Chicago Tribune TV Listings: Where to Find Updated Local Schedule Guides
The Print Edition: For Those Who Enjoy the Crinkle of Betrayal
Ah, the Chicago Tribune print edition—a relic older than that jar of pickles in your fridge. Flip past the obituaries, weather forecasts, and existential dread, and voilà: TV listings! It’s analog magic, complete with ink smudges and the faint possibility of a paper cut. Pro tip: Circle your must-watch shows with a pen. It’s like giving your future self a treasure map, except the treasure is reruns of Chicago Fire and the map is a 2-inch grid.
Digital Listings: Where Autoplay Ads Fear to Tread
If you’ve upgraded to the 21st century (congrats on the Wi-Fi), the Tribune’s online TV schedule awaits. Navigate past the pop-ups for “local mattress deals” and “you won’t believe this cat video,” and you’ll find a searchable, scrollable guide updated faster than a Chicago weather mood swing. Benefits include:
- No ink stains on your fingers
- The ability to CTRL+F “bearable cooking shows”
- A 50% chance the site won’t ask if you’re “still reading”
Mobile Apps: Because Your Phone Needs More Power
Download the Tribune’s app, and suddenly your phone becomes a pocket-sized TV sherpa. Set reminders for when The Masked Singer unveils another B-list celeb in a raccoon costume. Sync it with your smart fridge, because why not? You’ll never miss Jeopardy! again—unless your train gets stuck on the Red Line, in which case, good luck.
Whether you’re clinging to newsprint like a nostalgic raccoon or swiping through apps like a tech-savvy pigeon, the Chicago Tribune’s listings ensure you’ll know exactly when to tune in. Or, at least, when to pretend you’re watching PBS while secretly bingeing reality TV. Priorities, people.
Chicago Tribune TV Listings Alternatives: Best Ways to View Local Channels
1. Become One with the Antenna Aristocracy
Step 1: Find an HD antenna. Step 2: Stick it to your window, roof, or a suspiciously ornate bird feeder. Suddenly, you’re a wizard pulling local channels out of thin air—no subscription required. Sure, it might look like you’re summoning aliens with that spiky metal R2-D2 vibe, but who cares? You’ll get WGN, NBC, and CBS in crystal clarity, plus bonus static during thunderstorms (nature’s screensaver).
2. Streaming Services: The “I’m Too Fancy for Cable” Workaround
Swap that dusty TV guide for apps like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, or Sling. They’re basically buffets of local channels—minus the sneeze guards. For roughly the price of a weekly avocado toast habit, you’ll binge on news, sports, and Judge Mathis reruns. Pro tip: Avoid accidentally clicking the “Lifetime Movie Network” tab unless you’re ready to spiral into a bridesmaid-murder-mystery rabbit hole.
- YouTube TV: Like cable, but with fewer repairman awkwardness marathons.
- Locast (if resurrected): The streaming phoenix that technically, maybe, could rise from the legal ashes?
3. Embrace Chaos with Local News Websites & Apps
Why wait for print when you can refresh WGN’s website like a caffeinated woodpecker? Their live streams are perfect for watching weather forecasts while ignoring actual weather. Bonus: You’ll get Breaking News alerts about “Mysterious Goose on LSD in Lincoln Park” faster than you can say, “That’s just a pigeon, Brenda.”
4. The “Ask Your Neighbor” Protocol
Desperate? Stroll over to Dave next door, who’s had the same Comcast plan since 2004. Peer through his window like a local-channel-hungry raccoon. If caught, just yell, “IS THIS THE WTTW *ANTIQUES ROADSHOW* HOUR?!” and sprint away. (Note: Results may vary. We recommend pants for this method.)
