If you've been refreshing your DVR and wondering why your Monday nights feel a little quiet lately, you aren't alone. We just came off a whirlwind Season 28 where Aiden Ross took the crown for Team Niall, and honestly, the transition into 2026 is looking like one of the biggest pivots in the show's history. NBC is leaning hard into what they're calling "Legendary February," and it’s basically changing everything we know about the typical release cycle.
So, let's get right to the point: when does the show the Voice start for its next big run?
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Mark your calendars for Monday, February 23, 2026. That is the official premiere date for Season 29.
But don't just expect the usual 8:00 PM slot. Because of NBC’s midseason shuffle—including the series premiere of the new Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe comedy, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins—the singing competition is actually sliding back an hour. You'll want to tune in at 9:00 PM ET on that Monday night.
Why Season 29 Is Breaking All the Rules
This isn't just another season. NBC is branding this one "The Voice: Battle of Champions." For the first time ever, we are seeing a coaching panel of only three people. It sounds weird, right? We’re so used to the "Big Four" dynamic, but the producers are trimming the fat to focus on a high-stakes, winner-takes-all vibe.
The lineup is honestly kind of a "greatest hits" collection.
- Kelly Clarkson is finally back after her hiatus.
- Adam Levine is making his long-awaited return.
- John Legend rounds out the trio.
The "Battle of Champions" gimmick isn't just a name. Every single coach on this panel has won the show before. Kelly has four wins, Adam has three, and John has one. They’re basically removing the "newbie" learning curve and throwing three titans into a room to see who can actually out-strategize the others.
The Premiere Week Schedule
If you’re planning your week, the first few days are a bit of a marathon. NBC is trying to build massive momentum right out of the gate.
- Monday, Feb 23: The two-hour premiere starts at 9:00 PM ET.
- Wednesday, Feb 25: A special midweek episode at 8:00 PM ET.
- Thursday, Feb 26: Another one-hour blast at 8:00 PM ET.
After that chaotic first week, the show settles into a much more predictable rhythm. Starting March 2, you can expect it to air every Monday at 9:00 PM.
New Gimmicks: Triple Turns and Super Steals
If you’ve watched this show for years, you know the "Block" was the last big change. Well, for Season 29, the Block is actually gone. In its place, we have the Triple Turn Competition.
Essentially, the coaches are incentivized to get all three chairs to turn. The coach who manages to snag the most "Triple Turns" during the Blind Auditions earns a "Super Steal." This is a massive advantage for the Battle Rounds—it basically allows a coach to override any other steal attempt. It’s a "guaranteed win" button that is going to make the Battles incredibly salty.
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Another wild addition is the In-Season All-Star Competition. During the Knockouts, Kelly, Adam, and John will each bring back two legendary former contestants from their previous teams. We’re talking about heavy hitters like Jordan Smith and Girl Named Tom coming back just to compete in side-battles. CeeLo Green is even reportedly coming back as a guest judge specifically to oversee these All-Star showdowns.
Where to Watch and Stream
For the traditionalists, NBC is still the home base. If you’ve cut the cord, Peacock is your best friend. New episodes drop on Peacock the next morning, usually around 6:00 AM ET.
One thing to keep an eye on is the NBA. NBC’s new sports broadcast deal means that Tuesday nights are often reserved for basketball. This is the primary reason why The Voice is sticking mostly to a one-night-a-week schedule (Mondays) once the initial premiere hype dies down. If you're looking for that Tuesday night results show, you might be waiting a while; the show is leaning into a "leaner and meaner" format this year.
Actionable Steps for Fans
To make sure you don't miss the transition from the Blind Auditions to the Battles, here is how you should prep:
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- Update your DVR settings now: Since the time slot has moved from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, some older "series recording" settings might glitch. Manually check the Feb 23 slot.
- Check the Peacock "Early Access": Last season, Peacock experimented with dropping digital-exclusive "Leaked Blinds" a few days early. Keep an eye on the app around February 19.
- Follow the "Carson Callback": Carson Daly is expected to have more "host power" this season, potentially involving a second-chance save for artists who don't get a chair turn. Pay close attention to the final five minutes of the premiere for that reveal.
The return of Adam Levine alone is enough to change the energy of the set, but with only three chairs and a 9:00 PM start time, 2026 is shaping up to be the year The Voice finally stops playing it safe.