The CW Television Network, referred to as The CW is a television network in the United States launched during the 2006 television season. It is a joint venture between CBS Corporation, owner of UPN, and Warner Bros. Entertainment, a subsidiary of Time Warner, majority owner of The WB. The name was derived from the first letter of the names of these two corporations (CBS and Warner Bros.). It features a mixture of programming from both UPN and The WB television networks, which ceased independent operations on September 15 and 17, 2006 respectively. According to The CW's President of Entertainment Dawn Ostroff, the network's "shows are going to appeal to the 18- to 34-year-olds."

The network began operations on Monday, September 18 2006 with two nights of reruns and launch-related specials; however, The CW marketed its formal launch date on September 20 2006, with the 2-hour season premiere of America's Next Top Model.

In trade magazines like Variety, The CW is referred to as The Green Network, most likely since its first logos and campaign were (and still are to this day) in green, or in reference to it as the newest broadcast network (in terms of finding its footing).