You’re sitting on the couch, remote in hand, and you just want to know what’s on. It sounds simple. But "Channel 8" isn't a single thing anymore. Depending on whether you're in Dallas, Tampa, or San Diego, your evening is going to look wildly different. Tonight, Thursday, January 15, 2026, the lineup is a mix of high-stakes network drama, freezing local weather alerts, and some unexpected sports pre-emptions that might leave you staring at a blank screen if you aren't prepared.
Honestly, the "lineup" is a moving target.
If you're looking for the big national heavyweights—the shows everyone talks about at the water cooler (or the Slack channel)—you’re likely looking at the NBC or CBS slates. Since many Channel 8 affiliates carry these networks, let's break down what's actually hitting the airwaves tonight and why your local news might look a bit more frantic than usual.
The National Heavy Hitters on Channel 8 Tonight
For most of the country, Channel 8 is the home of NBC. If that's you, tonight is a massive night for the "Law & Order" universe. We're well into the 2026 season, and the writers aren't pulling any punches.
At 8:00 PM, we have Law & Order. The episode is titled "Dream On." It’s the 10th episode of Season 25. Think about that for a second. Twenty-five seasons. Tonight’s plot deals with a high-profile case that feels ripped right out of the headlines involving tech influencers—kinda meta, right?
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Right after that, at 9:00 PM, is the crown jewel: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Captain Olivia Benson is back in an episode called "Fidelis ad Mortem." It’s Season 27, Episode 10. The longevity of this show is honestly staggering. Tonight’s story leans heavily into a cold case that resurfaces because of new DNA tech.
Then, at 10:00 PM, NBC is airing The Hunting Party. This is a newer procedural that’s been gaining some serious traction. Tonight’s episode, "Adrian Gallo," follows a team of investigators tracking down a killer who has a very creepy way of "preserving" his victims. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, so maybe put the kids to bed early for this one.
What if your Channel 8 is CBS?
In markets like San Diego (KFMB), Channel 8 is a CBS affiliate. Your night looks totally different.
- 8:00 PM: Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage. It's that Young Sheldon spin-off that people doubted but ended up loving.
- 8:30 PM: Ghosts. This show remains one of the funniest things on TV. Tonight’s episode involves a new spirit arriving at the mansion, and things get predictably chaotic.
- 9:00 PM: Matlock. No, not the one your grandpa watched. This is the Kathy Bates version, and she is absolutely crushing it.
- 10:00 PM: Elsbeth. It’s quirky, it’s colorful, and it’s the perfect "wind down" show before the local news.
Local Interruptions: The Weather and Sports Factor
Here is where things get tricky. Even if the national schedule says one thing, your local Channel 8 might have other plans.
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If you are in Tampa (WFLA) or anywhere in Central Florida, don't be surprised if the prime-time lineup gets squeezed. There is a massive "Weather Alert Day" in effect for tonight, January 15. Meteorologists are calling it some of the coldest air in years. We’re talking about lows dipping into the 30s and 40s. Channel 8 news teams in Florida tend to go into "wall-to-wall" coverage mode when a freeze warning hits, so keep an eye on the crawl at the bottom of your screen.
In Dallas (WFAA), sports are the wild card. Tonight, the Dallas Mavericks are taking on the Utah Jazz at 8:30 PM. While much of the NBA action has moved to streaming or cable, local affiliates sometimes strike deals for "Free-to-Air" broadcasts or pre-game specials that can bump the first half-hour of network programming. If you're a Mavs fan, you're probably happy. If you're waiting for Olivia Benson, you might be frustrated.
The Late Night Scene: Momoa and More
Once the local news wraps up at 11:00 PM (or 11:35 PM depending on your market), the Channel 8 lineup tonight shifts into the late-night wars.
On the NBC side, Jimmy Fallon has a pretty stacked guest list for The Tonight Show.
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- Jason Momoa is the lead guest. He’s likely talking about his new project The Wrecking Crew.
- Marcello Hernández, the SNL standout, is stopping by to talk about his new Netflix special American Boy.
- Linus Sebastian (the tech YouTuber) is also slated to appear, which is a bit of a curveball for network TV, but hey, it's 2026.
Over on CBS (for the San Diego and Las Vegas folks), Stephen Colbert is still the king of the mountain. He usually focuses on the day's political insanity, and given that it’s January 2026, there is no shortage of material.
Why Your Guide Might Be Wrong
Ever notice how the digital guide on your TV sometimes shows a show that isn't actually on? It happens way more than it should.
Stations like KFMB (San Diego) or WJW (Cleveland) frequently shuffle their subchannels. Channel 8 isn't just 8.1 anymore. You’ve got 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4. Usually, these subchannels carry networks like The CW, Laff, or True Crime Network. Tonight, if you flick over to 8.2, you might find The Goldbergs or Wicked Tuna instead of the big-budget dramas.
Also, a huge heads-up for Verizon customers. There was a massive network outage earlier this week. While Verizon claims it's resolved, some smart TVs and streaming apps (like the NBC app or Paramount+) are still acting glitchy. If your Channel 8 stream cuts out, try a hard restart of your router. It's an old-school fix, but it's still the most effective one.
Actionable Steps for Tonight’s Viewing
Don't just mindlessly flip channels. To get the most out of your Channel 8 lineup tonight, follow this quick checklist:
- Check the Local Crawl: Especially if you're in the South or Midwest where winter storms are hitting. Local news will often override the first 5-10 minutes of a show to give weather updates.
- Sync Your DVR: If you’re watching Law & Order on NBC, set your recording to end 5 minutes late. With live sports or news breaking, schedules often slide.
- Explore the Subchannels: If the main show is a rerun, check 8.2 or 8.3. Often, the "secondary" Channel 8 stations air classic movies or cult-favorite sitcoms like Seinfeld or The King of Queens.
- Verify Your Time Zone: Remember that the 8:00 PM Eastern start time means 7:00 PM Central. It’s a basic mistake, but in the era of streaming, we all get a little confused sometimes.
The best way to ensure you don't miss anything is to download the specific app for your local station—whether it’s the News 8 app or the WFAA+ stream. They usually offer a live feed of the news and a much more accurate local schedule than the generic one built into your smart TV. Enjoy the shows!