How to watch The CW live online
The CW is a US broadcast network, free over the air through local stations. Online, live TV services such as YouTube TV carry the local CW station, and ESPN Unlimited subscribers can watch CW Sports live in the ESPN app.
Cord Cutters News and Wikipedia agree The CW is a broadcast network: CW Sports events air live on 'The CW's free over-the-air network', through local stations.
Online, live TV services carry the local CW station, YouTube TV among them (main plan $82.99 a month, says YouTube TV). ESPN Unlimited subscribers also get CW Sports live in the ESPN app.
The CW's app has its shows on demand: Wikipedia says new episodes usually arrive the day after they air, and Cord Cutters News reported in 2024 that the app also has 12 free live channels with adverts.
- Country
- United States
- Run by
- Nexstar Media Group (majority owner)
- Type
- General
- Language
- English
- Watch live
- Local CW station
- Cost at home
- Free with an antenna
- Abroad
- No official way found
- Checked
- 3 November 2026
Can you watch The CW abroad?
We found no official word that The CW streams outside the US. YouTube TV says it is only available in the United States. ESPN says its US streams do not play outside the US.
No official way abroad
Watch The CW in Canada, the UK, Mexico and more
The CW in Canada, the UK, Mexico, Spain, Australia and Germany
We found no official way to watch The CW live in Canada, the UK, Mexico, Spain, Australia or Germany.
US TV abroad: the full guide, channel by channel
American TV in the UK: what works, channel by channel
American TV in Italy: what works, channel by channel
Apps for The CW: TV, phone and laptop
What is The CW?
The CW is a US broadcast network launched in 2006. Nexstar Media Group took majority control of it. It now shows much more sport, such as NASCAR and college football, alongside its series.
The CW: common questions
Is The CW free to watch?
Yes, over the air with an antenna, through your local CW station.
Can I watch The CW live online?
Yes, in the US, with a live TV service that carries your local CW station, such as YouTube TV.
Is there a CW app?
Yes. It has The CW's shows on demand, new episodes usually the day after they air, and Cord Cutters News reported 12 free live channels in it in 2024.
Is CW Sports on ESPN?
Yes. ESPN Unlimited subscribers can watch CW Sports programming live in the ESPN app.
Can I watch The CW abroad?
We found no official word that The CW streams outside the US.
Can I watch The CW on a smart TV?
Yes. ESPN (Unlimited) has an app for smart TVs (US, CW Sports).
Can I watch The CW in the UK?
We found no official way to watch The CW live in the UK.
Where the facts come from
We check every fact on the broadcaster's own pages, or on two independent sources that agree.
- Cord Cutters News: ESPN is adding live sports from The CW to its app
- Cord Cutters News: how to watch local channels without cable
- Cord Cutters News: The CW launched a free live streaming platform with 12 channels
- Cord Cutters News: the CW app is turning into a free streaming service (2024)
- YouTube TV: plans (main plan $82.99 a month)
- YouTube TV help: restrictions on YouTube TV ('only available in the United States')
- ESPN help: ESPN International FAQ
- Wikipedia: The CW
Last checked: 3 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.
