Celebrating 20 Years Since The WB's Final Night—And Why It's Time for a Revival!

September 17, 2006 marked the end of an era in television history. Exactly 20 years ago, The WB officially closed its doors, bidding farewell to millions of devoted fans with "The Night of Favorites and Farewells." This special five-hour block of pilot episodes revisited the network's most iconic signature series, giving viewers one last look at the shows that defined a generation of pop culture.

This historic sign-off followed the groundbreaking merger with UPN. Just days prior, on September 15, 2006, UPN aired its final night of programming without a formal sign-off message. By September 18, 2006, both networks ceased independent operations and merged to form The CW. Looking back, many argue that television history should have gone a different route—UPN's programming would have been a perfect fit if moved directly to CBS, allowing The WB to continue growing independently with a fresh, updated logo for a new era.

Instead, the landscape shifted dramatically. Fast forward to October 2022, when Nexstar Media Group acquired a 75% majority stake in The CW. Following subsequent stake increases by Nexstar, the remaining ownership of the network is now split between its original founding partners, Paramount Global (now Paramount Skydance) and Warner Bros. Discovery, who each retain a 9.5% minority stake.

With The CW moving in a completely different programming direction under Nexstar, the time is ripe to bring back the magic, heart, and high-quality storytelling that made the Michigan J. Frog era unforgettable.

Sign and share the petition to tell Warner Bros. Discovery to revive The WB Network under the proven leadership of Mark Pedowitz! Let's bring back the network that shaped our youth and give a new generation the signature dramas and comedies they deserve.