Legends of Tomorrow
DC's Legends of Tomorrow is an American superhero television series developed for The CW, centering on a ragtag team of heroes and villains assembled by time-traveler Rip Hunter to combat threats to the timeline across history, including the immortal villain Vandal Savage.[1] The show, produced by Berlanti Productions, Bonanza Productions, and Warner Bros. Television, stars Arthur Darvill as Rip Hunter, alongside an ensemble cast featuring Caity Lotz as Sara Lance/White Canary, Brandon Routh as Ray Palmer/The Atom, Victor Garber as Martin Stein/Firestorm, Franz Drameh as Jefferson Jackson/Firestorm, Ciara Renée as Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl, Dominic Purcell as Mick Rory/Heat Wave, and Wentworth Miller as Leonard Snart/Captain Cold.[2] Executive produced by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, and Sarah Schechter, it premiered on January 21, 2016, as a spin-off from Arrow and The Flash within the shared DC Arrowverse universe.[1] [3] The series ran for seven seasons, totaling 110 episodes, and concluded on March 2, 2022, evolving from a focus on historical anomalies to increasingly comedic and meta storylines involving magical elements, aliens, and ensemble dynamics.) [4] It participated in major Arrowverse crossover events, such as "Invasion!", "Crisis on Earth-X", and "Crisis on Infinite Earths", which integrated it into the broader multiverse narrative.[5] Known for its blend of action, humor, and character-driven arcs, DC's Legends of Tomorrow received a 6.7/10 rating on IMDb from over 113,000 users and varied critical acclaim across seasons on Rotten Tomatoes, with Season 4 earning a 98% approval rating.[6] [7]Overview
Premise
DC's Legends of Tomorrow centers on time-traveler Rip Hunter, who, having witnessed a dystopian future, assembles a ragtag team of heroes and villains to prevent the immortal conqueror Vandal Savage from dominating Earth and altering the timeline.[1][8] Tasked with confronting threats that endanger all of time itself, the team—known as the Legends—travels through history to correct temporal aberrations caused by Savage's actions, which could lead to catastrophic changes in the established timeline.[9] This initial setup establishes the series' core conflict around Savage's path to immortality and global domination, foreseen in 2163 as an apocalypse unless intervened upon.[1] The Legends operate from the Waverider, a advanced timeship that functions as both their mobile headquarters and primary vessel for navigating the timestream.[10] Equipped for temporal jumps, the ship allows the team to insert themselves into key historical moments, blending high-stakes missions with interactions across eras.[11] As a spin-off within the Arrowverse shared universe originating from Arrow and The Flash, the series distinguishes itself through a lighter, more comedic tone emphasizing ensemble dynamics over individual brooding narratives.[12] It fuses superhero action with elements of historical fiction and humor, focusing on the team's quirky personalities and absurd time-travel escapades to maintain a fun, irreverent atmosphere.[13]Format and seasons
DC's Legends of Tomorrow consists of 110 episodes across seven seasons, with each episode typically running approximately 42 minutes.[14] The series initially emphasized serialized storytelling centered on overarching threats to the timeline, but evolved toward a more episodic, anthology-like structure in later seasons, incorporating standalone adventures with mythical or historical figures while amplifying humor and self-aware meta-commentary.[12][15] Season 1 focuses on the formation of the Legends team, led by Rip Hunter, as they recruit a group of heroes and villains to confront the immortal tyrant Vandal Savage, who threatens to conquer the world across history; the season comprises 16 episodes.[5] In Season 2, the team reunites to battle the Legion of Doom—a coalition of villains including Damien Darhk and Leonard Snart—while dealing with aberrations like zombies during the Civil War and unraveling mysteries surrounding Rip Hunter's fate; it features 17 episodes.[16] Season 3 introduces magical elements as the Legends combat the demonic entity Mallus and anachronistic threats, forging alliances with figures like John Constantine; this arc spans 18 episodes.[17] Season 4 shifts toward folklore-inspired challenges, with the team addressing magical "fugitives" like werewolves and genies unleashed into history, while clashing with the demon Neron at the Time Bureau; it includes 16 episodes.[18] In Season 5, the Legends hunt "Encores"—revived historical villains empowered by the Loom of Fate—and confront the Fates themselves, though production wrapped in January 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted The CW's airing schedule, resulting in 15 episodes.[19][20] Season 6 emphasizes ensemble dynamics amid time anomalies caused by alien abductions, including the kidnapping of Sara Lance, leading to bizarre historical interventions; it consists of 15 episodes.[21] Finally, Season 7 traps the Legends in 1925 Texas after their Waverider is destroyed, forcing them to navigate a post-apocalyptic timeline altered by an evil AI version of Gideon while evading a mysterious hunter; this concluding season has 13 episodes.[22]Cast and characters
Main cast
The main cast of DC's Legends of Tomorrow comprises a dynamic ensemble of actors portraying the core members of the Legends, a ragtag team of time travelers dedicated to preserving the timeline. Led by Sara Lance as captain, the group includes scientists, criminals, historians, and mystics whose individual backstories and abilities contribute to the team's unconventional approach to heroism. Over the series' seven seasons (2016–2022), the lineup evolved through departures, recasts, and new additions, reflecting the narrative's focus on change and redemption.[23] Key main cast members and their portrayals are detailed below, including seasons of tenure, episode counts, and central roles. Characters' origins and powers are drawn from their comic book inspirations adapted for the series.| Actor | Character | Seasons | Episodes | Role and Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caity Lotz | Sara Lance / White Canary | 1–7 | 110 | Sara Lance, a former League of Assassins operative and sister to Black Canary (Laurel Lance), is resurrected via the Lazarus Pit after her death on Arrow. As the team's steadfast captain from season 1 onward, she excels in martial arts, marksmanship, and strategic leadership, serving as the moral compass for the Legends' missions. Her White Canary persona emphasizes agility and combat prowess without superpowers.[5] |
| Brandon Routh | Ray Palmer / The Atom | 1–5, special guest 7 | 76 | Ray Palmer, a brilliant inventor and optimistic CEO of Palmer Technologies, develops a nanite-powered suit granting size-shrinking abilities based on white dwarf star matter, allowing him to reduce to subatomic levels while retaining strength. Introduced as a hopeful recruit in season 1, he acts as the team's engineer and voice of positivity until his departure in season 5.[5][24][25] |
