082354/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/07/dcs-legends-of-tomorrow-crazy-ex-girlfriend-cordon-ordered-to-series-by-the-cw/ |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |url-status=dead }} A series titled Justice U that would star Ramsey was announced to be in development on January 13, 2022,{{cite web |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=January 13, 2021 |title=David Ramsey To Star In Arrowverse Series 'Justice U' In The Works At The CW |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/david-ramsey-arrowverse-justice-u-the-cw-1234912421/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518082354/https://deadline.com/2022/01/david-ramsey-arrowverse-justice-u-the-cw-1234912421/ |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |access-date=January 14, 2022 |work=Deadline Hollywood}} however, it was passed on in May 2023.{{Cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |date=2023-05-18 |title=Live-Action Powerpuff Girls, Diggle's Justice U Among Pre-Nexstar Projects No Longer in Development at The CW |url=https://tvline.com/2023/05/18/live-action-powerpuff-girls-pilot-cancelled-the-cw/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=TVLine |language=en-US}}

Several characters from previous seasons returned in "Invasion!", a crossover episode with The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow (and features Kara Danvers / Supergirl from Supergirl) which also doubles as the 100th episode of Arrow,{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/2016/10/23/marc-guggenheim-reveals-the-title-of-arrows-100th-episode/ |title=Marc Guggenheim Reveals the Title Of Arrow's 100th Episode |work=ComicBook.com |last=Burlingame |first=Russ |date=October 23, 2016 |access-date=October 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220062349/http://comicbook.com/dc/2016/10/23/marc-guggenheim-reveals-the-title-of-arrows-100th-episode/ |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=live}} where Thea, Diggle, Sara, Ray and Oliver are abducted by the Dominators and were put in dream stasis to gather intel while they are shown what their lives would have been, had Oliver never gotten on the Queen's Gambit. Further crossovers occurred with "Crisis on Earth-X" in 2017,{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv/2017/09/22/arrow-the-flash-supergirl-legends-unite-for-crisis-on-earth-x-crossover/ |title=Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Legends to unite for 'Crisis on Earth-X' crossover |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=September 22, 2017 |access-date=February 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923002507/http://ew.com/tv/2017/09/22/arrow-the-flash-supergirl-legends-unite-for-crisis-on-earth-x-crossover/ |archive-date=September 23, 2017 |url-status=live}} "Elseworlds" in 2018,{{cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2018/09/26/arrowverse-crossover-elseworlds-theme-batwoman-gotham/ |title=Arrowverse Crossover Theme Is 'Elseworlds,' Casts Multiverse Observer |last=Mitovitch |first=Matt Webb |work=TVLine|date=September 26, 2018 |access-date=September 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927004706/https://tvline.com/2018/09/26/arrowverse-crossover-elseworlds-theme-batwoman-gotham/ |archive-date=September 27, 2018 |url-status=live}} and "Crisis on Infinite Earths" in-between 2019 and 2020.{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2018/12/11/arrowverse-crossover-title-2019-crisis-on-infinite-earths/|title=Arrowverse Crossover Title for Fall 2019 (!) Is Revealed — And It Is a Doozy|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|work=TVLine|date=December 11, 2018|access-date=December 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212024818/https://tvline.com/2018/12/11/arrowverse-crossover-title-2019-crisis-on-infinite-earths/|archive-date=December 12, 2018|url-status=live}}

