Nexstar executives stated on the morning of the August 15 deal announcement that, under the new ownership, the CW would pursue broader and cost-effective programming, such as broadcast network fare acquisitions. The goal behind that is to make the network gain profits by the end of 2025.
Since then, CW executives have approached the creative community directly, including holding agency meetings, to lay out their future purchasing strategy and to inform everyone that the channel is open for business. On the original scripted programming front, the CW intends to expand its slate by adding procedurals and other older-skewing TV series, as well as half-hour comedies, including multi-camera comedy shows. All these will be premiered besides the network’s signature genre shows and teen soaps, which it will continue to telecast.
Nexstar president and COO Tom Carter noted that while the CW’s current slate of shows like Riverdale, All American, and The Flash target viewers in the 18–34 segment of the population, the average CW linear viewer is 58 years old, implying that the new owners will prioritise the older-skewing linear network over digital, where the vast majority of younger viewers watch CW shows.
Following Nexstar’s acquisition, previous joint owners Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery each managed to retain 12.5% of the company. To date, their broadcast-focused studios, CBS Studios and Warner Bros TV, have been the CW’s exclusive scripted series suppliers. This time, the CW’s new strategy appears to be embracing older linear viewers while also increasing their number. The network has done this earlier, with The Waltons’ holiday movies and with The Critics Choice Awards as well.
