the CW

{{Main|The WB|UPN}}

File:The CW logo.png

In April 1993, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ended the fin-syn rules that prohibited television networks from owning the rerun rights to programs they broadcast. Fearing that the networks would stop buying programs from independent studios, Warner Bros. Television and Paramount Television each decided to start their own networks.{{Cite news |last=Lowry |first=Brian |date=1999-12-26 |title=The Whims of War |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-dec-26-ca-47501-story.html |access-date=May 25, 2012 |work=Los Angeles Times}}

The WB and UPN both launched within one week of each other in January 1995, just as the Fox Broadcasting Company had started to secure a foothold with American television audiences.{{Cite news |last=Carter |first=Bill |date=January 9, 1995 |title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS; 2 Would-Be Networks Get Set for Prime Time |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/01/09/business/the-media-business-2-would-be-networks-get-set-for-prime-time.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015094720/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/01/09/business/the-media-business-2-would-be-networks-get-set-for-prime-time.html |archive-date=October 15, 2015}} The two networks launched to limited fanfare and generally mediocre to poor results.{{r|lowry19991226}}{{Cite web |last=Clarendon |first=Dan |date=2020-01-04 |title=The WB Launched 25 Years Ago, and Millennials Will Never Forget |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/844403/the-wb-network-legacy-25th-anniversary/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=TV Insider |language=en-US}} However, over the subsequent {{frac|11|1|2}} seasons, both were able to air several series that became quite popular (such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek: Voyager, The Sentinel, 7th Heaven, Dawson's Creek, Charmed, Smallville, Everwood, Gilmore Girls, Reba, The Steve Harvey Show, and America's Next Top Model).

Although their simultaneous starts and competition for affiliate stations caused the two networks to appear as rivals, by 1999, they had differing strategies: The WB targeted young women, and UPN young men.{{r|lowry19991226}} Towards the end of their first decade on the air, the WB and UPN were in decline, unable to reach the audience share or have the effect that Fox had gained within its first decade, much less than that of the Big Three networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC). In the eleven years that UPN and the WB were in operation, the two networks lost a combined $2 billion.{{Cite news |last=Rebecca Dana |date=May 16, 2008 |title=It's No Gossip, Ratings Slip Threatens CW Network |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=Dow Jones and Company |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121089546043097065 |access-date=August 9, 2017 |archive-date=December 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230071618/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121089546043097065 |url-status=live }} Chris-Craft Industries, Viacom, and Time Warner officials had discussed a possible merger of UPN and the WB as early as September 1995, only eight months after their respective launches; however, discussions ultimately broke down over issues on how to combine Chris-Craft and Tribune Broadcasting's station interests in the proposal to merge the networks, since the two companies' station portfolios overlapped with one another in several major markets.{{Cite news |last=Thomas Tyrer |date=September 18, 1995 |title=Fledgling Networks UPN, WB Already Pondering Merger |work=AdAge |publisher=Crain Communications |url=http://adage.com/article/news/fledgling-networks-upn-wb-pondering-merger/85731/ |access-date=February 7, 2015 |archive-date=February 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150209153236/http://adage.com/article/news/fledgling-networks-upn-wb-pondering-merger/85731/ |url-status=live }} By 2003, however, Time Warner became mired in several debt problems. The company had already been responsible for shutting down Warner Bros.' in-house animation department and for selling off major portions of the conglomerate, such as the 2004 sale of Warner Bros. Records and the rest of Warner Music Group to an investor group led by Edgar Bronfman Jr. and Thomas H. Lee Partners.

Executives from CBS and Warner Bros. announced on January 24, 2006 that they would respectively shut down UPN and the WB; they would combine resources to form a new broadcast network, to be known as The CW Television Network.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/cw-wb-network-upn-merger-announcement-10-years-ago-1201687040/|title=Birth of the CW: UPN-WB Network Merger Deal Rocked TV Biz 10 Years Ago|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809180649/https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/cw-wb-network-upn-merger-announcement-10-years-ago-1201687040/|archive-date=August 9, 2019|work=Variety|date=January 24, 2016|access-date=July 27, 2016}} They confirmed that the network would – at the outset – feature programming from both of its predecessors-to-be as well as new content developed specifically for the new network.{{Cite news |last=Jessica Seid |date=January 24, 2006 |title='Gilmore Girls' meet 'Smackdown'; CW Network to combine WB, UPN in CBS-Warner venture beginning in September |work=CNNMoney.com |publisher=Time Warner |url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/news/companies/cbs_warner/ |access-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316043531/https://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/news/companies/cbs_warner/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Carter |first=Bill |date=January 24, 2006 |title=UPN and WB to Combine, Forming New TV Network |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/24/business/media/24cnd-network.html?bl |access-date=February 18, 2017 |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017035638/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/24/business/media/24cnd-network.html?bl |url-status=live }} Warners and CBS expected to produce inexpensive shows for the network, which they could sell outside the US.{{Cite magazine |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=May 13, 2022 |title=Mad About The CW Cancellations? Blame Streaming, But Also Its Unusual Corporate Structure |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-cw-cancellations-blame-streaming-but-also-its-unusual-corporate-structure-1235146038/ |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |access-date=May 13, 2022 |archive-date=June 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610022440/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-cw-cancellations-blame-streaming-but-also-its-unusual-corporate-structure-1235146038/ |url-status=live }} Then CBS chairman Les Moonves explained that the name of the new network was formed from the first letters of CBS and Warner Bros, joking, "We couldn't call it the WC for obvious reasons."{{Cite web |last1=James |first1=Meg |last2=Gold |first2=Matea |date=2006-01-25 |title=CBS, Warner to Shut Down 2 Networks and Form Hybrid |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-jan-25-fi-cw25-story.html |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2006-01-25 |title=UPN, The WB join as spinoff |url=https://www.dailynews.com/general-news/20060125/upn-the-wb-join-as-spinoff/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=Los Angeles Daily News |language=en-US}} Although some executives reportedly disliked the new name, Moonves stated in March 2006 that there was "zero chance" the name would change, citing research claiming 48 percent of the target demographic were already aware of the "CW" name.{{Cite web |last=Ben Grossman |date=March 15, 2006 |title=CW Staying CW, Says Moonves |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/cw-staying-cw-says-moonves/79264 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070915031033/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6316450.html |archive-date=September 15, 2007 |publisher=Reed Business Information |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable }}

In May 2006, The CW announced that it would pick up a combined thirteen programs from its two predecessors to air as part of the network's inaugural fall schedule: seven series held over from the WB (7th Heaven, Beauty and the Geek, Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill, Reba, Smallville and Supernatural) and six held over from UPN (America's Next Top Model, Veronica Mars, Everybody Hates Chris, Girlfriends, All of Us and WWE SmackDown!). Upon the network's launch, the CW chose to use the scheduling model utilized by the WB due in part to the fact that it had a more extensive base programming schedule than UPN, allowing for a larger total of weekly programming hours for the new network to fill. (The WB carried 30 hours of programming each week because it had a children's program block and a daytime lineup that UPN did not offer; UPN was primarily a prime time-only network with 10 weekly hours of network programming at the time of the network's shutdown.){{Cite news |last=Crupi |first=Anthony |date=January 24, 2006 |title=UPN, WB to Merge Into CW Network |work=Ad Week |url=http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising/upn-wb-merge-cw-network-83687 |access-date=November 12, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064454/http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising/upn-wb-merge-cw-network-83687 |url-status=live }}

File:The CW (2006–2024).svg

Like both UPN and the WB, The CW targets its programming towards younger audiences. CBS and Time Warner hoped that combining their networks' schedules and affiliate lineups would strengthen The CW into a fifth "major" broadcast network. One week before the network's official launch, on September 11, 2006, a new, full version of the network website was launched, the website began to feature more in-depth information about The CW's shows.

The CW launched with a premiere special / launch party from the CBS Paramount-produced Entertainment Tonight at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California on September 18, 2006, after a repeat of the tenth-season finale of 7th Heaven;{{Cite news |date=August 18, 2006 |title=CW Staggers Its Debut – New net will roll out schedule over two weeks |work=Zap2It |publisher=Tribune Media Services |url=http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-cwpremieredates,0,1559260.story |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060818103850/http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-cwpremieredates,0,1559260.story |archive-date=August 18, 2006 }} the same schedule was repeated on September 19, 2006, with the sixth-season finale of Gilmore Girls.TV Guide, September 11, 2006, p. 8 The network continued to air season finales from the previous season through the remainder of the first week, except for America's Next Top Model and WWE SmackDown!, which respectively began their new seasons on September 20, 2006, and September 22, 2006, with two-hour premieres. When Top Model made its network premiere on September 20, 2006, The CW scored a 3.4 rating/5 share (with hourly ratings of 3.1/5 and 3.6/6, The CW placed fifth overall) in the Nielsen household ratings. It scored a 2.6 rating among adults 18–49, finishing fourth in that age demographic and beating the 2.2 rating earned by Fox on that night. The network's second week consisted of season and series premieres for all of its other series from September 25, 2006, to October 1, 2006, with the exception of Veronica Mars, which debuted its third season on October 3, 2006.{{Cite press release |title=THE CW NETWORK ANNOUNCES ITS INAUGURAL 2006-2007 PREMIERE SCHEDULE |date=July 17, 2006 |publisher=The CW |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2006/07/17/the-cw-network-announces-its-inaugural-2006-2007-premiere-schedule-21795/20060717cw01/ |access-date=September 2, 2015 |via=The Futon Critic}}

Despite having several of the most popular programs carried over from UPN and the WB as part of its schedule, The CW – even though it experienced some success with newer programs that launched in subsequent seasons which became modest hits – largely struggled to gain an audience foothold throughout its first five years on the air.{{Cite web |last=James |first=Meg |date=September 20, 2006 |title=CW Network Faces Struggle to Find a Winning Strategy |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-sep-20-fi-cw20-story.html |access-date=October 17, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} Because of declining viewership for the network during the 2007–08 season and effects from the Writers Guild of America strike, the network announced on March 4, 2008, that it would eliminate its comedy department (dismissing executive vice president of comedy Kim Fleary and senior vice president of comedy Steve Veisel), while also combining its drama and current programming departments into a single scripted programming unit. The corporate restructuring resulted in the layoffs of approximately 25 to 30 employees.{{Cite web |last=Michael Schneider |date=March 3, 2008 |title=Strike, ratings slip lead to CW layoffs |url=https://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/strike-ratings-slip-lead-to-cw-layoffs-1117981768/ |access-date=August 28, 2015 |publisher=Reed Business Information |periodical=Variety |archive-date=October 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005011538/http://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/strike-ratings-slip-lead-to-cw-layoffs-1117981768/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=James Hibberd |date=March 4, 2008 |title=CW downsizes, sheds comedy division |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cw-downsizes-sheds-comedy-division-106143 |access-date=August 28, 2015 |publisher=Nielsen Company |agency=Associated Press |periodical=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924175538/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cw-downsizes-sheds-comedy-division-106143 |url-status=live }} It also included the elimination of certain positions, other newly opened positions being left unfilled, and layoffs from the Kids' WB unit, as the block was set to be replaced by the CW4Kids.{{Cite web |last=Ishibashi |first=Michael |date=2020-09-28 |title=Beyond Toonami: TV's Forgotten Anime Blocks |url=https://www.cbr.com/toonami-tv-forgotten-anime-blocks/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=CBR |language=en}}

On May 9, 2008, The CW announced that it would lease its Sunday lineup (then running from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Time){{Cite news |date=May 9, 2008 |title=The CW "Outsources" Its Sunday-Night Block; Two Dramas, Two Comedies Coming |work=TV Guide |publisher=Macrovision |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-cw-outsources-12191/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511221532/http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Todays-News/Cw-Puts-Sunday/800039275 |archive-date=May 11, 2008 }}{{Cite web |last=Michael Schneider |date=May 9, 2008 |title=CW outsources Sunday to MRC |url=https://variety.com/2008/tv/features/cw-outsources-sunday-to-mrc-1117985413/ |access-date=September 2, 2015 |publisher=Reed Business Information |periodical=Variety |archive-date=January 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114142109/http://variety.com/2008/tv/features/cw-outsources-sunday-to-mrc-1117985413/ |url-status=live }} to production company Media Rights Capital (MRC). As Sundays have historically been a low-rated night for the network during its first two seasons on the air (due to stiff competition from CBS, ABC, and Fox's strong Sunday lineups, and complicated further by NBC's acquisition of Sunday Night Football in September 2006, shortly before The CW debuted), the move allowed The CW to concentrate on its Monday through Friday prime time schedule, while giving MRC the right to develop and schedule programs of its own choosing and reap advertising revenue generated by the lineup. The Sunday series that were scheduled – two reality series (4Real and In Harm's Way) and two scripted series (romantic dramedy Valentine and drama Easy Money) – performed poorly in the ratings (averaging only 1.04 million viewers),{{Cite web |last=Michael Schneider |date=November 20, 2008 |title=CW ends time-buy deal with MRC |url=https://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/cw-ends-time-buy-deal-with-mrc-1117996223/ |publisher=Reed Business Information |periodical=Variety |access-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-date=January 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128083503/https://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/cw-ends-time-buy-deal-with-mrc-1117996223/ |url-status=live }} prompting the CW to scrap its agreement with MRC and program Sunday nights on its own starting on November 30, 2008. With no first-run programming available to run on Sundays as a backup, the network added reruns of The Drew Carey Show and Jericho, and movies to replace the MRC-produced programs.{{Cite news |date=November 20, 2008 |title=CW Takes Back Its Sunday Nights, Sets 'Jericho' Reruns |work=TVWeek |publisher=Dexter Canfield Media |url=http://www.tvweek.com/in-depth/2008/11/cw-takes-back-its-sunday-night/ |access-date=September 2, 2015 |archive-date=January 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114142109/http://www.tvweek.com/in-depth/2008/11/cw-takes-back-its-sunday-night/ |url-status=live }}

One of the shows carried over to the network from UPN, WWE SmackDown, ended its run on The CW after the September 26, 2008, episode due to negotiations ending between the WWE and The CW on renewing the program. Representatives for The CW later confirmed that it had chosen not to continue carrying SmackDown because the network had redefined its target audience as exclusively females 18 to 34 years old, whereas SmackDown targeted a predominantly male audience. Following SmackDown{{'}}s move to MyNetworkTV that same season, the Fox-owned network (which launched the same month as The CW's debut, albeit two weeks earlier, on September 5, 2006) began beating The CW in the Friday ratings every week from that program's debut on the network, though The CW continued to beat MyNetworkTV overall.{{Cite web |date=March 25, 2009 |title=Fox Still Likely to Pass CBS in Adults 25–54 to Top All Key Age Demos |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/03/25/fox-still-likely-to-pass-cbs-in-adults-25-54-to-top-all-key-age-demos/15178#more-15178 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327075403/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/03/25/fox-still-likely-to-pass-cbs-in-adults-25-54-to-top-all-key-age-demos/15178#more-15178 |archive-date=March 27, 2009 |access-date=March 27, 2009 |website=TV by the Numbers}}

The CW generally struggled in the Nielsen ratings from its inception, primarily placing fifth in all statistics tabulated by Nielsen (total audience viewership and demographic ratings). On several occasions, The CW was even outrated by the Spanish language network Univision. This led to speculation within the industry (including a May 16, 2008, article in The Wall Street Journal) that CBS, Time Warner or both companies might abandon the venture if ratings did not improve. However, The CW's fortunes were buoyed in the 2008–09 and 2009–10 television seasons thanks to increased ratings among females in the 18–34 demographic and the buzz that some of its newer series (such as Gossip Girl, 90210 and The Vampire Diaries) had generated with audiences. Executives with CBS Corporation and Time Warner also emphasized their commitment to the network.{{Cite web |last=Josef Adalian |date=August 21, 2008 |title=CW Parents Emphasize Support of Network |url=http://adage.com/article/media/cw-parents-emphasize-support-network/130465/ |publisher=Crain Communications |periodical=AdAge |access-date=September 2, 2015 |archive-date=October 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015101401/http://adage.com/article/media/cw-parents-emphasize-support-network/130465/ |url-status=live }}

On May 5, 2009, The CW announced that it would give the five hours of network time on Sundays back to its affiliated stations that fall, effectively becoming a weeknight-only network in prime time, in addition to The CW Daytime and The CW4Kids blocks (the latter block, airing on Saturday mornings, would remain the only weekend programming supplied by the network).{{Cite news |last=Michael Malone |date=May 5, 2009 |title=Tribune Psyched to Take back Sundays on The CW |work=Broadcasting & Cable |publisher=Reed Business Information |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/tribune-psyched-take-back-sundays-cws/34685?rssid=20105 |access-date=May 6, 2009 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924125508/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/tribune-psyched-take-back-sundays-cws/34685?rssid=20105 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Andreeva | first=Nellie |date=May 6, 2009 |title=CW Drops Sundays In Another Blow to Broadcast Model |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE54514E20090506 |access-date=May 6, 2009 |archive-date=May 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508012535/http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE54514E20090506 |url-status=live }} This change meant the Sunday late afternoon repeat block that The CW inherited from the WB (formerly branded by that network as "EasyView") was discontinued. Subsequently, in mid-May, 65 percent of The CW's affiliates, including those carrying The CW Plus, signed agreements to air the replacement MGM Showcase movie package on Sundays.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva | first= Nellie | date=May 13, 2009 |title=CW Affiliates Booking MGM Movie Pack |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cw-affiliates-booking-mgm-movie-83903 |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |agency=Associated Press |periodical=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731093141/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cw-affiliates-booking-mgm-movie-83903 |url-status=live }}

