The CW Showbiz Cheat Sheet

The CW
BRAZIL - 2019/05/21: In this photo illustration The CW Television Network (The CW) logo is seen displayed on a smartphone. (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The CW
The CW debuted in September 2006 after CBS and Warner Bros. teamed up to create a new TV network. Its name combines the first letter of "CBS" and "Warner Bros." Early on, the CW was best known for teen dramas, thanks to series such as Gossip Girl, Supernatural, and The Vampire Diaries. Later, the network saw success with genre programming, beginning with 2012's Arrow. The eight-season action-superhero drama earned accolades from critics and viewers alike. Its success spawned a whole universe — the Arrowverse — comprising seven TV series: Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, Black Lightning, Batwoman, and Superman & Lois. The CW's most popular current shows include the teen drama Riverdale, adapted from the Archie comics; the football drama All American; The Flash; the fantasy drama Legacies; the mystery series Nancy Drew; and the action/superhero drama Batwoman.
- Year founded: 2006
- Top programs: Riverdale, All American, The Flash, Legacies, Nancy Drew, Batwoman, DC's Stargirl
- How to watch: Direct local TV, the CW app, cable and satellite providers, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, the CW app, Netflix
- Cost: Free on direct local TV or the CW app, but only the latest few episodes; $8.99-$15.99 per month for the CW on Netflix, but not the most recent seasons; $64.99 per month via Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV for on-demand streaming
- Most popular original series, movies, and shows: Gossip Girl, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, Riverdale, Arrow, Smallville
- Best known for: Action-superhero dramas, teen soaps
Visit the CW website.
Read more about the CW. Plus, stay up to date on shows:
Entertainment
3 years ago
‘Riverdale’: Is Archie the ‘Most Boring’ Character on the Show? Some Fans Think So
Entertainment
3 years ago
‘All American’: Daniel Ezra Listened to This Rapper to Perfect His American Accent
Entertainment
3 years ago
‘The Vampire Diaries’ Endings That Were Changed by Nina Dobrev’s Exit, Including Klaroline’s
Entertainment
3 years ago
Grant Gustin Almost Cried After Watching This ‘The Flash’ Scene
Entertainment
3 years ago
‘Batwoman’: Ruby Rose’s Former Costars Claim She’s a Liar Who Was Fired From the Show

Gossip Girl

Celebrity

Blake Lively Lost Excitement for Acting Because of ‘Gossip Girl’

Blake Lively briefly lost her interest in acting after doing ‘Gossip Girl’ for six long seasons.

by Antonio Stallings

Published on September 13, 2024

3 min read

Here’s When Penn Badgley Learned the Truth About Dan on ‘Gossip Girl’

Penn Badgley recently revealed when he learned the truth about what his "Gossip Girl" character Dan Humphrey was really up to.

by Christina Nunn

Penn Badgley Thinks Dan Humphrey and Joe Goldberg Would ‘Hate’ Each Other

Just because Penn Badgley's most popular TV characters are alike, doesn't mean they'd get along. The actor explains.

by Christina Nunn

A ‘Riverdale’ Movie Could Have Starred a Now-Disgraced Comedian as Archie

Some might be surprised to learn that a 'Riverdale' movie was almost made before the TV show.

by Ashley Swallow

Published on March 24, 2023

3 min read

Lili Reinhart Says She’ll Miss Betty — But Not ‘Riverdale’

Lili Reinhart has been honest about how she feels regarding 'Riverdale' ending. The Betty Cooper actor will miss her character, however.

by Produced by Digital Editors

‘Riverdale’ Star Ashleigh Murray Had $12 In Her Bank Account When She Auditioned For Josie

Ashleigh Murray was working to make ends meet when she landed her role in 'Riverdale.' The actor explains how she got the part.

by Robert Yaniz Jr.

‘Legacies’ Showrunner Talks Caroline Forbes Potential Return

While you may not see her, Caroline Forbes has as a strong presence on 'Legacies.' Here's what the showrunner has to say about the character's potential return.

by Mishal Ali Zafar

‘Legacies’ Will Revisit Characters from ‘The Vampire Diaries’ and ‘The Originals’ in Season 3

'Legacies' will take a step into the past in season 3 when it revisits some of the most beloved characters from 'The Vampire Diaries' and 'The Originals.'

by Mishal Ali Zafar

Celebrity / TV

‘Walker’ Star Jared Padalecki Didn’t Do the Chuck Norris Roundhouse Kick — Who Did It Instead?

Jared Padalecki distinguishes his 'Walker' from Chuck Norris by not doing Karate. Still, one of his castmates delivers a Norris-worthy roundhouse kick.

by Fred Topel

‘Nancy Drew’: George and Nick’s Relationship Will Be Tested in Season 2

'Nancy Drew' showrunner promise more mysteries in season 2. But they are also teasing some tough times ahead for George and Nick's relationship.

by Mishal Ali Zafar

‘Nancy Drew’: Who Plays Gil Bobbsey in Season 2, and What Else Has He Been In?

