What Channel Is CW On DirecTV? – Great Channel Facts

As you settle into your favorite couch cushion, remote in hand, the anticipation for that latest superhero saga or gripping drama series on The CW network grows. Yet, this excitement is often met with a common predicament for DirecTV subscribers: pinpointing the exact channel number for The CW. The query “What Channel Is CW On DirecTV?” is not just a logistical question—it’s the gateway to an immersive entertainment experience.

In this article, we address this question with authority and precision, drawing upon our deep-seated expertise in the television broadcasting industry and our specific knowledge of DirecTV’s channel lineup. We recognize that in today’s fast-paced world, time spent searching for channel numbers is time taken away from enjoying your favorite shows.

Our aim is to cut through the complexity and provide you with a clear, concise answer, but that’s not where the value of this article ends. We also peel back the curtain on the intricacies of broadcast networks and satellite providers, offering insights into why The CW’s placement might vary by location and what factors influence DirecTV’s channel arrangement.

As we guide you through the subsequent sections, your curiosity will be piqued by a closer look at how to navigate DirecTV’s offerings and how to leverage features that enhance your viewing experience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of The CW’s content or a newcomer eager to explore its rich programming, this article is your compass to finding your way there.

Join us as we delve into the world of DirecTV channel navigation, ensuring that by the time you reach the end of this piece, you’ll not only have found The CW but also gained a richer understanding of your satellite TV system. Let’s turn the page and begin this journey of discovery together.

Contents

Finding The CW on DirecTV

Local Channel Lookup

The CW is broadcast locally in many markets across the United States. Use this table to find your local CW affiliate channel number on DirecTV:

City

Local CW Channel

DirecTV Channel

New York City

WPIX 11

4

Los Angeles

KTLA 5

5

Chicago

WGN 9

9

Philadelphia

WPSG 57

3

Dallas-Ft. Worth

KDAF 33

39

San Francisco

KBCW 44

12

Washington, D.C.

WDCW 50

50

Boston

WLVI 56

6

Atlanta

WUPA 69

69

Houston

KIAH 39

39

National Channel Availability

In areas without a local CW affiliate, The CW may also be available on DirecTV channel 238 for national broadcast. Check your on-screen guide to verify availability.

Using the DirecTV Program Guide

You can find The CW in the DirecTV channel guide by:

  • Going to the channel number for your local CW affiliate
  • Searching for “CW” in the guide search bar
  • Looking under the “Local Channels” tab if you don’t know the channel number

Troubleshooting Tips: Channel Not Found

If you can’t find The CW through the methods above, try these troubleshooting steps:

  • Rescan channels – This picks up any newly added local channels. Go to Menu > Settings > Satellite > Repeat Satellite Setup > Repeat Setup
  • Verify your DirecTV subscription – Some packages may not include local channels. Call DirecTV to upgrade.
  • Check regional availability – The CW may not be available in certain areas without a local affiliate. Consider alternative viewing options.

DirecTV Packages with The CW

Package Comparison Table

Package

Channels

The CW Availability

Price/mo

Select

150+

Local affiliate only

$64.99

Entertainment

160+

Local + National

Starting at $69.99

Choice

185+

Local + National

Starting at $84.99

Ultimate & Premier

250+

Local + National

Starting at $134.99

The CW is available on all DirecTV packages, but channel number and availability varies. Entry-level packages like Select may only offer The CW through a local affiliate channel. Upgrades like Entertainment and above add the national CW broadcast.

Upgrading Packages for The CW

If The CW isn’t available in your current DirecTV plan, call 1-800-531-5000 to upgrade to a package with expanded channel access. Entertainment or Choice are good options for budget-conscious viewers seeking both local and national CW channels.

Content to Watch on The CW with DirecTV

Highlight Programming Variety

The CW offers a wide selection of shows to enjoy, including:

  • Teen dramas – Riverdale, All American, Nancy Drew
  • Superhero action – The Flash, Superman & Lois, Batwoman
  • Supernatural sci-fi – Legends of Tomorrow, Charmed
  • Reality competitions – Penn & Teller: Fool Us, World’s Funniest Animals

Primetime vs. Daytime Programming

Most CW dramas and popular shows air during primetime evening hours. Daytime has more limited offerings depending on your DirecTV package. Upgrades provide more daytime programs.

DVR Compatibility

The CW’s programming can be recorded using DirecTV’s Genie DVR for anytime viewing. Available storage space varies by model.

Parental Controls

DirecTV offers parental controls to block channels and TV shows based on rating. This allows parents to restrict inappropriate content.

Alternatives to DirecTV for Watching The CW

Alternatives to DirecTV for Watching The CW

While DirecTV is an excellent option for accessing The CW, here are a few other ways to watch if you’re looking for different features or lower costs:

Broadcast Antenna

Using an over-the-air broadcast antenna allows you to watch local CW affiliate channels for free. Great for limited channel access on a budget.

Live Streaming Services

Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV offer The CW in certain packages and markets, often at a lower monthly price than traditional cable. But channel availability varies, so check first if The CW is a must.

The CW App

You can watch The CW’s primetime and daytime shows through their app for free. This doesn’t offer live access to airings though, so you’ll have to wait a day to watch episodes without a cable provider login. Limited commercials.

Additional Considerations

Cost-Effectiveness

If you only care about accessing The CW, DirecTV may not provide the most budget-friendly option. Free over-the-air antenna viewing or some streaming providers may be cheaper. However, DirecTV does offer the ability to customize channel packages, so you can potentially save by selecting a lower-tier plan.

Future of The CW on DirecTV

There are currently no major disputes over carriage rights between The CW and DirecTV. But as with any network and provider, negotiations over licensing fees can occasionally cause temporary channel blackouts.

Content Availability on DirecTV

Subscribers can watch The CW’s live broadcasts through their package’s channel offerings. Some premium sports and special event programming may be subject to blackout restrictions in certain markets.

Conclusion

I hope this guide gives you a comprehensive overview of how to access The CW for all your favorite shows using DirecTV. Make sure to check your local channel availability, compare DirecTV package options if The CW isn’t included in your current plan, and consider alternatives like streaming if you want more flexibility or lower costs. With so many ways to watch The CW, you should have no problem tuning into Riverdale, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, or any other programs you love through DirecTV or other services. 

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