In August 2015, it was confirmed that Matt Ryan would appear in the fourth-season episode "Haunted", reprising his role as John Constantine from the short-lived NBC series Constantine per a "one-time-only-deal" that would involve his character being "brought in to deal with the fallout of the resurrection of Sara Lance (Caity Lotz) via Ra's al Ghul's Lazarus Pit."{{cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |title=Matt Ryan to Reprise 'Constantine' Role on The CW's 'Arrow' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/matt-ryan-constantine-arrow-814661 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=August 11, 2015 |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812084755/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/matt-ryan-constantine-arrow-814661 |archive-date=August 12, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Holbrook |first=Damian |title=Constantine's Matt Ryan Conjures Up Magical Return on Arrow |url=http://www.tvinsider.com/article/33819/constantines-matt-ryan-conjures-up-magical-return-on-arrow/ |work=TV Insider |date=August 11, 2015 |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813190942/http://www.tvinsider.com/article/33819/constantines-matt-ryan-conjures-up-magical-return-on-arrow/ |archive-date=August 13, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/constantines-arrow-appearance-tied-to-white-canarys-return |title=Constantine's "Arrow" Appearance Tied to White Canary's Return |work=Comic Book Resources |last=White |first=Brett |date=August 12, 2015 |access-date=August 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813080141/http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/constantines-arrow-appearance-tied-to-white-canarys-return |archive-date=August 13, 2015 |url-status=live}} Due to Arrow and Constantine sharing the same studio, the producers of Arrow were also able to acquire Ryan's original outfits. John Badham, who was a director on Constantine, directed the crossover episode. On filming the episode, Guggenheim stated it felt like the production team was "doing a Constantine/Arrow crossover, and it's so exciting ... we're just really glad we got the chance to extend Matt Ryan's run as Constantine by at least one more hour of television. I think you'll see he fits very neatly into our universe. It never feels forced, it feels right."{{cite web |url=http://www.superherohype.com/features/352767-marc-guggenheim-jonas-quantum-constantine-on-arrow |title=Marc Guggenheim on The Infinite Adventures of Jonas Quantum, Constantine on Arrow |last=Perry |first=Spencer |work=SuperheroHype! |date=September 14, 2015 |access-date=September 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916164850/http://www.superherohype.com/features/352767-marc-guggenheim-jonas-quantum-constantine-on-arrow |archive-date=September 16, 2015 |url-status=live}} Ryan would later reprise his role as Constantine in Legends of Tomorrow, beginning with its third season as a recurring cast member before being promoted to series regular status for the fourth season.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=March 19, 2018 |title=Matt Ryan To Join 'DC's Legends Of Tomorrow' As Series Regular For Season 4 |url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/matt-ryan-promoted-dcs-legends-of-tomorrow-series-regular-season-4-renewal-john-constantine-1202345972/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412184919/https://deadline.com/2018/03/matt-ryan-promoted-dcs-legends-of-tomorrow-series-regular-season-4-renewal-john-constantine-1202345972/ |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=March 20, 2018 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

{{See also|Green Arrow & The Canaries}}

In August 2019, it was reported that another untitled spin-off was in development.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/the-cw-plots-another-arrow-spinoff-dc-comics-1202660964/|title=The CW Plots Another 'Arrow' Spinoff As It Moves Into Next Phase Of DC Comics World – TCA|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=August 4, 2019|access-date=August 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804220336/https://deadline.com/2019/08/the-cw-plots-another-arrow-spinoff-dc-comics-1202660964/amp/|archive-date=August 4, 2019|url-status=live}} The next month, The CW announced it was developing a female-led spin-off series, with Katherine McNamara, Katie Cassidy, and Juliana Harkavy as the leads, reprising their roles from Arrow. An episode of Arrow{{'}}s final season would serve as a backdoor pilot for the potential series.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-female-led-spinoff-works-at-cw-1242882|title='Arrow': Female-Led Spinoff in the Works at The CW|last1=Porter|first1=Rick|last2=Goldberg|first2=Lesley|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 24, 2019|access-date=September 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925040602/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/arrow-female-led-spinoff-works-at-cw-1242882|archive-date=September 25, 2019|url-status=live}} Filming for the backdoor pilot began on October 21, 2019,{{Cite web |last=Damore |first=Meagan |date=October 21, 2019 |title=Green Arrow & the Canaries Pilot Announces Start of Filming with Video |url=https://www.cbr.com/green-arrow-the-canaries-pilot-filming-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025055749/https://www.cbr.com/green-arrow-the-canaries-pilot-filming-video/ |archive-date=October 25, 2019 |access-date=October 24, 2019 |website=CBR}} with its title, along with the series, being named Green Arrow and the Canaries.{{Cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/10/15/arrow-spinoff-canaries-mia-green-arrow/ |title=Arrow Spinoff Teased With "Green Arrow and the Canaries" Comic Book Mock-Up |last=Burlingame |first=Russ |date=October 15, 2019 |website=ComicBook.com |access-date=October 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016150221/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/10/15/arrow-spinoff-canaries-mia-green-arrow/ |archive-date=October 16, 2019 |url-status=live }}