| Dominic Purcell | Mick Rory / Heat Wave | 1–7 | 97 | Mick Rory, a pyromaniac criminal and former partner to Captain Cold, wields a heat gun capable of generating intense flames and thermal blasts. Recruited reluctantly in season 1, he evolves from a gruff antagonist to the team's loyal muscle and chronicler, providing comic relief and unwavering support through personal growth arcs.[5][26] |
| Wentworth Miller | Leonard Snart / Captain Cold | 1, recurring 2–3, 5, 7 | 20 | Leonard Snart, a master thief and strategist, uses a cold gun to freeze objects and generate ice constructs. As Captain Cold, he joins the initial team in season 1 as a sarcastic anti-hero before sacrificing himself; later appearances highlight his intellect and complex bond with Rory.[5] |
| Victor Garber | Martin Stein / Firestorm | 1–3, special guest 7 | 52 | Dr. Martin Stein, a physicist merged with Jefferson Jackson to form Firestorm, gains nuclear-based powers including energy blasts, flight, and matter transmutation. As the intellectual half of the duo in seasons 1–3, he provides scientific expertise and paternal guidance to the team.[5][27] |
| Franz Drameh | Jefferson Jackson / Firestorm | 1–3 | 39 | Jefferson "Jax" Jackson, an auto mechanic, merges with Stein to become Firestorm, sharing the same nuclear powers. Introduced in season 1 as the grounded everyman, he handles piloting the Waverider and offers practical perspectives until leaving after season 3 to start a family.[5] |
| Nick Zano | Nate Heywood / Citizen Steel | 2–7 | 94 | Nate Heywood, a historian and grandson of steel-manipulating hero Commander Steel, gains the ability to transform his body into organic steel for enhanced durability and strength. Joining in season 2, he serves as the team's archivist and enthusiastic heart, often using his knowledge of history to aid missions.[5] |
| Ciara Renée | Kendra Saunders / Hawkgirl | 1 | 16 | Kendra Saunders, reincarnated across lifetimes with Carter Hall, wields Nth metal wings for flight and enhanced strength, plus combat expertise with a mace. As a season 1 recruit, she brings mystical elements tied to her eternal bond with Hawkman before departing to live peacefully.[5] |
| Maisie Richardson-Sellers | Amaya Jiwe / Vixen (seasons 2–3), Charlie (season 4) | 2–4 | 51 | Amaya Jiwe, a Zambesi village protector, channels animal spirits via the Anansi Tantu Totem for powers like super strength (gorilla) or speed (cheetah). Recast from season 1's brief Vixen appearance, she joins as a season 2 vigilante emphasizing justice; later, as shapeshifter Charlie in season 4, she adds deceptive abilities and punk attitude to the team.[5] |
| Matt Ryan | John Constantine | 4–7 (recurring 3) | 50 | John Constantine, an occult detective and exorcist, wields magic, illusions, and hellfire manipulation from his extensive knowledge of the supernatural. Promoted to main cast in season 4, he provides mystical support and moral ambiguity, combating demonic threats with sarcasm and chain-smoking.[5] |
| Tala Ashe | Zari Tomaz / Dragon Girl | 4–7 (recurring 3) | 60 | Zari Tomaz, a hacker from a dystopian future, later gains wind manipulation powers from an ancient air totem. Introduced in season 4 as a tech-savvy Legend replacing a timeline-altered member, she evolves into a confident hero balancing modern wit with mythical abilities.[5] |
| Olivia Swann | Astra Logue | 5–7 | 44 | Astra Logue, a powerful sorceress trapped in hell and later freed, commands dark magic including teleportation and spell-casting. Joining the main team in season 5, she serves as a reformed antagonist offering magical expertise and emotional depth to the group's dynamics.[5] |
| Jes Macallan | Ava Sharpe | 2–7 | 87 | Ava Sharpe, director of the Time Bureau, joins the Legends as a skilled operative and Sara Lance's partner. She provides tactical expertise, leadership, and emotional support, evolving from rival to co-captain.[5] |
Recurring and guest characters
Several actors portrayed key recurring roles that supported the core team dynamics and plot arcs in DC's Legends of Tomorrow. Robbie Amell portrayed Ronnie Raymond, Stein's initial Firestorm partner, in season 1 (2 episodes), contributing to early team formations and sacrifices.[28] Shayan Sobhian played Behrad Tarazi, Zari's brother and a laid-back historian with air powers, recurring in seasons 5 through 7 and providing comic relief alongside strategic insights.[29] Major antagonists drove multi-episode threats, often tying into the show's time-travel themes. Casper Crump embodied the immortal dictator Vandal Savage in season 1, serving as the primary villain whose conquests across history forced the Legends' formation.[30] Neil McDonough recurred as the ruthless Damien Darhk in seasons 2 and 3, leveraging dark magic to challenge the team and form alliances with other foes.[31] Matt Letscher portrayed Eobard Thawne, the Reverse-Flash, across multiple seasons, manipulating timelines and leading villain coalitions with his speedster intellect.[31] The Time Bureau, introduced in season 3 as a government organization tasked with timeline protection, featured recurring figures like Courtney Ford as Nora Darhk, Damien's daughter who evolved from antagonist to agent in seasons 3 through 5.[32] This agency often clashed with the Legends over methods, highlighting bureaucratic versus rogue approaches to aberrations. In season 2, the Legends of Doom—a villainous counterpart team including Darhk, Thawne, and Malcolm Merlyn—sought artifacts to rewrite reality, parodying the heroes while escalating temporal stakes.[31] Notable guest stars enriched time-travel episodes by embodying historical or cultural figures, integrating real events into fantastical plots. Simon Merrells appeared as Julius Caesar in season 3's "Aruba-Con," where the Roman leader's anachronistic vacation threatened the timeline, underscoring the show's humorous takes on history.[33] Billy Zane guest-starred as P.T. Barnum in season 3, portraying the showman during a circus-themed aberration that explored fame and deception in 1870s America.[34]Production
Development
