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Season 3 – The Flash

Play trailer Poster for Season 3 – The Flash Oct 2016 Drama Action Adventure Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
85% Tomatometer 272 Reviews 64% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
At 11, Barry Allen's life changed completely when his mother died in a freak accident and his innocent father was convicted of her murder. Now a crime-scene investigator, his dedication to learn the truth about his mother's death drives him to follow up on every new scientific advancement and urban legend. When his latest obsession -- a particle accelerator heralded as a world-changing invention -- causes an explosion, it creates a freak storm and Barry is struck by lightning. He awakes from a coma nine months later with the power of superspeed. When he learns that others who have gained powers use them for evil, he dedicates himself to protecting the innocent, while still trying to solve the older mystery.
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The Flash — Season 3

The Flash — Season 3

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Critics Consensus

Taking its most compelling and emotionally resonant turn to date, The Flash shifts focus in its third season, turning from the grandiose and bizarre toward the characters who inhabit its core universe.

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Critics Reviews

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Scott Von Doviak AV Club Oct 5, 2016
B-
The cause and extent of the damage remains to be seen, but here's hoping the Barry Allen who deals with it is closer to the spirited optimist of the first season than the mopey maker of bad decisions from last year. Go to Full Review Alan Sepinwall HitFix Oct 5, 2016
After a promising start, last season turned into a depressing muddle. I'm hopeful that now that the timeline has mostly been reset, season 3 can have a fresh start, but this wasn't an inspiring beginning. Go to Full Review Vinnie Mancuso Observer Oct 5, 2016
The real changes here are more emotional than grandiose. Go to Full Review Li Lai Mediaversity Reviews Aug 5, 2019
D
It's so frustrating to watch Iris's potential get squandered through juvenile scenes that focus on her as Barry Allen's leading lady rather than a woman in her own right. Go to Full Review David Hogan hoganreviews.co.uk Feb 17, 2019
3/5
A good season overall, with some strong story arcs and a good ending to them, though it does struggle with a shift in tone and a rather flat end scene. Go to Full Review Mark Hughes Forbes Jul 11, 2018
Despite its flaws, the show is still a largely faithful and puts its comic book sensibilities front and center, and the cast are always wonderful. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Riley K @Primeditz Jun 29, 2026 3 straight 5 Star Seasons. Truly peak Superhero TV. Barry’s reasoning for creating Flashpoint was very believable although they certainly wasted Flashpoint this season was super entertaining and enjoyable despite that. Barry’s shenanigans get him and his family into trouble and now he’s doing everything he can to save his family. Savitar is an awesome villain and really the only villain in the show you truly think Barry can’t beat and in a way that’s true. The only reason Savitar lost was because he got Bamboozled by some hologram tech by HR Wells. The Flash didn’t stop him from killing Iris, and because of that Savitar is never created. It’s great storytelling and the end of the season where Barry has to go to the speed force to save the world was great and in my opinion should’ve been where Barry Allen’s story in the Arrowverse should’ve ended it at least take a break for awhile. See more Carson B. @CB_Cinema Jun 20, 2026 The Flash Season 3 leans into darker storytelling and higher emotional stakes, delivering one of the most impactful seasons in the series. Savitar stands out as a visually striking and conceptually strong villain, with his mystery building toward one of the show’s best twists. The idea of a broken future Barry gives the season a more psychological edge, pushing the character into some of his most interesting territory. Several episodes slow the pacing slightly, but the season as a whole remains engaging and consistently ambitious. The CGI upgrade for Savitar’s suit adds a more cinematic feel, and the emotional weight surrounding Barry and Iris keeps the story grounded. When the season hits its highs, especially in its final stretch, it delivers some of the most memorable moments in the entire series. See more Sage T @Fcknlayars Dec 5, 2025 The most nonsensical thing a human being can entertain, that's what this show is. This show is the worst thing on earth and if you don't believe me, see for yourself https://youtu.be/bZGuHJLMxUo?si=xw-yZCGCgTEWg5Tf See more Esli M @Esli9187 Jul 20, 2025 Savitar was an amazing villain and the armor was awesome. Loved wally and team flash. See more stefan C @RT89536469 Apr 19, 2025 Still fun and good drama but too long! See more Julian B @RT36957526 Feb 19, 2025 Savatar stole the hole show. He was played to perfectionm by Grand Gustin. His reveal was one of the most iconic moment in Superhero history. The story of the Flash was very good and the CGI was the best in the hole series. See more Read all reviews
The Flash — Season 3

