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.

‘Katy Keene’: Will The ‘Riverdale’ Spinoff Stream on Netflix?

For fans of The CW's shows, having Netflix is a dream. Due to a major licensing deal inked between Netflix and The CW, all of the most recent seasons of network's shows were put on the streaming giant shortly after wrapping. Will one of The CW's newest shows, Katy Keene, stream on Netflix?

by Trey Mangum

Celebrity / Movies

‘Riverdale’ Spin-off ‘Katy Keene’ Star Lucy Hale Has This Advice For Anyone Struggling

'Katy Keene' stars Lucy Hale as a girl from Riverdale trying to make it in New York. Hale had some advice for fans who may be struggling to make it too.

by Fred Topel

A Retooled CBS Pilot That Starred This ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Actress Lands at The CW

After it was in development at CBS and passed over last year, a television project that was set to be fronted by a former Grey's Anatomy star is back in the works at a new network.

by Trey Mangum

‘Black Lightning’ Season 3 Episode 11 Recap: Superheroes and Painkillers

'Black Lightning' season 3 episode 11 continues the Pierce family's fight with the ASA. Find out what happens and explore interesting questions, here.

by Ann Darcy

Fans Are Finally Getting Another Superman TV Series

Considering Superman has stood for truth, justice and the American way for 80 years, there’s an awful lot of talk about how hard it is to get Superman “right.” Now, a new Superman TV show stands poised to meet that challenge. The show Superman & Lois will debut later this year as part of the …

by Eric Robinette

‘Legends of Tomorrow’ Season 5 Episode 2 Recap: The Legends Are Torn

'Legends of Tomorrow' season 5 episode 2 has the Legends dealing with the aftermath of several events. Find out what happens and explore questions, here.

by Ann Darcy

Celebrity / Music / TV

BTS’ iHeartRadio Live Show Date Has ARMY Speculating a 2020 Grammy Awards Performance

The iHeartRadio LIVE with BTS show on Jan. 27 has ARMY wondering if the South Korean band will perform at the Grammy Awards (2020 Grammys) on Jan. 26.

by Connie Liou

‘Dynasty’: A Complete Rundown of Every Fallon, Cristal, and Alexis That’s Been on The CW’s Reboot

The CW’s Dynasty reboot has been known for its over the top antics and its recastings that are just as outrageous as an 1980s daytime soap opera. Since viewers new to the series or genre may have some questions about several of the recastings, here’s a guide on all the different versions of Fallon Carrington, …

by Trey Mangum

Here are The CW 2020 Premiere Dates for Your Favorite Shows On Break

When do shows on The CW come back? Here are the 2020 dates.

by Kourtnee Jackson

‘Black Lightning’: Fans React To Early Season 4 Renewal

'Black Lightning' will be returning for season 4. Find out how fans are reacting to the early renewal as well as why it might be happening now.

by Ann Darcy

These Are the Shows The CW Has Renewed For Next Season Already

The CW has renewed more than one dozen shows to give writers a head start. Here's the list.

by Kourtnee Jackson

How and When to Watch DC’s ‘Stargirl’ on The CW

While Marvel and DC are still major competitors, it’s not stopping DC from trying to overstep Marvel in the TV universe. As Marvel fades out their network TV shows through 2020, DC is stepping into the shadow with a new streaming and network show called Stargirl. Those familiar with this character from DC comics know …

by Greg Brian

Celebrity / Movies / TV

‘Supergirl’: Helen Slater Says This Hasn’t Changed for Melissa Benoist, But This Has

Helen Slater played Supergirl in the movie and now plays Melissa Benoist's mom on the show. She noticed one thing never changed, but another has.

by Fred Topel

Questions We Have After ‘Black Lightning’ Season 3 Episode 7

'Black Lightning' season 3 episode 7 left fans with many questions. Find out what these questions are and explore possible answers.

by Ann Darcy

These Are The CW’s Top 5 Most-Watched TV Shows

These are the most popular shows on The CW right now.

by Kourtnee Jackson

‘Black Lightning’: Did Anissa Pierce Recognize Khalil In Their Fight?

Black Lightning season 3 episode 5 gave fans an epic battle between Anissa Pierce as Blackbird and Khalil Payne as Painkiller. But did Anissa recognize him?

by Ann Darcy

‘Black Lightning’: Grace Choi Returns and Fans Go Wild

Grace Choi is a secondary character in 'Black Lightning' but she comes first for many fans. Explore this exciting character and fan reactions to her return.

by Ann Darcy

Celebrity / TV

Why Jensen Ackles Says ‘Supernatural’ Could’ve Ended in Season 5

Jensen Ackles reveals how 'Supernatural' was supposed to end in season 5, while Jared Padalecki never knew how it was all going to end.

by Fred Topel

Celebrity / TV

‘Vampire Diaries’ Star Nina Dobrev Settles Paul Wesley Hate Rumors Once and For All

'The Vampire Diaries' actress Nina Dobrev addresses hate rumors towards Paul Wesley in the best possible way. Plus, the duo's hilarious Instagram video.

by Connie Liou

‘Black Lightning’: Are the Markovian People Really Evil?

'Black Lightning' is currently dealing with the threat caused by the nation of Markovia. But are they the real threat or is there another, hidden evil?

by Ann Darcy

The CW

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