DC's Legends of Tomorrow was announced and ordered straight to series by The CW on May 7, 2015, as a spinoff from the Arrowverse shared universe established by Arrow and The Flash.[35][36] The series was developed by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, and Andrew Kreisberg, who served as initial executive producers alongside Sarah Schechter, drawing on characters introduced in the parent shows to form an ensemble team-up narrative distinct from solo-hero formats.[37] Phil Klemmer was appointed showrunner in June 2015 and took on a more prominent role starting with season 2, eventually becoming the sole showrunner by 2018.[38][39] The pilot combined elements from earlier unproduced concepts, including a Rip Hunter storyline, into a group dynamic emphasizing misfit heroes and villains recruited by time-traveler Rip Hunter to combat threats like Vandal Savage, allowing the series to explore broader Arrowverse lore through collective action rather than individual arcs.[40] The first season consisted of 16 episodes, premiering in January 2016. The CW renewed the series annually, expanding its episode count for season 2 from an initial 13 to 17 episodes in November 2016, and continuing the pattern through an early renewal for season 7 in February 2021.[41][42] Under Klemmer's leadership, creative decisions evolved to lean into humor for season 2, lightening the tone from the more serious pilot to highlight the ensemble's quirky dynamics and time-travel mishaps.[43] Season 3 incorporated supernatural elements like magic, introducing a demonic antagonist Mallus and characters such as John Constantine to expand the Arrowverse's mythological scope.[44][45] Subsequent seasons responded to audience appreciation for inclusivity by prioritizing diverse representation in casting and storylines, including queer relationships and characters from varied ethnic backgrounds as core team members.[46][47]Filming and visual effects
Principal photography for DC's Legends of Tomorrow primarily took place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where the production utilized local studios and soundstages to construct key sets such as the interior of the time-traveling spaceship Waverider and recreations of various historical environments.[48][49] The series leveraged Vancouver's established film infrastructure, including facilities at the Canadian Motion Picture Park in Burnaby, to facilitate efficient shooting amid the demands of time-period-specific sets.[50] Filming commenced with the pilot episodes in September 2015, marking the official start of principal production on September 9, following pre-production earlier that year.[51] The standard shooting schedule aligned with the Arrowverse's Vancouver-based workflow, typically spanning late summer through early spring for each season to accommodate the 13-16 episode order. Production for season 6 faced significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including pre-production pauses from testing bottlenecks in September 2020 and filming under strict health protocols from October 2020 to April 2021; season 7's order was reduced to 13 episodes amid ongoing challenges.[52][53] Visual effects played a central role in realizing the show's time-travel elements, handled by studios such as Zoic Studios, Encore VFX, and VFX Legion, which contributed to sequences involving temporal portals, CGI-enhanced historical backdrops, and high-octane action set pieces across eras.[54][48][55] Under VFX supervisor Andrew Bardusk at Zoic, teams focused on integrating digital assets with live-action footage to depict anomalies like rifts in time and fantastical creatures, often requiring hundreds of shots per episode. The production budget per episode was estimated at around $2-3 million, reflecting the resource-intensive nature of superhero spectacles on a network television scale.[54][56] While much of the series was shot on soundstages, occasional on-location filming enhanced authenticity, such as scenes in Richmond's Steveston Village standing in for period-specific settings and Gastown for urban historical recreations evoking 1960s aesthetics or ancient locales like Egypt through practical builds and minimal CGI augmentation.[57][58] Stunt coordination was led by J.J. Makaro, who oversaw the integration of practical effects for fight choreography and shipboard sequences, emphasizing wire work, pyrotechnics, and physical props to ground the action before VFX enhancement.[59] This approach combined on-set rigging for dynamic combat with controlled explosions and breakaway elements, ensuring safety while delivering visceral impacts in the confined Waverider environments.[60]Music
The music for DC's Legends of Tomorrow was primarily composed by Blake Neely, who served as the lead composer across all seven seasons, drawing on his experience from other Arrowverse series to craft a score that combined orchestral heroism with temporal motifs.[61] Neely's work emphasized sweeping strings and brass for team dynamics, while incorporating electronic pulses to evoke time travel's disorienting nature.[62] Starting in season 3, Daniel James Chan joined as co-composer, contributing character-specific motifs—such as the resilient, piano-driven theme for Sara Lance—and original songs that reflected the show's increasingly whimsical tone.[63][64] These motifs, like Lance's recurring leitmotif, evolved to underscore personal arcs amid the Legends' chaotic missions.[65] The main theme, an instrumental piece titled "DC's Legends of Tomorrow Theme" by Neely, opened each episode with bombastic orchestration, featuring subtle variations by season to align with narrative shifts, such as heightened urgency in later crossovers.[66][67] The series integrated licensed music to immerse viewers in historical contexts, selecting era-appropriate tracks for time-travel sequences; for instance, 1940s standards like Billie Holiday's "I'll Be Seeing You" played during World War II episodes, while 1970s disco hits such as "Le Freak" by Chic energized scenes set in that decade.[68] Sound design complemented Neely's score by blending orchestral swells with synthesized effects for time anomalies—distorted whooshes signaling aberrations—and the Waverider's mechanical hums, fostering a hybrid orchestral-electronic aesthetic that amplified the sci-fi adventure.[69] Soundtrack albums were released progressively, beginning with DC's Legends of Tomorrow: Original Television Soundtrack Season 1 (Volume 1) in 2016 via WaterTower Music, which included 27 cues like "You Are Legends."[62] Subsequent limited-edition volumes followed for season 2 in 2017 and season 3 in 2018 from La-La Land Records, expanding to over 60 tracks each with expanded scores. Digital releases continued for seasons 4 through 7 via WaterTower Music, culminating in the 2021 Mixtape album featuring 21 original songs and covers performed by the cast.[70]Broadcast and episodes
Airing history
