Honestly, trying to figure out the super bowl broadcast schedule used to be simple. You’d turn on the TV, find the one channel everyone was talking about, and sit there for seven hours. Now? It’s a jigsaw puzzle of streaming rights, secondary Spanish-language feeds, and—this year specifically—a bizarre collision with the Winter Olympics that has the network executives at NBC probably drinking way too much espresso.
If you're looking for the quick answer, here it is: Super Bowl LX is happening on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. ET.
But if you just show up at 6:30, you’ve already missed half the story.
The NBC Takeover and the Olympic "Super Sunday"
NBC has the ball this year. Because of the way the NFL rotation works between CBS, FOX, NBC, and now ABC/ESPN, the peacock network gets the 60th anniversary of the Big Game. But 2026 is a weird one. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are happening at the exact same time.
This creates a "Super Sunday" that we haven't really seen since 2022. NBC is basically turning the entire day into a marathon.
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The super bowl broadcast schedule actually starts at 7:00 a.m. ET with live Olympic coverage from Italy. You’ll see skiing and figure skating all morning while the prep for Santa Clara is happening in the background. Around noon ET, the NFL takes over with "Road to the Super Bowl," and then the actual pregame show starts at 1:00 p.m. ET.
It’s a lot. Mike Tirico is doing something no broadcaster has ever done: he’s calling the Super Bowl play-by-play and then immediately pivotng to host the Olympic Primetime show from the field at Levi’s Stadium. Talk about a long day at the office.
Where to Watch (and Where Not To)
You have three main "official" ways to watch this in the United States.
- The Big Screen: NBC is the primary broadcast home. If you have a pair of "rabbit ears" or a digital antenna, you can get this for free.
- The Stream: Peacock is the exclusive streaming home for the NBC feed. If you’re a subscriber, you’re good. NFL+ also carries it, but mostly for mobile devices.
- The Spanish Feed: Telemundo is handling the Spanish-language broadcast, which has its own dedicated production team and vibe.
One thing people often get wrong is assuming the game is on FOX or CBS just because it was last year or the year before. Don't be that person. If you tune into CBS on February 8, you're going to see "60 Minutes" or a rerun of "NCIS," not Bad Bunny's halftime show.
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The 2026 Timeline: From Anthem to 4K
Let's talk about the technical side for a second. NBC has been vocal about their 4K plans. While most of us still watch in 1080p, the network is expected to offer an upscaled 4K feed through certain providers and on Peacock. It makes the grass look greener and the hits look harder.
The schedule of the "show" part of the game is fairly rigid:
- 6:00 p.m. ET: This is when the pageantry kicks in. Charlie Puth is set to sing the National Anthem. Brandi Carlile is doing "America the Beautiful."
- 6:30 p.m. ET: The actual kickoff at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
- 8:30 p.m. ET (approx): The Halftime Show. Bad Bunny is the headliner. Expect high energy and probably a few surprise guests that haven't been leaked yet.
- 10:00 p.m. ET: The trophy presentation.
What’s interesting about the super bowl broadcast schedule this year is what happens after the game. Usually, a network launches a new "prestige" show (think The Voice or a new drama). But this year, NBC is going straight back to the Olympics. At roughly 10:45 p.m. ET, they’ll cut to "Primetime in Milan," where they’ll show the women’s downhill skiing—featuring 41-year-old Lindsey Vonn in her historic comeback.
Who are you listening to?
The booth is settled. Mike Tirico handles the play-by-play. Cris Collinsworth is the color analyst (prepare yourself for the "now here's a guy..." comments).
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On the sidelines, it’s a duo. Melissa Stark is the veteran, but Kaylee Hartung has been moved up to the "A-team" for this game. It’s actually only the second time NBC has used two sideline reporters for a Super Bowl. They also have Terry McAulay in the rules booth, who will inevitably have to explain a controversial holding call in the fourth quarter.
Why the Location Matters for Your Watch Party
Because the game is in Santa Clara, California, it’s a 3:30 p.m. local start time. For those of us on the East Coast, that 6:30 p.m. start means the game is going to end late. If there are no overtimes or major injury delays, you’re looking at a 10:15 p.m. finish.
If it goes to overtime? You’re looking at an 11:00 p.m. finish.
This matters for the "Super Bowl Monday" phenomenon. Every year, millions of people "call in sick" the next day. With the Olympic coverage following the game, the total broadcast won't actually wrap up until about 12:35 a.m. ET when Craig Melvin takes over for the late-night Olympic slot.
Actionable Steps for the Viewer
Stop waiting until Sunday morning to see if your streaming app works.
- Check your NBC signal now. If you're using an antenna, do a channel scan today. Walls and weather can mess with reception.
- Update the Peacock app. If you're streaming, ensure the app is updated on your Smart TV or Roku.
- Coordinate the food timing. If kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. ET, you want the heavy appetizers served by 6:00. Once the game starts, nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen.
- Set your DVR for the "Post-Game." If you want to see the trophy presentation and the immediate reactions, make sure your recording is set to run at least 90 minutes over the scheduled end time. Live sports rarely stick to the clock.
The 2026 broadcast is a massive logistical beast. Between the NFL, the Olympics, and a $7 million price tag for a 30-second commercial, the stakes are absurdly high. Just make sure you're on the right channel.