On April 28, 2011, Mark Pedowitz was appointed by the network to succeed original president of entertainment Dawn Ostroff; Pedowitz was made the network's first president and assumed broader responsibilities in The CW's business operations than Ostroff had.{{Cite news |last=Lacey Rose |date=April 28, 2011 |title=Mark Pedowitz Named President of The CW |work=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mark-pedowitz-named-president-cw-183298 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731093234/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mark-pedowitz-named-president-cw-183298 |url-status=live }} As president of entertainment, Ostroff oversaw entertainment operations while John Maatta, the network's chief operating officer, handled business affairs; both reported to a board composed of CBS and Warner Bros. executives. Maatta began reporting to Pedowitz as a result of the latter's appointment as network president. Pedowitz revealed that the core target demographic of the network would not change, though The CW would attempt to lure new viewers. Pedowitz began looking to bring comedies back to The CW after Ostroff had publicly declared that the difficulty of developing comedies for its target demographic was the reason for their removal from the network following the 2008–09 season (with Everybody Hates Chris, and The Game – a spin-off of Girlfriends – becoming the last comedies to be cancelled).{{Cite news |last=Lacey Rose |date=August 4, 2011 |title=CW Chief: Network Is in Search of Close-Ended Series, Comedies and a Superhero Show |work=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cw-chief-network-is-search-219442 |access-date=September 4, 2011 |archive-date=August 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805195100/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cw-chief-network-is-search-219442 |url-status=live }} The network also ordered more episodes of its original series and ran them consecutively starting on September 12 through the first week of December without repeats.{{Cite web |last=Christina Radish |date=August 5, 2011 |title=The CW President Mark Pedowitz Talks RINGER, SUPERNATURAL, NIKITA, GOSSIP GIRL, Developing More DC Superheroes, and More |url=https://collider.com/cw-mark-pedowitz-ringer-supernatural-smallville/107697/ |access-date=September 4, 2011 |website=Collider |archive-date=September 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925081958/http://collider.com/cw-mark-pedowitz-ringer-supernatural-smallville/107697 |url-status=dead }} In July 2012, Pedowitz no longer referred to the target demographic of The CW as women 18–34, but rather that it would now be an "18–34 adult network".{{Cite news |last=Tim Molloy |date=July 30, 2012 |title=CW's Plans Include More Men, More Muppets |url=https://www.thewrap.com/tv/column-post/cws-plans-include-more-men-more-muppets-49921 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513094229/https://www.thewrap.com/tv/column-post/cws-plans-include-more-men-more-muppets-49921/ |archive-date=May 13, 2020 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |work=The Wrap |publisher=The Wrap News Inc.}}

Although the network was still not profitable, CBS and Warner Bros. were very successful in selling their CW shows overseas. In 2011, a $1 billion deal with streaming service Netflix became another way to sell CW shows.{{r|goldberg20220513}} The introduction of action-superhero series Arrow, based on DC Comics' Green Arrow, received favorable reviews from critics and became a hit with audiences when it premiered. As evidence of the network's refocusing toward a broader audience, Arrow not only premiered to some of the highest viewership totals in the network's history (the third-highest overall {{as of|2015|lc=y}}, behind the series premieres of The Vampire Diaries and The Flash), but it also gave the network its strongest performance in the demographic of males 18–34 since Smallville ended its run in May 2011. The network also found success with its summer programming in 2013 with the revival of the U.S. version of the improv comedy series Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which later became a year-round staple on the network's schedule. Arrow continued to perform strongly, leading to a spin-off with The Flash, which surpassed The Vampire Diaries as the highest-rated premiere in the network's history and became the most-watched show on the network. Jane the Virgin earned some of the highest critical praise of any series during the 2014–15 television season, and became the first CW series ever to be nominated for, and win, a Golden Globe Award, with lead actress Gina Rodriguez winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress - Television Series Musical or Comedy. Other CW shows like The Flash, The 100, and Nikita would also go on to be nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards categories, and several shows from 2011 to 2019 being nominated for categories in the Teen Choice Awards, Saturn Awards, and others.

Overall, the network ended the 2014–15 season posting its highest average total viewership in a single television season since 2007–08 with 2.15 million viewers, a 12 percent increase in total viewership year-to-year; The CW also posted its highest seasonal demographic ratings among males ages 18–49 with a 0.8 share.{{Cite web |last=Bibel |first=Sara |date=May 13, 2015 |title=The CW Delivers its Most-Watched Season in 7 Years |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/13/the-cw-delivers-its-most-watched-season-in-7-years/403500/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516004027/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/13/the-cw-delivers-its-most-watched-season-in-7-years/403500/ |archive-date=May 16, 2015 |access-date=September 2, 2015 |website=TV by the Numbers}}

Expanding on the success of the network's Arrowverse franchise, DC's Legends of Tomorrow premiered to high ratings for the network and became the most-watched show on the network's Thursday night block in two years. The 2015–16 season also saw Crazy Ex-Girlfriend become one of the most critically acclaimed shows of the season and the second show on the network to be nominated for, and win, a Golden Globe Award, with actress Rachel Bloom winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Television Series Musical or Comedy.

The network's Arrowverse expanded again with Supergirl being moved to the network from CBS for its second season. The debut of Archie Comics-based Riverdale signaled the network's foray into mining their parent studio's library of IP to create new television series based on recognizable properties. This led to another new DC Comics series, Black Lightning, and a rebooted Dynasty. While it met with poor ratings, Dynasty proved lucrative thanks to the Netflix output deal and international syndication,{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2017 |title=Q2 2017 CBS Corp Earnings Call |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/edited-transcript-cbs-earnings-conference-033925537.html |website=Yahoo! Finance |access-date=May 13, 2018 |archive-date=May 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513152723/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/edited-transcript-cbs-earnings-conference-033925537.html |url-status=live }} which earned CBS Studios millions of dollars per episode.{{r|goldberg20220513}}

Selling CW series like Dynasty to Netflix and overseas markets was so profitable for Warner Bros. and CBS that the network almost stopped cancelling shows, and expanded its broadcast schedule.{{r|goldberg20220513}} On February 14, 2018, The CW announced that it would add a 2-hour primetime block on Sunday nights beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018 (it later added a third hour in October 2023), returning the network to Sundays for the first time since the lease to Media Rights Capital ended in 2009, as well as expanding The CW's primetime slate from 10 hours a week to 12. Discussions with CBS and Warner Bros. about the expansion began as early as July 2017; both gave their approval to the move that December, with the network reaching clearance deals with key affiliate partners in early 2018.[https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/cw-sunday-primetime-block-1202698748/ "CW Plans Sunday Primetime Block for 2018-19 Season,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218230544/http://variety.com/2018/tv/news/cw-sunday-primetime-block-1202698748/ |date=February 18, 2018 }} from Variety, February 14, 2018{{Cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=February 14, 2018 |title=The CW Reclaims Sunday, Will Expand Its Schedule To 6 Nights In Fall 2018 |language=en-US |work=Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/the-cw-reclaims-sunday-expand-schedule-to-6-nights-fall-2018-1202288000/ |access-date=February 14, 2018 |archive-date=February 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214201629/http://deadline.com/2018/02/the-cw-reclaims-sunday-expand-schedule-to-6-nights-fall-2018-1202288000/ |url-status=live }}

On June 12, 2018, AT&T received antitrust approval to acquire Warner Bros. parent Time Warner, with the acquisition closing two days later. Time Warner was renamed WarnerMedia and AT&T became a co-owner of The CW with CBS.{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2018 |title=AT&T Completes Acquisition of Time Warner Inc. |url=http://about.att.com/story/att_completes_acquisition_of_time_warner_inc.html |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=AT&T |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919095512/http://about.att.com/story/att_completes_acquisition_of_time_warner_inc.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Gold |first=Hadas |title=Judge approves $85 billion AT&T-Time Warner deal |work=CNNMoney |url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/06/12/media/att-time-warner-ruling/index.html |access-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-date=July 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711204644/https://money.cnn.com/2018/06/12/media/att-time-warner-ruling/index.html |url-status=live }}

The CW debuted reboots of Charmed, Roswell, and Originals spin-off Legacies during the 2018–19 season. Despite modest ratings, their renewals – along with the renewal of the entire 2018–19 lineup (absent those series already previously announced as ending) – reflected their value to the network's founding co-owners CBS and Warner Bros., which received the windfall of selling them to Netflix and international buyers.{{Cite web |date=July 29, 2013 |title=TCA: Les Moonves Latest Exec To Try To Explain CW To TV Critics |url=https://deadline.com/2013/07/tca-cbs-ceo-les-moonves-latest-exec-to-try-to-explain-cw-to-tv-critics-551479/ |publisher=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=May 16, 2019 |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729004142/https://deadline.com/2013/07/tca-cbs-ceo-les-moonves-latest-exec-to-try-to-explain-cw-to-tv-critics-551479/ |url-status=live }} This strategy continued with the 2019–20 season debuts of the new Arrowverse series Batwoman, Riverdale spin-off Katy Keene, and Nancy Drew.

On August 13, 2019, CBS and Viacom officially announced their intention to re-merge, with the combined company to be named ViacomCBS. The merger was completed on December 4, 2019, making them officially with AT&T's WarnerMedia co-owners of The CW.{{Cite web |last1=Gasparino |first1=Charles |last2=Moynihan |first2=Lydia |date=August 13, 2019 |title=CBS, Viacom agree to merge, forming a $28B entertainment firm |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/cbs-viacom-merger-agreement |access-date=August 13, 2019 |website=Fox Business |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311031847/https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/cbs-viacom-merger-agreement |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Szalai |first1=George |last2=Bond |first2=Paul |last3=Vlessing |first3=Etan |date=August 13, 2019 |title=CBS, Viacom Strike Deal to Recombine |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cbs-viacom-strike-deal-recombine-1075545 |access-date=August 15, 2019 |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=August 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814215200/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cbs-viacom-strike-deal-recombine-1075545 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2019 |title=CBS and Viacom To Combine |url=https://www.cbscorporation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ViacomCBS-Press-Release-FINAL.pdf |website=CBS |access-date=December 1, 2019 |archive-date=August 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813190148/https://www.cbscorporation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ViacomCBS-Press-Release-FINAL.pdf |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2019 |title=Viacom and CBS Corp. are officially back together again |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/viacom-cbs-merger-stock-companies-are-officially-back-together-again/ |website=CBS News |access-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-date=December 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206105230/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/viacom-cbs-merger-stock-companies-are-officially-back-together-again/ |url-status=live }}

WarnerMedia and ViacomCBS did not renew CW's Netflix deal in 2019, intending to use their shows on the network for their own streaming services.{{r|goldberg20220513}}{{Cite web |date=May 15, 2019 |title=The CW-Netflix Deal Not Being Renewed, With Network's New Shows To Be Shopped Individually |url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/cw-netflix-deal-not-renewed-batwoman-nancy-drew-katy-keen-streaming-rights-1202615561/ |publisher=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=May 15, 2019 |archive-date=May 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515211746/https://deadline.com/2019/05/cw-netflix-deal-not-renewed-batwoman-nancy-drew-katy-keen-streaming-rights-1202615561/ |url-status=live }} International sales also mostly ended, because both companies wanted to retain rights to their own shows to compete with Netflix outside the United States.{{r|goldberg20220513}} WarnerMedia's HBO Max streaming service subsequently acquired exclusive streaming rights to Warner Bros.-produced CW shows.{{Cite web |date=October 29, 2019 |title=Scope Of HBO Max's Deal For The CW Series Revealed |url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/hbo-max-deal-the-cw-series-volume-scope-katy-keene-batwoman-1202772168/ |publisher=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122043150/https://deadline.com/2019/10/hbo-max-deal-the-cw-series-volume-scope-katy-keene-batwoman-1202772168/ |url-status=live }} This began with the 2019–20 season, with the Warner Bros.-produced Batwoman and Katy Keene debuting on HBO Max after their current seasons finished airing on The CW. The CBS Studios-produced Nancy Drew was originally announced to be heading to corporate-sibling owned CBS All Access, but appeared on HBO Max instead. The reason for this was amid the rebranding of CBS All Access to Paramount+ and the changes surrounding the ViacomCBS merger, CBS and Warner Bros. made the collective decision to have all CW shows have a singular streaming home on HBO Max.{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2021 |title=With All New CW Series Currently HBO Max-Bound, Steamer & Net Forge Ties That Go Beyond Library Content |url=https://deadline.com/2021/01/walker-republic-of-sarah-new-cw-series-hbo-max-relationship-beyond-library-content-1234672556/ |publisher=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115223942/https://deadline.com/2021/01/walker-republic-of-sarah-new-cw-series-hbo-max-relationship-beyond-library-content-1234672556/ |url-status=live }}

Beyond being the streaming home of CW programming, HBO Max shares a co-ownership connection with the network which allows for programming partnerships. This began with DC Comics series Stargirl, which The CW shared with DC Universe. DC Universe and The CW co-financed the series, with episodes premiering on DC Universe and airing the next day on The CW. After DC Universe was folded into HBO Max, Stargirl was renewed with a new co-finance deal in which The CW receives first-run airings followed by its launch on HBO Max.{{Cite web |date=May 3, 2021 |title='Kung Fu' & 'Stargirl' Renewed At The CW |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/kung-fu-stargirl-renewed-at-the-cw-1234748891/ |publisher=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503174408/https://deadline.com/2021/05/kung-fu-stargirl-renewed-at-the-cw-1234748891/ |url-status=live }} Going forward, The CW and HBO Max will continue to collaborate on potentially co-financing new projects, with the model of premiering first on HBO Max and a second run on The CW.{{Cite web |date=January 14, 2021 |title=How The CW Is Plotting a Return to Business as Usual During a Pandemic |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/how-the-cw-is-plotting-a-return-to-business-as-usual-during-a-pandemic |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115155135/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/how-the-cw-is-plotting-a-return-to-business-as-usual-during-a-pandemic |url-status=live }} "They creatively have to want the show too and believe that the show should go on their platform first for them to work," CW CEO Pedowitz said. "For us its a great model because it's a way to get excellent summer scripted programming and maximize programming across platforms."

On May 13, 2021, The CW announced that it would begin programming Saturday nights on a regular basis beginning in the 2021–22 television season, following approval of the expansion by the network's key affiliate groups.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 13, 2021 |title=The CW Expands Primetime Schedule To Saturday, Returns Weekday Afternoon Block To Affiliates |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-cw-primetime-schedule-saturday-weekday-afternoon-block-returned-affiliates-1234755841/ |publisher=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513223622/https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-cw-primetime-schedule-saturday-weekday-afternoon-block-returned-affiliates-1234755841/ |url-status=live }} As part of the deal, The CW ceased programming The CW Daytime block and returned the time to its stations. With the addition of Saturday nights, The CW has programming on every night of the week for the first time in the network's history, becoming only the sixth American English-language commercial broadcast network ever and the first since Fox to have offered prime time content on a nightly basis.{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2021 |title=The CW Expands to Saturdays This Fall, Making It a Seven-Night Network for the First Time |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/the-cw-saturday-night-launch-fall-2021-1234972898/ |publisher=Variety |access-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513223622/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/the-cw-saturday-night-launch-fall-2021-1234972898/ |url-status=live }}

On January 5, 2022, The Wall Street Journal reported that WarnerMedia and ViacomCBS were exploring a possible sale of either a majority stake or all of The CW, and that Nexstar Media Group, which became The CW's largest affiliate group when it acquired former WB-era network co-owner Tribune Broadcasting in 2019, was considered a leading bidder.{{Cite web |last=Flint |first=Joe |date=January 5, 2022 |title=WarnerMedia and ViacomCBS Are Exploring Possible Sale of CW Network |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/warnermedia-and-viacomcbs-are-exploring-possible-sale-of-cw-network-11641436892 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=The Wall Street Journal |archive-date=January 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106024412/https://www.wsj.com/articles/warnermedia-and-viacomcbs-are-exploring-possible-sale-of-cw-network-11641436892 |url-status=live }} Network president and CEO Mark Pedowitz confirmed talks of a potential sale but added that it was "too early to speculate what might happen".{{Cite web |last1=Goldberg |first1=Lesley |last2=Weprin |first2=Alex |date=January 6, 2022 |title=ViacomCBS and WarnerMedia Exploring Sale of The CW |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/the-cw-for-sale-warnermedia-viacomcbs-1235070616/ |access-date=January 9, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=January 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106130003/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/the-cw-for-sale-warnermedia-viacomcbs-1235070616/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=January 6, 2022 |title=The CW CEO Mark Pedowitz Confirms WarnerMedia & ViacomCBS Exploring "Strategic Opportunities" As Majority Stake In Network Is Shopped With Nexstar Among Suitors" As Majority Stake In Network Is Shopped With Nexstar Among Suitors – Update |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/the-cw-sale-warnermedia-viacomcbs-nexstar-1234905157 |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=January 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106063426/https://deadline.com/2022/01/the-cw-sale-warnermedia-viacomcbs-nexstar-1234905157/ |url-status=dead }} Nexstar CEO Perry Sook in Spring 2022 did not confirm the rumored buyout but stated that he would not be surprised if Nexstar owned a broadcast network.{{cite web|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/perry-sook-sees-nexstar-owning-a-broadcast-network-in-the-future|title=Perry Sook Sees Nexstar Owning a Broadcast Network in the Future|last=Lafayette|first=Jon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630121856/https://www.nexttv.com/news/perry-sook-sees-nexstar-owning-a-broadcast-network-in-the-future|archive-date=June 30, 2022|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=June 10, 2022|access-date=June 30, 2022}}