DC's Legends of Tomorrow premiered in the United States on The CW on January 21, 2016, airing weekly on Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET initially.[71] Season 2 initially aired Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. ET starting October 13, 2016, before shifting to Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET from January 24, 2017, following The Flash in The CW's lineup.[72] It maintained this Tuesday slot for subsequent seasons, with the full run spanning seven seasons from 2016 to 2022, concluding with its series finale on March 2, 2022.[5] Internationally, the series debuted on Sky1 in the United Kingdom on March 2, 2016, shortly after its U.S. launch.[73] It became available on Netflix in numerous regions beginning in October 2016, providing on-demand access to early seasons.[74] Later UK airings shifted to channels like Sky Max for final seasons.[75] In the U.S., episodes were initially streamable on The CW's app following broadcast, with full seasons added to Netflix from 2016 through 2020 as part of The CW's distribution deal.[74] Starting in 2021, the series transitioned to HBO Max (later rebranded as Max) for streaming, where all seasons remain available as of November 2025.[76] The production and airing schedule faced no direct disruptions from the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, as the series launched years later. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused significant delays to Season 5's broadcast, including a multi-week hiatus after episode 10 and the removal of planned episodes from the immediate schedule to accommodate network adjustments.[77] This resulted in the season airing its 15 episodes over an extended period from January to June 2020. The seven seasons collectively feature: Season 1 (16 episodes), Season 2 (17 episodes), Season 3 (18 episodes), Season 4 (16 episodes), Season 5 (15 episodes), Season 6 (15 episodes), and Season 7 (13 episodes), totaling 110 episodes.Episode list
DC's Legends of Tomorrow comprises seven seasons totaling 110 episodes, broadcast on The CW from January 21, 2016, to March 2, 2022. The following table provides a complete episode guide, detailing each episode's season and number, title, original U.S. air date, director, writer(s), and a brief synopsis of key events without major spoilers. Special notations include two-part episodes like the pilot and musical crossovers such as "Duet" from Season 2. Production codes are included where notably referenced in official releases, and viewer advisories for intense violence appear in select episodes like Season 1's "Night of the Hawk." All details verified from official episode credits.[78][79]| Season | Ep. | Title | Air Date | Director | Writer(s) | Synopsis | Prod. Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Pilot, Part 1 | January 21, 2016 | Dermott Downs | Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Phil Klemmer | Rip Hunter arrives from the future to recruit a team of heroes and villains to stop Vandal Savage from conquering the world, but the group must first learn to work together aboard the Waverider timeship. | 296808 |
| 1 | 2 | Pilot, Part 2 | January 28, 2016 | Dermott Downs | Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Phil Klemmer | The Legends travel to 1975 to prevent Savage from acquiring a nuclear warhead, facing betrayal and internal conflicts that test their fragile alliance. | 296809 |
| 1 | 3 | Blood Ties | February 4, 2016 | Gregory Smith | Marc Guggenheim, Sarah Schechter | Rip and Sara infiltrate Savage's organization in 2166 while Snart and Heat Wave return to 2013 Central City for a heist, forcing the team to confront their criminal pasts. | 296810 |
| 1 | 4 | White Knights | February 11, 2016 | Dermott Downs | Phil Klemmer, Marc Guggenheim | The team journeys to 1986 Soviet Union to thwart Savage's arms deal with the KGB, but Firestorm's powers draw unwanted attention from authorities. | 296811 |
| 1 | 5 | Fail-Safe | February 18, 2016 | John Behring | Marc Guggenheim, Chris Fedak | Captured in a Russian gulag, the Legends execute a daring escape led by Captain Cold, while Sara receives a secret mission from Rip that challenges her loyalty. | 296812 |
| 1 | 6 | Star City 2046 | February 25, 2016 | Antonio Negret | Marc Guggenheim, Ray Utarnachai | A Waverider malfunction strands the team in a dystopian future Star City ruled by Damien Darhk, where they witness the consequences of their potential failure against Savage. | 296813 |
| 1 | 7 | Marooned | March 3, 2016 | Mary Lambert | Marc Guggenheim, Brian Ford Sullivan | The Legends respond to a distress call from a derelict timeship overtaken by space pirates, leading Snart to make a pivotal decision about his role on the team. | 296814 |
| 1 | 8 | Night of the Hawk | March 10, 2016 | Michael Fields | Marc Guggenheim, Sarah Parriott | In 1958 small-town America, the team hunts Savage disguised as a high school guidance counselor, uncovering a string of brutal murders tied to his past. (Viewer advisory: intense violence.) | 296815 |
| 1 | 9 | Left Behind | March 31, 2016 | John Behring | Marc Guggenheim, Ray Utarnachai | Stranded in 1950s Starling City without the Waverider, Ray, Sara, and Kendra must survive while the rest of the team searches for them amid Savage's growing power. | 296816 |
| 1 | 10 | Progeny | April 7, 2016 | David Geddes | Phil Klemmer, Marc Guggenheim | The Legends debate assassinating a young boy destined to become Savage's enforcer in 3000 B.C., raising ethical dilemmas about altering the timeline. | 296817 |
| 1 | 11 | The Magnificent Eight | April 14, 2016 | Rob Hardy | Marc Guggenheim, Brian Ford Sullivan | In 1870 Montana, the team allies with gunslinger Jonah Hex to stop Savage's gold mine operation, blending Wild West action with time-travel stakes. | 296818 |
| 1 | 12 | Last Refuge | April 21, 2016 | Ralph Hemecker | Marc Guggenheim, Beth Schwartz | The assassin known as the Pilgrim targets the Legends' younger selves across time to erase them from history, forcing Rip to seek help from the Time Masters. | 296819 |
| 1 | 13 | Leviathan | April 28, 2016 | Gregory Smith | Marc Guggenheim, Sarah Schechter | The team confronts Savage in 2166 London at the height of his empire, discovering a massive weapon that could turn the tide of their mission. | 296820 |
| 1 | 14 | River of Time | May 5, 2016 | Dermott Downs | Phil Klemmer, Marc Guggenheim | With Savage in custody, Kendra faces a tempting offer to reunite with her lost love Carter, while tensions rise over how to execute their prisoner. | 296821 |
| 1 | 15 | Destiny | May 12, 2016 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, Chris Fedak | Nearing the Time Masters' stronghold, Rip and Mick grapple with disturbing revelations, prompting Sara to assume leadership as the team reunites old allies. | 296822 |
| 1 | 16 | Legendary | May 19, 2016 | Dermott Downs | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | Betrayed by the Time Masters, the Legends must choose between returning to their normal lives or fighting Savage in a climactic battle that ends with a major cliffhanger. | 296823 |
| 2 | 1 | Out of Time | October 13, 2016 | Dermott Downs | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | After the events of "Invasion!", the Legends accidentally alter the timeline by saving Damien Darhk, creating anachronisms that summon the new captain Sara Lance to lead the team. | 301001 |
| 2 | 2 | The Chicago Way | October 20, 2016 | Antonio Negret | Marc Guggenheim, Ray Utarnachai | The team travels to 1927 Chicago to capture Al Capone, but Nero Xander's interference leads to a mob war, forcing the Legends to navigate Prohibition-era dangers. | 301002 |
