The Super Bowl is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the world, with millions of people tuning in to watch the biggest game in the National Football League (NFL). Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just in it for the commercials and halftime show, knowing what time the Super Bowl comes on TV is crucial to ensure you don’t miss a single moment of the action. In this article, we’ll break down the Super Bowl TV schedule, including the kickoff time, pre-game coverage, and more.
Super Bowl Kickoff Time: What You Need to Know
The Super Bowl kickoff time can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place on the first Sunday in February. The exact kickoff time is usually around 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET), but it’s not uncommon for the game to start a few minutes later due to pre-game coverage and introductions.
Why Does the Super Bowl Start So Late?
You may be wondering why the Super Bowl starts so late in the evening. There are a few reasons for this:
- Prime-time television: The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched television events in the world, and broadcasting it during prime-time hours (usually between 8 PM and 11 PM ET) allows for maximum viewership.
- Pre-game coverage: The Super Bowl pre-game show is a big production, featuring live music performances, celebrity interviews, and analysis from football experts. Starting the game later in the evening allows for a more extensive pre-game show.
- West Coast viewership: By starting the game at 6:30 PM ET, West Coast viewers can watch the game at a reasonable hour (3:30 PM Pacific Time). This helps to ensure that viewers on the West Coast can watch the game without having to stay up too late.
Super Bowl Pre-Game Coverage: What to Expect
The Super Bowl pre-game show is a major production, featuring a wide range of content to get viewers excited for the big game. Here are some things you can expect to see during the pre-game coverage:
- Live music performances: The Super Bowl pre-game show often features live music performances from top artists. In recent years, performers have included the likes of Luke Bryan, Pink, and Gladys Knight.
- Celebrity interviews: The pre-game show often features interviews with celebrities, including actors, musicians, and other public figures.
- Football analysis: Football experts and analysts will provide in-depth analysis of the teams, players, and strategies, helping viewers to better understand the game.
- Commercials and promotions: The Super Bowl is famous for its high-profile commercials, and the pre-game show often features sneak peeks and promotions for these ads.
Super Bowl Pre-Game Schedule: A Breakdown
Here’s a rough outline of what you can expect during the Super Bowl pre-game coverage:
| Time | Event |
| — | — |
| 2 PM ET | Pre-game coverage begins, featuring live music performances and celebrity interviews |
| 4 PM ET | Football analysis and team introductions |
| 5 PM ET | More live music performances and commercials |
| 6 PM ET | Final pre-game coverage, including team warm-ups and introductions |
| 6:30 PM ET | Kickoff |
Super Bowl Halftime Show: What to Expect
The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, featuring a performance from a top artist or band. In recent years, performers have included the likes of Katy Perry, Beyoncé, and Justin Timberlake.
Super Bowl Halftime Show Schedule: A Breakdown
Here’s a rough outline of what you can expect during the Super Bowl halftime show:
- Performance: The halftime show typically features a 15-20 minute performance from the headlining artist or band.
- Special effects: The halftime show often features elaborate special effects, including pyrotechnics, fireworks, and video projections.
- Guest performers: The halftime show often features guest performers, including other musicians, dancers, and celebrities.
Super Bowl TV Channels: Where to Watch
The Super Bowl is broadcast on a variety of TV channels, including:
- CBS: CBS has broadcast the Super Bowl several times in recent years, including Super Bowl 50 and Super Bowl 53.
- FOX: FOX has also broadcast the Super Bowl several times, including Super Bowl 51 and Super Bowl 54.
- NBC: NBC has broadcast the Super Bowl several times, including Super Bowl 52 and Super Bowl 56.
