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

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

Published on April 10, 2023

2 min read

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

Penn Badgley sits on a couch during an appearance on the "Today" show

Did Penn Badgley Know the Finale Twist of ‘Gossip Girl’ Ahead of Time?

Penn Badgley is opening up about his time on "Gossip Girl," revealing that he was just as shocked as the rest of us by the finale twist!

by Kira Martin

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.

‘Stargirl’ Season 3: Release Date, Cast, and How to Watch

Read on for everything you need to know about 'Stargirl' Season 3 on The CW, including the release date, cast, and how to watch the upcoming episodes.

by Sarah Little

Daniel Ezra returns as Spencer James in All American Season 5. Spencer wears his football uniform.

‘All American’ Season 5: Everything We Know so Far

'All American' will return for season 5. Here's everything we know so far.

by Erica Scassellati

‘Walker’ Season 3: Premiere Date, Cast, and More

There's more 'Walker' on the way. Jared Padalecki's CW hit returns with its third season in Fall 2022. Here's what we know.

by Robert Yaniz Jr.

Lili Reinhart attends the 39th annual PaleyFest LA to discuss Riverdale

Gaming & Comics

‘Riverdale’: Lili Reinhart ‘Stopped Asking Questions’ After Season 3

Lili Reinhart recently defended the 'bonkers storylines' in 'Riverdale,' explaining that she stopped questioning the plot after the third season.

by Elise Nelson

Jenny Cooper (Serinda Swan) and Mac (Roger Cross) exchange theories on the Coroner

‘Coroner’ Season 4 is Coming to The CW Fall 2022

Fans can understand why Jenny has had a lot to deal with in just three short seasons of character development on The CW's 'Coroner.'

by William DeLong

'Family Law actor Jewel Staite speaking into a microphone

‘Family Law’ Set to Premiere on The CW Fall 2022

'Family Law' is one of the newest hit shows on Canadian television, and the family legal drama is slated to hit The CW in fall of 2022.

by William DeLong

KJ Apa as Archie Andrews and Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper in the Riverdale Season 6 finale

Gaming & Comics

‘Riverdale’ Season 6 Finale, Explained, and What It Means for Season 7

The 'Riverdale' Season 6 finale saw the titular town's race against Bailey's Comet end in a shocking twist. Here's what happened and how it sets up season 7.

by Elise Nelson

Javicia Leslie in The CW's 'Batwoman,' which was canceled in 2022. She's wearing the batsuit, and her hair is curly.

8 Shows Canceled in 2022 So Far

There have been plenty of canceled shows during the first half of 2022, but these 8 stand out as some of the biggest losses.

by Amanda Mullen

Gaming & Comics

‘Stargirl’ Season 3 Trailer Teases 2 Love Interests Growing Closer

Tensions will rise in 'Stargirl' Season 3 when villains try to become good, Starman moves in with Courtney's family, and two characters take the next step in their relationship.

by Sarah Little

Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom and Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina Spellman in Riverdale Season 6 Episode 19.

Gaming & Comics

‘Riverdale’: Kiernan Shipka Thinks Sabrina Spellman’s Work Isn’t Finished

Kiernan Shipka recently discussed her second run as Sabrina Spellman on 'Riverdale' and shared her hopes that more Sabrina cameos will happen in the future.

by Elise Nelson

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina stars (L-R, Back) Tati Gabrielle, Miranda Otto, Lachlan Watson, Abigail Cowen, Michelle Gomez, Kiernan Shipka, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Gavin Leatherwood, Ross Lynch , Jaz Sinclair, Adeline Rudolph, Annette Reilly, (L-R front) Sarah Schechter, Lucy Davis, Chance Perdomo, Richard Coyle, Bronson Pinchot and Georgie Daburas

Gaming & Comics

‘Riverdale’: These 2 ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ Actors Almost Starred in the CW Teen Drama

Many 'Riverdale' fans couldn't imagine anyone else playing their favorite characters, but the roles of Betty and Jughead almost went to two 'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' stars.