| 2 | 3 | Shogun | October 27, 2016 | Octavia Spaniol | Marc Guggenheim, Brian Ford Sullivan | In 1603 Japan, the Legends hunt a fugitive samurai, but time pirate Damien escapee complicates the mission, introducing Nate Heywood as a new member. | 301003 |
| 2 | 4 | Abominations | November 3, 2016 | Michael McDonald | Marc Guggenheim, Sarah Parriott | The team arrives in 1863 during the American Civil War to stop a zombie outbreak caused by an anachronism, teaming up with Julius Caesar in an unexpected alliance. | 301004 |
| 2 | 5 | Compromised | November 10, 2016 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | The Legends pursue a British spy in 1942 Mississippi, but suspicions arise when one member is seemingly compromised by the Nazis, threatening the team's trust. | 301005 |
| 2 | 6 | Outlaw Country | November 17, 2016 | Cheryl Hogarth | Marc Guggenheim, Zack Stentz | In 1874 Texas, the team confronts outlaw Butch Cassidy, but Nate's father reveals secrets about the Waverider, leading to a showdown with time-displaced villains. | 301006 |
| 2 | 7 | Invasion! (Duet) | November 29, 2016 | Dermott Downs | Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg | Crossover with The Flash and Arrow: The Legends aid in the alien invasion, but a musical hallucination traps J'onn J'onzz and Kara Danvers, resolving in a song-filled therapy session. (Musical episode.) | T13.20266 |
| 2 | 8 | The Chicago Musical | December 8, 2016 | David Jackson | Marc Guggenheim, Grainne Godfree | Inspired by the crossover, the team stages a musical to lure out an anachronistic Hollywood starlet in 1890s Chicago, blending show tunes with historical hijinks. (Musical episode.) | 301007 |
| 2 | 9 | Raiders of the Lost Art | December 1, 2016 | Marc Guggenheim | Marc Guggenheim, Ray Utarnachai | The Legends track George Lucas in 1937 Hollywood to prevent the destruction of the Deathstroke army, but a mall adventure ensues when they end up in the 1980s. | 301008 |
| 2 | 10 | The Legion of Doom | February 21, 2017 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | The villains form the Legion of Doom to steal the Spear of Destiny, forcing the Legends to ally with the Justice Society of America in 1940s Nazi Germany. | 301009 |
| 2 | 11 | Turncoat | February 28, 2017 | David Jackson | Marc Guggenheim, Brian Ford Sullivan | In 1775, the team prevents Benedict Arnold's treason from worsening, but Eobard Thawne's manipulations lead to a betrayal within the Waverider crew. | 301010 |
| 2 | 12 | Camelot/3000 | March 7, 2017 | Julia R. Daniels | Marc Guggenheim, Sarah Schechter | The Legends seek the Spear of Destiny in King Arthur's Camelot, but anachronistic dinosaurs and a future battle in 3000 A.D. complicate their quest. | 301011 |
| 2 | 13 | Land of the Lost | March 14, 2017 | Dermott Downs | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | Trapped in 1630s South Carolina with a lost Ray Palmer, the team faces dinosaurs and a time storm, while the Legion closes in on the Spear's power. | 301012 |
| 2 | 14 | Moonshot | March 21, 2017 | Gregory Smith | Marc Guggenheim, Ray Utarnachai | On the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, the Legends protect the Spear from the Legion, with Malcolm Merlyn impersonating an astronaut in a high-stakes space race. | 301013 |
| 2 | 15 | Fellowship of the Spear | March 28, 2017 | Dermott Downs | Marc Guggenheim, Brian Ford Sullivan | The team assembles allies including the Justice Society to battle the Legion in Los Angeles 1970, but the villains rewrite reality with the Spear. | 301014 |
| 2 | 16 | Doomworld | April 4, 2017 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | In a dystopian world reshaped by the Legion, the Legends regroup to steal the Spear and restore the timeline, ending with a twist involving Rip Hunter. (Season finale cliffhanger.) | 301015 |
| 2 | 17 | Aruba | May 2, 2017 | Marc Guggenheim | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | Post-finale special: The team vacations in Aruba-Con 2017, but a time aberration forces one last adventure before fully disbanding. (Christmas special-like standalone.) | 301016 |
| 3 | 1 | Aruba-Con | October 10, 2017 | Kevin Tancharoen | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | With Rip now leading the Time Bureau, the Legends fix anachronisms like a Roman Empire in modern-day, recruiting new member Zari Tomaz. | T13.20552 |
| 3 | 2 | Freakshow | October 17, 2017 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, Grainne Godfree | The team tackles a 1790s French Revolution anachronism involving Marie Antoinette and dinosaurs, while internal rivalries with the Time Bureau escalate. | T13.20553 |
| 3 | 3 | Zari | October 24, 2017 | Marc Guggenheim | Marc Guggenheim, James E. Eagan | In 2042, the Legends recruit Zari, a hacker with wind powers, to stop a mall from becoming a dystopian wasteland ruled by a dictator. | T13.20554 |
| 3 | 4 | Phone Home | October 31, 2017 | Harry Jierjian | Marc Guggenheim, Ray Utarnachai | The team investigates a 1980s alien abduction in the Soviet Union, but a cute extraterrestrial causes chaos aboard the Waverider. | T13.20555 |
| 3 | 5 | Return of the Mack | November 7, 2017 | Alex Winter | Marc Guggenheim, Morgan Fahey | Amaya returns to 1942 Zambesi to fix a magical anachronism, but her past as Vixen draws the team into a confrontation with her village's threats. | T13.20556 |
| 3 | 6 | Helen Hunt | November 14, 2017 | David A. Goodman | Marc Guggenheim, Keto Shimizu | The Legends chase Helen of Troy to 1930s Hollywood, where a studio mogul exploits her, leading to a Trojan horse-inspired rescue. | T13.20557 |
| 3 | 7 | Welcome to the Jungle | November 28, 2017 | Marc Guggenheim | Marc Guggenheim, Grainne Godfree | In 1960s Vietnam War era, the team prevents Genghis Khan from altering history, clashing with Time Bureau agents in a jungle battle. | T13.20558 |
| 3 | 8 | Crisis on Earth-X, Part 4 | November 28, 2017 | Gregory Smith | Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg | Crossover finale: The heroes battle Nazi invaders from Earth-X, with the Legends providing key support against the threat to their world. | T13.20612 |
| 3 | 9 | Beebo the God of War | February 12, 2018 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, James E. Eagan | The Vikings worship a plush toy Beebo as a god in 10th-century Kattegat, forcing the Legends to intervene before it alters Norse mythology. | T13.20559 |
| 3 | 10 | Daddy Darhkest | February 19, 2018 | Marc Guggenheim | Marc Guggenheim, Ray Utarnachai | Damien Darhk returns as an anachronism in 1960s Philadelphia, targeting Nora, while the team uncovers a demonic plot. | T13.20560 |
| 3 | 11 | Here I Go Again | February 26, 2018 | David Jackson | Marc Guggenheim, Morgan Fahey | Trapped in a Groundhog Day-like loop aboard the Waverider, Sara relives the same day to prevent a catastrophic explosion. | T13.20561 |
| 3 | 12 | The Curse of Kähndaq | March 5, 2018 | Kevin Tancharoen | Marc Guggenheim, Keto Shimizu | Zari confronts her brother's killer in 1970s New York, but Khalid Nassour's involvement as Doctor Fate complicates the mission. | T13.20562 |
