So, you’re settled onto the couch, the snack spread is looking elite, and you flip on Amazon Prime Video to catch the game. Then you hear that voice. That legendary, slightly wry, unmistakable cadence. If you’ve been wondering who are the commentators for Thursday night football, you’re hearing Al Michaels.
But it’s not just him.
The booth for Thursday Night Football (TNF) has become one of the most stable—and expensive—spots in sports media. Since Amazon shelled out about $1 billion a year to own this night, they haven't been playing around with the talent. They brought in the heavy hitters, and as we move through the 2025-2026 cycle, that hasn't changed.
The Voices in the Booth: Michaels and Herbstreit
For most fans, the "who" starts and ends with the play-by-play guy. Al Michaels is the captain of the ship. Despite the internet occasionally buzzing about whether he’s "lost his fastball" (he hasn't, he’s just Al), he remains the gold standard. He’s 81 now, which is wild to think about, but Amazon just confirmed he’s coming back for the 2026 season. He basically works on a year-to-year vibe now, but as long as he’s feeling it, he’s the voice.
Next to him is Kirk Herbstreit.
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This was a move that raised eyebrows when it first happened. Why? Because Herbstreit is the king of college football. People weren't sure if his "Saturday morning" energy would translate to a "Thursday night" pro game. It did. Honestly, his chemistry with Michaels is surprisingly good. Herbstreit has this grueling schedule where he flies thousands of miles a week to hit College GameDay, a Saturday game, and TNF. He’s under contract through the end of the 2026 season, so don't expect him to go anywhere soon.
The Sideline Powerhouse
You can’t have a broadcast without someone down in the trenches. Kaylee Hartung is the primary sideline reporter for TNF. She’s everywhere. One minute she’s interviewing a coach who clearly doesn't want to talk at halftime, and the next she’s on TODAY or prep-ing for a Super Bowl assignment with NBC.
There was some confusion recently because Melissa Stark—the legend from Sunday Night Football—has been popping up in various TNF-related content and sharing sideline duties for certain big events. While Hartung is the "Prime" regular, the world of NFL broadcasting is basically a giant game of musical chairs where everyone is friends.
The "TNF Tonight" Desk: A Who's Who of Retired Stars
The pregame show is where things get a bit more crowded. Amazon wanted a "bar talk" feel, but with people who actually know what a Cover 3 looks like. Charissa Thompson hosts the whole circus. She’s the glue holding the big personalities together.
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The analysts usually include:
- Tony Gonzalez: The Hall of Fame tight end who brings the "player's perspective" without being too stuffy.
- Ryan Fitzpatrick: "Fitzmagic" himself. He’s arguably the breakout star of the broadcast. He’s funny, he wears loud shirts, and he actually breaks down QB play in a way that doesn't make your head hurt.
- Richard Sherman: You never know what Sherm is going to say, which is exactly why he’s there. He brings the defensive edge.
- Andrew Whitworth: "Big Whit" is the relatable offensive lineman who retired and immediately became great at TV.
They also have Taylor Rooks doing those deep-dive features and Terry McAulay as the rules expert. You know Terry—he’s the guy Al Michaels calls when a referee makes a call that makes absolutely no sense to anyone watching at home.
Why does the lineup keep changing?
It feels like the lineup changes because it does. Sometimes you’ll see Tony Dungy or Kurt Warner slide into roles, especially if Herbstreit has a massive college conflict or if Amazon is trying out a new "Prime Vision" alternate stream.
Basically, Amazon treats TNF like a tech product. They’re always A/B testing. They have the "Dude Perfect" stream, the "LeBron James" stream (The Shop), and various Spanish-language feeds featuring Miguel Gurwitz and Rolando Cantú. If you hate the main commentators, you literally have four other options a click away.
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What’s next for the TNF crew?
Now that the 2025 regular season has wrapped and we’re looking toward 2026, the big takeaway is continuity. Amazon is happy. The ratings are up.
If you're looking to keep up with the broadcast:
- Check the alternate feeds: If you find Michaels too "old school," try the Next Gen Stats feed. It’s a completely different experience.
- Watch the post-game: The "TNF Nightcap" is often better than the game itself, especially when Fitzpatrick and Sherman start bickering.
- Update your app: Amazon updates the interface constantly. Sometimes the "commentator" isn't just a voice, but the X-Ray data on your screen.
The booth is set. Michaels and Herbstreit are the duo for the foreseeable future. Just sit back, ignore the lag, and enjoy the game.