The CW  (The CW Television Network) is a television network in the United States launched at the beginning of the 2006–2007 television season. It is a joint venture between CBS Corporation, the former owners of United Paramount Network (UPN), and Warner Bros., former majority owner of The WB (Warner Brothers) Television Network (a network that has since been resurrected, with repeats of its programming, on the website TheWB.com). The "CW" name is derived from the first letter of the names of these corporations (CBS and Warner Brothers). The network features a lineup of shows that, according to its President of Entertainment Dawn Ostroff, "appeal to women 18 to 34-years-old.". The network currently airs programming 7 days a week - Sunday through Friday evenings in prime time, Monday through Friday afternoons, and Saturday morning children's programming (though the network will cede Sunday nights back to their affiliates in Fall 2009).

The network debuted programming after its two predecessors, UPN and The WB, ceased independent operations on, respectively, September 15 and September 17, 2006. The CW's first two nights of programming—Monday and Tuesday, September 18 and September 19, 2006—consisted of reruns and launch-related specials. The CW marked its formal launch date on Wednesday, September 20, 2006, with a 2-hour season premiere of America's Next Top Model. The CW lineup has featured on a mixture of programming that originated on both UPN and The WB (including America's Next Top Model and Smallville) along with its own original programs such as Gossip Girl and 90210.