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Cast & Crew

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Grant Gustin

Barry Allen

Candice Patton

Iris West

Danielle Panabaker

Caitlin Snow

Carlos Valdes

Cisco Ramon

Tom Cavanagh

Dr. Harrison Wells

Jesse L. Martin

Detective Joe West

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Oct 4, 2016 Flashpoint The Reverse Flash taunts Kid Flash, and warns of repercussions if Barry continues to forget his old life; when disaster strikes, Barry must decide whether to live as Barry Allen or return to his universe as The Flash. Details Episode 2 Aired Oct 11, 2016 Paradox Barry realizes he underestimated the effects from Flashpoint; after meeting his new co-worker, Julian Albert, Barry is surprised at the man's immediate disdain for him. Details Episode 3 Aired Oct 18, 2016 Magenta Wells asks Barry and Caitlin to talk Jesse out of using her speedster powers; Magenta uses a power to control metal to terrorize the city. Details Episode 4 Aired Oct 25, 2016 The New Rogues Mirror Master joins his old partner, Top, and looks to even the score with Snart; Jesse joins the chase, but her decision to defy one of Barry's orders results in terrible consequences. Details Episode 5 Aired Nov 1, 2016 Monster Caitlin visits her mother to help her understand her growing meta-human powers; Barry tries to convince Julian to let him help investigate a new meta-human that is attacking Central City. Details Episode 6 Aired Nov 15, 2016 Shade Wally starts having dreams about being Kid Flash, making Barry realize he must tell Wally, Iris and Joe what happened to Wally in Flashpoint. Details Episode 7 Aired Nov 22, 2016 Killer Frost Caitlin's inner Killer Frost is unleashed after she uses her powers to save Barry; on a rampage, Killer Frost goes looking for Dr. Alchemy, kidnaps Julian and battles both The Flash and Vibe; Joe and H.R. have an honest discussion. Details Episode 8 Aired Nov 29, 2016 Invasion! Barry asks Green Arrow for help when aliens attack Central City, but when they realize that won't be enough, they track down the Legends of Tomorrow so they can bring Supergirl in on the battle. Details Episode 9 Aired Dec 6, 2016 The Present Barry heads for Earth-3 to get advice from Jay Garrick on how to stop Savitar; Wally tells Barry he's been training with H.R.; old wounds are reopened as Cisco faces Christmas without Dante. Details Episode 10 Aired Jan 24, 2017 Borrowing Problems From the Future Barry has a vision of the future, where Iris is killed by Savitar; a criminal named Plunder emerges in Central City; unsure of why Barry hesitates to stop Plunder, Wally decides to take action as Kid Flash; Caitlin offers Julian a job. Details Episode 11 Aired Jan 31, 2017 Dead or Alive H.R.'s past catches up with him when a bounty hunter comes to Central City to bring him back to Earth-19 to stand trial for his crime. Details Episode 12 Aired Feb 7, 2017 Untouchable Barry and the team at S.T.A.R. Labs try to bring down a meta-human who is killing people by causing them to decompose at an accelerated rate; The Flash mentors Kid Flash and begins to elevate the newer speedster's training to another level. Details Episode 13 Aired Feb 21, 2017 Attack on Gorilla City Barry, Caitlin, Cisco and Julian head to Earth-2 on a rescue mission to save Harry from Gorilla City; on Earth-1, Jesse and Kid Flash attempt to stop a metahuman that can control gravity. Details Episode 14 Aired Feb 28, 2017 Attack on Central City Flash and the team must find a way to stop Grodd and his army of gorillas when Grodd brings the battle to Earth-1; Jesse Quick decides she wants to stay with Wally on Earth-1. Details Episode 15 Aired Mar 7, 2017 The Wrath of Savitar While training with Barry, Wally starts to have visions of Savitar, which he hides from the team; a dangerous secret threatens Barry and Iris' happiness. Details Episode 16 Aired Mar 14, 2017 Into the Speed Force Desperate to stop Savitar and save his friends, Barry turns to the speed force for answers; H.R. gives Jesse some advice. Details Episode 17 Aired Mar 21, 2017 Duet Mon-El and Hank Henshaw arrive carrying a comatose Supergirl, who was attacked by the Music Meister; when the Music Meister attacks Barry, both he and Supergirl wake up in an alternate reality that they have to sing and dance their way out of. Details Episode 18 Aired Mar 28, 2017 Abra Kadabra The Flash battles Earth-19 villain Abra Kadabra, who offers to tell him Savitar's true identity if he lets him go; Gypsy tries to take Abra Kadabra for her own reasons, accidentally allowing him to escape. Details Episode 19 Aired Apr 25, 2017 The Once and Future Flash Barry travels to the future to find out Savitar's still unknown identity in the hope of saving Iris; the hunt for Killer Frost continues in 2017. Details Episode 20 Aired May 2, 2017 I Know Who You Are Barry and the team meet Tracy Brand, a scientist who may be the key to stopping Savitar; Joe and Cecile's relationship takes a big turn. Details Episode 21 Aired May 9, 2017 Cause and Effect Barry goes to extreme measures to stop Savitar; H.R. pushes Tracy Brand to design a trap; Killer Frost returns with an interesting proposal. Details Episode 22 Aired May 16, 2017 Infantino Street Barry chooses to use any means necessary to save the woman he loves; The Flash turns to Captain Cold for help. Details Episode 23 Aired May 23, 2017 Finish Line With nothing left to lose, Barry takes on Savitar in an epic conclusion. Details

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The Flash — Season 3

The Flash Photo: Katie Yu/The CW Photo: Katie Yu/The CW Photo: Katie Yu/The CW Photo: Katie Yu/The CW Photo: Katie Yu/The CW Photo: Katie Yu/The CW Photo: Katie Yu/The CW View more photos

Season Info

Director
Dermott Downs, David McWhirter, Gregory Smith, Ralph Hemecker
Executive Producer
Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, David Nutter, Sarah Schechter
Screenwriter
Aaron Helbing, Judalina Neira, Benjamin Raab, Greg Berlanti, Grainne Godfree, Zack Stentz, Andrew Kreisberg, Todd Helbing, David Kob, Deric A. Hughes, Brooke Roberts, Lauren Certo
Network
The CW
Rating
TV-PG (V)
Genre
Drama, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Oct 4, 2016
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