Which Channel Airs the Critics Choice Awards
The Critics Choice Awards are televised on The CW in the United States, typically in January each year. The ceremony is also streamed on The CW’s free digital platforms and app, and widely carried on major cable and satellite providers. When the broadcast window shifts or when cord-free viewing is preferred, networks and services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream commonly offer local CW affiliates.
Overview of the Critics Choice Awards Coverage
Produced by Dick Clark Productions, the Critics Choice Awards highlight movies and television with a broadcaster that reaches both linear TV households and streaming viewers. The CW has aired the ceremony for many years, balancing prestige and accessibility. If your primary goal is to watch the red carpet and the awards live, knowing the station and its affiliated streaming options is the most direct path.
Preferred TV and Streaming Options
Linear TV: The CW and Local Affiliates
The headline answer for most viewers is straightforward: the show airs on The CW. Local affiliates may vary by market, so tuning in requires checking the channel number for your region. The CW app and website offer live streams to authenticated subscribers of participating TV providers.
Streaming Platforms That Carry The CW
- Hulu + Live TV and Hulu + with Live TV add-ons
- YouTube TV
- DirecTV Stream
- FuboTV
These services include The CW in their lineups in most service areas, though local channel availability can differ. Confirm your ZIP code on the provider’s site to ensure access to the local CW affiliate.
How to Find Your Local CW Affiliate Channel
Because channel numbers differ by city and by television provider, the most reliable method is to use The CW’s station locator. Select your market to see the over-the-air channel and the corresponding cable or satellite channel number. Bookmarking that local page ahead of awards season reduces last-minute confusion.
Comparison of Viewing Options
| Platform | Channel or Access Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The CW (Over the Air) | Varies by market (e.g., Channel 5, Channel 27) | Free with an antenna |
| Local CW Affiliate on Cable | Provider-specific channel number | Check local lineups |
| Hulu + Live TV | CW included in most plans | Requires subscription |
| YouTube TV | CW included | Requires subscription |
| DirecTV Stream | CW typically included | Check local plan for channel placement |
Alternatives When The CW Isn’t Available
In rare cases where a local CW affiliate is not carried, consider streaming services that offer major broadcast networks or premium alternatives that cover entertainment awards. Some viewers use antenna-based solutions to capture the over-the-air signal directly. If you rely solely on streaming, confirm that your provider includes the local CW affiliate in its package before awards night.
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Broadcaster | The CW | Network announcement / historical broadcast pattern |
| Award Season Timing | January most years | Historically consistent schedule |
| Production Company | Dick Clark Productions | Publicly listed producer |
| Free Viewing Option | Antenna + local CW over-the-air | Standard broadcast model |
| Streaming Verification | Check local affiliate on provider lineups | Carrier-specific, subject to change |
Planning to Watch Live
Set reminders for the local affiliate channel number and, if you plan to stream, confirm that your subscription includes the CW at your location. Providers occasionally rotate which stations are included, so a quick check the week before the ceremony ensures you will not miss the broadcast. For recurring viewer households, saving the station and streaming service details in one place is a small step that prevents last-minute searching.
Quick Checklist for Awards Day
- Find your local CW affiliate channel number
- Confirm your streaming service includes the local CW
- Test your antenna or internet connection ahead of time
- Bookmark The CW’s live stream page or app
FAQ
Reader questions
Does the Critics Choice Awards always air on The CW?
Yes, by long-standing pattern the ceremony is broadcast on The CW. Changes would be announced well in advance by Dick Clark Productions and the network.
Can I watch the Critics Choice Awards for free?
Yes, with an antenna and a local CW affiliate you can watch for free. Streaming services that include The CW typically require a subscription.
What if my provider does not carry the local CW affiliate?
Check with your provider to add the station, use an antenna for over-the-air reception, or consider an alternative streaming service that includes the CW in your market.
Is the red carpet pre-show televised?
The red carpet pre-show is typically televised on The CW or streamed on their platforms in conjunction with the main ceremony broadcast.
Do international viewers have the same options?
No; international availability varies by region. Viewers outside the U.S. should consult local listings for English-language channels or authorized streaming partners.