Thursday Night Football (TNF) has become an integral part of the National Football League (NFL) schedule, offering fans an extra dose of gridiron action during the week. However, with the numerous TV stations and streaming platforms available, it can be confusing to determine which channel broadcasts TNF. In this article, we will delve into the world of Thursday Night Football, exploring its history, current broadcast deals, and how to catch the games live.
A Brief History of Thursday Night Football
Thursday Night Football was first introduced in 2006, with the NFL Network broadcasting eight games during the season. The package was later expanded to include 13 games in 2012, with the NFL Network continuing to serve as the primary broadcaster. However, it wasn’t until 2014 that TNF started to gain significant traction, with CBS acquiring the rights to broadcast eight TNF games. The following year, the NFL partnered with Twitter to live-stream TNF games, marking a significant milestone in the league’s digital expansion.
The Current Broadcast Deal
In 2017, the NFL announced a new broadcast deal for Thursday Night Football, with NBC and CBS sharing the rights to broadcast TNF games. The deal, which ran through the 2022 season, saw NBC broadcast five TNF games, while CBS broadcast five games. The remaining games were broadcast exclusively on the NFL Network. However, in 2022, Amazon Prime Video acquired the exclusive rights to broadcast TNF games, starting from the 2022 season.
Where to Watch Thursday Night Football
With the new broadcast deal in place, fans can catch Thursday Night Football games on Amazon Prime Video. However, there are several other ways to watch TNF, depending on your location and preferred viewing platform.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive broadcaster of Thursday Night Football, with all 15 games available to stream live on the platform. To watch TNF on Amazon Prime Video, you need to have an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. You can sign up for a free trial or subscription on the Amazon website.
Amazon Prime Video Benefits
- Exclusive access to Thursday Night Football games
- Ability to stream games live on multiple devices
- Access to additional NFL content, including pre-game and post-game shows
- Option to watch games with alternate audio feeds, including a Spanish-language broadcast
NFL Network
While Amazon Prime Video has the exclusive rights to broadcast TNF games, the NFL Network will continue to broadcast pre-game and post-game shows, as well as provide additional NFL content. You can watch the NFL Network on various cable and satellite providers, including DirecTV, Comcast Xfinity, and Charter Spectrum.
NFL Network Benefits
- Access to pre-game and post-game shows
- Additional NFL content, including analysis and news programs
- Option to watch games with alternate audio feeds
Streaming Options
In addition to Amazon Prime Video, there are several other streaming options available to watch Thursday Night Football.
Amazon Prime Video App
The Amazon Prime Video app is available on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast. You can download the app on your device and sign in with your Amazon Prime membership to watch TNF games.
Amazon Prime Video App Benefits
- Ability to stream games live on multiple devices
- Option to watch games with alternate audio feeds
- Access to additional NFL content
NFL Sunday Ticket
NFL Sunday Ticket is a streaming service that allows you to watch live NFL games, including Thursday Night Football. However, the service is only available to DirecTV subscribers, and you need to have a subscription to the NFL Sunday Ticket package.
NFL Sunday Ticket Benefits
- Ability to stream games live on multiple devices
- Option to watch games with alternate audio feeds
- Access to additional NFL content
International Broadcasts
Thursday Night Football is broadcast in several countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
International Broadcast Partners
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports
- Canada: DAZN
- Australia: ESPN
International Broadcast Benefits
- Ability to watch games live on local TV channels
- Option to stream games live on streaming platforms
- Access to additional NFL content
Conclusion
Thursday Night Football has become an integral part of the NFL schedule, offering fans an extra dose of gridiron action during the week. With the new broadcast deal in place, Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive broadcaster of TNF games. However, there are several other ways to watch TNF, depending on your location and preferred viewing platform. Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan or just looking to catch a few games, there’s never been a better time to watch Thursday Night Football.
What is Thursday Night Football?
Thursday Night Football is a series of live National Football League (NFL) games that are broadcast on Thursday evenings during the NFL season. The games are typically played between 8:20 PM and 11:30 PM ET, and are broadcast on various television networks and streaming platforms.
The games are usually played between two teams that are not necessarily division rivals, but are often chosen based on their performance in the previous season or their popularity among fans. Thursday Night Football has become a popular tradition among NFL fans, who enjoy the mid-week break from the usual Sunday and Monday night games.
How can I watch Thursday Night Football live?
There are several ways to watch Thursday Night Football live, depending on your location and the devices you use. In the United States, the games are broadcast on various television networks, including FOX, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video. You can also stream the games live on the NFL app, or on various streaming platforms such as Hulu, Sling TV, and YouTube TV.
If you are outside of the United States, you can watch Thursday Night Football live on various international streaming platforms, such as NFL Game Pass or DAZN. You can also check with your local television provider to see if they carry the games. It’s worth noting that some streaming platforms may require a subscription or a one-time payment to access the games.
What time do Thursday Night Football games start?
Thursday Night Football games typically start at 8:20 PM ET, although the pre-game coverage may begin earlier. The games usually last around 3 hours, although this can vary depending on the pace of the game and the number of commercials.
It’s worth noting that the start time may vary depending on your location and the time zone you are in. If you are on the West Coast, for example, the game may start at 5:20 PM PT. You can check the NFL website or your local television provider for the exact start time in your area.
Can I stream Thursday Night Football on my mobile device?
Yes, you can stream Thursday Night Football on your mobile device using the NFL app or various streaming platforms such as Hulu, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. The NFL app is available for both iOS and Android devices, and allows you to stream live games, as well as access highlights and other content.
To stream the games on your mobile device, you will need to have a stable internet connection and a compatible device. You may also need to log in with your cable provider or streaming platform credentials to access the games. It’s worth noting that some streaming platforms may have restrictions on mobile streaming, so be sure to check their terms and conditions before signing up.
How much does it cost to stream Thursday Night Football?
The cost to stream Thursday Night Football varies depending on the streaming platform you use. Some platforms, such as the NFL app, offer free streaming with ads, while others, such as Amazon Prime Video, require a subscription or a one-time payment.
The cost of streaming Thursday Night Football can range from around $5 to $20 per month, depending on the platform and the package you choose. Some platforms may also offer free trials or discounts for new customers, so be sure to check their website for more information.
Can I watch Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video?
Yes, you can watch Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video. Amazon has a deal with the NFL to stream Thursday Night Football games exclusively on its platform, and offers a range of features and benefits to Prime members.
To watch Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video, you will need to have a Prime membership, which costs around $12 per month. You can then access the games through the Amazon Prime Video app on your device, or through the Amazon website. Amazon also offers a range of additional features, such as X-Ray and Next Gen Stats, to enhance your viewing experience.
Are Thursday Night Football games available on demand?
Yes, Thursday Night Football games are available on demand through various streaming platforms, including the NFL app and Amazon Prime Video. You can typically access the games on demand shortly after they finish airing live, and can watch them at your convenience.
To access Thursday Night Football games on demand, you will need to have a subscription to the relevant streaming platform, or a cable provider that offers the games on demand. You can then access the games through the platform’s app or website, and can usually watch them for a limited time after they air live.