You've probably seen the clips. A stiff room full of white-tie tuxedos, some of the most powerful people in the world laughing—or grimacing—while a comedian or a political rival takes a flamethrower to their ego. It’s the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, and honestly, it’s one of the strangest, most enduring rituals in American politics. But every year, when October rolls around, the same question pops up: is the Al Smith dinner televised, or is it just some secret society gala for the Manhattan elite?
The short answer is yes. But it’s not exactly like watching the Super Bowl or the Oscars. You won’t find it on every local channel with a massive pre-game show. Instead, it’s a bit more of a "find it if you know where to look" situation. In 2024 and 2025, the broadcast landscape for this event shifted toward streaming and specialized news networks, and if you're looking ahead to the October 15, 2026, dinner at the Waldorf Astoria, the rules remain pretty much the same.
Where to Find the Al Smith Dinner on TV
Typically, the heavy lifter for the full, uncut broadcast is C-SPAN. They’ve been the go-to for decades because they don't do commercial breaks or talking-head commentary during the speeches. If you want to see every awkward pause and every genuine laugh from the Archbishop of New York, C-SPAN is your best bet.
Beyond the cable giants, major news networks like Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC usually carry the "headliner" portions of the night. Think of it like this: they’ll jump in when the big names—usually the presidential candidates in an election year—take the podium. They aren't going to show you the three-course meal or the opening prayers, but they’ll definitely show the roasts. In 2025, Fox Nation actually listed the dinner as a featured "Season 1, Episode 2" style event, treating it almost like a prestige television special.
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Streaming is the New Front Row Seat
If you don't have a cable box, don't sweat it. The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation has gotten surprisingly tech-savvy lately. They usually host a high-quality livestream directly on their official website. It’s free, it’s direct, and you don't have to listen to pundits analyze the jokes before they've even finished the punchline.
- YouTube: Networks like PBS NewsHour and C-SPAN almost always stream the whole thing live on their YouTube channels.
- Apple TV: Recently, the dinner has appeared on Apple TV via news partner feeds, making it easier to watch on a big screen without a subscription.
- Social Media: You’ll see the "greatest hits" on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok within seconds, but for the full vibe, the foundation’s site is the way to go.
Why People Actually Tune In
The magic of the night—if you want to call it that—is the "white-tie roast" format. It’s basically the one night where politicians are required by law (well, by tradition) to be self-deprecating. In 2024, we saw Donald Trump take the stage while Kamala Harris broke with a 40-year tradition by sending a pre-recorded video instead of attending in person. That caused a huge stir. The last time a major nominee skipped was Walter Mondale in 1984, and we all know how that election ended for him.
The dinner isn't just about the jokes, though. It’s a massive fundraiser. In 2025, the event raised over $7.3 million for Catholic charities. When you're wondering is the Al Smith dinner televised, remember that the cameras are there partly to show off the "Happy Warrior" award winner—like Robert Kraft in 2025—and to keep the donors feeling like they're part of something historic.
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The 2026 Outlook
Looking forward to the 81st Annual Dinner on October 15, 2026, the venue is moving back to the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York. This is a big deal because the Waldorf is the dinner's "spiritual home." It’s been under renovation for ages, and the return to Park Avenue usually means the guest list will be even more high-profile than usual. Expect the usual suspects: former Secretaries of State (Blinken and Pompeo were the 2025 heavy hitters), media moguls, and the Cardinal.
Common Misconceptions About the Broadcast
People often think this is a private event because tickets cost thousands of dollars. It is private in the sense that you can't just walk in off the street, but the Foundation actually wants the world to see the speeches. Why? Because it’s good PR for the Church and the charities.
Another weird thing: the "roast" isn't always a roast. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, the dinner went virtual. It was... quiet. No laughter, no clinking glasses, just two guys on a screen talking about their faith. It was a reminder that the "televised" version of this event relies heavily on the energy of the room. Without the crowd, it’s just another political speech.
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How to Prepare for the Next One
If you're planning to watch the 2026 dinner, here's the move. Don't go looking for it on Netflix or Hulu.
- Check the C-SPAN schedule about 48 hours before the third Thursday in October.
- Bookmark the Al Smith Foundation website for the direct livestream.
- Keep an eye on YouTube for the PBS or C-SPAN links, which are usually the most stable.
The dinner usually starts around 7:00 PM ET, but the "good stuff"—the keynote speeches—doesn't usually kick off until 8:30 or 9:00 PM. If you tune in too early, you're just going to see a lot of people in very expensive suits eating soup.
Actionable Insights for Viewers
If you’re a political junkie or just love a good cringey joke, the Al Smith Dinner is a must-watch. To get the most out of it, don't just watch the clips the next day. The real fun is seeing the reactions of the people behind the speaker. Half the entertainment is watching a politician try to look like they're enjoying a joke made at their own expense while a camera is zoomed in on their forehead.
Wait for the official Foundation "Run of Show" to be posted on their site a few days prior. It will tell you exactly who is speaking and when, so you can skip the fluff and get right to the roasts. And honestly? Watch the C-SPAN feed. The lack of commentary makes the awkward silences much more authentic.