Super Bowl 2026 start time, kickoff, and how to watch on Sunday

Super Bowl 2026 (Super Bowl LX) is set for Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, and the schedule is firm: kickoff is 6:30 p.m. ET. With the game falling during a packed sports weekend, most viewing questions this year come down to two things: getting the right channel or stream lined up early, and confirming whether a subscription is required.

What time is the Super Bowl 2026?

Super Bowl 2026 starts Sunday, Feb. 8, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET. Pregame programming begins much earlier in the day, so it’s easy to think the “start” is noon or mid-afternoon, but the ball itself is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.

Super Bowl Sunday schedule in ET

If you’re timing food, guests, or a watch party: most people plan to be settled by 6:00 p.m. ET to catch the opening ceremony and avoid last-minute stream or login issues.

Where can I watch the Super Bowl?

You can watch on:

• NBC on traditional TV (cable, satellite, or an over-the-air antenna where available)

• Telemundo / Universo for Spanish-language coverage

• Peacock (streaming)

• NFL+ (primarily for mobile viewing)

If you’re using a TV provider or antenna, the simplest plan is NBC on the biggest screen you have. If you’re streaming, Peacock is the main direct option.

How to watch the Super Bowl 2026 without cable

If you don’t have cable, you still have several solid paths:

1) Peacock (streaming)
Peacock is carrying the full game stream. For most viewers, this is the cleanest “no cable” solution—just confirm your account is active and updated well before kickoff.

2) Over-the-air antenna
If you’re in range of a local NBC station, an antenna can deliver the broadcast with no monthly fee. This is often the most reliable option if your internet is spotty or your household will be streaming multiple devices at once.

3) A live TV service that includes NBC in your area
Some internet TV bundles carry local NBC stations, but availability varies by city. The key detail is local station carriage, not just “NBC in general,” so check your zip-code lineup in advance.

4) NFL+ on mobile
NFL+ is useful if you’re traveling or away from your main screen. It’s best treated as a backup or personal screen option rather than the centerpiece for a group watch.

Peacock free trial: what to know this year

If you’re searching for a Peacock free trial, the short version is: Peacock generally does not offer a standard free trial in the way many streamers used to. Promotions can change, and some third-party memberships have occasionally bundled limited-time access, but those offers are not universal and can be region- or plan-dependent.

If your goal is “free,” the most consistent alternatives are:

• Antenna on NBC (if reception works at your location)

• Watching at a friend’s or a venue already showing the game

If your goal is simply “cheapest,” confirm which Peacock plan includes live access to the Super Bowl before subscribing, and do it early enough to resolve any billing or password issues.

Tips to avoid last-minute streaming problems

Super Bowl streams attract heavy traffic, and the most common issues are avoidable:

• Sign in and test playback earlier Sunday afternoon (ET), not at 6:25 p.m.

• Update your TV app or device software before game day

• If your Wi-Fi is crowded, use an ethernet connection or place the router closer to the streaming device

• Keep a backup plan: antenna, a second device, or a second login ready

Sources consulted: NBCUniversal; Peacock; NBC Sports; Rolling Stone