If you just sat down with your remote and realized the blue brand isn't where it used to be, don't panic. You haven't lost your mind. The wrestling TV landscape has shifted more in the last two years than it did in the previous decade. Finding what channel is Friday Night SmackDown on right now depends entirely on whether you’re clutching a traditional cable remote or staring at a smart TV home screen.
Honestly, the "channel" is USA Network.
WWE moved SmackDown back to its longtime home on USA Network in late 2024, ending its high-profile five-year run on FOX. But there's a catch for 2026. While Monday Night Raw and the massive library of Premium Live Events (PLEs) have migrated to Netflix, SmackDown is sticking with traditional cable for the foreseeable future. If you're looking for Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, or the latest Bloodline drama on Friday night, you need to find USA Network.
The Return to Cable: Why SmackDown is on USA Network
The move back to USA Network wasn't just a random swap. It was a massive five-year domestic media rights deal between WWE and NBCUniversal. For fans who remember the "SmackDown Live" era from 2016 to 2019, this feels like a homecoming.
What’s wild is how the show has grown. For nearly 25 years, SmackDown was a two-hour show. That changed. Starting in January 2026, USA Network expanded SmackDown to a three-hour broadcast.
The show now airs from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM ET every Friday.
🔗 Read more: Blink-182 Mark Hoppus: What Most People Get Wrong About His 2026 Comeback
That extra hour is a big deal. It means more time for the mid-card talent to actually get meaningful matches and less of that rushed feeling we used to see during the FOX years. It also puts SmackDown on equal footing with Raw in terms of length, even though Raw is now a streaming-first property.
How to Find the Channel Number
Because USA Network is a cable staple, the channel number varies by your provider. You’ve likely got it, but here is where it usually hides:
- DirecTV: Channel 242
- Dish Network: Channel 105
- Spectrum/Xfinity/Cox: This varies wildly by zip code. You're better off using the voice command on your remote and just shouting "USA Network" at it.
Cutting the Cord: Can You Stream SmackDown Live?
This is where people get confused. Since Raw is on Netflix, everyone assumes SmackDown is there too.
It isn’t. At least not live in the U.S.
If you don't have a cable box, you can't just open the Netflix app at 8:00 PM on Friday and see Cody Rhodes. To watch it live without cable, you need a Live TV Streaming Service (vMPVD). Basically, a cable replacement.
💡 You might also like: Why Grand Funk’s Bad Time is Secretly the Best Pop Song of the 1970s
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes USA Network and usually comes with the Disney bundle.
- Sling TV: You'll need the "Sling Blue" package to get USA. It’s usually the cheapest way to get the channel.
- FuboTV: Great for sports fans, though a bit pricier.
- YouTube TV: Probably the most seamless interface for recording the show if you can't watch live.
If you’re a Peacock subscriber thinking you’re safe—sorry. While Peacock was the king of WWE content for years, its role has changed. In 2026, Peacock is mostly for NXT events and specific archives, as Netflix has taken over the major PLEs like WrestleMania. You can't watch SmackDown live on Peacock. You usually have to wait 30 days for episodes to show up there, which, let’s be real, is an eternity in wrestling time.
International Fans: The Netflix Exception
Here is where the "what channel" question gets a little funky. If you are reading this from the UK, Canada, or India, the answer isn't USA Network.
For the international crowd, Netflix is the home of SmackDown.
As part of the massive global deal that kicked off in 2025, Netflix became the exclusive carrier for all weekly WWE shows outside of the United States. So, while American fans are still toggling through cable menus, fans in London or Toronto are just hitting "Play" on their Netflix dashboard. It’s a bit of a fragmented experience depending on where your feet are planted on the map.
What Happened to FOX?
A lot of people still reflexively flip to their local FOX affiliate at 8:00 PM. You'll probably find local news or a movie rerun there now.
📖 Related: Why La Mera Mera Radio is Actually Dominating Local Airwaves Right Now
FOX and WWE parted ways because the "Big Four" network wanted to pivot away from the high licensing costs of pro wrestling. While SmackDown brought in millions of viewers, the ad revenue wasn't quite hitting the marks FOX needed for a primetime Friday slot.
USA Network, however, lives for this. WWE has been the backbone of USA's ratings for decades. By moving SmackDown over, NBCUniversal essentially turned USA Network into the "WWE Channel" for half the week.
Key Details for Tonight's Broadcast:
- Start Time: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT
- Duration: 3 hours
- Channel: USA Network
- Commentary Team: The lineup has seen some shifts, but Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett have been the primary voices guiding the blue brand through this 2026 season.
Actionable Steps for the WWE Fan
If you’re tired of missing the opening segment because you’re hunting for the right app or channel, do this:
- Check your subscription: If you only have Netflix and Peacock, you will not see SmackDown live in the U.S. You need a service that carries USA Network.
- Set the DVR: With the move to three hours, SmackDown is a massive time commitment. If you're using YouTube TV or a cable DVR, make sure it’s updated to record the new 180-minute block.
- Download the NBC App: If you have a cable login (even from a friend or parent), you can stream the show live via the USA Network or NBC app on your phone or tablet.
The move to USA Network has brought a grittier, more "pro wrestling" feel back to the show compared to the polished, corporate vibe of the FOX era. It feels a bit more like the Wild West again, which is exactly what SmackDown should be. Grab your snacks, find USA Network, and settle in for the three-hour ride.