In May 2022, three months before Nexstar made their purchase official, The CW cancelled ten shows, three times the average number per year that The CW had canceled over the previous decade, including one-season shows 4400 and Naomi,{{Cite web |last=Gelman |first=Vlada |date=2022-05-12 |title=4400 Cancelled at CW After 1 Season |url=https://tvline.com/news/4400-cancelled-season-2-the-cw-1234796174/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=TVLine |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Oddo |first=Marco Vito |date=2022-05-12 |title='Naomi' Cancelled after Season 1 at The CW |url=https://collider.com/naomi-canceled-the-cw/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Collider |language=en}} and longtime fixtures including Dynasty,{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2022-05-12 |title='Dynasty' Will End With Season 5 On the CW |url=https://deadline.com/2022/05/dynasty-will-end-with-season-5-on-the-cw-1235022456/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} Legends of Tomorrow,{{Cite web |last=Shafer |first=Ellise |date=2022-04-30 |title='DC's Legends of Tomorrow' Canceled After Seven Seasons at CW |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/dcs-legends-of-tomorrow-canceled-the-cw-1235254994/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title='Legends of Tomorrow' canceled after 7 seasons: 'It's been an incredible run' |url=https://ew.com/tv/legends-of-tomorrow-canceled-after-7-seasons/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=EW.com |language=en}} Roswell, New Mexico,{{Cite web |last=Longeretta |first=Emily |date=2022-09-06 |title='Roswell, New Mexico' Showrunner Shares How He Changed Season 4 Finale Into Series Ender After Cancellation |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/roswell-new-mexico-series-finale-canceled-season-5-plans-1235360389/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} and Legacies. More shows were cancelled or given final season orders in the following months including Nancy Drew,{{Cite web |last1=Petski |first1=Denise |last2=Andreeva |first2=Nellie |date=October 27, 2022 |title='Nancy Drew' To End With Season 4 On The CW |url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/nancy-drew-end-season-4-the-cw-1235155795/ |access-date=August 24, 2023 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} Stargirl,{{Cite web |last=Campione |first=Katie |date=October 31, 2022 |title='DC's Stargirl' Will End After Season 3 At The CW |url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/dcs-stargirl-canceled-the-cw-1235158715/ |access-date=August 24, 2023 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} The Flash,{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=August 1, 2022 |title='The Flash' To End With Season 9 On The CW, Final Episode Count Revealed |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/the-flash-end-season-9-the-cw-final-episode-count-rgrant-gustin-1235082436/ |access-date=May 4, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} and Riverdale.{{cite web |author=Matt Webb Mitovich |date=November 8, 2022 |title=The CW: 'A Couple of Shows' May Survive Into Fall 2023, Says New Owner |url=https://tvline.com/2022/11/08/the-cw-shows-cancelled-renewed-next-season-fall-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112100932/https://tvline.com/2022/11/08/the-cw-shows-cancelled-renewed-next-season-fall-2023/ |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |access-date=November 12, 2022 |work=TVLine}}{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=May 19, 2022 |title='Riverdale' to End With Season 7 at CW |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/riverdale-final-season-7-cw-1235271694/ |access-date=May 5, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

In late June 2022, The Wall Street Journal indicated a purchase of The CW by Nexstar was close,{{Cite web |last=Flint |first=Joe |date=June 29, 2022 |title=Nexstar Nears Deal to Acquire Majority Control of CW Network |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/nexstar-nears-deal-to-acquire-majority-control-of-cw-network-11656537393 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629235344/https://www.wsj.com/articles/nexstar-nears-deal-to-acquire-majority-control-of-cw-network-11656537393 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=The Wall Street Journal}} and on August 15 Nexstar confirmed it had "entered into a definitive agreement" to acquire a 75% majority share in the network; the remaining 25% would be shared equally by Paramount Global (the former ViacomCBS) and Warner Bros. Discovery (the company formed by Discovery, Inc.'s acquisition of WarnerMedia from AT&T). Additionally, Nexstar stated that Mark Pedowitz would remain the chairman and CEO of The CW. Though no monetary terms were announced, Nexstar reportedly would not pay any cash or stock up front, and would absorb approximately $100 million of network debt.{{cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=August 15, 2022 |title=The CW Will Be A Profitable Network By 2025, With Broader And Cheaper Programming, New Owners At Nexstar Signal |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/the-cw-will-become-profitable-network-2025-broader-cheaper-programming-nexstar-1235092173/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |work=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815144120/https://deadline.com/2022/08/the-cw-will-become-profitable-network-2025-broader-cheaper-programming-nexstar-1235092173/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Nieto |first=Phillip |date=August 15, 2022 |title=Nexstar Media purchases 75% of CW Network from Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/nexstar-media-purchases-cw-network-warner-bros-discovery-paramount |access-date=August 15, 2022 |work=Fox Business |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815172526/https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/nexstar-media-purchases-cw-network-warner-bros-discovery-paramount |url-status=live }} The Hollywood Reporter stated that Nexstar retained $54 million based on its cash on hand, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other liabilities.{{cite web |last=Weprin |first=Alex |date=November 20, 2022 |title=Nexstar's Next Battle: Making The CW Numbers Work |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/cw-nexstar-future-deal-sale-terms-1235266033/ |access-date=December 5, 2022 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205034349/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/cw-nexstar-future-deal-sale-terms-1235266033/ |url-status=live }} As the sale did not entail the transfer of any FCC broadcast licenses, Nexstar immediately took operational control of the network.{{cite web |last=Messmer |first=Jack |date=August 15, 2022 |title=Nexstar Management Of CW Is Immediate |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-management-of-cw-is-immediate/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |work=TVNewsCheck |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815170609/https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-management-of-cw-is-immediate/ |url-status=live }}

Nexstar, in a conference call that took place the day its purchase was announced, indicated a desire to run The CW cost-consciously. Citing research that indicated the network spends "almost twice" the amount other broadcast networks spend on programming, a partial reason for the May 2022 cancellations, Nexstar stated that it planned to seek shows with smaller production budgets and/or a reasonably-priced acquisition fee, including unscripted fare, syndicated content, and other content that can create profits through broadcast airings. Nexstar also stated that it aimed for The CW to turn a profit by 2025.

In the conference call, Nexstar indicated that it wanted to convert The CW into a network with broad appeal. It cited data indicating that the young audience which The CW focused upon preferred watching its shows through streaming platforms instead of during live broadcasts, while the average audience of a broadcast CW affiliate was approximately 58 years old. Nexstar indicated that it would focus on the older audiences as well and not just the younger demographic.{{cite web |date=August 15, 2022 |title=Nexstar Media Group to Acquire The CW Network |url=https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar-media-group-to-acquire-the-cw-network/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |work=Nexstar Media Group, Inc. |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815110032/https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar-media-group-to-acquire-the-cw-network/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/nexstar-expects-the-cw-to-be-profitable-by-2025|title=Nexstar Expects The CW To Be Profitable by 2025|last=Lafayette|first=Jon|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=August 15, 2022|access-date=August 15, 2022|archive-date=August 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816174230/https://www.nexttv.com/news/nexstar-expects-the-cw-to-be-profitable-by-2025|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/nexstar-acquires-cw-network-warner-bros-discovery-paramount/|title=Nexstar to Acquire 75% Controlling Stake in The CW Network|last=Lindsay|first=Benjamin|work=The Wrap|date=August 15, 2022|access-date=August 15, 2022|archive-date=August 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815131705/https://www.thewrap.com/nexstar-acquires-cw-network-warner-bros-discovery-paramount/|url-status=live}} In particular, Nexstar was reported to have been seeking older-skewing dramas, police procedurals, and sitcoms.{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=August 29, 2022|title=The CW Widens Programming Scope To Include Sitcoms & Procedurals, Begins Testing Outside Studio Deals With 'The Hatpin Society' From EP Rachel Bloom|url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/the-cw-programming-plans-nexstar-future-the-hatpin-society-1235101264/|access-date=August 30, 2022|work=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=August 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830013047/https://deadline.com/2022/08/the-cw-programming-plans-nexstar-future-the-hatpin-society-1235101264/|url-status=live}}

Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery would still produce content for The CW as primary content suppliers, though Nexstar noted that the arrangement would be primarily for the 2022–23 broadcast season. It indicated that it "will have the option to extend the partnership" with Paramount and WBD beyond that season.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/nexstar-cw-network-majority-control-deal/|title=Nexstar Close to Deal to Buy Majority Stake in The CW (Report)|last=Katz|first=Brandon|work=The Wrap|date=June 29, 2022|access-date=June 30, 2022|archive-date=June 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630121857/https://www.thewrap.com/nexstar-cw-network-majority-control-deal/|url-status=live}} Nexstar stated in September 2022 that it would seek to supplement The CW's content by acquiring projects from studios beyond solely Paramount and WBD.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-07/nexstar-is-looking-for-new-shows-as-it-acquires-the-cw-network|title=Nexstar Is Looking for New Shows as It Acquires the CW Network|last=Shields|first=Todd|work=Bloomberg|date=September 7, 2022|access-date=September 7, 2022|archive-date=September 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926134549/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-07/nexstar-is-looking-for-new-shows-as-it-acquires-the-cw-network|url-status=live}} while any The CW content not licensed to other streaming services would continue to appear on its own streaming platform CW Seed.

On October 3, Nexstar officially announced that it had closed the deal to acquire the majority ownership of The CW. Longtime chairman and CEO Mark Pedowitz resigned from his role, with Dennis Miller taking over as the president of The CW.{{Cite web|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=October 3, 2022|title=Mark Pedowitz Will Leave CW Amid Nexstar Acquisition|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/mark-pedowitz-cw-departure-nexstar-1235390915/|access-date=October 3, 2022|website=Variety|archive-date=October 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003120421/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/mark-pedowitz-cw-departure-nexstar-1235390915/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=October 3, 2022|title=Mark Pedowitz's Farewell Message To The CW Staff: "May All Of You Continue To Dare To Defy The Naysayers"|url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/mark-pedowitz-farewell-message-the-cw-staff-exit-1235133350/|access-date=October 3, 2022|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=October 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003123412/https://deadline.com/2022/10/mark-pedowitz-farewell-message-the-cw-staff-exit-1235133350/|url-status=live}} Rick Haskins, The CW's chief branding officer and president of the network's streaming division, as well as chief financial officer Mitch Nedick were let go on the same day.{{Cite web|date=November 2, 2022|title=Nexstar Parts Ways With The CW's Heads of Finance, Marketing (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nexstar-parts-ways-with-the-cws-heads-of-finance-marketing-exclusive-1235232339/|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|access-date=November 2, 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-date=November 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102212636/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nexstar-parts-ways-with-the-cws-heads-of-finance-marketing-exclusive-1235232339/|url-status=live}} Thirty to forty employees were laid off on November 1, including several executives.{{Cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=November 2, 2022|title=CW Layoffs: More Details Emerge About Executives Who Exited In Tuesday Cuts|url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/cw-layoffs-executives-names-betty-ellen-berlamino-1235161299/|access-date=November 2, 2022|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=November 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102173547/https://deadline.com/2022/11/cw-layoffs-executives-names-betty-ellen-berlamino-1235161299/|url-status=live}} Longtime executive Paul Hewitt was replaced with Beth Feldman as the senior vice president of the network's communications unit.{{cite web|date=November 1, 2022|title=Nexstar Replaces Longtime CW Comms Chief Paul Hewitt With Beth Feldman|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/cw-paul-hewitt-nexstar-replaced-beth-feldman-1235420191/|access-date=November 2, 2022|work=Variety|archive-date=November 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102024831/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/cw-paul-hewitt-nexstar-replaced-beth-feldman-1235420191/|url-status=live}} On the following day, Brad Schwartz was appointed as the president for the entertainment division, overseeing programming strategy, creative and brand development, and day-to-day operations.{{Cite web|date=November 2, 2022|title=The CW Network names Brad Schwartz as president, entertainment|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/seattle/news/the-cw-network-names-brad-schwartz-as-president-entertainment/|access-date=November 2, 2022|work=CBS News|archive-date=November 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102204918/https://www.cbsnews.com/seattle/news/the-cw-network-names-brad-schwartz-as-president-entertainment/|url-status=live}}

On November 8, Nexstar announced that the carryover programming from the former majority parent companies of The CW, Paramount and WBD, would be minimal by the 2023–24 season.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/cw-shows-paramount-warner-bros-discovery-nexstar-2023-2024-1235426407/|title=CW's Carryover Programming From Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery Will Be Minimal by 2023-2024 Season, Nexstar CFO Says|last=Maas|first=Jennifer|work=Variety|date=November 8, 2022|access-date=November 8, 2022|archive-date=November 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108163725/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/cw-shows-paramount-warner-bros-discovery-nexstar-2023-2024-1235426407/|url-status=live}}

On February 1, 2023, The CW appointed Heather Olander as the head of unscripted programming,{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/the-cw-to-develop-innovative-non-scripted-series-heather-olander-1235246978/|title=The CW To Develop "Innovative" Non-Scripted Series That "Catalyze Conversations" As Network Confirms Heather Olander As Unscripted Chief|last=White|first=Peter|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 1, 2023|access-date=February 2, 2023|archive-date=February 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201235419/https://deadline.com/2023/02/the-cw-to-develop-innovative-non-scripted-series-heather-olander-1235246978/|url-status=live}} a position under which she reports to Schwartz.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-cw-heather-olander-unscripted-1235315626/|title=The CW Hires Perhaps Its Most Important Executive|author=Rick Porter|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 1, 2023|access-date=February 2, 2023|archive-date=February 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201223905/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-cw-heather-olander-unscripted-1235315626/|url-status=live}} In a shift away from scripted programming, it also let go of Executive VP for Current Programming Michael Roberts, and Executive VP for Development Gaye Hirsch, among other layoffs on the following day.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-cw-layoffs-development-current-department-heads-1235316747/|title=The CW Guts Development, Current Departments in Latest Shift Away From Scripted Originals (Exclusive)|author=Lesley Goldberg|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 2, 2023|access-date=February 6, 2023|archive-date=February 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205230832/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-cw-layoffs-development-current-department-heads-1235316747/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/the-cw-hgaye-hirsch-michael-roberts-executive-departures-nexstar-1235160802/|title=The CW Head Of Development Gaye Hirsch & Head Of Current Michael Roberts Among Latest Executive Departures Under New Nexstar Regime|author=Nellie Andreeva|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 2, 2023|access-date=February 7, 2023|archive-date=February 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207030828/https://deadline.com/2023/02/the-cw-hgaye-hirsch-michael-roberts-executive-departures-nexstar-1235160802/|url-status=live}} The CW appointed Chris Spadaccini as the chief marketing officer on February 6, 2023,{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-cw-chris-spadaccini-head-marketing-1235318782/|title=Chris Spadaccini to Lead Marketing at The CW|author=Rick Porter|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 6, 2023|access-date=February 11, 2023|archive-date=February 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211071107/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-cw-chris-spadaccini-head-marketing-1235318782/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/chris-spadaccini-joins-cw-chief-marketing-officer-1235251237/|title=Former Warner Media Exec Chris Spadaccini Joins CW As Chief Marketing Officer|author=Lynette Rice|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 6, 2023|access-date=February 11, 2023|archive-date=February 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211071106/https://deadline.com/2023/02/chris-spadaccini-joins-cw-chief-marketing-officer-1235251237/|url-status=live}} and Tom Martin as the head of business affairs and general counsel on February 9, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-cw-tom-martin-business-affairs-general-counsel-1235518384/|title=The CW Names Tom Martin Head of Business Affairs and General Counsel|author=Selome Hailu|date=February 9, 2023|access-date=February 11, 2023|archive-date=February 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211054325/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-cw-tom-martin-business-affairs-general-counsel-1235518384/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/tom-martin-the-cw-network-head-of-business-affairs/|title=The CW Taps Tom Martin as Head of Business Affairs and General Counsel|author=Natalie Oganesyan|work=TheCW|date=February 9, 2023|access-date=February 11, 2023|archive-date=February 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211071106/https://www.thewrap.com/tom-martin-the-cw-network-head-of-business-affairs/|url-status=live}} It later appointed Betzy Slenzak as the vice president of unscripted programming on March 30, 2023, and Ashley Hovey as the network's first chief digital officer on April 11, 2023.{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=March 30, 2023 |title=The CW Bolsters Unscripted Further With Hire Of NBCU's Betsy Slenzak |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/the-cw-bolsters-unscripted-hiring-nbcu-betsy-slenzak-1235312942/ |access-date=April 1, 2023 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=April 11, 2023 |title=The CW Adds Roku's Ashley Hovey as Its First-Ever Chief Digital Officer |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-cw-chief-digital-officer-ashley-hovey-1235579434/ |access-date=April 18, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

On May 18, 2023, The CW unveiled its schedule for the 2023–24 broadcast season, consisting mostly of acquired shows from outside the United States, and unscripted series.{{Cite web |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |last2=Maas |first2=Jennifer |date=May 18, 2023 |title=The CW 2023 Upfront Takeaways: Superheroes (Mostly) Fly Away While Acquisitions Rule — For Now |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/cw-2023-upfronts-superheroes-acquisitions-1235617473/ |access-date=May 19, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} Schwartz criticized the previous co-owners of the network, stating that it would no longer exist for benefiting them, and that the shows left over from the previous regimes did not perform well on linear broadcast. He added that in order to achieve profitability, The CW was focusing on acquired shows and co-productions while expanding its audience.{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=May 18, 2023 |title=Superhero Shows "Had Their Time" as New CW Leaders Outline Plans to Make Network "Bigger and Profitable" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nextar-pitches-cw-reinvention-less-superheroes-older-audience-1235495292/ |access-date=June 20, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} He also revealed that the network was in production or negotiations for a total of 72 shows.{{Cite web |last1=White |first1=Peter

|date=May 18, 2023 |title=The CW "No Longer Built For The Benefit Of Studios,” Says Brad Schwartz As He Reveals 70 Scripted & Unscripted Series In Production & Development |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/the-cw-no-longer-built-for-the-benefit-of-studios-brad-schwartz-70-projects-1235371562/ |access-date=May 19, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}}