by Elise Nelson

Joel McHale, who is in the 'Stargirl' Season 3 trailer, wears a

Gaming & Comics

‘Stargirl’ Season 3 Trailer Teases the Return of Joel McHale as Starman

Joel McHale, who is now a series regular, will return as Starman in 'Stargirl' Season 3, and the first look at the upcoming season teases his character's dynamic with Courtney.

by Sarah Little

‘The Vampire Diaries’: 1 Star Left the Show Because They Didn’t Want Their Storyline to Get ‘Repetitive’

Many 'The Vampire Diaries' cast members came and went over the show's eight seasons, and one actor was upfront about why they left The CW series.

by Sarah Little

Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones, Charles Melton as Reggie Mantle, Vanessa Morgan as Toni Topaz, Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom, Camila Mendes as Veronica Lodge, KJ Apa as Archie Andrews, KJ Apa as Archie Andrews, Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper, Casey Cott as Kevin Keller, Alvin Sanders as Pop Tate, Drew Ray Tanner as Fangs Fogarty, Erinn Westbrook as Tabitha Tate, Shannon Purser as Ethel Muggs and Major Curda as Dilton Doiley in Riverdale Season 6

Gaming & Comics

When Is ‘Riverdale’ Season 6 Coming to Netflix?

'Riverdale' Season 6 will soon join previous seasons on Netflix. Here's when to expect the episodes, based on the season 6 release schedule.

by Elise Nelson

Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina Spellman in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which crosses over with Riverdale in season 6 episode 19

Gaming & Comics

When Does ‘Riverdale’ Return and How Many Episodes Are Left in Season 6?

'Riverdale' Season 6 has taken another brief hiatus. Here's when it returns and how many episodes make up the rest of the season.

by Elise Nelson

The CW

Read more about the CW. Plus, stay up to date on shows:

‘Riverdale’: Is Archie the ‘Most Boring’ Character on the Show? Some Fans Think So

‘All American’: Daniel Ezra Listened to This Rapper to Perfect His American Accent

‘The Vampire Diaries’ Endings That Were Changed by Nina Dobrev’s Exit, Including Klaroline’s

Grant Gustin Almost Cried After Watching This ‘The Flash’ Scene

‘Batwoman’: Ruby Rose’s Former Costars Claim She’s a Liar Who Was Fired From the Show

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

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

Did Penn Badgley Know the Finale Twist of ‘Gossip Girl’ Ahead of Time?

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

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

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

‘Stargirl’ Season 3: Release Date, Cast, and How to Watch

‘All American’ Season 5: Everything We Know so Far

‘Walker’ Season 3: Premiere Date, Cast, and More

‘Riverdale’: Lili Reinhart ‘Stopped Asking Questions’ After Season 3

‘Coroner’ Season 4 is Coming to The CW Fall 2022

‘Family Law’ Set to Premiere on The CW Fall 2022

‘Riverdale’ Season 6 Finale, Explained, and What It Means for Season 7

8 Shows Canceled in 2022 So Far

‘Stargirl’ Season 3 Trailer Teases 2 Love Interests Growing Closer

‘Riverdale’: Kiernan Shipka Thinks Sabrina Spellman’s Work Isn’t Finished

‘Riverdale’: These 2 ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ Actors Almost Starred in the CW Teen Drama

‘Stargirl’ Season 3 Trailer Teases the Return of Joel McHale as Starman

‘The Vampire Diaries’: 1 Star Left the Show Because They Didn’t Want Their Storyline to Get ‘Repetitive’

When Is ‘Riverdale’ Season 6 Coming to Netflix?

‘Riverdale’: Sabrina Spellman Set to Return in Season 6 Episode 19 — See the Synopsis, Trailer

‘Legacies’ Season 5 Would’ve Introduced Damon and Elena’s Daughter

Julie Plec Teases Another Possible ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Spinoff in the Works

‘Legacies’: Candice King Reveals She Would’ve Returned as Caroline for Season 5

‘One Tree Hill’: Gavin DeGraw Almost Turned Down Using ‘I Don’t Want to Be’ as the Theme Song

When Does ‘Riverdale’ Return and How Many Episodes Are Left in Season 6?