| 3 | 13 | No Country for Old Dads | March 12, 2018 | Brandon Vietti | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | The team travels to 1933 Chicago to stop the Legion of Doom from stealing the Death Totem, involving a heist with young Eobard Thawne. | T13.20563 |
| 3 | 14 | Amazing Grace | March 19, 2018 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, Grainne Godfree | At Graceland in 1960, the Legends encounter Elvis Presley and the demon Mallus, who possesses the King of Rock 'n' Roll. | T13.20564 |
| 3 | 15 | The Good, the Bad and the Cuddly | March 26, 2018 | Marc Guggenheim | Marc Guggenheim, Ray Utarnachai | In a post-apocalyptic 1890s, the team unites the six totems to battle Mallus, with Beebo playing a heroic role in the climax. (Season finale.) | T13.20565 |
| 4 | 1 | The Virgin Gary | October 22, 2018 | Dermott Downs | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | With the Time Bureau in control, the Legends go rogue to fix a medieval anachronism in 1st-century England, recruiting new member Ava Sharpe officially. | T13.20851 |
| 4 | 2 | Witch Hunt | October 29, 2018 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, Keto Shimizu | The team hunts a fugitive witch in 1630s Salem, but Prudence's powers and a love potion cause romantic entanglements. | T13.20852 |
| 4 | 3 | Dancing Queen | November 5, 2018 | Harry Jierjian | Marc Guggenheim, Grainne Godfree | In 1970s London, the Legends pursue a disco-era fugitive, leading to dance-floor chaos and revelations about Hank Heywood. | T13.20853 |
| 4 | 4 | Wet Hot American Bummer | November 12, 2018 | David Jackson | Marc Guggenheim, Morgan Fahey | A summer camp anachronism in 1990s brings back John Constantine, who helps battle a demonic threat from hell. | T13.20854 |
| 4 | 5 | Tagumo Attacks!!! | November 19, 2018 | Marc Guggenheim | Marc Guggenheim, James E. Eagan | In 1950s Tokyo, the team stops a kaiju-like monster, but Neron's influence begins corrupting the timeline through human hosts. | T13.20855 |
| 4 | 6 | Tender Is the Nate | November 26, 2018 | David A. Goodman | Marc Guggenheim, Ray Utarnachai | Nate's father Hank opens the Time Bureau to the public, leading to a mission in 1890s San Francisco with Houdini and a dragon. | T13.20856 |
| 4 | 7 | Hell No, Dolly! | December 3, 2018 | Kevin Tancharoen | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | At a 1970s theme park, the Legends chase Blackbeard possessing a doll, uncovering Neron's plan to damn souls. | T13.20857 |
| 4 | 8 | Legends of To-Meow-Meow Beasts | December 10, 2018 | Hari Koda | Marc Guggenheim, Keto Shimizu | In a fairy tale world created by Neron, the team navigates Little Red Riding Hood scenarios to save Rory from hell. | T13.20858 |
| 4 | 9 | Lucha de Apuestas | February 18, 2019 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, Grainne Godfree | The Legends enter a 1961 Mexican wrestling match to stop El Diablo, but Neron's manipulations lead to a soul wager. | T13.20859 |
| 4 | 10 | The Getaway | February 25, 2019 | Marc Guggenheim | Marc Guggenheim, Morgan Fahey | On the run from the Time Bureau, the team hides in 1937 New York with a fugitive Butch Cassidy, planning a heist. | T13.20860 |
| 4 | 11 | Séance and Sensibility | March 4, 2019 | David Jackson | Marc Guggenheim, James E. Eagan | In 1910 England, Jane Austen and Nora Darhk's séance summons ghosts, forcing a literary romance to resolve the anachronism. | T13.20861 |
| 4 | 12 | Lost Canary | March 11, 2019 | Glen Winter | Marc Guggenheim, Ray Utarnachai | Sara's kidnapping by the League of Assassins in 1960 Hong Kong requires the team to infiltrate and rescue her from old enemies. | T13.20862 |
| 4 | 13 | Egg MacGuffin | March 18, 2019 | Kevin Tancharoen | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | The team protects a Fabergé egg in 1917 Russia from Rasputin, but Charlie's shape-shifting secrets are revealed. | T13.20863 |
| 4 | 14 | Nip/Tuck | March 25, 2019 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, Keto Shimizu | In 1933 Chicago, a plastic surgery anachronism with young Malcolm Merlyn and Damien Darhk tests family loyalties. | T13.20864 |
| 4 | 15 | Phantom Train | April 1, 2019 | Marc Guggenheim | Marc Guggenheim, Grainne Godfree | The Legends board a haunted 1910 train to stop the final Hell soul, leading to a showdown with Neron and a sacrifice. | T13.20865 |
| 4 | 16 | Hey, World! | April 8, 2019 | Dermott Downs | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | At a 1970s rock concert, the team stages an epic performance to trap Neron, resolving the season's demonic arc with high-stakes redemption. (Season finale.) | T13.20866 |
| 5 | 1 | Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part 5 | January 14, 2020 | Greg Berlanti | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | Crossover finale: The Legends join the multiverse heroes on Earth-38 to battle the Anti-Monitor, using the Waverider as a last stand against total annihilation. | T13.21151 |
| 5 | 2 | Miss Me? | January 21, 2020 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, Keto Shimizu | Post-Crisis, the Legends discover "Enoch" figures scattered in time, recruiting new member Astra Logue from hell. | T13.21152 |
| 5 | 3 | Slay Anything | January 28, 2020 | Marc Guggenheim | Marc Guggenheim, Grainne Godfree | In 1970s Woodvale, the team stops a slasher movie anachronism inspired by Friday the 13th, with teen drama and killer dolls. | T13.21153 |
| 5 | 4 | A Head of Her Time | February 4, 2020 | David A. Goodman | Marc Guggenheim, Morgan Fahey | At a 1960s commune, the Legends prevent a guillotine invention from altering history, while Lachesis targets the team. | T13.21154 |
| 5 | 5 | Mortal Khanbat | February 11, 2020 | David Jackson | Marc Guggenheim, James E. Eagan | Genghis Khan's 1990s Vegas wedding to a dominatrix creates chaos, forcing the team to intervene in a martial arts showdown. | T13.21155 |
| 5 | 6 | Mr. Parker's Kulpa'r | February 18, 2020 | Hari Koda | Marc Guggenheim, Ray Utarnachai | The team crashes a 1940s speakeasy to stop a pirate anachronism, but Nate's werewolf curse emerges during a full moon. | T13.21156 |
| 5 | 7 | A Lot of Band-Aids... | February 25, 2020 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | Clues lead to 1980s London and a punk rock concert, where the Legends confront Clotho and the Loomworld threat. | T13.21157 |
| 5 | 8 | I Am Legends | March 3, 2020 | Marc Guggenheim | Marc Guggenheim, Keto Shimizu | The Fates rewrite the timeline, turning the Legends into historical figures, requiring a resistance to restore reality. | T13.21158 |
| 5 | 9 | The One Where We're Trapped on TV | March 10, 2020 | Kevin Tancharoen | Marc Guggenheim, Grainne Godfree | Trapped in a 1950s TV sitcom by the Fates, the team navigates episodic scenarios to escape the fabricated world. | T13.21159 |
