What The CW Is and How It Relates to The Originals
The CW is an American broadcast network jointly owned by CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery that launched in 2006. The Originals is a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries and aired on The CW from 2013 to 2018, placing it within The CW’s schedule at the time. Both share the same television universe, anchored by Arrowverse foundations and later the Legacies school universe. This article explains the ownership, programming relationship, crossover history, and current availability in a factual, evergreen format.
The Originals as a The CW Original Series
The Originals launched on The CW on October 3, 2013, and ran for five seasons through 2018. It was developed as a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, which itself aired on The CW from 2009 to 2017. As a spin-off, The Originals was part of The CW’s primetime lineup and benefited from shared storytelling continuity. Its placement within The CW’s schedule allowed for coordinated event storytelling and cross-promotion with other network series.
Shared Universe Context
The Originals exists within the broader Arrowverse-related multiverse, which includes The Vampire Diaries, Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, and others. Although The Originals primarily intersects with The Vampire Diaries, it later connects to the Legacies universe through Hope Saltzman and the Salvatore School. These links are established through character appearances, shared events, and canonical references rather than continuous joint episodes.
Crossover Events and Key Connections
While The Originals does not cross over frequently with core Arrowverse shows, it participates in universe-spanning storylines. Crossovers largely happen within The Vampire Diaries and The Originals themselves, with occasional Legacies entries bringing in younger characters. The 2018 Arrowverse crossover “Elseworlds” indirectly reinforces multiverse concepts but does not feature Originals cast members. Below is a summary of notable crossover and connection points.
| Event or Element | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Originals series premiere | October 3, 2013 on The CW | Network schedule/official release info |
| The Vampire Diaries finale | March 10, 2017; led into The Originals narrative continuation | Network announcements |
| Legacies launch | October 2018 on The CW, set at Salvatore School | Official series premiere details |
| Major crossover scope | Mostly internal to The Vampire Diaries/The Originals/Legacies cluster | Showrunner statements and episode guides |
| CW-verse multiverse mentions | Referenced in Arrowverse events, not always with on-screen Originals presence | Panel notes and crossover summaries |
Ownership and Network Programming Strategy
The CW is jointly owned by CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery, following the dissolution of earlier Tribune-backed structures. Network strategy focuses on targeting younger demographics with drama and genre series. The Origininals fit this approach as a flagship drama that extended the life of The Vampire Diaries universe. Although The Originals concluded in 2018, reruns and streaming rights continue to support network and syndication goals.
Current Status and Availability
The Originals finished its five-season run in 2018 and is no longer producing new episodes on The CW. The series remains available through The CW’s app and website where full episodes stream with ads, and through licensed third-party streaming services. Reruns may appear in syndication on local stations or cable networks, depending on market agreements. There are no ongoing or announced revival plans as of the latest public information.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- The CW is the broadcast network that originally aired The Originals from 2013 to 2018.
- The Originals is a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, which also aired on The CW.
- The show shares a universe primarily with The Vampire Diaries and Legacies, not always through direct crossovers.
- Crossovers with other Arrowverse shows are rare; major universe events are handled internally.
- The series has concluded; new episodes do not air on The CW, but streaming access remains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are concise answers to common questions about The CW and The Originals relationship.
- Does The CW still air The Originals?
- Is The Originals part of The CW’s universe?
- Will there be a The Originals revival on The CW?
No. The series ended in 2018 and is available to stream on The CW’s platforms and select third-party services, but it is not part of the current linear schedule.
Yes. It is set in the same television universe as The Vampire Diaries and connects to Legacies, sharing characters and canonical events.
There are no official announcements or confirmed plans for a revival as of this writing.