The Season 2 premiere of 'Nancy Drew' introduced an intriguing new character, Gil Bobbsey. So, who plays Gil, and what else has he been in?

by Mishal Ali Zafar

Celebrity / TV

When Will ‘Riverdale’ Season 5 Come Out on Netflix? Fans Can’t Wait for the Release Date

When 'Riverdale' Season 5 is expected to come out on Netflix. Plus, the release date and time on The CW and plot details.

by Connie Liou

‘Nancy Drew’: When Does Season 2 Premiere on The CW?

After the riveting last season, 'Nancy Drew' fans are exciting to dive back into the mystery. Here's when season 2 will premiere on The CW.

by Mishal Ali Zafar

Celebrity / TV

New Batwoman Javicia Leslie Reacts to Wearing the Batsuit for the First Time

You'll see Javicia Leslie in the Batwoman costume in the Season 2 premiere on The CW. Leslie felt the legacy of the role when she first wore the costume.

by Fred Topel

Celebrity / TV

‘Walker Texas Ranger’ Reboot Star Lindsey Morgan Shares How the Jared Padalecki Update Deals With Sexism and Racism

Lindsey Morgan joins Jared Padalecki on The CW's 'Walker.' The 'Texas Ranger' reboot lets Morgan deal with issues facing female minority Rangers today.

by Fred Topel

‘Legacies’ Season 3: Here’s When the Series Returns to The CW

Season 2 of 'Legacies' left fans with plenty of burning questions. Here's when The CW series will return for Season 3.

by Mishal Ali Zafar

‘The Carrie Diaries’: Here’s How Carrie Would Have Met Miranda

When The CW saw how much fans loved Sex and the City, they decided to draw fans in with a SATC of their own. Instead of creating a similar show, the network went back to the beginning. In 2013, they picked up The Carrie Diaries, a prequel to the famous HBO hit. The show followed a young Carrie Bradshaw …

by Alice Stone

‘The Carrie Diaries’: Could the Show Be Rebooted?

When The Carrie Diaries was canceled in 2014, fans were deprived of one of their last Sex and the City-based shows. Then, in 2017, Kim Cattrall vehemently declared that she would not do a third Sex and the City movie. That left fans with no hope for a future series. But with so many series getting reboots and reunions on …

by Alice Stone

Celebrity / TV

Lindsey Morgan Opens up About ‘The 100’ Series Finale and Raven’s Conclusion

After 'The 100' series finale, Lindsey Morgan reflects on the conclusion as it played out for Raven and the other characters on The CW's hit.

by Fred Topel

How to Stream ‘The Carrie Diaries’ For Free

For fans who just can’t get enough of Sex in the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, The CW’s The Carrie Diaries offered a fresh look at the legendary show through the eyes of a younger titular character. This prequel follows the adventures of a teenage Bradshaw, trying to establish herself after having moved to New York to start …

by Jean Ray

‘One Tree Hill’: The Infamous Dog Heart Scene Started as a Joke

The creators of One Tree Hill pushed the boundaries of teen drama with their hit show. The CW’s One Tree Hill took place in the small fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina. The main characters were two half brothers, who shared a philandering father. Lucas and Nathan Scott start out competing for a lot on the show, …

by Alice Stone

‘One Tree Hill’: Club Tric Was Written Into the Show to Feature More Live Music

The CW’s teen drama One Tree Hill quickly became the voice of a generation. It aired in 2003 and captured the hearts of its audience. But that’s not the only thing the show grabbed. One Tree Hill also had its audience’s ears. The show was famous for featuring music and having musical guest stars. One of the …

by Alice Stone

‘Superman and Lois’ Could Fall Short of Other CW Superhero Shows in 1 Key Way

The upcoming CW series 'Superman and Lois' might be missing a key ingredient of the network's other CW shows, according to reports.

by Robert Yaniz Jr.

‘Gossip Girl’: Executive Producer Makes It Clear This Is No Reboot

It’s been nearly a decade since Gossip Girl gave her farewell “XOXO, Gossip Girl” and went off the air. And now, the hit TV show is coming back. The new version — set to premiere in 2021 — shares the same name and takes place in the same universe as the original drama, but there …

by Jasper Drake

‘One Tree Hill’: Dan Scott Was So Hated a Fan Hit the Actor With Her Purse

There have been a plethora of overly dramatic teen soap operas on prime-time television over the years. From Beverly Hills, 90210 to Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Friday Night Lights, these TV shows never fail to captivate teen audiences (and some parents, too). They have huge fan bases, and some of those fans become so …

by Monique Douty

‘One Tree Hill’: Michael Jordan Played On the Same Courts On the Show

One Tree Hill is perhaps one of the most popular teen dramas of the early 2000s. The show was so iconic that it remains a popular streaming choice for many of its viewers until today. It is also one of the most culturally relevant shows to this day. The series had interesting storylines that kept …

by Lulu Currey

The CW

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