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Arrow vs Smallville: Who Launched the DC TV Era?
18 Feb
Summary
- David Ramsey and Michael Rosenbaum debated DC TV's true beginning.
- Smallville aired for 10 seasons, preceding Arrow's launch.
- Arrow's success directly spawned a beloved DC TV franchise.

A recent friendly debate between Arrow's David Ramsey and Smallville's Michael Rosenbaum has ignited discussion about which DC television series truly initiated the network's superhero boom. Ramsey, known for his role as John Diggle, engaged in a conversation with Rosenbaum, who portrayed Lex Luthor on Smallville.
The discussion stemmed from a meeting between Ramsey and Justin Hartley, who previously played Green Arrow on Smallville. This prompted Rosenbaum to bring up Smallville's pioneering status as the first major DC series on television, which ran for ten seasons before Arrow began.
While Smallville (2001-2011) technically had a head start, Arrow (2012-2020) is widely credited with directly leading to the creation of a successful and interconnected DC television universe. Ramsey acknowledged the significance of Smallville but maintained Arrow's unique place in launching the subsequent franchise.