- Streaming services: The Super Bowl is also available to stream on a variety of services, including NFL Sunday Ticket, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
Super Bowl TV Schedule: A Breakdown
Here’s a rough outline of the Super Bowl TV schedule:
| Time | Event | Channel |
| — | — | — |
| 2 PM ET | Pre-game coverage | CBS, FOX, NBC |
| 6:30 PM ET | Kickoff | CBS, FOX, NBC |
| 8 PM ET | Halftime show | CBS, FOX, NBC |
| 10 PM ET | Post-game coverage | CBS, FOX, NBC |
Conclusion
The Super Bowl is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the world, and knowing what time it comes on TV is crucial to ensure you don’t miss a single moment of the action. With kickoff typically taking place at 6:30 PM ET, and pre-game coverage starting several hours earlier, there’s plenty to see and do before the big game. Whether you’re watching on TV or streaming online, make sure to tune in early to catch all the action.
What time does the Super Bowl start?
The Super Bowl typically starts at 6:30 PM Eastern Time (ET). However, the pre-game coverage usually begins much earlier, around 2:00 PM ET, and includes various shows, interviews, and analysis. This extended coverage is designed to get viewers excited and prepared for the big game.
It’s essential to note that the start time may vary slightly depending on the specific broadcast network and any unforeseen delays. Viewers should check their local listings or the official NFL website for the most up-to-date information on the Super Bowl TV schedule.
What channel is the Super Bowl on?
The Super Bowl is broadcast on a major television network, which is determined by the NFL’s television contracts. The networks that typically broadcast the Super Bowl include CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC. The specific channel may vary from year to year, so it’s crucial to check the NFL’s website or local listings for the most accurate information.
In addition to traditional television broadcasts, the Super Bowl is also available to stream online through various platforms, such as the NFL app, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. This allows viewers to watch the game on their computers, smartphones, or tablets, providing more flexibility and convenience.
How long does the Super Bowl last?
The actual game time for the Super Bowl is approximately three hours, divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each. However, the overall broadcast time is typically much longer, often exceeding four hours. This includes the pre-game coverage, halftime show, and post-game analysis.
The extended broadcast time allows for a more comprehensive viewing experience, including interviews with players and coaches, analysis of the game, and entertainment features. Viewers should plan accordingly and set aside a significant block of time to watch the Super Bowl from start to finish.
What is the Super Bowl halftime show?
The Super Bowl halftime show is a highly anticipated event that takes place during the middle of the game. It typically features a performance by a well-known musician or band, along with elaborate stage designs, choreography, and special effects. The halftime show is a major production that aims to entertain the massive television audience.
Past halftime performers have included iconic artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Beyoncé. The show is usually around 15-20 minutes long and is broadcast live during the game. It’s a highly anticipated event that many viewers look forward to, and it often generates significant buzz on social media.
Can I stream the Super Bowl online?
Yes, the Super Bowl is available to stream online through various platforms. The NFL offers a range of streaming options, including the NFL app, NFL.com, and the NFL Mobile app. Additionally, the game is also available to stream through various television network apps, such as CBS All Access, FOX Sports, and NBC Sports.
Viewers can also stream the Super Bowl through online streaming services, such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube TV. These services often require a subscription, but they provide access to a range of channels, including the one broadcasting the Super Bowl.
Is the Super Bowl available in 4K?
Yes, the Super Bowl is available to watch in 4K resolution on certain platforms. The NFL has partnered with various broadcasters to offer 4K coverage of the game, which provides a higher level of picture quality and a more immersive viewing experience.
To watch the Super Bowl in 4K, viewers will need a 4K-compatible television and a streaming device or service that supports 4K resolution. Some of the platforms that offer 4K coverage of the Super Bowl include the NFL app, CBS All Access, and FOX Sports.
Can I watch the Super Bowl outside of the United States?
Yes, the Super Bowl is available to watch outside of the United States through various international broadcasters. The NFL has partnered with a range of global broadcasters to offer coverage of the game in over 200 countries and territories.
Viewers outside of the United States can check their local listings or the NFL’s website to find out which broadcaster is showing the Super Bowl in their region. Some international broadcasters may also offer streaming options, allowing viewers to watch the game online.