How To Watch The CW Without Cable in 2024
By Staff• Edited by Lisa Holden • Updated Dec 04, 2023
For cable cutters, staying up-to-date with your favorite programs can be a challenge. Without cable, you might be a season or two behind on The CW’s top shows like Superman and Lois and Riverdale. But, with Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and YouTube TV, you can forget about cable and still watch The CW.
In this article, we’ll help you choose the streaming platform that best matches your needs.
Watch The CW for free
Before deciding on which streaming platform you should invest in, you can get a sample of what they have to offer. Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and YouTube TV all offer free trials. Unfortunately, Hulu only offers free trials for its on-demand only plans.
Depending on the service, free trials can last for as short as a week to as long as a month. After the period lapses, you’ll be charged the regular subscription fee. So, take advantage of the trial period to decide which service best suits your needs.
What to watch on The CW
The CW is known for its lineup of DC programming. Shows like Superman and Lois, The Flash, and Batwoman are some of the DC series you can catch on the channel. Besides superhero series, you can watch shows like Riverdale, Naomi, and Kung Fu on The CW.
Regardless of your taste in media, The CW has something for you!
Watch The CW On Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV provides one of the best experiences out of any on-demand and Live TV platform. With a single subscription, you’ll get access to Hulu’s entire media library and Live TV. Through Hulu + Live TV, you can catch your favorite shows live. You also get the added benefit of watching your favorite movies thanks to Hulu’s media library—how you want, when you want.
Hulu + Live TV subscription model
Hulu + Live TV offers competitive pricing with great features. With over 90 channels and access to premium services like Disney+ and ESPN+, you’ll get a streaming platform that offers market-leading features.
To learn more about Hulu + Live TV packages, visit our article on the topic.
Hulu + Live TV channels
With Hulu + Live TV, you’ll be able to watch over 90 different channels. You can tune-in to premium news channels like CNN or Fox News. Or you can check-out a variety of programming like sports on ESPN or edutainment on the Discovery Channel. And, of course, you can catch The CW on Hulu + Live TV.
As an added bonus, for an extra monthly fee, you can watch premium channels like HBO and Showtime.
Hulu + Live TV device support
When subscribing to Hulu + Live TV, you’ll get support on a wide-range of devices. You can access the streaming platform on:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick, Chromecast, and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: LG TV (select models), Samsung TV (select models), Android TV, and Roku TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox 360
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
- Smart home devices: Amazon Echo Show (video and voice controls)
- Desktop operating systems: Windows 10 (dedicated app)
Hulu + Live TV simultaneous streams
The base subscription of Hulu + Live TV allows you to stream the service on 2 devices—simultaneously. But, for an additional monthly fee of $10, you can use Hulu + Live TV on as many devices as you want.
Hulu + Live TV DVR
Hulu + Live TV comes with unlimited hours of DVR by default. Meaning you can record as many shows or movies as you’d like. On top of that, you get the added benefit of being able to fast-forward those annoying ads!
Hulu + Live TV on-demand library
Hulu is one of the pillars of the industry when it comes to on-demand services. With current hit movies like The King’s Man or old favorites like Airplane!, Hulu’s media library is nothing to scoff at.
Thanks to its combination of Live TV and on-demand library, Hulu + Live TV offers features that are hard to beat.
Watch The CW On Fubo
With factors like 4K video support, exclusive sports channels, and an extensive list of The CW affiliate channels, Fubo promises market-leading features over its competition. Thanks to these features, Fubo will provide you with an unparalleled watching experience.
Fubo subscription models
At Fubo, their subscriptions start with the Pro Plan, which gives you over 170 channels that include The CW and a wide-range of sports and family-friendly channels.
Fubo channels
Besides The CW, Fubo subscribers get access to an expansive library of sports channels that include ESPN, NBA TV, NHL Network, Stadium, and Zona Futbol. Sports enthusiasts will certainly get their money’s worth when they subscribe to Fubo. Another added benefit to Fubo is its extensive local channel support.
Fubo device support
Currently, Fubo has app support for most devices. Some of the devices that support Fubo apps include:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick (1st gen and up), Chromecast, and Roku (2, 3, and 4)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (4.4 and up)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS
- Game consoles: Xbox consoles
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
Fubo simultaneous streaming
By default, Fubo’s English plans allow for simultaneous streaming on up to 10 separate devices. The Latino plan comes with two simultaneous streams.
Fubo DVR
Subscribers to Fubo’s English plans have access to 1000 hours of cloud DVR space, while the Latino plan comes with 250 hours.
Fubo on-demand library
Fubo’s media library offers a wide variety of content for its subscribers. While not as extensive as market leaders like Netflix or Hulu, Fubo’s on-demand library still provides hours upon hours of entertainment.
Additionally, with its 72-hour Lookback feature, you can go back in time and watch previously aired content for up to 3 days after its original air date.
Watch The CW On DirecTV Stream
With features like unlimited DVR and industry-leading simultaneous stream support, DirecTV Stream is a compelling option for people looking to catch The CW without cable.
