YouTube TV does not carry The CW as a standalone channel in its base package
YouTube TV's standard lineup does not include The CW. If you want to watch CW shows through YouTube TV, you would need to add The CW as a separate premium add-on channel, which costs extra per month beyond your base subscription. The availability and pricing of this add-on can vary by location and may change over time.
The CW broadcasts shows like Arrowverse series, Riverdale, All American, and other dramas and reality programming. If The CW add-on is not available in your area or you prefer not to pay extra, there are other ways to watch CW content that we'll cover below.
Key Takeaways
- The CW is not included in YouTube TV's base package and must be added as a paid premium channel if available in your location.
- You can watch CW shows for free on The CW's official website or mobile app the day after they air, with a cable login or through free ad-supported viewing.
- Some CW shows are available through other streaming services like Netflix, Max, or The CW's own streaming platform, depending on the show and your location.
- YouTube TV's channel lineup varies by zip code, so whether The CW add-on is offered depends on where you live.
How to check if The CW add-on is available in your area
YouTube TV's add-on channels are not offered everywhere. To see whether The CW premium add-on is available where you live, open the YouTube TV app or website, go to your account settings, and look under "Memberships." From there, you can browse available add-ons. If The CW appears in the list, you can add it; if it does not show up, it is not currently offered in your zip code.
You can also check YouTube TV's help center or contact their support team directly to confirm whether The CW add-on is available at your address. Availability can change, so it is worth checking periodically if you have been looking for it in the past.
Watching CW shows without paying extra
The CW offers free streaming of most of its shows on its official website (TheCW.com) and mobile app. New episodes typically become available the day after they air on television. You can watch with ads at no cost, or you may be able to watch ad-free if you log in with a cable provider account.
Some CW shows also appear on other streaming platforms. Riverdale and other series are available on Netflix in certain regions. All American and related shows may be on Max (formerly HBO Max). Check the streaming service you already subscribe to, or search for the specific show you want to watch to see where it is currently available.
The CW add-on pricing and what it includes
When The CW add-on is available, it typically costs a few dollars per month, though the exact price varies by location and can change. The add-on gives you live access to The CW channel through YouTube TV, so you can watch shows as they air rather than waiting until the next day.
Adding a premium channel to YouTube TV is straightforward: go to your memberships settings, select the add-on, and confirm the purchase. The charge will appear on your YouTube TV bill. You can remove the add-on at any time, and the cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle.
Other ways to watch The CW live
If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription through another provider, you may already have access to The CW through that service. Check your channel guide or contact your provider to confirm whether The CW is included in your package.
The CW also offers a standalone streaming app called The CW that lets you watch select shows for free with ads. This is different from the premium add-on for YouTube TV and does not require a cable login for most content. read the app from your device's app store to see what is available in your area.
Why some channels are add-ons instead of included
YouTube TV negotiates licensing agreements with each network separately. Some networks, like The CW, choose to be offered as premium add-ons rather than included in the base package. This allows YouTube TV to keep the base subscription price lower while giving viewers the option to pay extra for channels they want.
These negotiations change periodically, so a channel that is an add-on today might be included in the future, or vice versa. If you are considering YouTube TV partly for CW content, check the current add-on availability in your area before committing to a subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch The CW on YouTube TV without an add-on?
No, The CW is not part of YouTube TV's base package. You must add it as a premium channel if it is available in your location. If the add-on is not offered where you live, you can watch CW shows free on TheCW.com or through other streaming services.
How much does The CW add-on cost?
The price varies by location but is typically a few dollars per month. Check your YouTube TV account settings under "Memberships" to see the exact price in your area, if the add-on is available.
Can I watch CW shows the same day they air?
If you add The CW to YouTube TV, yes—you can watch live. If you use the free CW app or website, new episodes usually appear the day after they air on television.
What if The CW add-on is not available in my area?
You can watch CW shows for free on TheCW.com or the CW mobile app, usually the day after they air. Some CW shows are also available on Netflix, Max, or other streaming services depending on the title and your location.
Will The CW ever be included in YouTube TV's base package?
It is possible, but there is no way to predict when or if that will happen. Channel lineups change based on licensing negotiations between YouTube TV and the networks. Check your account periodically to see if the add-on status changes.