Viewers may initially have been skeptical when the CW announced that it wouldn't just be putting together a series based on the Green Arrow, but that they'd be putting together their own connected universe of DC properties that would reach cinematic levels of grandeur. Arrow may have started the craze, but The Flash quickly became the most popular show of the lot. The Flash hasn't always won over its fans and there have definitely been seasons that struggle, but the show tries to learn something each year and improve along the way.
The Flash has hit impressive heights as it's now in its sixth season and, with Arrow over, it's the oldest show within the Arrow-verse. Even though the events and stories within the series are often incredible, the things that happen behind the scenes are sometimes even just as entertaining.
15 The Flash Was Developed Following Grant Gustin's Popularity From His Appearances On Arrow
At this point it's practically become common practice for shows within the CW's Arrow-verse to introduce characters in a series, only to spin them off into their own vehicle. Before this level of connectivity was present, Grant Gustin's Barry Allen appeared on Arrow before The Flash was a show. No episodes were exactly backdoor pilots, but it was still meant to be a testing ground for the character.
14 Several Members Of The Cast Have Moved Behind The Camera To Direct
What's really nice about many of the shows that are contained within the Arrow-verse is that there's such a sense of community between the cast. They seem to be as much of a family as the characters on the show and it's been exciting to watch these actors slowly be given more responsibilities, like directing. Tom Cavanagh and Danielle Panabaker have both gotten into the director's chair and helmed some highly memorable episodes. It will be interesting to see if any of the cast will go on to direct outside of The Flash.
13 Candice Patton Got To Pick Iris' Wedding Dress
It's always nice when actors can bring something personal to their characters and make things feel even more authentic. One of the most important moments for Iris West on The Flash was her wedding to Barry Allen. In order to make this important moment have even more significance to Candice Patton, she was allowed to pick out Iris' wedding dress. Not only that, but Patton actually got to fly out to Monique Lhuillier in Los Angeles to pick it out.
12 Geoff Johns Personally Thanked Candice Patton For Her Portrayal Of Iris
The CW gets a lot of flak over how their shows skew to a young adult audience, but their DC shows have really knocked it out of the park. They're not always perfect, but many audiences associate these DC characters with their CW counterparts. DC's Geoff Johns happens to fall in this crowd. He was so pleased with Candice Patton's portrayal of Iris West that he sent her a text message thanking her for her work. She's even saved the text.
11 The Number 52 Is Hidden In Every Episode Of Season One
There are many fun Easter eggs hidden throughout The Flash that pay service to the comics that the shows pull from. The number 52 is a big deal in the DC Universe, particularly in reference to "The New 52" run. To pay respect to this, every episode in The Flash’s first season has the number 52 hidden in it somewhere.
10 The Flash's Suit Gets An Upgrade Every Season
It's not unusual for superheroes and villains to receive makeovers for their costumes as comics grow and evolve over the year. An interesting detail to help add some authenticity to The Flash’s universe is that Barry's costume receives some kind of upgrade each season. This trend begins after the episode "Flash Vs. Arrow," with each new iteration becoming slightly more comic-accurate.
9 The Series Has Received Its Own Comic Counterpart
Obviously The Flash is an adaptation of the comic series of the same name. However, it's always fascinating when art can get caught in a loop of sorts. The CW's Flash was popular enough to get its own comic miniseries that uses the TV show's version of the characters. Dubbed "Season Zero" and meant to fill in the gaps pre-series, they proved to be a worthwhile experiment.
8 It's Called "Zooping"
One production element that's quickly become a trademark for The Flash TV show is that iconic blur effect when Barry speeds in and out if scenes. There's actually a name for when the Flash displaces air and moves people's hair when he flies in and out of scenes. "Zooping" is a fun shorthand that's been created between cast and crew. The effect is pulled off with the help of an air cannon and a red lightning effect that is obviously added in post.
7 Their Slang Term, “Schway,” Is Actually A Batman Beyond Reference
It's always fun when worlds collide, especially when it's two extremely unexpected ones. The Flash’s fifth season introduces Nora, a character who comes from the future. One of her future affectations that she carries back to the past with her is the slang word, "Schway," meaning cool. This shorthand actually originated on the animated series Batman Beyond, another DC property that was set in the future.
6 Heavy Lengths Were Taken To Hide The Reverse-Flash's Identity
Many fans of The Flash argue that the Reverse-Flash arc is one of the show's most satisfying storylines. Part of the reason this villain works so well is because the show successfully kept Reverse-Flash's identity a secret. The show went to extensive extra lengths to keep this secret hidden and even filmed the reveal in "Man in the Yellow Suit" with a double so that no one could leak it out.