DirecTV Stream subscription models
DirecTV Stream comes with four subscription options: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier.
While more pricey than its competitors, DirecTV Stream includes added benefits like 3 month of free access to premium channels such as Cinemax and Max. And, of course, all plans include The CW.
DirecTV Stream channels
Every DirecTV Stream subscriber will be able to tune in to The CW. Besides that, you can anywhere from 75 to 150+ channels when you subscribe to the service, including ABC, FOX, Univision, ESPN, Cartoon Network, Hallmark, MSNBC, Paramount Network, and plenty more.
You can find a full list of DirecTV Stream channels here.
DirecTV Stream device support
Besides game consoles, you can access DirecTV Stream on most modern devices. Some of the devices that have DirecTV Stream app support include:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up, 5th gen and up for 4K), Amazon Fire TV (2nd gen and up, 1st gen for Cube), Chromecast (2nd gen and up), Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: Samsung TV (2017 and 2018 models), Android TV (4.4 and up), Roku TV (7000X), Mi TV, Amazon Fire TV Edition smart TV (2nd gen and up), Chromecast Built-in TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (10 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Desktop browsers: Chrome and Safari recommended
DirecTV Stream simultaneous streaming
DirecTV Stream allows a whopping 20 separate devices to access DirecTV Stream simultaneously on your home network. Additionally, you can have synchronized streaming on three devices when on public networks.
DirecTV Stream DVR
One of DirecTV Stream’s main advantages over the competition is the unlimited DVR across all subscription models. It comes with a caveat, though—recordings can only be stored for up to 90 days.
DirecTV Stream on-demand library
If you crave a wide range of content, DirecTV Stream offers a diverse media library. While Netflix and Hulu are industry leaders in this regard, DirecTV Stream subscribers can still enjoy a wide-selection of content courtesy of its on-demand library.
Watch The CW on Youtube TV
In 2017, Youtube started to dip its fingers into the Live TV market. With its identity as the go-to video sharing platform, Youtube has brought its features into the Live TV space. Given its user-friendly accessibility options, solid channel line-up, and extensive local broadcast support, Youtube TV is a competitive choice as a Live TV platform.
Youtube TV subscription models
Youtube TV only has one type of subscription. With a Youtube TV subscription, you can watch content from over 100 channels. In addition, it comes with an introduction package of a $8 discount on your first 3 months of subscription fees.
To learn more about Youtube TV’s subscription offers, check-out this page.
Youtube TV Channels
On a Youtube TV subscription, you get to watch channels like BET, Bravo, E!, and even all major ESPN channels. On top of that, for an additional fee, you can subscribe to premium channels like HBO Now, Hallmark, and Cinemax, to name a few.
Click here to learn the full scope of Youtube TV’s channel line-up.
Youtube TV Device Support
Up until 2019, the feud between Amazon and Youtube limited Youtube TV support on Amazon devices. But, since then, YouTubeTV includes Amazon TV support, putting it on equal footing with its competition.
Here is a brief overview of Youtube TV supported devices:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Chromecast and Roku (most models), Amazon Fire TV Cube and Fire TV Stick (most models)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (select models), Samsung TV (2016+ models only), LG TV (2016+ models only), Vizio (select SmartCast models), Hisense (select models), Sharp (select models)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (9.1 and up)
- Game consoles: Xbox One (all versions)
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
A full list of Youtube TV supported devices can be found here.
Youtube TV simultaneous streaming
Youtube TV subscribers can access the service from their home network on 3 separate devices simultaneously. Youtube TV also allows simultaneous streaming from 2 devices when accessing the platform on public networks.
You can learn about Youtube TV’s full simultaneous streaming features on this page.
Youtube TV DVR
Youtube TV DVR functionality is one of the service’s selling features thanks to its unlimited DVR storage. Additionally, up to six profiles can be created on a single subscription with separate DVR storage.
Learn more about Youtube TV’s DVR here.
Youtube TV on-demand library
Programs airing on Youtube TV will be available on-demand on the platform after their air date. Add to that, Youtube TV features a fairly extensive library of on-demand movies.
How to watch The CW on Amazon Fire TV
All four featured Live TV services are available on Amazon Fire TV.
How to watch The CW on Roku
Like Amazon Fire TV, Roku offers app support for Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and YouTube TV.
How to watch The CW on Apple TV
App support for the four featured streaming platforms can be accessed through the Apple Store on all Apple TVs.
With live TV you can enjoy The CW and all your favorite channels
With cable still costing an arm and a leg, people are looking for alternatives to catch their favorite programs. Luckily, these days, we have access to many alternatives. With Live TV platforms like Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and YouTube TV you can tailor-make your media consumption based on your needs and budget.
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Sam Cook • Author
Sam Cook is a full-time content strategist by day, a part-time freelance content writer since 2015. In another life, he was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade. Based in sunny New Orleans, he writes long-form educational content on technology, including Insurtech, Fintech, HRtech, and content streaming.
Lisa Holden • Editor
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.