| 5 | 10 | The Eggplant, The Witch & The Wardrobe | March 17, 2020 | David Jackson | Marc Guggenheim, Morgan Fahey | Astra's hell magic malfunctions, sending the team into fairy tale realms, while the Fates close in on their plan. | T13.21160 |
| 5 | 11 | Freaky Friday | May 12, 2020 | David Geddes | Marc Guggenheim, James E. Eagan | In 1930s vaudeville, the Legends ally with Spooner to stop a circus anachronism tied to the Fates' manipulations. | T13.21161 |
| 5 | 12 | I Heart Arrow | May 19, 2020 | Marc Guggenheim | Marc Guggenheim, Ray Utarnachai | At the 300 B.C. Olympics, the team prevents a Spartan takeover, but Clotho reveals more about the Loom of Fate. | T13.21162 |
| 5 | 13 | Romeo v Juliet: Dawn of Justness | May 26, 2020 | David A. Goodman | Marc Guggenheim, Phil Klemmer | In 1840s Hong Kong, the Legends chase a magical swan, leading to a confrontation with the Fates over destiny. | T13.21163 |
| 5 | 14 | The One with the Nineties | June 2, 2020 | David Jackson | Marc Guggenheim, Keto Shimizu | A 1990s mall rat anachronism pulls the team into grunge culture, where they battle evil doppelgangers created by the Fates. | T13.21164 |
| 5 | 15 | Swan Thong | June 2, 2020 | Kevin Tancharoen | Marc Guggenheim, Grainne Godfree | On a 1870s train, the Legends steal back the Loom of Fate from the Fates, with high-speed action and betrayals. (Season finale.) | T13.21165 |
| 6 | 1 | Ground Control to Sara Lance | May 2, 2021 | Dermott Downs | Phil Klemmer, Marc Guggenheim | Sara's abduction by aliens leaves the team scattered; they reunite to search for her while dealing with new threats from "Evies." | T13.21701 |
| 6 | 2 | Meat: The Legends | May 9, 2021 | David Geddes | Phil Klemmer, Keto Shimizu | The team investigates a meat curse in 1918 Texas, recruiting Beefy the Minotaur as a new Legend amid the search for Sara. | T13.21702 |
| 6 | 3 | The Bulge | May 16, 2021 | Marc Guggenheim | Phil Klemmer, Grainne Godfree | In 1940s Philippines, the Legends stop a WWII anachronism with a giant mole, while Gary becomes a hellhound caretaker. | T13.21703 |
| 6 | 4 | Bayou Country | May 23, 2021 | David Jackson | Phil Klemmer, Morgan Fahey | At 1856 Louisiana bayou, voodoo magic and zombies arise from an anachronism, testing the team's new dynamics without Sara. | T13.21704 |
| 6 | 5 | The Fungus Amongus | May 30, 2021 | David Geddes | Phil Klemmer, James E. Eagan | A 1950s mushroom cloud anachronism infects the Waverider with a fungus, forcing quarantine and revelations about the aliens. | T13.21705 |
| 6 | 6 | The Satanic Panic | June 6, 2021 | Hari Koda | Phil Klemmer, Ray Utarnachai | In 1991 Seattle, the team infiltrates a heavy metal concert to stop a satanic panic anachronism tied to the Evangeline. | T13.21706 |
| 6 | 7 | A Woman's Place Is in the War | June 13, 2021 | Rachel Leiterman | Phil Klemmer, Keto Shimizu | The Legends crash-land in 1944 France, joining the resistance against Nazis while evading the alien threat. | T13.21707 |
| 6 | 8 | Stressed West | June 20, 2021 | David A. Goodman | Phil Klemmer, Grainne Godfree | In 1665 London, the team prevents the Great Fire from worsening due to a witch anachronism, with stress tests revealing team secrets. | T13.21708 |
| 6 | 9 | This Is Gus | June 27, 2021 | Marc Guggenheim | Phil Klemmer, Morgan Fahey | The team protects a 1950s documentary crew from a sea monster, learning about Gus the Yeti and the aliens' origins. | T13.21709 |
| 6 | 10 | Bored on Board Onboard | July 4, 2021 | David Jackson | Phil Klemmer, James E. Eagan | Bored in a time loop on the Waverider, the Legends relive a day to uncover Bishop's plan involving the aliens. | T13.21710 |
| 6 | 11 | The Final Frame | July 11, 2021 | David Geddes | Phil Klemmer, Ray Utarnachai | In 1946 Los Angeles, the team investigates a basketball anachronism with young Floyd "Money" Lewis, tying to the alien conspiracy. | T13.21711 |
| 6 | 12 | Birthed | July 18, 2021 | Kevin Tancharoen | Phil Klemmer, Keto Shimizu | The Legends confront Bishop on his spaceship, discovering the truth about the alien race and Sara's connection. | T13.21712 |
| 6 | 13 | Ship Enough for All | July 25, 2021 | Hari Koda | Phil Klemmer, Grainne Godfree | As the aliens attack, the team evacuates the Waverider, leading to sacrifices and a new ship in a climactic battle. | T13.21713 |
| 6 | 14 | This Is Me, Trying | August 1, 2021 | David Geddes | Phil Klemmer, Morgan Fahey | The team deals with the aftermath of the alien invasion, focusing on family themes and unresolved tensions. | T13.21714 |
| 6 | 15 | Silence of the Speeta | August 15, 2021 | Dermott Downs | Phil Klemmer, James E. Eagan | In a silent film era anachronism, the Legends battle a movie monster, resolving the season with a meta Hollywood twist. (Season finale.) | T13.21715 |
| 7 | 1 | The Bullet Blondes | October 13, 2021 | David Geddes | Phil Klemmer, Marc Guggenheim | The team hunts a rogue bullet in 1925 Chicago, recruiting Gwyn Davies as a new member with ties to time travel history. | T13.22001 |
| 7 | 2 | The Need for Speed | October 20, 2021 | Rachel Leiterman | Phil Klemmer, Keto Shimizu | In 1970s England, the Legends stop a car race anachronism with evil robots, while Zari 2.0 adjusts to the team. | T13.22002 |
| 7 | 3 | wvrdr15 | October 27, 2021 | P.J. Pesce | Phil Klemmer, Grainne Godfree | The Waverider malfunctions, sending the team into a video game world based on 1990s tech, fighting digital threats. | T13.22003 |
| 7 | 4 | Too Legit to Quit | November 3, 2021 | David A. Goodman | Phil Klemmer, Morgan Fahey | In 1993 San Francisco, the team prevents a boy band anachronism, uncovering Gwyn's past with the Time Police. | T13.22004 |
| 7 | 5 | The Final Generation | November 10, 2021 | David Jackson | Phil Klemmer, James E. Eagan | Stranded in a post-apocalyptic future, the Legends fix a dinosaur anachronism while searching for a way home. | T13.22005 |
| 7 | 6 | The (Blank) | November 17, 2021 | Hari Koda | Phil Klemmer, Ray Utarnachai | The team investigates a blank space in time, revealing a conspiracy involving the Fixed Point and evil versions of themselves. | T13.22006 |
| 7 | 7 | Happy Anniversary | December 1, 2021 | Marc Guggenheim | Phil Klemmer, Keto Shimizu | During a team anniversary party, an evil Waverider crew attacks, forcing confrontations with alternate Legends. | T13.22007 |
| 7 | 8 | The Perfect Brewing Storm | January 2, 2022 | David Geddes | Phil Klemmer, Grainne Godfree | In 1883 London, the team stops a coffee anachronism that threatens history, while dealing with evil counterparts. | T13.22008 |
| 7 | 9 | Knocked Down, Knocked Up | January 9, 2022 | Rachel Leiterman | Phil Klemmer, Morgan Fahey | The Legends protect a pregnant Sara in 1925 Texas from time aberrations, blending family drama with action. | T13.22009 |
| 7 | 10 | Booster's Day Out | January 16, 2022 | David Jackson | Phil Klemmer, James E. Eagan | Booster Gold's celebrity status leads to a 1970s talk show anachronism, revealing more about the evil Legends' plan. | T13.22010 |
