YouTube TV does not carry The CW as a standalone channel
YouTube TV's channel lineup does not include The CW network. If you want to watch CW shows like Arrowverse series, Riverdale, or All American, you will need to use a different method — either a separate streaming service, the CW's own app, or a cable package that includes it.
The reason comes down to licensing. YouTube TV negotiates with networks individually for the right to carry their channels. The CW has not been part of those agreements, so it remains absent from the service. This is different from channels like NBC, ABC, or Fox, which YouTube TV does include in most markets.
Your options depend on which shows matter to you and how much you want to spend. Some CW content is free with ads; some requires a paid subscription; some appears on cable packages YouTube TV does not offer.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV does not include The CW, and there is no plan to add it based on current licensing agreements.
- The CW app and website let you stream most new episodes free with ads, though some content requires a paid CW+ subscription.
- If you want The CW plus YouTube TV's other channels, you would need to pay for both services separately.
- Cable packages like Spectrum, Comcast, or Verizon Fios carry The CW, but YouTube TV does not bundle with those providers.
How to watch CW shows without YouTube TV
The CW operates its own streaming platform at cwtv.com and through the CW mobile app. Most new episodes of CW shows become available the day after they air on television, and you can watch them free with ads. This includes shows like Superman & Lois, The Flash, and DC's Legends of Tomorrow.
If you want to skip ads or watch older seasons, CW+ is a paid tier that costs around $5.99 per month with ads or $9.99 per month without ads. The exact price and ad structure can change, so check the CW's website directly for current rates. CW+ also includes content that does not air on the free version.
You can also find CW shows on other platforms. Netflix carries some CW series depending on licensing deals, which vary by region and change over time. Amazon Prime Video offers individual episodes or full seasons for purchase. Hulu sometimes includes CW content as part of its standard subscription, though availability shifts.
What YouTube TV does include instead
YouTube TV carries the major broadcast networks — ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox — in most markets. It also includes cable channels like ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, and many others. The full list depends on your location, because some regional channels and sports networks vary by area.
If you are mainly interested in network television and cable news or sports, YouTube TV covers most of that ground. The service costs around $72.99 per month as of the last update, though pricing changes periodically. You can check your specific channel lineup by entering your zip code on YouTube TV's website.
Why YouTube TV does not have The CW
Streaming services negotiate channel-by-channel with networks and their parent companies. The CW is owned by Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery, two major media conglomerates. Those companies have their own streaming platforms — Paramount+ and Max — where they prioritize their own content.
YouTube TV has chosen not to pay for The CW license, or the two sides have not reached a deal. This is a business decision, not a technical limitation. Networks can appear on multiple platforms at once (NBC shows up on YouTube TV, Peacock, and cable), but each agreement is separate and costs money.
There is no public indication that YouTube TV plans to add The CW in the future. If that changes, YouTube TV would announce it as a channel addition, and your bill might increase slightly to reflect the new content.
Comparing your options for CW content
| Option | Cost | Ads | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| CW app (free tier) | Free | Yes | New episodes next day; limited older seasons |
| CW+ (paid tier) | $5.99–$9.99/month | Depends on plan | Full back catalog; exclusive content |
| Netflix | $6.99–$22.99/month | Depends on plan | Select CW shows; availability varies by region |
| YouTube TV + CW app | $72.99/month + free or $5.99–$9.99/month | Depends on CW plan | YouTube TV channels plus CW content |
| Cable (Spectrum, Comcast, Verizon) | $50–$150+/month | No | The CW plus hundreds of other channels |
Whether to keep YouTube TV if you want The CW
If you are a heavy CW viewer, the free CW app is your cheapest option. You watch ads, but you get new episodes the next day and can rewatch older content. Adding CW+ for $5.99 or $9.99 per month is still far less than switching to cable or adding another full streaming service.
If you only watch a few CW shows and already have YouTube TV for other reasons, using the free CW app alongside YouTube TV makes sense. You are not paying extra for The CW, just accepting ads. If you want to remove ads from CW content, CW+ costs less than upgrading your YouTube TV plan or switching services entirely.
The only reason to drop YouTube TV over The CW's absence is if you watch CW shows constantly and want ad-free viewing, and you do not care about YouTube TV's other channels. In that case, cable or a combination of CW+ and another streaming service might work better for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch CW shows live on the CW app?
Yes. The CW app and website let you stream The CW channel live if you have a cable login from a provider that carries it. If you do not have cable, you cannot access the live stream, but new episodes post the next day on the free tier.
Does Hulu have The CW?
Some CW shows appear on Hulu as part of a standard subscription, but not all of them, and availability changes. Check Hulu's search for the specific show you want. If it is there, you can watch it as part of your Hulu plan; if not, the free CW app is your next option.
Will YouTube TV ever add The CW?
There is no public announcement about YouTube TV adding The CW. Streaming services add channels when licensing deals are reached, but neither YouTube TV nor The CW has indicated this is happening. You can contact YouTube TV support to request it, but there is no timeline.
Is CW+ worth it if I already have YouTube TV?
That depends on how many CW shows you watch and whether you mind ads. If you watch one or two shows, the free CW app with ads is probably fine. If you watch multiple CW series weekly and want ad-free viewing, CW+ at $5.99–$9.99 per month is cheaper than most other streaming upgrades.
Can I get The CW through YouTube TV's add-ons?
No. YouTube TV does not offer The CW as an add-on channel. The service's add-ons are limited to premium movie channels like Showtime and Starz, not broadcast or cable networks.