On February 25, 2023, CW Sports was launched by acquiring the rights to LIV Golf and soon expanded by acquiring ACC college football and basketball games,{{cite web |title=ACC Football and Basketball Coming to The CW Network This Fall |url=https://theacc.com/news/2023/7/13/general-acc-football-and-basketball-coming-to-the-cw-network-this-fall.aspx |website=theacc.com |access-date=July 13, 2023 |language=en |date=July 13, 2023}} Inside the NFL,{{cite web|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|url=https://tvline.com/news/inside-the-nfl-release-date-september-2023-the-cw-1234996537/|title='Revamped' Inside the NFL to Air on The CW During the 2023 Football Season|website=TVLine|date=June 7, 2023|access-date=June 7, 2023}} the NASCAR Xfinity Series,{{efn|The CW's deal to broadcast the NASCAR Xfinity Series was supposed to start with the 2025 season-opener, but was pushed up to the 26th race of the 2024 season, which was the Food City 300.{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=July 28, 2023 |title=The CW Adds NASCAR to Sports Portfolio |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nascar-the-cw-xfinity-series-1235546975/ |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-04-11 |title=NASCAR's new Xfinity TV deal with CW Network to get an early start |url=https://us.motorsport.com/nascar-xs/news/nascar-new-xfinity-tv-deal-with-cw-network-to-get-an-early-start-/10597631/ |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=us.motorsport.com |language=en}}}} and WWE NXT.{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=2023-11-07 |title='WWE NXT' Moving to The CW From USA in 2024 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wwe-nxt-leaving-usa-for-the-cw-1235638788/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} In August 2023, Schwartz stated that the network was involved in many upcoming US-produced scripted shows and will focus on getting monetization rights on any scripted content it broadcasts, while producing shows at a profitable price point. He also stated that they were using sports programming for bringing in new and older audiences.{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=August 6, 2023 |title=The CW Is Adding Jesus and Sports. But Its Top Programmer Says It's Still the Same Network |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-cw-chosen-sports-brad-schwartz-1235550735/ |access-date=June 20, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}} Nexstar CEO Perry Sook later stated that, beyond causing the delay of four scripted shows, the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes did not have much impact on The CW's fall schedule, adding that they would not affect the network's future progress.{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=May 18, 2023 |title=Strike Impact On The CW "Won't Hurt Our Forward Progress, "Nexstar CEO Perry Sook Says: "We Kind Of Like Our Chances In This Chaotic Environment" |url=https://deadline.com/2023/08/the-cw-looking-like-fox-nexstar-ceo-perry-sook-sports-wga-sag-strike-1235457318/ |access-date=August 10, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}}

In January 2024, during the 29th Critics' Choice Awards, The CW launched a new brand identity by DixonBaxi—which updated the logo with a bolder appearance, changed the network's main color from green to red-orange, and introduced a new "stage" device used in promos (formed by extending the C lettering from the logo), as well as a new sound trademark of a struck match. Spadaccini explained that the rebranding was intended to help make the network's brand more consistent and optimized for digital platforms, the word "The" was removed from the logo to streamline its appearance (especially in use cases such as "CW Original" or "CW Sports"). Spadaccini said that the network's name and verbal branding would remain "The CW.”{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Michael |date=January 12, 2024 |title=The CW Unveils New Branding Look, Dropping the 'The' and Embracing a 'Hot Sauce' Color Palette (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-cw-new-branding-logo-look-critics-choice-awards-1235870260/ |access-date=January 12, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

The CW unveiled its fall schedule for the 2024–25 broadcast season in May 2024, with programming consisting of co-produced scripted series, game shows, unscripted series, and an expansion of CW Sports.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 16, 2024 |title=The CW Fall 2024-25 Schedule |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/the-cw-fall-2024-25-schedule-superman-amp-lois-season-4-sullivans-crossing-1235918405/ |access-date=May 23, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}} Three of its four remaining pre-Nexstar scripted series, Superman & Lois, All American: Homecoming, and Walker, would conclude that year,{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title=All American: Homecoming Cancelled; EP Nkechi Okoro Carroll "Devastated" That Show Will End With Season 3 On CW|url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/all-american-homecoming-cancelled-season-3-final-1235959307/|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 5, 2024}}{{Cite web|last=Hailu |first=Selome |title='Superman & Lois' to End With Season 4 at the CW |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/superman-and-lois-end-season-4-cw-1235778555/ |date=November 2, 2023 |website=Variety}}{{Cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title=Walker Canceled By CW After 4 Seasons|url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/walker-canceled-cw-4-seasons-1235926564/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=May 21, 2024}} leaving All American as the sole remaining legacy series to continue beyond the 2023-24 season.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=June 3, 2024 |title='All American' Renewed For Season 7 By The CW |url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/all-american-renewed-season-7-cw-1235957778/ |access-date=June 7, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood|language=en-US}} Miller and Schwartz revealed that the network planned to air its own television films later in 2024, with Miller adding that they planned to do more deals for sports programming. The CW's losses meanwhile declined by $50 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to the $100 million loss during the quarter when Nexstar acquired it.{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |title=CW Bosses on Doing Original TV Movies, Landing WWE's 'NXT,' and Potential New Sports Rights Deals |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/cw-original-movies-nxt-sports-rights-deals-1236006189/ |date= May 16, 2024 |access-date=June 19, 2024 |website=Variety}} In June 2024, Schwartz stated that he hoped to have more scripted series on air, but their new financial model necessitated finding production partners.{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Michael |title=The CW's Brad Schwartz Dismisses Concerns That Canadian Series on U.S. TV Are Seen as a 'Discount Bin' |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-cw-brad-schwartz-canada-1236033952/ |date= June 11, 2024 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=Variety}} CW Studios was launched in August 2024 after The CW pulled The Librarians: The Next Chapter from their fall schedule and sold the series to TNT.{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |title=How 'The Librarians: The Next Chapter' Landed A Two-Season Order At TNT & Turned The CW Into A Studio| url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/the-librarians-the-next-chapter-season-2-tnt-1236049235/| date=August 23, 2024 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} The CW retained a stake in the series through the newly formed studio, providing the network with an in-house production arm.

Miller departed as president of The CW in October 2024, with Brad Schwartz being promoted to fill the role.{{cite web|last=Weprin|first=Alex|title=The CW Undergoes Layoffs As It Seeks to "Transform" Network to Reach "Broader" Audience|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/the-cw-layoffs-network-cuts-sports-1236060190/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 12, 2024|access-date=November 18, 2024}} In November 2024, Nexstar reported that The CW had reduced its operating losses by $119 million year-to-date, exceeding the goal of $100 million for the year. Nexstar executives attributed this to lower cost programming and credited the growing CW Sports portfolio for increasing the network's viewership.{{cite web|last=Cobb|first=Kayla|title=Nexstar Reduces CW Operating Losses by $119 Million, Surpassing Expectations|url=https://www.thewrap.com/nexstar-reduces-cw-operating-losses-119-million/|work=The Wrap|date=November 7, 2024|access-date=November 7, 2024}} The CW underwent a round of layoffs later in the same month to streamline the network's focus on sports and unscripted programming, with Liz Wise Lyall, head of the scripted programming department, and Betsy Slenzak, vice president of the unscripted programming department, exiting.{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title=The CW Undergoes Layoffs With Scripted PR Hit Hard; Read Brad Schwartz's Memo To Staff|url=https://deadline.com/2024/11/the-cw-layoffs-scripted-pr-1236174249/|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=November 12, 2024|access-date=November 12, 2024}}

Michael Perman was appointed as the Senior Vice President of CW Sports in February 2025, overseeing programming and media rights for the division.{{cite web|last=Vlessing|first=Etan|title=The CW Network Taps Michael Perman to Lead Sports Efforts|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/cw-network-michael-perman-1236135746/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 11, 2025|access-date=February 14, 2025}} Nexstar President and COO Mike Biard stated later in the same month that the sports portfolio would account for 40% of the programming of The CW in 2025 and the network would become profitable by 2026.{{cite web|last=Hayes|first=Dade|title=The CW Will Become Profitable In 2026, Nexstar Reaffirms, With 40% Of Its Programming Now Sports|url=https://deadline.com/2025/02/the-cw-broadcast-tv-network-profit-2026-nexstar-sports-1236303664/|work=Deadline Hollywood |date=February 27, 2025|access-date=March 8, 2025}} By the end of the fiscal year 2024-25, The CW had reduced its year-over-year losses by $126 million.{{cite web|last=Cobb|first=Kayla|title=Hot Off the Success of NASCAR and WWE, CW Bosses Are Programming With Sports Viewers in Mind|url=https://www.thewrap.com/the-cw-brad-schwartz-mike-perman-interview/|work=TheWrap|date=May 7, 2025|access-date=May 8, 2025}} During the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025-26, The CW recorded its strongest primetime performance in the past eight quarters,{{cite web|last=Maas|first=Jennifer|title=This Far Into a Revamp, Here's Why The CW Still Isn't Looking for a Rebrand|url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/cw-rebrand-explained-programming-all-american-1236393686/|work=Variety|date=May 12, 2025|access-date=May 31, 2025}} despite increasing its loss compared to the previous quarter.{{cite web|last=Maas|first=Jennifer|title=CW Loss Increases by 'Mid-Teen Millions' in Q1 as Nexstar Continues to Project 2026 Profitability Goal|url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/cw-loss-increases-2026-profitability-goal-1236390115/|work=Variety|date=May 8, 2025|access-date=May 31, 2025}}

{{Main|List of programs broadcast by The CW}}

As of October 1, 2023, The CW provides 18 hours of regularly scheduled network programming each week, over the course of seven days. The network offers 15 hours of prime time programming to its owned-and-operated and affiliated stations, airing from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Time on Monday through Saturday nights and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Eastern and Pacific) on Sunday nights.{{Cite web |title=The CW Broadcast Schedule |url=https://www.cwtv.com/schedule/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001183456/https://www.cwtv.com/schedule/ |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |access-date=November 2, 2023 |website=The CW Network |language=en}} Outside of prime time, a three-hour educational programming block called "One Magnificent Morning" (which airs as part of The CW schedule through a time-lease agreement with Hearst Media Production Group) airs on Saturday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in all time zones, subject to reschedulings due to local or CW sports broadcasts.

Similar to Fox, along with network forerunners the WB and UPN, The CW uses the "common prime" scheduling practice, avoiding the 10:00 p.m. (Eastern and Pacific) hour broadcast by the "Big Three" networks (NBC, CBS, and ABC). The network, unlike the Big Three, does not air any national newscasts, late-night programming, and, since 2021, daytime programming (outside of sports). It also did not run prime-time programming on Saturday nights and during the primetime access hour on Sundays until the 2021–22 and 2023–24 broadcast seasons respectively. Because of these factors, The CW's affiliates handle the responsibility of programming non-network time periods, with the majority of its stations filling those slots mainly with syndicated programming. However, some of the network's affiliates broadcast their own local news and/or sports programs (either produced by the station itself or through outsourcing agreements with an affiliate of another network), preempting network prime time programming to a specific time period (New York City affiliate WPIX, for instance, preempts CW prime time to the afternoon hours).

The Hearst-produced Saturday morning block, One Magnificent Morning (which is subject to scheduling variances similar to the weekday hour in some markets, such as in Atlanta and San Diego), is designed to be tape delayed and therefore recommended to air in the same time slot in all time zones. However, it is broadcast one hour earlier on affiliates of The CW Plus in the Central, Mountain and Alaska Time Zones. In Guam, CW Plus affiliate KTKB-LD in Hagåtña airs The CW lineup on a one-day tape delay from its initial broadcast because of the time difference between Guam and the continental United States as the island is on the west side of the International Date Line.

Supernatural (which initially aired on the WB) was the final CW series carried over from either of the network's respective predecessors that continued to be broadcast, airing its final episode in November 2020.

The CW formerly aired short segments during commercial breaks within certain episodes of its programs known as "Content Wraps" – a play on the network's name – to advertise one company's product during part or the entirety of a commercial break, a concept since classified under the term of native advertising. The entertainment magazine series CW Now was inspired in part by the success of the Content Wraps as it was intended to be a series with product placement;{{Cite web |last=Steven Mallas |date=September 25, 2007 |title="CW Now": Content or Commercial? |url=http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/09/25/cw-now-content-or-commercial.aspx |website=The Motley Fool |access-date=September 30, 2007 |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012002003/http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/09/25/cw-now-content-or-commercial.aspx |url-status=live }} the program was canceled in 2008, after a single 23-episode season. For the 2006–07 season, The CW reached an agreement with American Eagle Outfitters to incorporate tie-ins with the company's aerie clothing line as part of the Content Wrap concept within the network's Tuesday night schedule, which included subjects in the commercials commenting on plot points in each of the shows.{{cn|date=August 2024}} The agreement was cut down to regular advertising in February 2007, after a fan backlash by viewers of both shows and general criticism of the campaign.{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2006 |title=The Aerie Girls and Terrible TV Advertising |url=http://www.makemewatchtv.com/2006/10/04/the-aerie-girls-and-terrible-tv-advertising/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918085714/http://www.makemewatchtv.com/2006/10/04/the-aerie-girls-and-terrible-tv-advertising/ |archive-date=September 18, 2010 |access-date=December 14, 2010 |website=Make Me Watch TV }}

Prior to Nexstar ownership, the network did not produce national news content. However, on December 6, 2023, The CW simulcast new sister network NewsNation's coverage of the fourth 2024 Republican Party presidential debate. The debate marked the first national news program aired on the network under Nexstar ownership.{{Cite news |last=Weprin |first=Alex|date=November 9, 2023 |title=NewsNation and The CW Snag GOP Primary Debate, Megyn Kelly and Elizabeth Vargas to Moderate|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/newsnation-the-cw-republican-primary-debate-megyn-kelly-elizabeth-vargas-1235643004/ |access-date=November 9, 2023}} The partnership drew a combined 4 million viewers.

As part of the company's efforts to expand its linear reach and the success between The CW and NewsNation's airing of one the GOP primary debates, Nexstar began distributing a Sunday morning talk show in a collaboration between The CW, NewsNation and The Hill. CW president of entertainment Brad Schwartz said that the show would have both CW and The Hill branding.{{cite web|title=Nexstar Plans Weekend NewsNation Politics Talk Show for The CW|url=https://www.thewrap.com/the-hill-sunday-politics-talk-show-cw-nexstar/|work=The Wrap|date=February 16, 2024|access-date=February 19, 2024}} It was announced that Chris Stirewalt would anchor a new political Sunday show called The Hill Sunday; the program, which NewsNation launched on March 3, 2024, began airing on The CW on April 7, 2024.{{cite web|title=Chris Stirewalt Aims to Break From Trend of Media 'Malpractice' With Sunday NewsNation Show |url=https://www.thewrap.com/chris-stirewalt-newsnation-sunday-show/|work=The Wrap|date=February 29, 2024|access-date=February 29, 2024}} The CW also aired NewsNation's 2024 United States presidential election night coverage along with a 2025 town hall with President Donald Trump hosted by Chris Cuomo.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-22 |title=NewsNation announces 2024 election coverage |url=https://www.newscaststudio.com/2024/10/22/newsnation-2024-election-coverage-plans/ |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=NewscastStudio |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=May 2, 2025 |title=NewsNation Sees Nearly 750,000 Viewers for Donald Trump Town Hall Hosted by Chris Cuomo |url=https://barrettmedia.com/2025/05/02/newsnation-sees-nearly-750000-viewers-for-donald-trump-town-hall-hosted-by-chris-cuomo/ |access-date=May 3, 2025 |website=Barrett Media |language=en-US}}

Most of The CW's affiliates do not have autonomous news operations. The network has six affiliates that produce their own local news programming, which were all carry-overs from previous affiliations: WPIX in New York City, WGN in Chicago, and KTLA in Los Angeles started their news departments as independent stations and/or during early affiliations with other networks including DuMont (KTLA) and CBS (WGN); WCCB in Charlotte, North Carolina,{{Cite news |last=Mark Washburn |date=April 18, 2013 |title=Channel 18 to be new home of CW network |work=The Charlotte Observer |publisher=The McClatchy Company |agency=McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/04/18/3990396/channel-18-to-be-new-home-of-cw.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927013236/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/04/18/3990396/channel-18-to-be-new-home-of-cw.html |archive-date=September 27, 2013}} started its news operation as a Fox affiliate in 2000, and had also aired local newscasts when it was an ABC affiliate from 1967 to 1978; WISH-TV in Indianapolis (formerly CBS) {{Cite news |last1=Jeff Newman |last2=Anthony Schoettle |date=October 1, 2014 |title=WISH-TV Expanding Daily Newscasts by Four Hours |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/49771-wish-tv-expanding-daily-newscasts-by-four-hours |access-date=December 17, 2014 |archive-date=December 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208192115/http://www.ibj.com/articles/49771-wish-tv-expanding-daily-newscasts-by-four-hours |url-status=live }} has been airing local news since 1956, and KRON-TV in San Francisco (formerly NBC and MyNetworkTV) has produced local news since 1957. KTLA has the largest number of weekly hours devoted to local news programming of any CW affiliate, and any broadcast television station in the United States, with {{frac|94|3|4}} hours of scheduled news each week.

