The CW’s Most Underrated Shows That Deserved More Recognition

The CW (formerly The WB) has been home to some of Us’ favorite shows, from One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries and the Arrowverse. However, not all of the network’s programming has been a runaway critical success.

Take Nancy Drew for example, which was adapted from Carolyn Keene’s iconic YA mystery series in 2016. Despite airing for four seasons. The show never quite got the hype and attention that it so justly deserved, despite its impressive writing, heaps of twists and turns, dynamic characters and the epic will-they-won’t-they love story between Nancy (Kennedy McMann) and Ace (Alex Saxon).

“[Nancy and Ace] have a very unexpected journey. I think it’ll surprise a lot of people. It’s not necessarily going to be a structure that anyone anticipates in terms of how they go about dealing with their new reality,” McMann exclusively told Us Weekly in May 2023, ahead of season 4. “It results in a lot of emotional turmoil for the both of them.”

Of course, Nancy and Ace fell victim to a “death curse” that prevented them from being a couple. Thankfully, by the series finale, the pair beat the hex and finally got together.

Keep scrolling and look back with Us at some of the most underrated CW series that ended far too soon:

‘Nancy Drew’

The CW’s 2019 adaptation was the latest reimagining of the Nancy Drew franchise, starring McMann as the ever-so-curious teen detective. This version specifically aged Nancy up to 18. It also featured Leah Lewis, Maddison Jaizani, Tunji Kasim, Riley Smith and Party of Five’s Scott Wolf.

‘Roswell, New Mexico’

Two decades after The WB’s original Roswell aired, the show was rebooted as Roswell: New Mexico and starred Jeanine Mason as Liz Ortecho opposite Nathan Dean Parsons’ Max Evans. Michael Vlamis and Lily Cowles rounded out Max’s alien trio as Michael and Isobel. Let Us not forget Tyler Blackburn, Michael Trevino and Heather Hemmens breathed new life into the respective roles of Alex, Kyle and Maria. The OG Liz and Max (Shiri Appleby and Jason Behr) also both made cameos.

‘Black Lightning’

The CW has been to home a number of superhero shows, from Arrow to Supergirl to The Flash. Black Lightning, which debuted in 2018, was another DC Comics adaptation series, starring Cress Williams as the electrifying principal-turned-vigilante. But, what really stole our hearts? The show’s authenticity in capturing real-life issues.

‘Hart of Dixie’

Hart of Dixie delivered Us the same quirky, small-town feel of Gilmore Girls (which was particularly fitting, since it was filmed on the same soundstage) if Stars Hollow was set in Bluebell, Alabama. Rachel Bilson of The O.C. fame played slick city doctor Zoe Hart to life as she moved down South to take over her late father’s medical practice. A love triangle between George (Scott Porter) and Wade (Wilson Bethel) also kept Us on our toes for years, and we still have opinions over who Zoe should have ended up with. (And psst: so does Bilson; check out her July 2024 interview with Us here.)

‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend ran for four seasons and earned creator Rachel Bloom multiple Golden Globes nominations, yet it still feels like we, as avid TV fans, don’t talk about this one nearly enough. Bloom’s Rebecca literally sang and danced her way through career changes, love dilemmas and mental health crises that made the show equal parts relatable and fun.

‘Katy Keene’

Of course, Riverdale has been one of the network’s biggest hits of the 2010s and even led to a spinoff. Based on another Archie Comics character, Katy Keene starred Pretty Little Liars’ Lucy Hale as the aspiring fashion designer who sought to make her dreams come true in New York City. Katy’s Big Apple besties were portrayed by Ashleigh Murray (reprising her Riverdale role of Josie McCoy), Jonny Beauchamp and Julia Chan. Emily in Paris star Lucian Laviscount also appeared on Katy Keene, as did Riverdale’s own Casey Cott. Unfortunately, Katy’s adventures were cut short after just one season.

‘Life Unexpected’

Another brief CW wonder was Life Unexpected, in which Appleby (yes, from the OG Roswell) and Hallmark staple Kristoffer Polaha reconnect with the daughter they gave up for adoption 16 years prior, Lux (played by Britt Roberston). The two-season series also featured Dawson’s Creek’s Kerr Smith as Appleby’s radio cohost and fiancé and future Oscar nominee Austin Butler as Lux’s high school love interest.

‘The Carrie Diaries’

Before Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw moved to Manhattan, she was a teen in Castlebury, Connecticut. The Carrie Diaries tells the story of Carrie’s high school years with AnnaSophia Robb portraying the fashionista. Long before Mr. Big or Aidan arrived on the scene, Carrie was head-over-heels for Castlebury bad boy Sebastian Kydd (Butler again). The show was absolutely adorable, and so, what if Sex and the City and its And Just Like That revival completely contradicted plot points?

‘Privileged’ 

Joanna Garcia Swisher played the new tutor to twin heiresses portrayed by Lucy Hale and Ashley Newbrough in this short-lived CW series. Not only did Garcia Swisher’s Megan eventually create a sisterly bond with Hale and Newbrough’s Rose and Sage Baker, she also enjoyed a fun love triangle between her childhood friend and the Bakers’ wealthy neighbor.

‘Reign’

Reign, a reimagining of Mary, Queen of Scots’ love story with French prince (and eventual husband) Francis, ran for four seasons on The CW. Adelaide Kane brought Mary to life, prompting Us to live vicariously through her royal expeditions and sultry love triangle between Francis (Toby Regbo) and his illegitimate half-brother, Bash (Torrance Coombs).

‘Life Sentence’

Hale also starred in 2018’s Life Sentence, which only lasted one season on the network. As explained in the pilot, Hale’s Stella decides to throw caution to the wind after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, including marrying relative stranger Wes (Elliott Knight). When Stella’s terminal cancer is miraculously cured, she must deal with the ramifications of her decisions — and everything she neglected — during her then-impending mortality.

‘Batwoman’

Batwoman premiered in 2019 with Ruby Rose taking over the Bat mantle. When she left after a single season, Javicia Leslie slipped on the suit for its remaining two seasons. In addition to delivering interesting action-packed story lines and an entertaining Bat crew, Batwoman was also a huge win for LGBTQIA+ representation as both Rose and Leslie’s versions of the hero were openly queer.

‘Legacies’

Everyone always talks about The Vampire Diaries and The Originals as pinnacles of The CW programming, often neglecting the younger spinoff. Premiering in 2018, Legacies takes Us to the Salvatore School (named after Damon and Stefan, naturally) where Klaus’ daughter, Hope, is studying alongside Caroline’s fraternal twins, Josie and Lizzie. Legacies brought many new monsters to Mystic Falls, as well as some not-so-subtle Easter eggs and references.