CW Stations in Major Markets Coming to Live TV Streaming Platforms Like Hulu + Live TV, More
Previously, these stations had only been available to satellite customers in the markets in question. By the end of Tuesday, they’ll be on streaming as well.
The CW is expanding its reach to live TV streaming customers in top markets across the country. The channel that offers LIV Golf, college sports from the ACC and more will soon be available to streaming customers in the biggest markets in the United States.
- Six CW owned-and-operated or affiliate channels, plus WGN in Chicago are coming to live TV streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV and others by the end of Tuesday.
- These stations cover top media markets such as Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and more.
- Previously, the channels were only available via satellite.
Which Markets Are Getting Streaming Access to The CW?
There are a total of six CW owned-and-operated or affiliate channels that will become available to live TV streaming customers in select markets by the end of Tuesday, Oct. 31, plus one (WGN in Chicago, which has operated independently since 2015). They’re seven of the eight largest media markets in the county, which means a considerable portion of the U.S. population is about to get much wider access to The CW and other programming.
The seven markets gaining access to CW/WGN content via live TV streaming are:
| Market | Callsign | Channel Number |
|---|---|---|
| New York | WPIX-CW | Ch. 11 |
| Los Angeles | KTLA-CW | Ch. 5 |
| Chicago | WGN | Ch. 9 |
| Philadelphia | WPHL-CW | Ch. 17 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | KDAF-CW | Ch. 33 |
| Houston | KIAH-CW | Ch. 39 |
| Washington DC | WDCW-CW | Ch. 50 |
In addition to the above channels joining live TV platforms, KTLA-CW in Los Angeles will expand its coverage area to nearby Bakersfield, where it will be available on channel 14.
Many of these areas had only access to CW content on-demand unless users were subscribed to a satellite service. Now, customers of streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and other platforms will be able to access another of their favorite local channels.
What’s New on The CW in 2023?
As Hollywood’s producers have not yet been able to agree to terms on a new contract with the top actor’s union (SAG-AFTRA), new scripted content is hard to come by on The CW this fall, as it is on every other broadcast network.
However, The CW has made some big additions this year, mostly in the category of live sports. As mentioned, the channel picked up the rights to offer ACC football and basketball games this summer, after that conference was banished from its former home on Bally Sports regional sports networks (RSNs).
The channel also struck a deal with NASCAR over the summer to offer its Xfinity Series races beginning in 2025. The CW will carry a total of 33 races every year, and fans will have the choice of watching via linear TV or for free on The CW app, which is available on mobile devices and smart TV platforms.
An incorrect version of this article previously stated that WGN is an owned-and-operated CW station, when the channel has been operating independently since 2015. Additionally, the previous version indicated that DIRECTV STREAM did not have access to the six CW stations and WGN, when the channels have been on that streamer since September.