Other CW-affiliated stations maintained in-house news operations, but have since disaffiliated from the network or discontinued in-house production. One example of this is WGN-TV in Chicago, who maintains a news department since it launched as a CBS affiliate in 1948; the station transitioned into a news-intensive outlet during its tenures with The WB and The CW, and retained a news-heavy format after disaffiliating from the network for eight years beginning in September 2016. Another one is KCWI-TV in Des Moines, Iowa; the station broadcasts a morning news and talk program, which transitioned from an in-house production to a brand extension during Good Morning America of ABC affiliate WOI-DT's morning newscast on April 11, 2016, as a result of Nexstar's acquisition of KCWI.{{Cite news |last=Timothy Meinch |date=March 20, 2016 |title=KCWI-TV has new owner, morning show changes planned |work=Des Moines Register |publisher=Gannett Company |url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2016/03/20/kcwi-tv-changes-hands-loses-morning-show/82017610/ |access-date=April 17, 2017}}

News programming on CW affiliates – if the station carries any – is often outsourced to another major network affiliate in the market, especially if they are operated as part of a duopoly or management agreement, such as Nexstar's respective CW-Fox duopolies of KWGN-TV/KDVR in Denver and KPLR-TV/KTVI in St. Louis;{{Cite web |last=Harry A. Jessell |date=September 16, 2008 |title=Denver, St. Louis To Get Fox-CW Duops |url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/25485/denver-st-louis-to-get-foxcw-duops |website=TVNewsCheck |publisher=NewsCheck Media |access-date=October 12, 2013 |archive-date=December 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230004712/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/25485/denver-st-louis-to-get-foxcw-duops |url-status=live }} and CW affiliate WTVW and ABC affiliate WEHT in Evansville, Indiana (a de facto duopoly formed through Nexstar's 2011 purchase of WEHT and trade of WTVW to partner group Mission Broadcasting).{{Cite news |last=Jacob Newkirk |date=November 22, 2011 |title=Big changes coming to News 25 and Local 7 |work=Evansville Courier & Press |publisher=E. W. Scripps Company |url=http://www.courierpress.com/news/2011/nov/22/no-headline---ev_tv/ |access-date=November 28, 2011 |archive-date=November 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126025942/http://www.courierpress.com/news/2011/nov/22/no-headline---ev_tv/ |url-status=live }} WPHL-TV in Philadelphia began producing its own morning news show on March 9, 2015, while continuing to air a prime time newscast produced by ABC O&O WPVI-TV, which launched on September 15, 2012 (WPHL also ran its own news department as a WB affiliate from 1996 to the end of 2005).

The scheduling of news programming on The CW's affiliates often mirrors that of Fox stations, with morning newscasts designed to compete with the national morning shows on ABC, CBS and NBC in the 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. time slot (in duopolies, these are typically an extension of a sister station's morning newscast) and a prime time newscast within the 10:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. Eastern/Pacific (9:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Central/Mountain) time slot, though some may only air for 35 minutes to match up with network late night schedules. Rarely (but more common on the few major-market CW affiliates with in-house news departments), they may also include midday and/or early evening newscasts, including the network newscast slot of 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT.

{{Main|CW Sports}}

The CW agreed to a three-year broadcast deal in January 2023 with LIV Golf, a professional golf tour financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, marking the first-ever national sports broadcasting contract for both the network and the tour.{{cite news |last1=Strauss |first1=Ben |last2=Bonesteel |first2=Matt |date=January 19, 2023 |title=After a year of streaming, LIV Golf finds a television partner |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/01/19/liv-golf-cw-tv-deal/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119162637/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/01/19/liv-golf-cw-tv-deal/ |archive-date=January 19, 2023}} On February 14, 2023, the network said their LIV Golf coverage would be available in 100 percent of media markets in the United States, but encountered numerous affiliates that declined carriage of the tour, including all eight owned by Paramount Global. Consequently, LIV coverage in those affected markets aired on Nexstar-owned stations or subchannels, or on other stations via secondary affiliation agreements.{{cite news |last=Rice |first=Lynette |date=February 14, 2023 |title=LIV Golf Tour Clears 100 Percent Of US Markets (But Not All CW Stations) |work=Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/liv-golf-tour-clears-100-percent-of-cw-stations-1235259435/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214182515/https://deadline.com/2023/02/liv-golf-tour-clears-100-percent-of-cw-stations-1235259435/ |archive-date=February 14, 2023}}{{Cite news |last1=Rice |first1=Lynette |last2=Hayes |first2=Dade |date=February 24, 2023 |title=LIV On CW: Behind Nexstar's Drive To Secure TV Stations For Controversial Golf League |language=en-US |website=Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/liv-cw-nexstar-mexico-tourney-ad-buys-stations-expectations-1235268778/ |access-date=September 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225000150/https://deadline.com/2023/02/liv-cw-nexstar-mexico-tourney-ad-buys-stations-expectations-1235268778/ |archive-date=February 25, 2023}} Both the network and Nexstar were criticized by the National Press Club for participating in alleged sportswashing by the Saudi government following the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2023/01/19/cw-nexstar-liv-golf-partnership-controversy-saudi-arabia/|title=CW Owner Nexstar Called Out for Partnering With Saudi-Backed LIV Golf: 'Saudi Arabia Murdered a Journalist'|first=Matt Webb|last=Mitovich|work=TVLine|date=January 19, 2022|access-date=January 20, 2022|archive-date=January 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120045241/https://tvline.com/2023/01/19/cw-nexstar-liv-golf-partnership-controversy-saudi-arabia/|url-status=live}}

The CW announced on July 13 that it had acquired the exclusive broadcast rights to 50 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) college football and basketball games each season through 2026–27, with Raycom Sports producing the broadcasts.{{cite web|last=Maas|first=Jennifer|title=The CW Scores Four-Season Rights to 50 ACC College Football and Basketball Games From Raycom, ESPN|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/afc-football-basketball-games-the-cw-1235669752/|website=Variety|date=July 13, 2023}}

On July 28, The CW announced it had picked up the media rights to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in a seven-year deal starting in 2025 and going through the 2031 season. The CW will broadcast 33 races annually, along with practice and qualifying events. NASCAR Productions will produce the broadcasts.{{cite web|last=Stern|first=Adam|title=@A_S12|url=https://twitter.com/A_S12/status/1684896578975240192?t=sNT2N8tWtfNLGihaKORemg&s=19|website=Twitter|date=July 28, 2023}} On April 11, 2024, it was announced that the deal's start was pushed up to September 2024, beginning with the 26th race of the season and regular season finale, the Food City 300.

On November 7, 2023, it was announced that WWE NXT would be moving to The CW from USA Network in a five-year deal that began in October 2024.{{cite web |last=Goldsmith |first=Jill |date=November 7, 2023 |title=The CW Adds WWE's NXT To Sports Lineup; Five-Year Deal Will See Showcase For Up-And-Coming Wrestlers Move From USA Network |url=https://deadline.com/2023/11/cw-wwe-nxt-usa-network-pro-wrestling-1235595011/ |access-date=November 7, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} This marked the first time that WWE programming aired on The CW since 2013, when Saturday Morning Slam aired on the defunct Vortexx children's programming block; The CW aired SmackDown! from the network's launch to 2008.

The CW and Range Sports announced an agreement in January 2024 under which Range Sports would develop content in conjunction with Nexstar and CW Sports, in addition to assisting The CW with talent representation, brand consulting, data and analytics and provide production capabilities for scripted and unscripted programs by utilizing the resources of its parent company Range Media Partners.{{Cite web |last=Earl |first=William |date=January 30, 2024 |title=CW Network Teams With Range Sports to Develop New Programs and Events |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/cw-network-range-sports-pact-1235891318/ |access-date=February 3, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

The CW in May 2024 gained rights for broadcasting eleven Pac-12 football games featuring Oregon State University and Washington State University football teams for the 2024 season.{{Cite news |last1=Goldsmith |first1=Jill |last2=Hayes |first2=Dade |date=May 14, 2024 |title=The CW Network Adds Pac-12 Football Games To Growing Sports Roster |website=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/cw-network-sports-pac-12-football-games-1235915673/ |access-date=June 9, 2024 }} In April 2025, it gained the rights for broadcasting all thirteen games of the 2025 Pac-12 football season featuring Oregon State University and Washington State University football teams.{{Cite news |last=Mwachiro |first=Mark |date=April 30, 2025 |title=Pac-12 Football Secures New Media Rights Deal With CBS, ESPN, The CW |website=Adweek |url=https://www.adweek.com/convergent-tv/pac-12-football-secures-new-media-rights-deal-with-cbs-espn-the-cw/ |access-date=May 1, 2025 }}

In August 2024, The CW acquired rights to air the 2024 Chicago Open Men's and Women's finals from the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP).{{Cite press release |date=August 14, 2024 |title=AVP announces TV rights deals for the Men's & Women's Finals of The AVP Manhattan Beach Open & The AVP Chicago Open featuring stars seen in Paris Olympics |website=Variety |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240814326088/en/AVP-announces-TV-rights-deals-for-the-Mens-Womens-Finals-of-The-AVP-Manhattan-Beach-Open-The-AVP-Chicago-Open-featuring-stars-seen-in-Paris-Olympics |access-date=March 24, 2025 }} In March 2025, the AVP renewed its agreement with The CW for multi-year rights to broadcast its volleyball matches from across the United States on Saturday nights, from Memorial Day till Labor Day.{{Cite news |first=Brian |last=Steinberg |date=March 12, 2025 |title=Beach Volleyball Heads to CBS, CW in AVP Rights Pact |website=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/beach-volleyball-cbs-cw-avp-tv-rights-1236334937/ |access-date=March 13, 2025 }}

In March 2025, The CW gained rights to broadcast the 4th Annual Men's HBCU All-Star Basketball Game.{{Cite news |date=March 16, 2025 |title=HBCU All-Star Game Announces Game-Changing Partnership With The CW Network |website=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/college/hbcu/basketball/hbcu-all-star-game-announces-partnership-with-the-cw-network |access-date=June 4, 2025 }} In April 2025, The CW and the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) reached a two-year media rights agreement, which was negotiated in cooperation with the IMG, to broadcast ten PBA events.{{Cite news |last=Cahillane |first=Mollie |date=April 30, 2025 |title=The CW adds PBA to growing sports rights roster |website=Sports Business Journal |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/04/30/the-cw-adds-pba-to-growing-sports-rights-roster/ |access-date=May 1, 2025 }}

Outside of network programming, several CW affiliates have carried telecasts of basketball, football and in some cases, other collegiate sporting events (such as baseball or hockey) that are produced by syndicators, while a few carry games from local teams of major professional sports leagues such as Major League Baseball (the New York Mets on WPIX) and the NBA (the Los Angeles Clippers on KTLA).

{{Main|Kids' WB|Toonzai|Vortexx|One Magnificent Morning}}

On September 23, 2006, the Kids' WB children's programming block – which originated on The WB in September 1995 and continued to be produced by Warner Bros. – was carried over to The CW as part of its inaugural programming lineup; although the network on which it originated ceased operations, the "Kids' WB" branding was retained for the block.

On October 2, 2007, through a joint decision between corporate parents Warner Bros. and CBS Corporation, The CW announced that it would shut down Kids' WB and lease the programming rights of the Saturday morning timeslots to 4Kids Entertainment (which was producing a competing children's programming block, 4Kids TV, for Fox at the time of the announcement). The CW cited competition from children's cable networks and a challenging advertising marketplace as factors in the decision.{{Cite web |last=Michael Schneider |date=October 2, 2007 |title=CW turns to 4Kids on Saturdays |url=https://variety.com/2007/digital/markets-festivals/cw-turns-to-4kids-on-saturdays-1117973235/ |publisher=Reed Business Information |periodical=Variety |access-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-date=September 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919234111/http://variety.com/2007/digital/markets-festivals/cw-turns-to-4kids-on-saturdays-1117973235/ |url-status=live }} Kids' WB ended its nearly thirteen year-old run on May 17, 2008 (though some CW affiliates that delayed the block to Sundays, such as Atlanta affiliate WUPA, aired the block for the last time on May 18).

The following week on May 24, 4Kids Entertainment took over programming of The CW's Saturday morning timeslots, with the debut of a new block called The CW4Kids. The block's lineup initially consisted mostly of programs carried over from Kids' WB and 4Kids TV, before eventually adding first-run 4Kids-produced shows such as Chaotic as well as new seasons of Yu-Gi-Oh! and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.{{Cite web |last=Annemarie Moody |date=November 30, 2007 |title=Brands Old and New for 4Kids at Licensing Expo 2008 |url=http://www.awn.com/news/brands-old-and-new-4kids-licensing-expo-2008 |website=Animation World Network |publisher=AWN, Inc. |access-date=September 2, 2015 |archive-date=September 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915052112/http://www.awn.com/news/brands-old-and-new-4kids-licensing-expo-2008 |url-status=live }} The block was rebranded to Toonzai on August 14, 2010 (though The CW4Kids name was retained as a sub-brand to fulfill branding obligations with the network). Toonzai ended its run on August 18, 2012, after 4Kids Entertainment auctioned off their assets in bankruptcy court.{{cite news|title=4Kids Sells Yu-Gi-Oh!, CW Network-Related Assets Jointly to Konami, Kidsco|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-06-26/4kids-sells-yu-gi-oh-cw-network-related-assets-jointly-to-konami-kidsco|access-date=October 20, 2012|newspaper=AnimeNewsNetwork|date=June 26, 2012}}

On July 3, 2012, Saban Brands announced that they had acquired the rights to program The CW's Saturday morning timeslots from 4Kids Entertainment in bankruptcy proceedings.{{Cite news |last=Andrew Wallenstein |date=July 2, 2012 |title=Saban Brands to rebuild CW toon block |work=Variety |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |url=https://variety.com/2012/tv/news/saban-brands-to-rebuild-cw-toon-block-1118056206/ |access-date=July 7, 2012 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055400/http://variety.com/2012/tv/news/saban-brands-to-rebuild-cw-toon-block-1118056206/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=C. Marcucci |date=July 3, 2012 |title=The CW signs Saban Brands for kids block |url=http://rbr.com/the-cw-signs-saban-brands-for-kids-block/ |website=Radio & Television Business Report |publisher=Streamline RBR, Inc. |access-date=July 13, 2012 |archive-date=July 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708223949/http://rbr.com/the-cw-signs-saban-brands-for-kids-block/ |url-status=live }} The block was relaunched as Vortexx on August 25, featuring programs produced by Saban Brands such as Power Rangers Lost Galaxy and Digimon Fusion. Vortexx also aired notable third-party programming such as WWE Saturday Morning Slam, which marked the return of WWE programming to the network since WWE Smackdown departed in 2008.{{Cite press release |title=WWE Returns to Kids Time Slot with Original Content Anchoring Vortexx on The CW |date=August 10, 2012 |publisher=Saban Brands |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wwe-returns-to-kids-time-slot-with-original-content-anchoring-vortexx-on-the-cw-165714726.html |access-date=August 10, 2012 |agency=PR Newswire |archive-date=August 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817235751/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wwe-returns-to-kids-time-slot-with-original-content-anchoring-vortexx-on-the-cw-165714726.html |url-status=live }}

On June 5, 2014, The CW announced an agreement with Litton Entertainment (now known as Hearst Media Production Group) to program a block of live-action series designed to comply with the FCC's educational programming guidelines. Vortexx (which was the last remaining non-educational children's block on the major U.S. broadcast networks) was replaced by One Magnificent Morning on October 4.{{Cite news |date=June 5, 2014 |title=The CW Sets 5-Hour Saturday Morning Block |work=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |url=https://deadline.com/2014/06/the-cw-saturday-morning-block-litton-entertainment-740867/ |access-date=June 6, 2014 |archive-date=June 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606224600/http://www.deadline.com/2014/06/the-cw-saturday-morning-block-litton-entertainment/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Gail Sullivan |date=September 30, 2014 |title=Saturday morning cartoons are no more |newspaper=The Washington Post |publisher=Nash Holdings LLC |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/09/30/saturday-morning-cartoons-are-no-more/ |access-date=October 11, 2014 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006122243/http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/09/30/saturday-morning-cartoons-are-no-more/ |url-status=live }} The block features a mix of wildlife and lifestyle-themed programs, similar to those featured on the Litton-produced blocks aired by ABC and CBS.{{Cite web |last=Kevin Downey |date=June 5, 2014 |title=CW Joins With Litton For Sat. Morning E/I Block |url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/76830/cw-joins-with-litton-for-sat-morning-ei-block |access-date=September 2, 2015 |website=TVNewsCheck |publisher=NewsCheck Media |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106200941/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/76830/cw-joins-with-litton-for-sat-morning-ei-block |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=The CW-Network Partners with Litton Entertainment on New Block |url=http://www.litton.tv/resources/CW-Network-Partners-with-Litton-Entertainment-on-New-Block-3.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006115952/http://www.litton.tv/resources/CW-Network-Partners-with-Litton-Entertainment-on-New-Block-3.pdf |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |publisher=Litton Entertainment }} On January 7, 2016, The CW and Litton announced a five-year renewal for the block, extending it through the 2020–21 broadcast season.{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=January 7, 2016 |title=The CW's Saturday Morning Block Set For Five More Years |url=https://deadline.com/2016/01/the-cw-saturday-morning-block-renewed-five-years-litton-entertainment-1201677764/ |access-date=December 30, 2016 |archive-date=August 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812032644/http://deadline.com/2016/01/the-cw-saturday-morning-block-renewed-five-years-litton-entertainment-1201677764/ |url-status=live }} Starting with the 2017–18 broadcast season, the block's running time was reduced to three hours.{{Cite news |date=September 13, 2017 |title=The CW Announces Fall 2017 'One Magnificent Morning' Saturday Morning Line-Up |work=TV News Desk |publisher=Broadway World |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/The-CW-Announces-Fall-2017-One-Magnificent-Morning-Saturday-Morning-Line-Up-20170913 |access-date=September 13, 2017 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616053351/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/The-CW-Announces-Fall-2017-One-Magnificent-Morning-Saturday-Morning-Line-Up-20170913 |url-status=live }} On July 1, 2021, The CW and Litton announced another multi-year extension for the block.{{cite web|last=Pederson|first=Erik|title=One Magnificent Morning: The CW & Litton Entertainment Extend Deal For Saturday Morning Block|url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/one-magnificent-morning-the-cw-saturday-morning-block-extended-1234785036/|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 1, 2021}}

