Thursday Night Football (TNF) brings NFL fans a thrilling kickoff to each weekend, showcasing marquee matchups and primetime excitement. But with media rights shifting and streaming services growing, finding the right channel to catch Thursday Night Football can sometimes be confusing. Whether you’re watching from home, streaming on the go, or tuning in from outside the U.S., this guide explains exactly where and how to watch Thursday Night Football so you never miss a game.
We’ll cover all your viewing options, from traditional cable to streaming services and exclusive broadcast partners, ensuring you’re ready to enjoy TNF action.
What Channel is Thursday Night Football On?
As of the 2023 season, Thursday Night Football is primarily broadcast on Amazon Prime Video in the United States. This exclusive arrangement marks a shift from previous years, where TNF could be found on various cable networks. The move to Amazon Prime Video means that most Thursday Night Football games require an active Prime membership to view. However, select games and regions may offer additional viewing options, so here’s everything you need to know.
Watching Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video
Since the start of the 2022 NFL season, Amazon Prime Video has secured the primary rights to broadcast Thursday Night Football in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know about watching TNF on Amazon Prime:
- Subscription Requirement: Amazon Prime membership is required to access Thursday Night Football games. Prime subscriptions are available on a monthly or annual basis.
- Device Compatibility: You can watch Amazon Prime Video on various devices, including smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and computers.
- Game Quality: Amazon broadcasts games in HD, with some devices supporting 4K resolution for an enhanced viewing experience.
- Additional Features: Amazon Prime offers interactive features, such as live stats, replays, and multiple commentary options, making it a highly immersive way to watch TNF.
Is Thursday Night Football Available on Cable TV?
No, as of the latest broadcast agreements, regular-season Thursday Night Football games are exclusive to Amazon Prime Video and are not available on cable TV networks. This is a departure from previous seasons, where channels like NFL Network, FOX, and CBS sometimes carried Thursday games. However, there are a few exceptions:
- Local Markets: The NFL mandates that the TNF game be made available on a local TV station in the participating teams’ home markets. For example, if the Kansas City Chiefs are playing, fans in Kansas City can watch the game on a local station.
- Select Holiday Games: Games scheduled on holidays, such as Thanksgiving, may also be broadcast on network channels like NBC or FOX. Always check the NFL schedule as holiday games often differ in terms of broadcasting.
Streaming Thursday Night Football without Amazon Prime
If you don’t have Amazon Prime, there are still a few ways to catch TNF, though options are limited due to Amazon’s exclusivity. Here are some alternatives:
- NFL+: This is the NFL’s streaming service that provides live and on-demand content. NFL+ offers mobile streaming of local and primetime games, including TNF, but is limited to small screens (phones and tablets).
- NFL Game Pass International: If you’re located outside of the United States, you can subscribe to NFL Game Pass International, which provides access to all NFL games live. This service is ideal for international fans looking to keep up with TNF and other games.
- Local Channel Access: If the game features a local team, it may be available on a local broadcast station, allowing fans in the team’s market to watch for free.
Watching Thursday Night Football on Mobile and Streaming Devices
Thursday Night Football can be viewed on a wide array of devices through Amazon Prime Video. Here’s a breakdown of supported platforms:
- Smart TVs: Access Amazon Prime Video through apps on smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio.
- Streaming Devices: TNF is available on Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and other streaming sticks with Prime Video support.
- Mobile Phones and Tablets: Download the Prime Video app on iOS or Android devices to watch on the go.
- Gaming Consoles: TNF games can also be streamed through gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.
Thursday Night Football Broadcast Team and Features
Amazon Prime has elevated its Thursday Night Football experience with a high-quality broadcast team and enhanced features for an immersive viewing experience.
- Commentary Team: Amazon Prime recruited top commentators to elevate the TNF experience. The commentary team typically includes veteran sports broadcasters and NFL legends, offering insightful analysis and play-by-play action.
- X-Ray and Enhanced Stats: Amazon Prime provides X-Ray features, giving viewers access to real-time player stats, play summaries, and even background information on the teams and players.
- Alternate Commentaries: Viewers can select different audio streams, such as Spanish-language commentary or fan-favorite commentators.
Future of Thursday Night Football Broadcast Rights
Amazon’s deal with the NFL to broadcast Thursday Night Football runs through the 2033 season, reflecting the growing shift to digital streaming for sports content. This long-term agreement is likely to make Amazon Prime the primary home for TNF for years to come, setting a precedent for other sports leagues and broadcasters to consider exclusive streaming partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I watch Thursday Night Football without an Amazon Prime subscription?
Ans – No, Thursday Night Football is exclusive to Amazon Prime in the U.S. However, local broadcasts are available in the participating teams’ home markets.
2. What time does Thursday Night Football start?
Ans – Thursday Night Football games generally start at 8:20 PM ET, though schedules may vary for special games or holidays.
3. Are any TNF games broadcast on network TV?
Ans – Most TNF games are exclusive to Amazon, but some holiday games may be broadcast on networks like NBC or FOX.
4. Can I stream TNF on my phone without Amazon Prime?
Ans – NFL+ offers streaming of local and primetime games on mobile devices, including Thursday Night Football, but only for small-screen viewing.
5. How much does Amazon Prime cost to watch TNF?
Ans – Amazon Prime subscriptions are around $14.99 per month or $139 annually, and they include access to TNF along with other Prime Video content.
6. Are TNF games available internationally?
Ans – Yes, NFL Game Pass International provides live streaming for TNF and all NFL games outside the U.S.
Conclusion
Thursday Night Football has found a new home on Amazon Prime Video, marking a major shift in how NFL fans access live games. Although the exclusive streaming partnership means cable viewers will need an Amazon Prime subscription to catch the action, Amazon offers an array of features that enhance the viewing experience.
From alternate commentaries to interactive stats, Amazon’s TNF broadcasts provide a comprehensive experience for NFL fans. As streaming continues to redefine sports broadcasting, TNF’s move to Amazon Prime may just be the beginning of a new era in how we watch live sports.
