Watch WGN TV Live Stream Free Now
Welcome to the WGN TV live stream page. Watch Chicago’s WGN Channel 9 live on any device. Works on desktop, mobile, and tablets with multiple free streaming options available.
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What Is WGN TV And Its Chicago Legacy
The WGN TV live stream connects viewers to one of America’s most storied television stations. WGN-TV Channel 9 in Chicago holds a unique place in broadcasting history, having served the Windy City since April 5, 1948. The station’s call letters derive from the Chicago Tribune’s original slogan: “World’s Greatest Newspaper.”
WGN made history on November 8, 1978, when it became the first U.S. television station available via satellite transmission to cable subscribers nationwide. That pioneering move created the “superstation” concept, allowing viewers across the country to watch Chicago Cubs and White Sox games along with local Chicago programming.
Now owned by Nexstar Media Group, WGN-TV operates from studios in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood at West Bradley Place, with its transmitter atop the Willis Tower in downtown Chicago. The station serves as a CW affiliate while maintaining robust local news programming that has earned the trust of Chicago viewers for over 75 years.
WGN TV Programming: What To Watch
WGN’s programming combines local news leadership with entertainment content:
WGN News: Chicago’s longest-running news operation delivers comprehensive coverage throughout the day. Morning news runs from early dawn through mid-morning, with additional newscasts at noon, evening, and the flagship WGN News at Nine that has aired for decades.
WGN+ Original Programming: The station produces local original content including Backstory with Larry Potash (investigative features), Behind the Curtain with Paul Lisnek (entertainment coverage), and Laugh Tracks with Mike Toomey (comedy).
CW Network Programming: As a CW affiliate, WGN carries network shows along with syndicated programming and classic television.
Chicago Sports: WGN’s history includes decades of Cubs and White Sox baseball coverage. While sports rights have shifted, the station maintains strong sports news coverage for all Chicago teams.
How To Watch WGN TV Live Stream
WGN-TV offers multiple free streaming options for Chicago-area viewers and beyond.
Free Streaming Options
WGN+ App: The station’s free streaming app is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TVs. Watch live newscasts, breaking news coverage, and WGN+ original programming at no cost.
WGNTV.com/Live: Stream WGN directly from the station’s website on any web browser. Live newscasts and breaking coverage available free.
Over-the-Air Antenna: Chicago-area viewers can receive WGN free on Channel 9 with a digital antenna. The strong Willis Tower signal reaches throughout Chicagoland.
Live TV Streaming Services With WGN
YouTube TV: Carries WGN in the Chicago market as part of its $72.99 monthly package with unlimited DVR.
Hulu + Live TV: WGN available in Chicago at $89.99 per month including Hulu streaming, Disney+, and ESPN+.
DirecTV Stream: All packages include local channels like WGN starting at $84.99 per month with five-day free trial.
Fubo: Carries WGN in Chicago starting at $84.99 per month with unlimited DVR.
WGN Subchannels And Digital Offerings
WGN broadcasts multiple digital subchannels over the air:
WGN 9.1: Main CW Chicago channel with local news and CW programming.
WGN 9.2 (Antenna TV): Classic television series and movies.
WGN 9.3 (Grit): Action and western programming.
WGN 9.4 (Rewind TV): Classic television from the 1960s through 1990s.
WGN 9.5 (The Nest): Lifestyle and home programming.
Device Compatibility For WGN Streaming
The WGN+ app works across major streaming platforms including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TVs. The WGN News mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices, providing push alerts for breaking news alongside live streaming.
Looking for more local news? Check out our Fox 2 Detroit live stream for Michigan coverage, or explore our live news streams collection for 24/7 national news.
WGN TV Live Stream FAQ
Is WGN TV free to watch?
Yes. WGN offers free streaming through the WGN+ app and WGNTV.com. Chicago-area viewers can also watch free over-the-air on Channel 9 with an antenna.
Can I watch WGN outside of Chicago?
The WGN+ app and website stream news content nationwide. Some programming may be geographically restricted, but news coverage is generally available anywhere.
What happened to WGN America?
The former WGN America cable superstation was rebranded as NewsNation in 2020. The local WGN-TV Channel 9 in Chicago continues as a separate station serving the Chicago market.
Does WGN still show Cubs games?
WGN’s decades-long Cubs broadcasting ended when rights moved to Marquee Sports Network in 2020. WGN still provides Cubs news coverage but no longer airs live games.
What channel is WGN on cable?
WGN is Channel 9 over-the-air and typically found on similar channel numbers with cable providers. Check your local listings for exact channel placement with Xfinity, Astound, or other Chicago-area providers.