{{Original research|date=May 2022}}

{{Main|List of The CW affiliates (table)|List of The CW affiliates (by U.S. state)|The CW Plus|Nexstar Media Group}}

The CW has 46 stations owned and/or operated by its majority owner Nexstar Media Group,{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-12-18 |title=Nexstar Television Stations in Grand Rapids, Sioux Falls, and Panama City To Begin Carrying CW Network Programming on January 1 |url=https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar-stations-in-grand-rapids-sioux-falls-and-panama-city-to-begin-carrying-cw-programming-jan-1/ |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=Nexstar Media Group, Inc. |language=en-US}} and current and pending affiliation agreements with 221 additional television stations encompassing 50 states, the District of Columbia and three U.S. possessions.{{Cite web |title=Network Search: CW |url=http://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=network_search&network=CW |access-date=November 15, 2019 |website=RabbitEars |archive-date=January 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121191124/https://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=network_search&network=CW |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Network Search: CW+ |url=http://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=network_search&network=CW%2B |access-date=November 15, 2019 |website=RabbitEars |archive-date=March 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304124518/https://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=network_search&network=CW%2B |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Network Profile: The CW |url=http://www.stationindex.com/tv/by-net/cw |website=Station Index |access-date=March 12, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402143151/http://www.stationindex.com/tv/by-net/cw |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP TO ACQUIRE THE CW NETWORK |url=https://www.nexstar.tv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Final-Nexstar-Investor-Deck-re-CW-Acquisition-8-15-22-_-Revised.pdf |access-date=March 2, 2023 |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815170728/https://www.nexstar.tv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Final-Nexstar-Investor-Deck-re-CW-Acquisition-8-15-22-_-Revised.pdf |url-status=live }} Counting only conventional CW affiliates and over-the-air affiliates of The CW Plus, the network has an estimated combined national reach of 100-percent of all households in the United States (or 330,866,316 Americans with at least one television set); this makes The CW the largest U.S. broadcast network by population reach percentage. As of January 2023, three U.S. states (Delaware, New Hampshire, and New Jersey) and three U.S. territories (American Samoa, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands) do not have their own locally licensed CW affiliates, largely because those areas are either located within the broadcast ranges of stations in nearby states or served by out-of-market stations via cable or satellite. Delaware is served by Philadelphia's WPHL-TV and Salisbury, Maryland affiliate WMDT-DT2, while New Hampshire is served by four CW stations based in three neighboring states (including Boston affiliate WLVI). New Jersey is served by WPHL and New York City affiliate WPIX.

As a newer broadcast network, The CW maintains affiliations with low-power stations (broadcasting either in analog or digital) in a few markets, such as Boise, Idaho (KYUU-LD). In some markets, including both of those mentioned, these stations also maintain digital simulcasts on a subchannel of a co-owned/co-managed full-power television station. The CW also maintains a sizeable number of subchannel-only affiliations, the majority of which are with stations in cities located outside of the 50 largest Nielsen-designated markets and receive the network's programming via The CW Plus; the largest subchannel-only CW affiliate by market size, as of February 1, 2024, is WZTV-DT2 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Nexstar Media Group is the largest operator of CW stations by numerical total, owning or providing services to 41 CW-affiliated stations, and also is the largest in terms of overall market reach, owning or providing services to CW stations (including its largest affiliates in New York and Los Angeles), covering 32 percent of the U.S.

Unlike the other major networks, The CW distributes its programming in small and certain mid-sized markets throughout the United States (generally those ranked among the bottom 110 Nielsen media markets) through The CW Plus, a separate national feed and programming service that is carried on a mixture of full-power and low-power stations in some markets, and cable-only outlets and digital subchannel affiliations on major network stations in markets that do not have enough commercial stations to support a standalone CW affiliate (several of The CW Plus's digital subchannel outlets originally operated as cable-only affiliates at the network's launch). The programming service offers its own master schedule of syndicated and brokered programming acquired by the network (including some feature films and infomercials) during non-network programming hours, although some CW Plus affiliates may also run local newscasts produced by a major network affiliate.

CW predecessor the WB previously had two cable-only affiliate outlets: WGN America, the national superstation feed of WGN-TV at the time, from January 1995 to October 1999{{Cite web |last=Linda Moss |date=September 20, 1999 |title=WGN Drops WB, Adds Movies, Sitcoms |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-55897252.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328150223/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-55897252.html |archive-date=March 28, 2015 |access-date=June 22, 2013 |publisher=Cahners Business Information|periodical=Multichannel News}}{{Cite web |last=MaryWade Burnside |date=October 7, 1999 |title=Last night Dawson's last ? WGN ceases to air WB programming |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-18522684.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328150224/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-18522684.html |archive-date=March 28, 2015 |access-date=June 22, 2013 |publisher=The Daily Gazette Company |newspaper=The Charleston Gazette}} and network-operated the WB 100+ Station Group (the direct predecessor to The CW Plus), which was formed in September 1998 and had several of its cable-only outlets join The CW Plus at The CW network's launch. Not all of the network's cable-only affiliates were CW Plus outlets; WT05 in Toledo, Ohio offered its own schedule of syndicated programs during non-network hours that was programmed by its then-owner Block Communications, which also operates that market's major cable provider Buckeye CableSystem (WT05 now exists as "CW13", having been converted into a digital subchannel of Gray Television-owned ABC affiliate WTVG in October 2014). Though The CW is the only network with a station group that includes cable-only outlets, it is actually one of only three networks that have had cable-only stations within its affiliate body (ABC formerly had a cable-only affiliate in Winchester, Virginia-based TV3 Winchester until Gray shut the channel down in December 2013).

Some Time Warner Cable subscribers around the country were unable to watch CW programming when the network debuted, as stations in several markets were not able to reach carriage deals with the provider to distribute the local affiliates. In markets like Charleston, South Carolina; El Paso, Texas; Honolulu, Hawaii; Palm Springs, California; Beaumont; Waco and Corpus Christi, Texas, where The CW is broadcast on a digital subchannel of one of the market's major network affiliates, there were unsuccessful attempts in getting Time Warner Cable to carry the subchannel affiliates{{Cite web |last=John M. Higgins |date=October 2, 2006 |title=Time Warner Cable Squeezes CW Stations |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/time-warner-cable-squeezes-cw-stations/81083 |publisher=Reed Business Information |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable |access-date=September 2, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924122034/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/time-warner-cable-squeezes-cw-stations/81083 |url-status=live }} (CW then-co-parent Time Warner had owned Time Warner Cable until it spun off the provider into a separate company in 2009; TWC was later acquired by Charter Communications in 2016).

Some affiliates eventually signed carriage deals with Time Warner Cable, but not all of The CW affiliates received carriage on the provider's basic cable tiers (for example, Syracuse, New York affiliate WSTQ-LP could only be viewed on digital cable channel 266 in the Ithaca market). The largest market without a known affiliate is the Johnstown–Altoona market, whose closest CW station was CBS-owned WPCW (now known as independent station WPKD-TV) in Pittsburgh, which is carried on Charter's Johnstown and Altoona area systems; WPKD-TV was originally targeted to serve that area before it refocused its programming toward the Pittsburgh market in the late 1990s.

On February 2, 2007, Beaumont, Texas CBS station KFDM made its CW-affiliated subchannel available to Time Warner Cable customers in the market on channel 10. On April 20, 2007, ABC affiliate KVIA-TV in El Paso, Texas began broadcasting its CW-affiliated subchannel on Time Warner Cable channel 13.{{Cite web |date=April 19, 2007 |title=The CW Wait Over |url=http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=6394674 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927022003/http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=6394674 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |website=KVIA-TV |publisher=News-Press & Gazette Company}} On April 21, 2007, KCWQ-LP made its broadcast debut on channel 5 on Time Warner Cable in the Palm Springs area.{{Cite web |date=April 20, 2007 |title=CW to debut on Time Warner |url=http://www.thedesertsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/BUSINESS06/704200345 |publisher=Gannett Company |newspaper=The Desert Sun |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701074856/https://www.desertsun.com/ |url-status=live }}

One of the network's major affiliate groups, Pappas Telecasting Companies, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for thirteen of its television stations on May 10, 2008. Within the petition, Pappas specifically cited the network's low ratings and lackluster performance as one of many complications that had forced it to make the filing.{{Cite web |title=PAPPAS TELECASTING ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT CERTAIN AFFILIATES HAVE FILED FOR CHAPTER 11 PROTECTION |url=http://www.pappastv.com/pressdetail.php?id=108&prYr=2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921223623/http://www.pappastv.com/pressdetail.php?id=108&prYr=2008 |archive-date=September 21, 2008 |access-date=June 17, 2008 }} Several of the stations have since been sold either in business transactions with representatives involved in Pappas's bankruptcy proceedings or via station auction processes as the company winds down operations.

Although Pappas had originally stated that none of its stations would be affected at all by the closing, two stations owned by the company that were formerly affiliated with The CW have ceased operations. On May 29, 2008, Yakima, Washington affiliate KCWK (which served the south-central portion of that state) shut down and the station's offices were closed, leaving that area without locally based CW programming and forcing pay television providers to carry Los Angeles affiliate KTLA in order to provide the network's programming to their subscribers. The situation was resolved in April 2009, when Fisher Communications announced that its CBS affiliates in the area, KIMA-TV and satellite station KEPR-TV, would carry the network through DTT subchannel affiliations.

Subsequently, WLGA in Columbus, Georgia lost its CW affiliation in April 2009 to a subchannel of NBC affiliate WLTZ because of the network's concerns about Pappas' financial state;{{Cite news |last=Andrea V. Hernandez |date=April 3, 2009 |title=WLTZ's parent firm to carry CW Network in Columbus |work=Ledger-Enquirer |publisher=The McClatchy Company |url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2009/04/03/672471/wltzs-parent-firm-to-carry-cw.html |access-date=December 14, 2010 |archive-date=May 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513012327/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2009/04/03/672471/wltzs-parent-firm-to-carry-cw.html |url-status=dead }} WLGA ultimately ceased operations in June 2010 as it was unable to compete in the market as an independent station.{{cite web |date=June 23, 2011 |title=BLSTA - 20110623ADL Notification of Suspension of Operations / Request for Silent STA |url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101433121&formid=910&fac_num=11113 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission}}

While Tribune Media had solid affiliation deals with The CW on several of its stations, it also maintained a strong affiliation alliance with Fox. But with new management and ownership taking over Tribune in 2008, it was apparent that the company would switch one of its CW-affiliated stations to Fox (at least those in markets without a Fox owned-and-operated station or a former O&O that was acquired by Local TV, which Tribune later acquired in 2013{{Cite news |last=Robert Channick |date=July 1, 2013 |title=Acquisition to make Tribune Co. largest U.S. TV station operator |work=Chicago Tribune |publisher=Tribune Publishing |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-tribune-buying-local-tv-20130701,0,3402241.story |url-status=dead |access-date=July 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704152051/http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-tribune-buying-local-tv-20130701,0,3402241.story |archive-date=July 4, 2013 }}), adding to more questions surrounding The CW's future. In a March 2008 seminar by Tribune's then-chairman and CEO Sam Zell, it was revealed that the company's San Diego outlet KSWB-TV would switch its affiliation from The CW to Fox that August, with KSWB assuming the Fox affiliation from XETV-TV, which had been a Fox charter affiliate since that network's October 1986 inception. XETV (which is licensed to Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico under the ownership of Grupo Televisa but whose U.S. operations are programmed by Bay City Television) was not informed of Zell's deal until it was made public.{{Cite web |title=XETV, KSWB Battle For Fox Affiliation In San Diego |url=http://radiomatthew.com/posts/xetv-kswb-battle-for-fox-affiliation-in-san-diego/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609113416/http://radiomatthew.com/posts/xetv-kswb-battle-for-fox-affiliation-in-san-diego/ |archive-date=June 9, 2008 |website=RadioMatthew.com}}

After the news broke, XETV planned on suing to prevent the switch because it would violate an affiliation contract that XETV had with Fox that was not set to expire until 2010. However, on July 2, 2008, XETV announced that it would join The CW on August 1 (the same day that KSWB became a Fox affiliate) and rebrand as "San Diego 6".{{Cite web |title=XETV Becomes San Diego 6 – New Home of The CW Television Network |url=http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=7a4bac12-8df5-48e6-8f68-d8e355f50b95 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080707223418/http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=7a4bac12-8df5-48e6-8f68-d8e355f50b95 |archive-date=July 7, 2008 |access-date=October 25, 2014 }} (July 2, 2008) Though twelve of Tribune's thirteen other CW-affiliated stations have remained with the network, all of them began to de-emphasize the network from their branding (e.g., "CW 11") in favor of one with a stronger local identity. On-air branding that excised The CW name began being implemented by the stations in July 2008, either on-air (in the case of KWGN-TV) or through their websites (as part of a redesign for all of the Tribune stations' websites).{{Cite news |last=Michael Schneider |date=September 1, 2008 |title=Tribune gives CW the cold shoulder |work=Variety |publisher=Reed Business Information |url=https://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/tribune-gives-cw-the-cold-shoulder-1117991420/ |access-date=May 22, 2012 |archive-date=January 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114142109/http://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/tribune-gives-cw-the-cold-shoulder-1117991420/ |url-status=live }} Some of these stations eventually began reincorporating The CW branding starting in 2011, such as KDAF/Dallas, KIAH/Houston and KRCW-TV/Portland, Oregon.

Tribune Company president and CEO Peter Liguori said in a May 2014 discussion at the MoffettNathanson Media & Communications Summit that he was "not pleased with where The CW is [in regards to its ratings performance]", stating that the network "should not program to [young] people who don't watch [conventional] television". Liguori also stated that he would consider collaborating with the network in regards to improving its programming slate, possibly by incorporating programs from the company's Tribune Studios unit (a production division which launched shortly after Liguori was appointed president of Tribune in November 2013) onto the network, as well as having Tribune play a larger role in the CW's management.{{Cite news |last=David Lieberman |date=May 15, 2014 |title=Tribune CEO Says He's "Not Pleased" With CW's Performance |work=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |url=https://deadline.com/2014/05/tribune-ceo-says-hes-not-pleased-with-cws-performance-731112/ |access-date=May 23, 2014 |archive-date=May 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523024148/http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/tribune-ceo-says-hes-not-pleased-with-cws-performance/ |url-status=live }}

Speaking at Goldman Sachs' 23rd Annual Communacopia Conference in September 2014, Les Moonves acknowledged that Tribune had been looking for more input in how the network is programmed and noted that Liguori is a former programmer (having previously served in executive roles at Fox, FX and Discovery Communications), saying that "[Liguori] would like to participate. He has some good ideas. He's part of our team. Will there be some change in how The CW is structured going forward? I don't know." Moonves went on to reiterate that Tribune is "a very important part of [CBS'] future" (considering that Tribune had recently acquired the CBS affiliation for its Indianapolis station and then-CW affiliate WTTV, following disagreements between CBS and longtime affiliate WISH-TV, which would eventually take over The CW affiliation in January 2015, over reverse compensation demands by the network).{{Cite news |last=Jon Lafayette |date=September 10, 2014 |title=Showtime Could Stream in International Markets; Moonves also hints at CW changes |work=Broadcasting & Cable |publisher=Reed Business Information |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/currency/showtime-could-stream-international-markets/133869 |access-date=October 4, 2014 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006065618/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/currency/showtime-could-stream-international-markets/133869 |url-status=live }}

In an October 2014 interview with Broadcasting & Cable, Liguori appeared to reverse course on his previous statements and spoke of Tribune's support of the network. Liguori said in a statement, "We are very encouraged by the recent uptick in The CW['s] ratings and the positive critical response to the new primetime lineup. In particular, [CW CEO Mark Pedowitz] has put in place a programming strategy that will help the network appeal to a wider, more inclusive audience, which is important for our stations across the country. We were glad to support the launch of the new shows through editorial and promotional initiatives, and we look forward to more continued collaboration to build upon this momentum."{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2014 |title=Bet on The CW Paying Off For the Network's Parents |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/currency/bet-cw-paying-network-s-parents/135127 |access-date=March 12, 2015 |publisher=NewBay Media |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable |archive-date=October 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031081157/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/currency/bet-cw-paying-network-s-parents/135127 |url-status=live }}{{subscription required|date=March 2015}}