| 7 | 11 | The Last Straw | January 23, 2022 | P.J. Pesce | Phil Klemmer, Ray Utarnachai | The team travels to 1665 to stop the Great Plague from worsening, facing the evil Legends in a desperate bid. | T13.22011 |
| 7 | 12 | I Am Legends | January 30, 2022 | David Geddes | Phil Klemmer, Keto Shimizu | The Legends infiltrate the evil team's base in 1925 to steal tech, leading to personal reckonings and battles. | T13.22012 |
| 7 | 13 | So Long, and Thanks for All the Galdromes | March 2, 2022 | Dermott Downs | Phil Klemmer, Marc Guggenheim | The Legends face the ultimate threat from evil duplicates in a multiverse-spanning climax, concluding with the team's disbandment and legacy. (Series finale.) | T13.22013 |
Reception
Critical response
DC's Legends of Tomorrow has garnered generally positive critical reception over its seven-season run, with an average Tomatometer score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 80 reviews.[80] The series' scores varied by season, reflecting its tonal shifts; for instance, Season 1 received a 65% approval rating from 267 critics, while Season 4 earned 98% from 107 reviews, and Seasons 5 and 6 both achieved perfect 100% scores, though Season 7 dropped to 48%.[81][7][82][21][22] Critics often praised the ensemble cast's chemistry, the show's humor, and its inventive time-travel narratives. IGN's reviews averaged around 8/10 across seasons, commending the strong team dynamics and entertaining adventures, as in their 9/10 for Season 2, which highlighted how the series "trimmed most of what didn't work" from the prior year to deliver "truly great" storytelling.[83] Variety lauded the visual spectacle and action-packed episodes, noting the mix of personalities that fueled the group's dysfunctional appeal.[84] Early seasons faced criticism for convoluted plots and pacing issues, with The Hollywood Reporter calling the Season 1 crossover "poorly paced" and a waste of potential despite strong villain setup.[85] Later seasons occasionally dipped in coherence, particularly in Season 7, where IGN pointed to uneven plotting amid ambitious ideas.[86] Reception evolved from mixed responses to Season 1's attempts at seriousness toward widespread acclaim for the campy, self-aware style in later installments. IGN's Season 3 review (8.1/10) captured this shift, praising "impressive highs" in humor and character arcs despite some weaker episodes.[87] Reviewers also noted improvements in diversity and representation, especially post-Season 3 with stronger female leads like Ava Sharpe and the addition of Zari Tarazi, whose portrayal offered authentic Southwest Asian and North African visibility. Forbes highlighted how the series grew into an "extremely diverse and representative cast," enhancing its inclusive appeal.[88][89]Viewership
The premiere of DC's Legends of Tomorrow on January 21, 2016, drew 3.2 million total viewers and a 1.2 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic, marking The CW's most-watched series debut in over a year.[90] The first season averaged approximately 2.5 million viewers per episode in live + same-day measurements, with significant gains from DVR viewership adding up to 4.2 million on average when including seven-day delayed playback.[91] Subsequent seasons showed a steady decline in linear television audiences, influenced by the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, which captured much of the delayed viewership and reduced traditional Nielsen metrics. By the seventh and final season in 2021–2022, the show averaged 0.59 million live + same-day viewers, though DVR and streaming added roughly 0.3 million more per episode on average.[92] Crossovers within the Arrowverse notably boosted episode viewership. For instance, the "Invasion!" storyline in season 2, episode 8 (aired November 29, 2016), attracted 3.33 million viewers—the series' highest single-episode total at the time—up 80% from the prior week's episode due to tie-ins with The Flash, Arrow, and Supergirl.[93] Similarly, the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" arc's concluding hour on Legends of Tomorrow (season 5, episode 0, aired January 14, 2020) drew 1.8 million viewers, a 20% increase over the show's typical episodes that season, benefiting from multishow promotion and guest appearances across the franchise.[94]| Season | Episodes | Average Live + Same-Day Viewers (millions) | Average Total Viewers with DVR (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (2016) | 16 | 2.5 | 4.2 |
| 2 (2016–2017) | 17 | 2.3 | 3.8 |
| 3 (2017–2018) | 18 | 2.1 | 3.5 |
| 4 (2018–2019) | 16 | 1.6 | 2.9 |
| 5 (2019–2020) | 14 | 1.4 | 2.6 |
| 6 (2020–2021) | 15 | 0.8 | 1.7 |
| 7 (2021–2022) | 13 | 0.59 | 1.1 |
Awards and nominations
DC's Legends of Tomorrow received recognition for its production quality and performances across various awards ceremonies, accumulating 8 wins and 32 nominations in total.[98] The series earned particular acclaim in technical categories, especially at the Leo Awards, where it secured 4 wins and 11 nominations over multiple seasons for elements like visual effects, costume design, sound, and stunts.[99] Nominations also highlighted the cast's contributions, with lead actress Caity Lotz receiving multiple nods for her portrayal of Sara Lance. The show was nominated three times at the Saturn Awards for Best Superhero Television Series (or its equivalent category), specifically in 2016, 2018, and 2019, reflecting its standing among genre peers. At the Teen Choice Awards, Legends of Tomorrow garnered 5 nominations, including for Choice TV Show: Action in 2016, 2017, and 2018, as well as individual nods for Caity Lotz as Choice TV Actress: Action in 2017 and 2018.[99]| Award | Year | Category | Result | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturn Awards | 2016 | Best Superhero Adaptation Television Series | Nominated | DC's Legends of Tomorrow |
| Saturn Awards | 2018 | Best Superhero Adaptation Television Series | Nominated | DC's Legends of Tomorrow |
| Saturn Awards | 2019 | Best Superhero Television Series | Nominated | DC's Legends of Tomorrow |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2016 | Choice TV Breakout Show | Nominated | DC's Legends of Tomorrow |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2017 | Choice TV Actress: Action | Nominated | Caity Lotz |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2018 | Choice TV Actress: Action | Nominated | Caity Lotz |
| People's Choice Awards | 2017 | Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show | Nominated | DC's Legends of Tomorrow |
| People's Choice Awards | 2020 | The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show of 2020 | Nominated | DC's Legends of Tomorrow |
| Leo Awards | 2017 | Best Sound in a Dramatic Series | Won | DC's Legends of Tomorrow (for "Compromised") |
| Leo Awards | 2020 | Best Costume Design in a Dramatic Series | Won | DC's Legends of Tomorrow |
| Leo Awards | Various (2017–2022) | Best Visual Effects, Stunts, etc. | 2 additional wins, 11 nominations | Production team |