Finding a reliable Lincoln NE TV schedule used to be as simple as flipping to the back of the Sunday paper. Now? It's a chaotic mess of subchannels, streaming "fast" apps, and confusing digital tiers. If you’re trying to find out when the Huskers are playing or why your favorite CBS show isn't on channel 10 anymore, you've probably felt that frustration. Honestly, the way local broadcasting works in the Star City has changed so much in the last two years that even long-time residents are getting tripped up.
Most people think they only have four or five options. That's just wrong. Between the major network affiliates and the explosion of digital subchannels, there are actually dozens of free over-the-air options if you know where to look.
The Big Players on the Lincoln NE TV Schedule
If you want the meat and potatoes of Lincoln television, you’re looking at the core affiliates. These are the stations that carry the NFL, the big primetime dramas, and the local news that actually tells you why 27th Street is closed again.
- KOLN/KGIN (Channel 10/11 - CBS): This is the heavyweight in the market. Most folks just call it "10/11." They handle the bulk of the CBS programming. If you're looking for 60 Minutes or the late-night slot with Stephen Colbert, this is your home base.
- KLKN (Channel 8 - ABC): Located right on 10th Street, KLKN is your go-to for Grey’s Anatomy or Good Morning America. They’ve been a staple since the mid-90s and tend to have a very heavy focus on hyperlocal Lincoln events.
- KFXL (Channel 51 - FOX): This one is a bit unique. While it’s the FOX affiliate, a lot of its local news is actually produced through a partnership with NTV. You’ll find the big Sunday afternoon NFL games here.
- KHGI (Channel 13 - ABC/FOX): Depending on where you are in the city, you might pick up the Kearney-based signals too. The Lincoln-Hastings-Kearney market is technically one giant blob, so schedules often overlap.
Don't Ignore the Subchannels
This is where the Lincoln NE TV schedule gets interesting. Most people stop at the main channel, but the "dot" channels (like 8.2 or 10.3) are where the cult classics live. KLKN 8.2 usually runs Grit, which is basically a 24/7 marathon of westerns. Then you've got 8.3 (Laff) and 8.4 (Mystery), which are perfect for background noise while you're doing chores.
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KOLN 10.2 often carries MeTV. If you want to watch MASH* or Perry Mason at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday, that’s where you go. It's nostalgic, it's free, and it doesn't require a $100 cable bill.
Watching the Huskers: A Scheduling Headache
Look, we live in Nebraska. The only thing that matters more than the weather is Husker sports. But finding the game on your local Lincoln NE TV schedule isn't always straightforward.
For football, you’re usually bouncing between FOX (51.1), CBS (10.1), and NBC (handled via KSNB or WOWT out of Omaha). However, for basketball and volleyball, you’ll often find yourself looking for Nebraska Public Media (formerly NET).
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Nebraska Public Media (Channel 12) is a treasure. They don't just do Sesame Street and Antiques Roadshow. They are the primary source for the Unicameral legislative sessions and high school state championships. If you’re trying to keep up with what’s happening at the State Capitol, their morning schedule is almost entirely dedicated to the Legislature during the session.
Breaking Down the News Blocks
If you're a news junkie, the schedule is pretty predictable but competitive.
- Morning: Most local news starts at 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM. KLKN and 10/11 fight for your attention until the national shows (Today or CBS Mornings) take over at 7:00 AM.
- Midday: 10/11 usually holds the noon slot.
- Evening: The "big" news happens at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 10:00 PM.
- The 9 PM Exception: KFXL (FOX) runs a 9:00 PM newscast. This is great for people who want the news but don't want to stay up until 10:30 PM.
Cutting the Cord in Lincoln
You don't need Spectrum or Allo to see these schedules. In fact, Lincoln has a pretty clear line of sight for digital antennas. Since the transmitters for KLKN are near Utica and KOLN's are near Beaver Crossing/Lincoln, a basic indoor "leaf" antenna usually pulls in 30+ channels in most Lincoln neighborhoods.
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If you're more into streaming, the Lincoln NE TV schedule is accessible through "FAST" (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) apps.
- NewsON: You can watch live KLKN or 10/11 broadcasts here for free.
- Zeam: This is a newer player that specifically focuses on local stations.
- YouTube TV / Hulu Live: These carry the local Lincoln affiliates, but you're going to pay that hefty monthly fee.
Honestly? If you just want the local news and the big network shows, get a $20 antenna from the Target on 40th and Yankee Hill. It'll pay for itself in one month.
Navigating the 2026 Digital Shift
We’re seeing more stations move toward ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV). What does that mean for your schedule? Better 4K pictures, mostly. But it also means some channels are "nesting" or sharing signals. If you notice your favorite channel suddenly looks different or moved from 10.1 to something else, just run a "channel rescan" on your TV. It fixes 90% of the problems people have with their local listings.
Actionable Steps for the Best Viewing Experience
Stop guessing what's on. If you want to master your local viewing, do these three things right now:
- Rescan Your Tuner: Do this at least once every three months. Stations in the Lincoln-Hastings-Kearney market tweak their subchannels constantly. You might find a new "True Crime" or "Retro Cartoon" channel you didn't know existed.
- Download the 10/11 and KLKN Apps: They both have dedicated "Weather" and "News" apps. If the schedule changes due to a breaking news event or a storm, these apps send a push notification faster than the TV can update.
- Check the Nebraska Public Media Site: For anything related to the Huskers or the Unicameral, their online schedule is much more detailed than what you'll find on your TV's built-in guide.
The Lincoln NE TV schedule is more than just a list of shows; it’s the heartbeat of the city. Whether it’s a Tuesday morning legislative hearing or a Saturday night Husker replay, staying connected to local airwaves is the best way to know what’s actually happening in your own backyard. Just remember to aim that antenna toward the west/southwest, and you're golden.