In January 2016, The CW and Tribune began negotiations on a new affiliation deal, as the original 10-year agreement signed at the network's inception was approaching its end. Complicating matters was the desire by The CW's then-parent companies, CBS and Warner Bros., to stream the network's programming as a standalone pay OTT service. The impasse in negotiations resulted in a months-long standoff between the two groups.{{Cite web |title=Tribune Impasse Is Behind CW OTT Option – TVNewsCheck.com |date=January 13, 2016 |url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/91468/tribune-impasse-is-behind-cw-ott-option |access-date=December 30, 2016 |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322130030/https://tvnewscheck.com/article/91468/tribune-impasse-is-behind-cw-ott-option/ |url-status=live }}

On May 23, 2016, The CW and Tribune announced they had come to a new affiliation agreement. As part of the deal, Tribune's Chicago flagship WGN-TV would leave the network and revert to being an independent station after nearly 21 years of being affiliated with The CW and its predecessor network, the WB. A major factor in this decision was WGN-TV's large use of local sports programming at the time, which led to many pre-emptions of The CW while WGN-TV had to move as many as 30 games a year to another local station in Chicago.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 23, 2016 |title=The CW & Tribune Reach New 5-Year Agreement, Chicago Affiliation Switches To Fox-Owned Station WPWR |url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/the-cw-tribune-new-affiliate-agreement-2-1201761192/ |access-date=December 30, 2016 |archive-date=October 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025134022/http://deadline.com/2016/05/the-cw-tribune-new-affiliate-agreement-2-1201761192/ |url-status=live }} The CW affiliation moved to WPWR-TV, a Fox Television Stations-owned MyNetworkTV station.{{Cite web |last=Littleton |first=Brian Steinberg, Cynthia |date=May 23, 2016 |title=CW, Tribune Stations Set Affiliation Deal as WGN-TV Chicago Goes Indie |url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/cw-tribune-affiliation-wgn-1201780975/ |access-date=December 30, 2016 |archive-date=February 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228183044/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/cw-tribune-affiliation-wgn-1201780975/ |url-status=live }} On September 19, 2019, Tribune Media was acquired by Nexstar Media Group.{{Cite web |last=Feder |first=Robert |date=September 16, 2019 |title=FCC approves Tribune Media sale: What's next for WGN? |url=https://www.robertfeder.com/2019/09/16/fcc-approves-tribune-media-sale-whats-next-wgn/ |access-date=September 17, 2019 |website=RobertFeder.com |archive-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921084452/https://www.robertfeder.com/2019/09/16/fcc-approves-tribune-media-sale-whats-next-wgn/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Channick |first=Robert |date=September 19, 2019 |title=Nexstar completes purchase of WGN owner Tribune Media |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-nexstar-tribune-sale-completed-wgn-20190919-i3ba4p4yibhfjo3vrki4ebe6ke-story.html |access-date=September 19, 2019 |website=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920135307/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-nexstar-tribune-sale-completed-wgn-20190919-i3ba4p4yibhfjo3vrki4ebe6ke-story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=September 19, 2019 |title=Nexstar Completes Tribune Acquisition, Sean Compton to Head Programming |url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/nexstar-tribune-fcc-deal-complete-compton-1203334923/ |access-date=September 19, 2019 |website=Variety |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920090225/https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/nexstar-tribune-fcc-deal-complete-compton-1203334923/ |url-status=live }}

Roberts Broadcasting filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on October 7, 2011; the company cited the loss of the UPN affiliations on its stations in St. Louis (WRBU), Columbia, South Carolina (WZRB) and Jackson, Mississippi (WRBJ-TV) when that network shut down in favor of The CW in 2006, as much of UPN's programming consisted of minority-targeted programs that Roberts felt were compatible with their stations' target audiences (though the stations have since recovered from this setback; additionally, its station in Evansville, Indiana, WAZE-TV, had instead affiliated with the WB prior to 2006, as it was owned by South Central Communications until February 2007). The company had also been hit with lawsuits from Warner Bros. Television, Twentieth Television and CBS Television Distribution over its failure to pay fees for syndicated programming; Roberts eventually settled with Twentieth but lost the Warner Bros. and CBS cases.{{Cite news |last=Michael Malone |date=October 10, 2011 |title=Roberts Broadcasting Files For Bankruptcy |work=Broadcasting & Cable |publisher=NewBay Media |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/475001-Roberts_Broadcasting_Files_For_Bankruptcy.php |access-date=October 10, 2011 |archive-date=October 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012171227/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/475001-Roberts_Broadcasting_Files_For_Bankruptcy.php |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Jacob Newkirk |date=October 10, 2011 |title=WAZE Owner Roberts Broadcasting files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy |work=Evansville Courier & Press |publisher=E. W. Scripps Company |url=http://www.courierpress.com/news/2011/oct/10/waze-owner-roberts-broadcasting-files-chapter-11-b/ |access-date=October 10, 2011 |archive-date=October 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012145042/http://www.courierpress.com/news/2011/oct/10/waze-owner-roberts-broadcasting-files-chapter-11-b/ |url-status=live }}

On March 24, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) canceled WAZE's license for Roberts' failure to construct its digital transmitter facilities.{{Cite web |last=Kevin Harding |date=March 24, 2011 |title=Re: WAZE-TV, Madisonville, Missouri |url=https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=25217 |access-date=March 30, 2011 |website=CDBS Public Access |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026054335/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=25217 |url-status=live }} However, the station continued to broadcast via its three-station analog translator network.

On February 20, 2012, Roberts Broadcasting announced that it was exploring the possibility of selling one or all four of its television stations in order to raise enough cash to pay off its creditors.{{Cite web |last=Lisa Brown |date=February 20, 2012 |title=Roberts Broadcasting Mulls Sale of TV Stations |url=https://www.stltoday.com/business/columns/lisa-brown/roberts-broadcasting-mulls-sale-of-tv-stations/article_cb921586-5bfe-11e1-a475-001a4bcf6878.html |publisher=Lee Enterprises |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729005008/https://www.stltoday.com/business/columns/lisa-brown/roberts-broadcasting-mulls-sale-of-tv-stations/article_cb921586-5bfe-11e1-a475-001a4bcf6878.html |url-status=live }} On October 22, 2012, Roberts announced that it had sold WRBJ to the Trinity Broadcasting Network;{{Cite web |last=Jeff Ayres |date=October 22, 2012 |title=Roberts brothers' TV station in new hands |url=http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20121023/BIZ/310230036/Roberts-brothers-TV-station-new-hands?nclick_check=1 |publisher=Gannett Company |newspaper=The Clarion-Ledger}} the deal was approved by a bankruptcy court on January 17, 2013,{{Cite news |last=Lisa Brown |date=January 18, 2013 |title=Roberts Cos.' Mississippi TV station sale approved |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |publisher=Lee Enterprises |url=https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/roberts-cos-mississippi-tv-station-sale-approved/article_c5ded9b7-ad9e-5b80-a3c5-f5985ff2ba77.html |access-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-date=October 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003033959/https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/roberts-cos-mississippi-tv-station-sale-approved/article_c5ded9b7-ad9e-5b80-a3c5-f5985ff2ba77.html |url-status=live }} with TBN officially taking over operational control of WRBJ five months later on May 24{{Cite press release |title=NEW TBN FULL-POWER STATION SIGN-ON |date=May 24, 2013 |url=http://www.tbn.org/announcements/new-tbn-full-power-station-sign-on |website=Trinity Broadcasting Network |access-date=February 13, 2014 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109172243/http://www.tbn.org/announcements/new-tbn-full-power-station-sign-on |url-status=dead }} The CW would return to the Jackson market on the second digital subchannel of CBS affiliate WJTV in September 2013. On January 3, 2013, the repeater network of WAZE ceased operations; later that month on January 28, independent station WTVW hurriedly joined The CW, in order to maintain the network in the Evansville area.{{Cite web |last=Jacob Newkirk |date=January 3, 2013 |title=WAZE-TV translators shut down |url=http://jakesdtvblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/breaking-waze-tv-translators-shut-down.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218140530/http://jakesdtvblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/breaking-waze-tv-translators-shut-down.html |archive-date=December 18, 2013 |website=Jake's DTV Blog |publisher=Blogspot }}

On December 2, 2013, Roberts filed to sell WZRB to Radiant Light Ministries, a subsidiary of Tri-State Christian Television, for $2 million.{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2013 |title=APPLICATION FOR CONSENT TO ASSIGNMENT OF BROADCAST STATION CONSTRUCTION PERMIT OR LICENSE (WZRB) |url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1599575&Service=DT&Form_id=314&Facility_id=136750 |access-date=December 4, 2013 |website=CDBS Public Access |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207051033/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1599575&Service=DT&Form_id=314&Facility_id=136750 |url-status=live }} On December 4, Roberts also filed to sell WRBU to TCT for $5.5 million.{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2013 |title=APPLICATION FOR CONSENT TO ASSIGNMENT OF BROADCAST STATION CONSTRUCTION PERMIT OR LICENSE (WRBU) |url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1605318&Service=DT&Form_id=314&Facility_id=57221 |access-date=December 9, 2013 |website=CDBS Public Access |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |archive-date=December 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212012735/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1605318&Service=DT&Form_id=314&Facility_id=57221 |url-status=live }} However, on December 11, the United States bankruptcy court gave initial approval for a plan by Roberts's creditors to instead transfer WRBU, WZRB and the WAZE repeaters to a trust with Ion Media Networks (a creditor in Roberts's chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings) as its beneficiary, with Roberts' attorney subsequently stating that Ion would purchase the stations for $7.75 million.{{Cite news |last=Angela Mueller |date=December 11, 2013 |title=Judge approves creditors' proposal in Roberts Broadcasting bankruptcy |work=St. Louis Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/blog/2013/12/judge-approves-creditors-proposal-in.html?page=all |access-date=December 11, 2013 |archive-date=December 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221044938/http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/blog/2013/12/judge-approves-creditors-proposal-in.html?page=all |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Lisa Brown |date=December 11, 2013 |title=Roberts' TV stations to be sold |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |publisher=Lee Enterprises |url=https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/roberts-tv-stations-to-be-sold/article_6dbc41fa-08af-5618-97d4-33b7acf750d0.html |access-date=December 11, 2013 |archive-date=March 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301125124/http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/roberts-tv-stations-to-be-sold/article_6dbc41fa-08af-5618-97d4-33b7acf750d0.html |url-status=live }} Roberts had earlier proposed an alternate plan that would have had only the WAZE repeaters be transferred to the trust, which would have allowed the sale of WRBU and WZRB to TCT. The CW affiliation in Columbia moved to WKTC (with MyNetworkTV, which the station had already been affiliated with, being relegated to a secondary affiliation) in March 2014,{{Cite news |last=Michael Malone |date=March 19, 2014 |title=WKTC Columbia (S.C.) Picks Up CW Affiliation |work=Broadcasting & Cable |publisher=NewBay Media |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/wktc-columbia-sc-picks-cw-affiliation/129882 |access-date=March 20, 2014 |archive-date=March 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320202234/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/wktc-columbia-sc-picks-cw-affiliation/129882 |url-status=live }} after temporarily remaining on WZRB after its conversion into an Ion Television O&O the previous month. Ion Media later chose to wind down the ex-WAZE-TV translator network entirely and instead affiliate with Nexstar's WTVW-DT4 (itself a CW affiliate on its main channel) by 2017.

In July 2023, Nexstar implemented a blackout of The CW, along with its affiliates for other major broadcast networks, on DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and U-verse TV, causing DirecTV to complain to the FCC. In return, Nexstar stated that their streaming agreement with DirecTV had expired in November 2022 and it was illegally streaming content on DirecTV Stream from The CW.{{cite web |last=Weprin |first=Alex |date=July 2, 2023 |title=Nexstar-Owned Stations Go Dark on DirecTV in Fresh Carriage Dispute |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/nexstar-owned-stations-pulled-directv-carriage-dispute-1235528176/ |access-date=August 1, 2023 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{cite web |last=Maclean |first=Amy |date=July 21, 2023 |title=Nexstar Says DirecTV CW Streaming Deal Expired in November |url=https://www.cablefax.com/distribution/tit-for-tat-nexstar-says-directv-cw-streaming-deal-expired-in-november |access-date=August 1, 2023 |work=Cablefax}}{{cite web |last=James |first=Meg |date=July 2, 2023 |title=L.A. station KTLA dropped from DirecTV in nationwide blackout |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-07-02/nexstar-directv-blackout-channels-dropped-newsnation |access-date=September 1, 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times}} In August 2023, Nexstar reached a renewal agreement with Sinclair Broadcast Group for 35 markets, including restoring broadcasting of The CW on DirecTV Stream in 21 markets.{{cite web |last=Jacobson |first=Adam |date=August 31, 2023 |title=A DirecTV Return For The CW Stations Owned by Sinclair |url=https://rbr.com/a-directv-return-for-the-cw-stations-owned-by-sinclair/ |access-date=September 1, 2023 |work=Radio+Television Business Report}}{{cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=August 31, 2023 |title=The CW To Launch On New Affiliate Stations In Seattle And Pittsburgh As Part Of Broader Deal With Sinclair Timed To Start Of College Football |url=https://deadline.com/2023/08/the-cw-to-launch-on-new-affiliate-stations-seattle-pittsburgh-sinclair-deal-acc-college-football-1235532624/ |access-date=September 1, 2023 |work=Deadline Hollywood}} Nexstar and DirecTV signed a new multi-year agreement on September 17, 2023, allowing the latter to resume broadcasting and streaming The CW.{{Cite web |last=James |first=Meg |date=September 17, 2023 |title=Nexstar TV stations blackout on DirecTV ends after 76 days |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-09-17/directv-nexstar-tv-stations-blackout-ends |access-date=September 27, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

As part of the sale to Nexstar, Paramount Global's CBS News and Stations subsidiary was granted the right to withdraw its eight affiliates from the network—in Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle and the Tampa Bay area—which was exercised on May 5, 2023, effective September 1, 2023.{{cite news |last1=Rice |first1=Lynette |date=May 5, 2023 |title=Eight CBS Stations To Ditch CW And Go Independent This Fall |work=Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/cbs-stations-eight-drop-cw-go-independent-this-fall-1235357388/ |access-date=September 1, 2023}} In some of the affected markets, Nexstar-owned stations were announced as replacements.{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark |date=June 14, 2023 |title=Nexstar Stations In Philadelphia, San Francisco, Tampa To Become CW Affils On Sept. 1 |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/nexstar-stations-in-philadelphia-san-francisco-tampa-to-become-cw-affils-on-sept-1/ |website=TVNewsCheck}}{{cite news |date=June 14, 2023 |title=Nexstar Television Stations in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Tampa to Become Affiliated with the CW Network on September 1 |publisher=Nexstar Media Group |url=https://www.nexstar.tv/nexstar-television-stations-in-philadelphia-san-francisco-and-tampa-to-become-affiliated-with-the-cw-network-on-september-1/ |access-date=September 1, 2023}} The remainder of the affected markets were addressed through new affiliation agreements with group owners Hearst Television,{{cite web |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Hearst's KQCA To Become The CW Affiliate in Sacramento |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/hearsts-kqca-tv-to-become-the-cw-affiliate-in-sacramento |access-date=August 31, 2023 |website=Next TV}}{{cite news |date=August 1, 2023 |title=The CW Network And Hearst Television Expand And Extend Affiliation Partnership |publisher=Nexstar Media Group |url=https://www.nexstar.tv/the-cw-network-and-hearst-television-expand-and-extend-affiliation-partnership/ |access-date=September 1, 2023}} Gray Television,{{cite web |last=Bishop |first=Chad |date=August 30, 2023 |title=CW Network announces new Atlanta affiliate |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/georgia-tech/cw-network-announces-new-atlanta-affiliate/IOFROS3Y4JFYDIXFDJYNRUUTNU/ |access-date=August 31, 2023 |website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}{{cite news |date=August 30, 2023 |title=The CW Network and Gray Television Expand and Extend Affiliation Partnership |publisher=Nexstar Media Group |url=https://www.nexstar.tv/the-cw-and-gray-expand-extend-affiliation-partnership/ |access-date=September 1, 2023}} The E.W. Scripps Company{{cite news|url=https://www.nexstar.tv/detroit-wmyd-to-become-cw-affiliate-nov-13/|title=Detroit's WMYD-TV To Become CW Affiliate On Monday, Nov. 13|website=Nexstar Media Group|date=November 6, 2023|accessdate=November 6, 2023}}{{cite web |title=TV20 Detroit to air CW Network primetime programming, live sports starting Nov. 13 |url=https://www.wxyz.com/news/tv20-detroit-to-air-cw-network-primetime-programming-live-sports-starting-nov-13 |website=WXYZ Detroit |access-date=November 7, 2023 |date=November 3, 2023}} and Sinclair Broadcast Group,{{cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=August 31, 2023 |title=The CW To Launch On New Affiliate Stations In Seattle And Pittsburgh As Part Of Broader Deal With Sinclair Timed To Start Of College Football |url=https://deadline.com/2023/08/the-cw-to-launch-on-new-affiliate-stations-seattle-pittsburgh-sinclair-deal-acc-college-football-1235532624/ |access-date=August 31, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} each of which already owned multiple CW affiliates. Nexstar also began reclaiming the network affiliation in other markets where it operated, including Oklahoma City;{{Cite press release|date=August 31, 2023 |title=Nexstar's KAUT-TV in Oklahoma City To Become CW Network Affiliate on September 1 |url=https://www.nexstar.tv/kaut-tv-in-oklahoma-city-to-become-cw-affiliate-sept-1/ |access-date=September 1, 2023 |publisher=Nexstar Media Group |language=en-US}} Billings, Montana;{{Cite web |last=McCollum |first=Cheryl |date=August 29, 2023 |title=Programming Changes in Billings, Montana |url=https://blog.tdstelecom.com/news/programming-changes-in-billings-montana/ |access-date=September 25, 2023 |website=TDS Telecommunications |language=en-US}} Grand Rapids, Michigan; Panama City, Florida; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Michael |date=2023-12-18 |title=Nexstar Stations Take Over CW Affiliations in 3 Markets |language=en |work=Broadcasting & Cable |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/nexstar-stations-take-over-cw-affiliations-in-three-markets |access-date=2023-12-24}}

