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Does YouTube TV Have The CW? Your Complete Guide

Yes, YouTube TV generally does have The CW, but with a very important caveat. Availability of The CW on YouTube TV depends heavily on your location. The CW is a network of local affiliate stations, and YouTube TV only carries the local affiliate if it has reached a distribution agreement with that specific station owner. In short, don’t just assume you’ll get The CW; you’ll need to verify availability in your area.

Understanding The CW’s Affiliate Model and Streaming Services

The CW’s broadcasting model differs significantly from cable networks like ESPN or CNN, which have national feeds. The CW operates as a network of local affiliates, meaning the programming you see on “The CW” channel is actually being broadcast by a local television station that has a deal to carry The CW’s shows. This is crucial for understanding its availability on streaming services like YouTube TV.

This affiliate-based structure dictates that streaming services like YouTube TV must negotiate individual deals with each local CW affiliate owner to carry their feed. If YouTube TV and a local affiliate can’t reach an agreement, you won’t get The CW through YouTube TV in that market. This contrasts sharply with cable networks, where a single agreement covers the entire nation.

This complexity is further complicated by the fact that many local CW affiliates are owned by large media conglomerates like Nexstar Media Group or Sinclair Broadcast Group. Negotiations with these large groups can be protracted and sometimes result in temporary blackouts as the two sides haggle over carriage fees.

Therefore, the presence of The CW on YouTube TV isn’t a blanket “yes” or “no”. It’s a location-specific “maybe, depending on whether YouTube TV has an agreement with your local CW affiliate.”

How To Check if YouTube TV Offers The CW in Your Area

The best way to confirm whether YouTube TV carries The CW in your specific area is to use the YouTube TV channel lookup tool. Simply visit the YouTube TV website and enter your zip code. The tool will then provide a comprehensive list of all the local channels available in your area, including, hopefully, your local CW affiliate.

Alternatively, you can start a free trial of YouTube TV. During the trial, you will see the actual channel lineup that would be available to you as a paying subscriber. This allows you to browse the guide and confirm if The CW is included. Be sure to cancel the trial before you are charged if The CW’s absence is a deal-breaker for you.

If you don’t see The CW listed when using either method, it sadly means that YouTube TV doesn’t currently have a distribution agreement with your local CW affiliate. This situation isn’t necessarily permanent; agreements can change, so it’s worth checking back periodically.

Alternatives for Watching The CW If It’s Not on YouTube TV

If YouTube TV doesn’t carry your local CW affiliate, don’t despair! Several alternative options exist for accessing The CW’s programming.

The CW App and Website: Many of The CW’s shows are available to stream for free on The CW app and The CW website shortly after they air. These streams are typically ad-supported.
Over-the-Air Antenna: An oldie but a goodie! Since The CW is broadcast over the air by local affiliates, you can often receive it for free with a digital antenna. The quality of the signal and the channels you receive will depend on your location and the strength of the antenna. This is a one-time purchase, and it’s free TV forever!
Other Streaming Services: Some other live TV streaming services may carry your local CW affiliate even if YouTube TV doesn’t. Services like Hulu + Live TV or FuboTV are worth checking, as their channel lineups can vary geographically.
On-Demand Platforms: Some CW shows may eventually become available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The CW and YouTube TV

1. Why Doesn’t YouTube TV Carry Every Local Channel?

YouTube TV needs to negotiate separate agreements with each local affiliate owner to carry their channel. These negotiations can be complex and sometimes fail, resulting in certain local channels not being available on the service. It’s a business decision based on cost and viewership numbers in a specific region.

2. Does YouTube TV Offer Local Channels Besides The CW?

Yes! YouTube TV strives to offer a comprehensive lineup of local channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX affiliates, in addition to The CW, where agreements are in place. Use the zip code lookup tool on the YouTube TV website to see the specific local channels available in your area.

3. Can I Request YouTube TV to Add The CW in My Area?

While there’s no guarantee, contacting YouTube TV customer support and expressing your interest in seeing The CW added to your local channel lineup can be helpful. Customer feedback can influence YouTube TV’s decisions regarding future channel negotiations.

4. Is There a Difference Between The CW and CW Seed?

Yes. The CW is a broadcast network showing current primetime shows. CW Seed is a free, ad-supported streaming channel owned by The CW that focuses on older CW shows and digital-first content. Think of CW Seed as The CW’s vault of past programs and experimental series.

5. Do All YouTube TV Subscribers Pay the Same Price, Regardless of Local Channel Availability?

Generally, yes. YouTube TV’s pricing is mostly uniform across the country. You’re paying for the core package of channels, and local channels are included if available in your market. The base price remains consistent even if you have fewer local channels.

6. If YouTube TV Adds The CW in My Area, Will It Be Included Automatically?

Yes. If YouTube TV reaches an agreement with your local CW affiliate and adds the channel, it will automatically appear in your channel lineup. No action is required on your part.

7. Are CW Shows Available on YouTube TV’s On-Demand Library?

While YouTube TV offers a substantial on-demand library, the availability of specific CW shows depends on the licensing agreements in place. Newer episodes of current series are more likely to be available than older, less popular shows. You will have to check for the particular shows you are seeking.

8. What Happens If YouTube TV Loses The CW in My Area?

If the distribution agreement between YouTube TV and your local CW affiliate expires and isn’t renewed, The CW will be removed from your channel lineup. YouTube TV typically provides advance notice of any channel removals. This can lead to a rate reduction in very rare cases.

9. Can I Use My YouTube TV Credentials to Log In to The CW App?

This depends. Sometimes, The CW app will allow you to authenticate your access using your YouTube TV credentials. However, this functionality isn’t always available and may be limited to specific episodes or content. Check the The CW app’s login options to see if YouTube TV is listed.

10. Is The CW Available in 4K on YouTube TV?

Currently, The CW isn’t typically broadcast in 4K, even by the local affiliates. Therefore, it won’t be available in 4K on YouTube TV either. The resolution will depend on the broadcast quality of your local affiliate.

11. Does YouTube TV Offer a DVR for Recording CW Shows?

Yes! One of the significant advantages of YouTube TV is its unlimited DVR storage. You can record as many CW shows as you want and keep them for up to nine months. This allows you to watch your favorite shows on your own schedule.

12. Where can I stay up-to-date with YouTube TV’s channel lineup changes?

The best place to find the most current information regarding YouTube TV channel lineup changes and news is the YouTube TV Help Center. You can also follow YouTube TV’s official social media accounts, where they frequently announce new channel additions and updates. Checking tech news websites is also helpful.

In conclusion, while YouTube TV typically carries The CW, it’s essential to verify its availability in your specific location using the YouTube TV channel lookup tool. The CW’s affiliate-based model makes its inclusion on streaming services dependent on individual agreements between YouTube TV and local CW station owners. If The CW isn’t available through YouTube TV in your area, alternative options like The CW app, over-the-air antennas, or other streaming services can provide access to your favorite CW shows.