The CW on Spectrum is typically found between channels 2 and 69, depending on your city. Most markets land on channel 5, 9, 11, 12, or 18 for standard definition. HD versions usually sit in the 1005–1212 range. Because The CW is a local broadcast affiliate — not a standard cable channel — the number changes market by market, even within the same Spectrum plan.
The fastest way to confirm your exact number: check the full Spectrum channel lineup for your area, or use the channel table below.
The CW Channel Numbers on Spectrum by City (2026)
Channel numbers reflect current 2026 Spectrum lineups. SD = standard definition, HD = high definition.
| City / State | SD Channel | HD Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Albany, NY | 15 | 1212 |
| Austin, TX | 12 | 1212 |
| Charlotte, NC | 11 | 1212 / 1261 |
| Chicago, IL | 26 | 1026 |
| Cincinnati, OH | 20 | 1024 |
| Cleveland, OH | 6 | 1006 |
| Columbus, OH | 18 | 1018 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 23 | 1212 |
| Dallas, TX | 9 | 1212 |
| Denver, CO | 2 | 1002 |
| Detroit, MI | 50 | 1050 |
| Durham, NC | 10 | 1212 |
| Hartford, CT | 20 | 1020 |
| Kansas City, MO | 7 | 1007 |
| Lexington, KY | 5 | 1005 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 5 | 1212 |
| Louisville, KY | 7 | 914 |
| Memphis, TN | 11 | 1011 |
| Milwaukee, WI | 18 | 1018 |
| Montgomery, AL | 14 | 714 |
| New York, NY | 11 | 1212 |
| Reno, NV | 12 | 1212 |
| Saint Louis, MO | 11 | 711 |
| San Antonio, TX | 7 | 1212 |
| San Diego, CA | 6 | 1212 |
| Tampa, FL | 38 | 1038 |
Note: Spectrum updates channel assignments periodically. If your city isn’t listed, enter your ZIP code at Spectrum’s official channel lineup page to pull your exact numbers. You can also use our local channels availability checker to quickly see what’s available in your area.
HD vs. SD — what’s the difference? In most Spectrum markets, the 1200-range channels deliver the same broadcast in 1080i HD. If your TV and Spectrum box both support HD (almost all do in 2026), go straight to the HD channel. The picture quality difference is significant on any screen larger than 40 inches.
How to Find The CW on Spectrum Fast
Use the Guide Button
Press the Guide button on your Spectrum remote. Navigate to the channel number from the table above or type it in directly. If your remote has a number pad, just punch in the channel.
Use the Spectrum Voice Remote
Say “The CW” into your Spectrum Voice Remote. The guide will jump directly to the channel. This is the fastest method, especially if you’re not sure which number applies to your market. It works on all current Spectrum-branded remotes with a microphone icon.
Look It Up by ZIP Code
Go to Spectrum’s official channel lineup page and enter your ZIP code. It returns your exact local lineup within seconds. Bookmark it — channel assignments do occasionally shift after regional affiliate deals.
Is The CW Included in All Spectrum Plans?
Yes. The CW is a free over-the-air broadcast network, so Spectrum carries it on every plan — including the most basic TV package. You don’t need a premium tier or add-on to access it.
This applies whether you’re on Spectrum TV Select, Mi Plan Latino, or any bundled option. If you’re comparing Spectrum against other providers, the NFL Network on Spectrum and ESPN on Spectrum work the same way — broadcast and sports tiers each have their own rules. But for The CW, no upgrade is needed.
What’s on The CW in 2026?
The CW is now 75% owned by Nexstar Media Group, which shifted the network’s programming away from superhero dramas toward live sports and game shows. Current programming as of April 2026 includes:
- WWE NXT — Tuesday nights
- NASCAR Xfinity Series — weekends
- Sullivan’s Crossing — drama series, Season 4 airing now
- Wild Cards — drama, Season 3 in progress
- Professional Bowlers Association — live sports
- Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit — game shows
- Police 24/7 — reality series
Shows like The Flash, Riverdale, and Supernatural have all ended. If you’re looking for those, they’ve moved to streaming platforms.
Not sure what else to watch tonight? Try our what to watch tonight tool to find something across all your services at once.
How to Watch The CW Without Cable
The Free CW App
The CW app (available on iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, and most smart TVs) streams most shows for free with no login required. New episodes are typically available the next day. This is the easiest no-cost option if you’ve cut the cord or missed a live broadcast.
Spectrum TV App
If you’re a Spectrum subscriber, the Spectrum TV App lets you stream The CW live on your phone, tablet, or computer. No extra charge — it’s included with your TV plan. Works on iOS, Android, and most browsers.
Live TV Streaming Services
If you’re thinking about dropping cable entirely, several live TV streaming services carry The CW:
- YouTube TV — includes The CW in most markets. See the full YouTube TV channel list for details.
- DirecTV Stream — carries local CW affiliates in select markets
- FuboTV — available in many regions. Check the full FuboTV channel list to confirm your market.
- Hulu + Live TV — The CW is included in eligible markets. The Hulu TV channels list has the full breakdown.
- Sling TV — availability varies by market
If you’re weighing the cost of keeping Spectrum vs. switching to a streaming bundle, the cord-cutting savings calculator can show you exactly how much you’d save per month.
The CW is also available free over-the-air with a standard antenna if your home is within broadcast range. Use our TV antenna signal estimator to check signal strength at your address before buying an antenna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The CW free on Spectrum? Yes. The CW is a broadcast network included in all Spectrum TV plans at no extra cost. No add-on or premium package required.
Why can’t I find The CW on Spectrum? The most common reasons: you’re on the wrong channel number for your city, or The CW affiliate in your area has changed. Check your ZIP code on Spectrum’s channel lineup page. Also confirm your Spectrum box is activated and your cable signal is connected. If your remote isn’t responding properly, use our remote code finder to re-pair or reset it.
Does Spectrum carry The CW in HD? Yes. HD versions of The CW are available in most Spectrum markets, typically in the 1000–1212 channel range. Refer to the HD column in the table above for your city.
What channel is The CW on Spectrum in New York? Channel 11 (SD) or 1212 (HD) in the New York market. The local affiliate is WPIX, which carries additional local programming alongside CW network content.
Is The CW the same as The CW app? No. The CW channel on Spectrum is the live broadcast version. The free CW app streams most of the same content on demand, usually with a one-day delay for new episodes.
Other Spectrum Channels Worth Knowing
If you’re navigating your Spectrum lineup, here are a few other channel guides that readers find useful:
- What channel is ABC on Spectrum?
- What channel is PBS on Spectrum?
- What channel is CBS Sports on Spectrum?
- What channel is TBS on Spectrum?
- What channel is Fox on Spectrum?
- What channel is The CW on DISH Network? (if you’re switching providers)
Channel numbers are verified as of April 2026. Spectrum may update local lineups at any time. Always confirm with your ZIP code on Spectrum’s official channel guide.