The situation of The CW in the Detroit market after the CBS withdrawal was tenuous for several months. Mission Broadcasting, a company that contracts with Nexstar for the operational services of its stations, agreed to purchase WADL from Adell Broadcasting Corporation in a deal that provided for Nexstar to supply many of its operating functions. In addition, WADL became the new CW affiliate in Detroit while the deal was pending.{{Cite web|url=https://missionbroadcastinginc.com/2023/05/18/mission-broadcasting-to-acquire-wadl-tv-detroit-from-adell-broadcasting/|title=Mission Broadcasting To Acquire WADL-TV Detroit From Adell Broadcasting|website=Mission Broadcasting, Inc.|date=May 18, 2023|access-date=September 1, 2023|publisher=broadcastone}}{{Cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/views/public/assignmentDraftCopy.html?displayType=html&appKey=25076ff387de8c4a0187e7ea3d64032c&id=25076ff387de8c4a0187e7ea3d64032c&goBack=N|title=Assignments|website=Licensing and Management System|date=May 17, 2023|access-date=September 1, 2023|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}} The acquisition stalled at the FCC over objections concerning the relationship between Mission and Nexstar. As a result, Adell Broadcasting removed CW programming from the station on October 30, 2023; the network's programs reappeared on Scripps-owned WMYD on November 13, 2023. The acquisition of WADL by Mission was called off in May 2024, despite the purchase being approved by the FCC a month prior.{{cite news|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/television/2023/10/30/cw-network-yanked-from-detroit-airwaves-over-business-spat/71380700007/|title=CW Network yanked from Detroit airwaves over business spat|first=Adam|last=Graham|newspaper=The Detroit News|date=October 30, 2023|accessdate=October 30, 2023}}{{Cite news|date=November 6, 2023|title=TV20 Detroit to air CW Network primetime programming, live sports starting Nov. 13|publisher=WXYZ Detroit|access-date=November 6, 2023|url=https://www.wxyz.com/news/tv20-detroit-to-air-cw-network-primetime-programming-live-sports-starting-nov-13}}{{Cite web |date=2024-05-24 |title=WADL Sale Terminated |url=https://www.michiganmedia.com/2024/05/24/wadl-sale-terminated/ |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=Michigan Association of Broadcasters |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Lafayettepublished |first=Jon |date=2024-05-23 |title=Mission Broadcasting Terminates Agreement To Buy WADL Detroit |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/mission-broadcasting-terminates-agreement-to-buy-wadl-detroit |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=Broadcasting Cable |language=en}}

On April 19, 2024, Nexstar announced that The CW would not renew its affiliations with the seven E.W. Scripps Company-owned stations—in Norfolk, Lafayette, Detroit, Miami, Tucson, Corpus Christi, and San Luis Obispo—that still carried the network.{{cite news |last1=Lafayette |first1=Jon |title=Nexstar Dropping Scripps-Owned The CW Affiliates in 7 Markets |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/nexstar-dropping-scripps-owned-cw-affiliates-in-seven-markets |access-date=April 19, 2024 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |date=April 19, 2024 |language=en}} Nexstar concurrently announced that The CW would move to its own stations in Norfolk and Lafayette effective September 1, 2024; the move would also end WMYD's brief affiliation with the network.{{cite news |last1=Keys |first1=Matthew |title=Scoop: Scripps to pull CW Network affiliation in seven cities in September |url=https://thedesk.net/news/scripps-dropping-cw-network-from-stations/ |access-date=April 19, 2024 |work=The Desk |date=April 19, 2024}} On May 1, 2024, it was announced that The CW would move back to its original Chicago station affiliate, WGN-TV (Channel 9), beginning September 1, 2024.{{cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/movies-and-tv/2024/05/01/the-cw-chicago-wgn-wciu|title=The CW moving from WCIU back to WGN in September|last=Jevens|first=Darel|work=Chicago Sun Times|date=May 1, 2024|accessdate=May 1, 2024}}

On January 10, 2025, Nexstar implemented a blackout of 63 of its local stations and NewsNation on Optimum, with The CW's flagship station WPIX being a major part of the dispute. Nexstar accused Optimum's owner Altice USA of making irrational demands for special terms during contract negotiations, while Altice in return accused it of demanding excessive rates for its programming and forcing it to carry unpopular channels like NewsNation.{{cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=January 10, 2025 |title=Nexstar Local Stations Including New York's WPIX, Cable's NewsNation Go Dark On Optimum In Carriage Dispute |url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/nexstar-optimum-carriage-dispute-tv-stations-wpix-newsnation-1236254076/ |access-date=January 12, 2025 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} The two reached a carriage agreement on January 18, allowing Nexstar programming to be restored on Optimum.{{cite web |last1=Garner |first1=Glenn |last2=Hayes |first2=Dade |date=January 18, 2025 |title=Nexstar & Optimum Reach Carriage Agreement After Standoff |url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/nexstar-optimum-reach-carriage-agreement-1236260597/ |access-date=January 20, 2025 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

The CW provides video on demand access for delayed viewing of full episodes of the network's programming through various means, including via its website at CWTV.com and its mobile apps for iOS and Android devices (with programs streamable over Wi-Fi and cellular networks), a traditional VOD service – The CW on Demand – that is available on most traditional cable and IPTV providers, and through content deals with Hulu, iTunes and Netflix.{{Cite news |last=Todd Wasserman |date=October 28, 2011 |title=Hulu to Get Current Season of Gossip Girl and Other CW Content |work=Mashable |publisher=Mashable Inc. |url=http://mashable.com/2011/10/28/hulu-gossip-girl-cw |access-date=November 2, 2011 |archive-date=October 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030165419/http://mashable.com/2011/10/28/hulu-gossip-girl-cw/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=October 13, 2011 |title=Netflix, CW Sign 4-Year Deal to Stream Shows |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS77575804120111013 |access-date=October 13, 2011 |archive-date=January 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106060102/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS77575804120111013 |url-status=live }}

In January 2007, The CW began streaming full-length episodes of several of its programs on The CWTV.com website. The most recent episodes of the network's shows are usually made available on The CW app and The CW on Demand the day after their original broadcast. Due to restrictions imposed through its deal with the streaming service, streaming of the most recent episode of any CW program on Hulu is restricted until eight days after their initial broadcast, in order to encourage live or same-week (via both DVR and cable on-demand) viewing, with day-after-air streaming on either service limited to subscribers of Hulu's subscription service. The CW previously imposed a three-day delay after an episode's original airdate before making its programs available on its website and through the Hulu subscription service (then known as Hulu Plus). However, changes implemented by the network on March 15, 2012, to reduce copyright infringement of its programming content through illegal streaming and downloading internet platforms resulted in that delay being reduced to eight hours after a program's original airing through both services.{{Cite web |last=Andrew Wallenstein |date=March 13, 2012 |title=CW shortens Web streaming delay to battle piracy |url=https://variety.com/2012/digital/news/cw-shortens-web-streaming-delay-to-battle-piracy-1118051427/ |access-date=July 18, 2015 |website=Variety |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |archive-date=July 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712090433/http://variety.com/2012/digital/news/cw-shortens-web-streaming-delay-to-battle-piracy-1118051427/ |url-status=live}}

In October 2011, the network entered into digital distribution deals with streaming services Netflix and Hulu. The four-year Netflix agreement allowed its customers to instantly watch more than 700 hours of previous seasons of The CW's then-current scripted series, while Hulu signed a five-year deal, giving the streaming site access to next-day content from four of the five major networks (except for CW sister network CBS). The Netflix deal was estimated to be worth $1 billion, providing a much needed lifeline to the money-losing CW network and solidified its future as a valuable asset for then-co-owners CBS and Warner Bros.{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2011 |title=UPDATE: CW Could See $1B From 4-Year Licensing Deal With Netflix |url=https://deadline.com/2011/10/netflix-signs-4-year-licensing-deal-with-the-cw-182444/ |publisher=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=May 15, 2019 |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729004324/https://deadline.com/2011/10/netflix-signs-4-year-licensing-deal-with-the-cw-182444/ |url-status=live }} The Netflix deal was renewed in 2016, updated to allow the streaming service to provide entire seasons of CW shows a week after their airing. The Hulu deal was discontinued at this time.{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2016 |title=The CW To Extend Netflix Streaming Deal After Hulu Ends In-Season Pact |url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/the-cw-extend-netflix-streaming-dealhulu-ends-in-season-pact-1201775788/ |publisher=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=May 15, 2019 |archive-date=September 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915094818/https://deadline.com/2016/06/the-cw-extend-netflix-streaming-dealhulu-ends-in-season-pact-1201775788/ |url-status=live }} In 2019, The CW and Netflix opted not to renew the deal. The respective studios of CW shows would instead sell to streaming services individually. Beginning in 2020, WarnerMedia streaming service HBO Max (later rebranded to Max under Warner Bros. Discovery) would be the exclusive streaming home for Warners-produced CW shows.{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2019 |title=What's Coming to HBO Max: Shows, Movies Announced for WarnerMedia Streaming Service (So Far) |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/hbo-max-warnermedia-shows-announced-1203262497/ |publisher=Variety |access-date=July 9, 2019 |archive-date=July 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709223331/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/hbo-max-warnermedia-shows-announced-1203262497/ |url-status=live }}

On October 24, 2012, The CW entered into its first video-on-demand distribution deal with a pay television provider through an agreement with Comcast that allows customers to watch the four most-recent episodes of the network's primetime shows on the cable provider's Xfinity On Demand service, along with next-day episode content. The CW On Demand, which is accessible to subscribers at no additional charge, debuted on Comcast Xfinity systems nationwide on October 25, 2012.{{Cite web |last=Michael O'Connell |date=October 24, 2012 |title=The CW Inks First On-Demand Deal With Comcast |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cw-inks-first-demand-deal-382290 |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |periodical=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731093313/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cw-inks-first-demand-deal-382290 |url-status=live }}

The CW's master feed is transmitted in 1080i high definition with 5.1 surround sound. All transmission of the network's programming moved to the format in June 2012, with the network's prime time lineup being presented in HD since March 2012 (when America's Next Top Model became the final CW program to convert to the format), with the exception of certain specials produced prior to that point (such as Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, a holiday special carried over to the network from the WB) and select movie presentations. The network's Saturday morning E/I block, One Magnificent Morning, is also broadcast in HD, with the final SD program, the two-season daytime talk show The Robert Irvine Show converting to the format for its second and final season in September 2017 (and in turn ending U.S. broadcast television's standard definition age).

The network is available in HD on most of its full-power affiliates, while availability of high definition content on subchannel-only or cable-exclusive affiliates varies by market; in some of these cases, the over-the-air signal is available only in standard definition (a 16:9 widescreen feed transmitted in 480i SD is presented on some over-the-air affiliates to meet minimum requirements for presentation), with the station offering an exclusive high definition feed to pay television providers. Some affiliates transmit CW programming in 720p HD due to technical considerations if the network is carried on a digital terrestrial subchannel of a station affiliated with another major network or if a primary feed CW affiliate carries more than one subchannel. Since June 2012, The CW Plus feed is also transmitted in HD, and the network has asked those affiliates to carry it in high definition wherever possible. With CBS beginning to use 16:9 framing for all of their graphics on September 24, 2018, The CW was the last major network that continued to use 4:3 framing for all graphics, before switching to the 16:9 framing for all of their graphics in August 2020.

CW Seed (originally called CWD or the CW Digital Studio) is a production arm that provided original content created exclusively for digital platforms focused in the areas of animation, game shows, comedy, and digital personalities.{{Cite magazine |last=Ng |first=Philiana |date=May 17, 2012 |title=CW Launches Digital Studio, Unveils Online Projects |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cw-digital-studio-cwd-326165 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=May 4, 2013 |archive-date=August 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806225326/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cw-digital-studio-cwd-326165 |url-status=live }} Previously existing as a section on The CW's main website, CW Seed was spun-off to a separate domain in 2013 as a streaming platform.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Liz Shannon |date=August 28, 2013 |title=Meet CW Seed: The CW's new platform for experimentation |url=https://gigaom.com/2013/08/28/meet-cw-seed-the-cws-new-platform-for-experimentation/ |access-date=March 21, 2021 |website=GigaOm |archive-date=June 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617170819/https://gigaom.com/2013/08/28/meet-cw-seed-the-cws-new-platform-for-experimentation/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Olivia |date=November 9, 2015 |title=What The Heck Is CW Seed? Get To Know The Coolest (FREE!) Streaming Service You've Never Heard Of |url=https://decider.com/2015/11/09/what-is-cw-seed/ |access-date=March 21, 2021 |website=Decider |archive-date=June 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617213842/https://decider.com/2015/11/09/what-is-cw-seed/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Gidlow |first=Steve |date=October 22, 2018 |title=The CW's Rick Haskins on How CW Seed Has Bloomed |url=https://www.mediavillage.com/article/the-cws-rick-haskins-on-how-cw-seed-bloomed/print/ |access-date=March 21, 2021 |website=MediaVillage |archive-date=March 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322002724/https://www.mediavillage.com/article/the-cws-rick-haskins-on-how-cw-seed-bloomed/print/ |url-status=live }} The free media app became available on several devices, including Roku and Amazon Fire TV.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Ed |date=November 17, 2015 |title=CW Seed now available for FREE on the Roku platform |url=https://blog.roku.com/cw-seed-now-available-for-free-on-the-roku-platform |access-date=March 21, 2021 |website=Roku |archive-date=March 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322002817/https://blog.roku.com/cw-seed-now-available-for-free-on-the-roku-platform |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Locklear |first=M. |date=September 6, 2017 |title=The CW's free Seed app is now streaming on Amazon Fire TV devices |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017-09-06-cw-free-seed-app-streaming-amazon-fire-tv-devices.html |access-date=March 21, 2021 |website=Engadget |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128031743/https://www.engadget.com/2017-09-06-cw-free-seed-app-streaming-amazon-fire-tv-devices.html |url-status=live }}

CW Seed produced various web series, including Vixen, Freedom Fighters: The Ray, and Constantine: City of Demons.{{Cite web |last=Moser |first=Cassidee |date=July 5, 2015 |title=CW Seed's Vixen Animated Series Voice Cast Revealed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/05/cw-seeds-vixen-animated-series-voice-cast-revealed |access-date=October 17, 2023 |website=IGN |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2017 |title=DC's Freedom Fighters: The Ray Animated Series Coming to CW Seed With Gay Superhero Lead |url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/dcs-freedom-fighters-the-ray-animated-series-coming-to-cw-seed-w/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Prudom |first=Laura |date=March 23, 2018 |title=Constantine: City of Demons - Watch a First Look from CW Seed's Animated Series |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/23/constantine-city-of-demons-watch-cw-seed-animated-series |access-date=October 17, 2023 |website=IGN |language=en}} On January 8, 2020, CW Seed acquired U.S. streaming rights to 14 series from BBC Studios.{{Cite web |last=Dade Hayes |date=January 8, 2020 |title=CW Seed Acquires 14 BBC Studios Shows In Non-Exclusive Streaming Pact |url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/cw-seed-bbc-studios-non-exclusive-streaming-pact-1202824788/ |access-date=March 20, 2020 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320233017/https://deadline.com/2020/01/cw-seed-bbc-studios-non-exclusive-streaming-pact-1202824788/ |url-status=live }} In September 2020, the platform added over 300 hours of programming with additional seasons for existing shows and new series, such as 90210, Lost Girl, Nikita, and XIII: The Conspiracy.{{Cite web |date=September 1, 2020 |title=CW Seed Bulks Up - More Than 300 Additional Hours of Programming to Be Rolled Out Through the Remainder of The Year |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/09/01/cw-seed-bulks-up-more-than-300-additional-hours-of-programming-to-be-rolled-out-through-the-remainder-of-the-year-372205/20200901cw01/ |access-date=March 21, 2021 |website=The Futon Critic |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210321223224/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/09/01/cw-seed-bulks-up-more-than-300-additional-hours-of-programming-to-be-rolled-out-through-the-remainder-of-the-year-372205/20200901cw01/ |url-status=live }} The CW Seed app and website were reabsorbed into The CW's in April 2022.{{Cite web |last=Keys |first=Matthew |date=April 5, 2022 |title=CW moves "CW Seed" content into single CW app |url=https://thedesk.net/2022/04/cw-seed-moving-to-cw-app/ |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=The Desk |language=en-us |archive-date=January 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116231945/https://thedesk.net/2022/04/cw-seed-moving-to-cw-app/ |url-status=live }}

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• {{Citation |last=Lausch, Kayti Adaire |title=The niche network: gender, genre, and the CW brand |url=https://repositories.lib.utexas.edu/handle/2152/22453 |year=2013 |access-date=January 27, 2017}}

{{Commons category|The CW Television Network}}

• {{Official website}} (site only accessible from within the United States)

{{The CW|state=expanded}}

{{The CW programming}}

{{CW Seed}}

{{American broadcast television}}

{{Sports television in the United States}}

{{NXST TV}}

{{Paramount Global}}

{{Warner Bros. Discovery}}

{{Warner Bros. Discovery Networks}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:CW, The}}

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