The excitement is building for the 2026 Winter Olympics, set to take place in Milano Cortina, Italy, starting on Friday, February 6. With over 3,200 hours of winter sports programming available across various broadcast, cable, and digital platforms, finding your ideal viewing experience can be quite the task. Here's everything you need to know about how and when to catch the Olympic events.
Experiencing the Olympics is a unique journey for each viewer. While some enjoy the technical finesse of events like luge, others are captivated by the heartwarming stories of athletes overcoming challenges. To cater to diverse viewing preferences, we've crafted a comprehensive guide for how you can enjoy the 2026 Games.
How to Watch the Olympics on Broadcast and Cable TV
NBCUniversal holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the Olympics in the U.S. this year, with extensive coverage from the opening ceremony on February 6 until the closing ceremony on February 22. If you prefer traditional television, tune into NBC, along with cable networks CNBC and USA Network. For streaming options, Peacock will be your go-to platform.
NBC's Broadcast Coverage
During prime time, NBC will feature Primetime in Milan, a three-hour showcase of Olympic highlights each night, starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT, with a special start time of 10:45 p.m. ET on Super Bowl Sunday. Daytime coverage will provide five hours of popular events like snowboarding, skiing, figure skating, and hockey, beginning at 7 a.m. ET.
Additionally, NBC will air a nightly recap of the day's events following local news, with live coverage of the opening ceremony at 2 p.m. ET on February 6 and the closing ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on February 22, along with a re-airing at 9 p.m.
Cable Television Coverage
USA Network and CNBC will also contribute to the Olympic coverage:
- USA Network: Almost around the clock, USA Network will broadcast a mix of live events and replays, starting at 2 a.m. ET for live events each night, continuing into the afternoon.
- CNBC: Dedicated to curling, CNBC will air a nightly "Best of Curling" show at 5 p.m. ET on weekdays, with extended coverage on weekends.
Where to Stream the 2026 Olympics
For those opting to stream, Peacock will provide live coverage of all 116 medal events, along with on-demand replays for every event.
Viewing Options for Casual Fans
If you're looking to engage with the Olympics without diving deep into every event, the mainstream coverage is perfect for you. Don't miss the opening ceremony on February 6 at 2 p.m. ET and catch as much of NBC's prime-time coverage as possible for a blend of popular events and athlete stories.
For Single-Sport Enthusiasts
If you have a passion for a specific sport, such as hockey or snowboarding, Peacock's Sports Hub will allow you to follow every qualifying round and medal contest for your chosen sport, available live or on-demand.
For the Gossip Lovers
If discussing the Olympics with friends is part of the fun, watch NBC's broadcast coverage while following the social media feeds of NBC's Creator Collective, featuring popular influencers who will be sharing their experiences.
For the Inquisitive Viewers
If you're excited to explore new sports, skip mainstream coverage and check out Peacock's Sports Hub for a variety of lesser-known events. Be sure to look out for the debut of Ski Mountaineering, a challenging new sport at the 2026 Games.
For the Completists
If you want to experience every moment of the Olympics, Peacock is your best bet, especially with its "Discovery Multiview" feature, allowing you to watch multiple events simultaneously.
For Tech Enthusiasts
For the ultimate viewing experience, don't miss the 4K coverage available on NBC and Peacock on February 8, featuring 17 hours of Olympic and Super Bowl content. For those with a Meta Quest headset, the Olympics will also be available in augmented reality.
