The Best Seasons Of 'The Flash,' Ranked

Updated April 28, 2024 43.7K views 8 items

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12.9K votes

3.3K voters

Airing in 2014, The Flash gained traction as a fan-favorite superhero series. Adapted from the DC Comics character, this action-packed show follows Barry Allen, a crime scene investigator who gains superhuman speed after a freak accident. As he uses his abilities to fight crime and protect Central City, viewers are treated to a multitude of storylines. With each installment offering its own flair and excitement, there's much to discuss when it comes to the best The Flash seasons.

As we discuss the best seasons of The Flash, it is important to evaluate how each one enhances Team Flash's ongoing battle against evil forces. Since debuting on The CW network, this series has included numerous plotlines and developed an extensive cast of characters throughout its installments. From time travel to alternate universes, the assortment of story elements keeps fans invested in Barry Allen's journey as he battles both villains and personal demons.

Several standout seasons showcase The Flash at its finest. Season 1 has been praised for its introduction to Barry's world as well as character development for our hero. It also set up villain dynamics that would play out over future seasons. Similarly, Season 2 continued this momentum by introducing Earth-2, adding depth and complexity to the show's multiverse concept while raising the stakes for Team Flash members as they faced off against foes like Zoom. Fast-forwarding several years later, Season 8 stirs up excitement with renewed energy by bringing back fan-favorite characters for "Armageddon," a five-part crossover event featuring familiar faces from throughout the Arrowverse.

Memorable villains, compelling storylines and character growth make some installments stand out as top contenders among The Flash seasons. Whether new viewers or longtime fans, it's clear that certain seasons of The Flash offer a successful blend of action and heartfelt character moments. As the series continues to push boundaries and explore new territory, there's no doubt that The Flash will continue to leave its mark on superhero television for years to come.

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  The CW
1
2,100 VOTES
The Flash - Season 1
The first season of The Flash premiered on October 7, 2014, and contains 23 episodes. This season focuses on Barry's past and future.

This season contains several memorable episodes including: "Fastest Man Alive," "Fallout" and "The Man in the Yellow Suit."

Memorable moments from Season 1 include:
- Barry is struck by lightning.
- Barry becomes The Flash.
- A black hole endangers the city.
2,100 votes
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  The CW
2
1,889 VOTES
The Flash - Season 2
The second season of The Flash premiered on October 6, 2015, and contains 23 episodes. This season focuses on saving humanity from the Singularity.

This season contains several memorable episodes including: "Legends of Today" "Welcome to Earth-2" and "Escape from Earth-2."

Memorable moments from Season 2 include:
- Ronnie makes a great sacrifice.
- Zoom stabs Barry.
- Barry races Zolomon.
1,889 votes
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  The CW
3
1,742 VOTES
The Flash - Season 3
The third season of The Flash premiered on October 4, 2016, and contains 23 episodes. This season focuses on Barry's quest to help the world and his family.

This season contains several memorable episodes including: "Flashpoint" "The Present" and "Dead or Alive."

Memorable moments from Season 3 include:
- Dominators attack Central City.
- Julian and Barry make a deal.
- Barry proposes to Iris.
1,742 votes
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  The CW
4
424 VOTES
The Flash - Season 8
The eighth season of The Flash premiered on November 16, 2021. This season threads together stories and characters from the Arrowverse, beginning with a five part opening story.
This season contains several memorable episodes including: “Armageddon, Part 4,” “Resurrection,” and “Into the Still Force.”
Memorable moments from Season 8 include:
- Barry finds that he is the Reverse-Flash in a new timeline.
- Iris catches “time sickness.”
- Team Flash struggles to adjust to Frost's absence.
424 votes
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  The CW
5
1,555 VOTES
The Flash - Season 4
The fourth season of The Flash premiered on October 10, 2017, and contains 23 episodes. This season focuses on Barry and Iris' relationship.

This season contains several memorable episodes including: "The Flash Reborn" "Luck Be a Lady" and "Crisis on Earth-X, Part 3."

Memorable moments from Season 4 include:
- Barry breaks out of the speed force.
- Barry and Iris get married.
- Team Flash battles DeVoe.
1,555 votes
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  The CW
6
1,221 VOTES
The Flash - Season 6
The sixth season of The Flash premiered on October 8, 2019, and contains 19 episodes. This season finds Barry facing his greatest challenge yet, the death of The Flash, in order to save billions of lives.

This season contains several memorable episodes including: "Into the Void," "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Three," and "Pay the Piper."

Memorable moments from Season 6 include:
- Nash tells Team Flash that he knows how to save Barry.
- Pariah teleports the Paragons to the Vanishing Point.
- Barry and Hartley join forces.
1,221 votes
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  The CW
7
1,468 VOTES
The Flash - Season 5
The fifth season of The Flash premiered on October 9, 2018, and contains 22 episodes. This season focuses on Team Flash facing off against enemies new and old.

This season contains several memorable episodes including: "Nora" "Seeing Red" and "Memorabilia."

Memorable moments from Season 5 include:
- Nora meets Team Flash.
- Cicada creates a cryo-atomizer.
- Captain Singh gest a promotion.
1,468 votes
- Photo:
  The CW
8
808 VOTES
The Flash - Season 7
The seventh season of The Flash premiered on March 2, 2021. This season focuses on Barry and Iris' relationship. In this season Barry Allen finishes dealing with Eva McCulloch's while looking for his missing wife, Iris.

This season contains several memorable episodes including: "The Speed of Thought," "The One With The Nineties," and ""Masquerade."

Memorable moments from Season 7 include:
- Eva begins replacing people with mirror duplicates.
- Cisco accepts a job at A.R.G.U.S.
- Barry and Iris decide to start a family.
808 votes