The CW launched on September 18, 2006, as a new broadcast network born from CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment joining forces to replace UPN and The WB.
Known for experimenting with niche hits to differentiate themselves from the Big Four, UPN (1995–2006) and The WB (1995–2006) aired popular urban sitcoms like Moesha, sci-fi staples such as Star Trek: Voyager, teen and family dramas like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Gilmore Girls and live shows like WWE SmackDown!
Once the two networks were merged, The CW targeted the coveted 18–34 demographic, blending serialized dramas, genre series, and reality competitions, launching hits like America’s Next Top Model, One Tree Hill, and Supernatural. In the 2010s and early 2020s, it built passionate fanbases around shows such as The Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl, Arrow, The Flash, Riverdale, and Jane the Virgin, which thrived on social media and streaming platforms.
Today, The CW is part of Nexstar Media Group, after the company acquired a majority stake in October 2022 and has leaned into affiliate integration, local news partnerships, and free streaming channels to broaden reach and engage viewers where they consume content.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering shows for the first time, exploring The CW’s lineup on-demand or live offers a flexible way to catch new episodes, revisit cult favorites or stream sporting events.
Here’s how cord cutters can watch The CW without cable or breaking the bank.
Where to Watch The CW
The CW is one of the largest broadcast networks in the United States and is home to numerous hit shows over the years, including Supernatural, All American, Wild Cards and live sports, including NASCAR, WWE NXT, college football, college basketbal.
You can watch The CW for free with an antenna and using a site like Antennas Direct can help you find an affordable antenna and the best CW affiliate in your area.
And for those who want to know how to stream The CW live, many of the leading live TV streaming services carry the network. So you can stream its live TV programming even without a cable subscription on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and many other compatible devices
DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV each carry The CW as a part of their default channel lineup (Locations and plans do vary).
Find out more about each service below.
Watch The CW Live on DIRECTV
- Channels: 90+
- DVR: Unlimited
- Price: Click here for DIRECTV latest pricing, trials, and promotions
With the Entertainment plan from DIRECTV, you can watch all of the content on The CW and over 90 channels. There are no contracts, no hidden fees, and a subscription includes unlimited cloud DVR storage.
New subscribers can take advantage of a 5-day free trial before subscribing.
Watch The CW on Fubo
- Channels: 200+
- DVR: Unlimited
- Price: Click here for Fubo’s latest pricing, trials, and promotions
Fubo offers over 200 channels in its base plan, the Pro plan. Stream The CW, and other popular national and local channels. Fubo includes up to 10 simultaneous screens, and you can record and rewatch with unlimited Cloud DVR storage.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers.
Watch The CW Live on Hulu + Live TV
- Channels: 95+
- DVR: Unlimited
- Price: Click here for the latest Hulu + Live TV pricing, trials, and promotions.
The Hulu + Live TV option comes with 95+ channels that cover a diverse range of categories. The CW and other popular local networks like FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS can be found on the platform. National networks like CNN, Disney Channel, ESPN, FX, MSNBC, and more are included in the lineup. Plus, you get access to all of the hit Hulu originals. This makes the service perfect for those who love its original programming but don’t want to miss out on live TV. Get unlimited hours of cloud DVR storage for free and hit Hulu originals, Disney+, and ESPN+ with The Disney Bundle.
Hulu offers a 3-day free trial for new subscribers.
Watch The CW Live on YouTube TV
- Channels: 100+
- DVR: Unlimited
- Price: Click here for the latest YouTube TV pricing, trials and promotions.
YouTube TV offers The CW in a lineup of more than 100 live channels, covering a diverse range of programming. Other than The CW, YouTube TV has other national networks such as ABC, CBS, and NBC. Plus, you get major channels across all categories, including AMC, CNN, Comedy Central, ESPN, HGTV, NFL Network, Nickelodeon, and more. Get unlimited hours of cloud DVR storage at no extra cost and save your recordings for up to 9 months.