In May 2020, after the series was revealed not to have been picked up for the early part of The CW's 2020–21 television season, CW president Mark Pedowitz said the series was "very much alive" and remained under consideration.{{Cite web |last=Mitovitch |first=Matt Webb |date=May 14, 2020 |title=Arrow Spinoff, The 100 Prequel Still Under Consideration at The CW |url=https://tvline.com/2020/05/14/green-arrow-and-the-canaries-spinoff-status-cw/ |access-date=May 14, 2020 |website=TVLine}} In June, Guggenheim said that, should the series not be picked up, he would potentially resolve the cliffhangers introduced in the backdoor pilot in a comic book.{{Cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |date=June 17, 2020 |title=How Arrow Spinoff Mysteries Might Be Resolved If Pilot Isn't Picked Up |url=https://tvline.com/2020/06/17/green-arrow-canaries-spinoff-will-mysteries-be-resolved/ |access-date=June 28, 2020 |website=TVLine}} In January 2021, The CW officially passed on the spin-off;{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/01/arrow-spinoff-green-arrow-and-the-canaries-dead-not-going-forward-the-cw-the-100-prequel-tbd-still-alive-1234667542/|title='Arrow' Spinoff 'Green Arrow and The Canaries' Not Going Forward At the CW, 'The 100' Prequel Still Alive|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=January 8, 2021|access-date=January 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108205214/https://deadline.com/2021/01/arrow-spinoff-green-arrow-and-the-canaries-dead-not-going-forward-the-cw-the-100-prequel-tbd-still-alive-1234667542/|archive-date=January 8, 2021|url-status=live}} Guggenheim said this decision was made at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Guggenheim feeling the pandemic was the "deciding factor" in not moving forward with the series.{{Cite web|last=Burlingame|first=Russ|date=January 8, 2021|title=Arrow Co-Creator Reacts to Green Arrow and the Canaries Announcement|url=https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/arrow-marc-guggenheim-green-arrow-canaries-cancelled/|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110165538/https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/arrow-marc-guggenheim-green-arrow-canaries-cancelled/|archive-date=January 10, 2021|access-date=January 10, 2021|website=ComicBook.com}} Having the series move to HBO Max was also reportedly "thoroughly explored", which was another contributing factor to the length of time it took to officially announce its cancellation.{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2021/01/12/wandavision-spoilers-commercials-easter-eggs-falcon-and-winter-soldier/|title=Matt's Inside Line: WandaVision Scoop, Plus Lucifer, Zoey's Playlist, NCIS: LA, The Rookie, 9-1-1, Chicago Fire and More|last=Mitovitch|first=Matt Webb|work=TVLine|date=January 12, 2021|access-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114165614/https://tvline.com/2021/01/12/wandavision-spoilers-commercials-easter-eggs-falcon-and-winter-soldier/|archive-date=January 14, 2021|url-status=live}}

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• DC page: [http://www.dc.com/tv/arrow-2012-2020 TV series], [http://www.dc.com/comics/arrow-2012 A2012] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005223150/https://www.dc.com/comics/arrow-2012 |date=October 5, 2022 }}, [http://www.dc.com/comics/arrow-season-25-2014 AS2.52014] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005223216/https://www.dc.com/comics/arrow-season-25-2014 |date=October 5, 2022 }}, [http://www.dc.com/graphic-novels/arrow-the-dark-archer ATDC]
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