YouTube TV Does Not Carry The CW
YouTube TV does not include The CW network in its channel lineup. The CW is owned by Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery, and those companies have not reached a distribution agreement with YouTube TV. This means you cannot watch The CW's live broadcasts or most of its on-demand content through a YouTube TV subscription.
The CW airs shows like Arrowverse series, Riverdale, All American, and The Flash. If you want to watch these programs, you will need to use a different streaming method or cable provider. The situation can change if YouTube TV and The CW's parent companies negotiate a new deal, but as of now, The CW remains unavailable on the platform.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV's channel lineup does not include The CW network, and this has been the case for several years.
- The CW is owned by Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery, companies that have not licensed the network to YouTube TV.
- You can watch some CW shows through The CW's official website or app, though many require a cable login or subscription to a different streaming service.
- Other YouTube TV alternatives like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and traditional cable packages do carry The CW in some markets.
Where You Can Watch The CW Shows Instead
The CW operates its own free streaming app and website where you can watch episodes of most of its shows. The CW app and website let you stream current episodes and past seasons at no cost, though you may see advertisements. Some shows have a delay before they appear on the free platform — typically a day or two after the live broadcast.
If you have a cable subscription through another provider, you can log in to The CW's app using your cable credentials to unlock additional content and remove ads. Paramount+ (which carries some CW content) and other streaming services also host CW shows, though not always the full current season. Check each service's catalog to see which CW programs they carry.
Other Live TV Streaming Services That Include The CW
If watching The CW live is important to you, several other streaming services do carry it. Hulu + Live TV includes The CW in most markets, as does Sling TV (on the Sling Blue package). YouTube TV's main competitors in the live TV space are these two services, plus traditional cable providers like Comcast, Charter, and AT&T.
The availability of The CW can vary by your location, so check each service's channel list for your specific zip code before subscribing. Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV both cost less than traditional cable but more than YouTube TV's base package. If The CW is the only channel you are missing from YouTube TV, comparing the cost difference between services may help you decide whether to switch.
Why Some Networks Are Missing From YouTube TV
YouTube TV negotiates directly with networks and their parent companies to carry their channels. These negotiations involve licensing fees, which YouTube TV pays to the network owners. When companies cannot agree on price or terms, the network stays off the platform. The CW has remained unavailable because the parent companies have not reached a deal with YouTube TV.
This is not unique to YouTube TV — all streaming services have gaps in their lineups because of these licensing disputes. Hulu + Live TV is missing some channels that YouTube TV carries, and vice versa. The channels available on each service change over time as old agreements expire and new ones are signed. YouTube TV's channel list is not fixed, so The CW could theoretically be added in the future if negotiations succeed.
Checking Your YouTube TV Channel List
You can see the full list of channels available on YouTube TV by visiting the YouTube TV website or opening the app. Go to the "Browse" or "Channels" section to see every network included in your subscription. The list is organized by category — news, sports, entertainment, and so on — making it straightforward to find what you are looking for.
Your available channels may differ slightly based on your location and which YouTube TV package you have. YouTube TV offers a base package and a few add-on packages (like Sports Plus or Premium Networks). The CW is not available in any of these packages. If you are looking for a specific channel, the browse section will tell you when ready whether it is included.
What To Do If You Need The CW and YouTube TV
If you want to keep YouTube TV but also watch The CW, you have a few options. The simplest is to use The CW's free app or website for CW shows while keeping your YouTube TV subscription for everything else. This approach costs nothing extra and works well if you only watch a few CW programs.
Another option is to add a second streaming service. Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV both carry The CW and can be used alongside YouTube TV. You would pay for both services, but you would have access to a wider range of channels overall. Some people find this approach worthwhile if they watch shows spread across multiple networks that no single service carries completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get The CW through YouTube TV's add-on packages?
No. The CW is not available through YouTube TV's base package or any of its add-on packages like Sports Plus or Premium Networks. The network is straightforward not part of YouTube TV's distribution agreement.
Will YouTube TV add The CW in the future?
It is possible, but there is no announced date or timeline. YouTube TV and The CW's parent companies would need to reach a new licensing agreement. Changes to channel lineups happen regularly, so it could happen, but you should not count on it.
Is The CW free to watch anywhere?
Yes. The CW's official app and website stream most shows for free with ads. You can watch current episodes and past seasons without paying. Some content may require a cable login to unlock, but the core library is free.
Do I need cable to watch The CW shows?
No. You can watch most CW shows through the free CW app or website without a cable subscription. A cable login unlocks more content and removes ads, but it is not required to watch the network's programming.
Which streaming services have The CW?
Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV (Sling Blue package) both carry The CW in most markets. Paramount+ carries some CW shows but not live broadcasts. Check each service's channel list for your location to confirm availability.