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how to watch winter olympics 2026

You can watch the 2026 Winter Olympics (Milano–Cortina) through a mix of traditional TV and streaming, with NBC and Peacock at the center in the US and major public broadcasters in other countries.

Quick Scoop: Key Ways to Watch

  • In the US, the Games are on NBC channels (NBC, USA, CNBC, local affiliates) plus full streaming on Peacock and NBC’s own apps/sites.
  • Every event (Feb 4–22, 2026) is scheduled to stream live on Peacock and NBC’s Olympics platforms.
  • Outside the US, big free broadcasters include BBC (UK), CBC (Canada), and 9Now/Channel 9 (Australia), usually with free streams.
  • You can watch on smart TVs, phones, tablets, laptops, and streaming sticks by installing the NBC/Peacock or local broadcaster apps.
  • Cord‑cutters can still watch via Peacock or live TV streaming services that carry NBC, USA, and CNBC.

Where to Watch by Region

Always check local listings close to the opening ceremony—rights and channel lineups can shift slightly.

United States

  • Traditional TV
    • NBC is the exclusive US broadcast rights holder.
* Expect coverage across NBC, USA Network, CNBC, plus local NBC affiliates.

* If you have cable, satellite, or a live‑TV package, you can watch most big events directly on those channels.
  • Streaming (with or without cable)
    • Peacock
      • Streams every moment of the Games live between Feb 4–22 on phones, tablets, and connected TVs.
  * Requires a paid subscription: Peacock Premium (with ads) or Premium Plus (fewer ads, price tiered).

  * You can also find special “Gold Zone” whip‑around coverage that jumps to the biggest live moments.

* **NBC digital platforms (with a TV login)**
  * NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, the NBC app, and NBC Sports app stream events live when you sign in with your TV provider.

  * Works on web browsers, smart TVs, and most streaming devices.
  • Devices supported
    • Smart TVs and sticks: Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, Samsung and Vizio smart TVs, Xbox, and more via the NBC or Peacock apps.
* Phones/tablets: iOS and Android via Peacock, NBC Sports, or NBC apps.

* Computers: Watch via PeacockTV.com, NBCOlympics.com, or NBC.com on Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox.

Canada, UK, Australia and More

Many viewers outside the US will have a major free‑to‑air or public broadcaster carrying the Games.

  • Canada
    • CBC has rights and shows coverage on CBC Sports plus extensive live and on‑demand streams on CBC Gem.
* CBC Gem is free to access in Canada for a large slate of events.
  • United Kingdom
    • Coverage is scheduled across BBC TV and BBC iPlayer, with broad free live streaming.
  • Australia
    • The Games are available through Channel 9 and its streaming platform 9Now, typically free with account sign‑up.
  • Watching from abroad
    • If you’re traveling, some guides suggest using a reputable VPN to access your home country’s legal streaming services (subject to service terms).

Watching Without Cable (Cord‑Cutters)

If you’ve ditched traditional TV in the US, you still have options:

  • Peacock only
    • You can subscribe just for the Olympics month, then cancel if you’re done.
* Good for watching almost everything in one app, including live feeds and replays.
  • Live‑TV streaming services
    • Services like Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV are often recommended in streaming guides because they carry NBC, USA, and sometimes CNBC in many markets.
* These give you a more “cable‑like” lineup over the internet.
  • Over‑the‑air antenna
    • In many US cities, you can get the main NBC broadcast channel free over the air with an HD antenna, which covers many marquee events and ceremonies.

Extra Features, Replays, and “Gold Zone”

Modern Olympic coverage is more than just a single channel:

  • Gold Zone (US)
    • A whip‑around show that jumps between events to show big live moments, hosted by Scott Hanson.
* Streams on Peacock and NBC’s digital platforms throughout the Games.
  • Multiview and Fan View (Xfinity example)
    • Some providers offer Multiview so you can watch up to four events at once, along with live scores and context on screen.
* “Fan View” features can include athlete bios, schedules, standings, and quick launching into different streams.
  • Replays and highlights
    • Peacock usually has full‑event replays, curated highlight reels, and clips if you miss live broadcasts.
* Broadcasters like CBC, BBC, and 9Now also tend to offer short recaps and on‑demand segments.

Practical Tips and Mini “Game Plan”

Here’s a simple step‑by‑step to be ready before the opening ceremony:

  1. Pick your main platform
    • US: Decide between TV provider + NBC apps, Peacock only, or a live‑TV streaming service.
 * Elsewhere: Confirm if your country’s main broadcaster (CBC, BBC, 9Now, etc.) is enough for your needs.
  1. Set up your apps
    • Install Peacock / NBC apps or your local broadcaster’s app on your smart TV, phone, and tablet.
 * Log in and test a live channel or replay to avoid last‑minute login issues.
  1. Check your internet and plan for big nights
    • If streams buffer, lower the quality in the settings and close other bandwidth‑heavy apps.
 * For late‑night events (like big skating or hockey matchups), use replays and highlight shows if timing is rough in your time zone.
  1. Use social media and forums for live chatter
    • Many guides suggest following official Olympic accounts and athletes on platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok to catch behind‑the‑scenes content and live reactions.

“How to Watch Winter Olympics 2026” at a Glance

Here’s a quick HTML table overview you can embed or scan:

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Region</th>
      <th>Main TV Channels</th>
      <th>Primary Streaming</th>
      <th>Free Options?</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>United States</td>
      <td>NBC, USA, CNBC, local NBC affiliates[web:1][web:3][web:5][web:10]</td>
      <td>Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, NBC app, NBC Sports app[web:3][web:5]</td>
      <td>OTA NBC with antenna; some trials/promos may exist[web:5][web:10]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Canada</td>
      <td>CBC Sports[web:7]</td>
      <td>CBC Gem online platform[web:7]</td>
      <td>Yes, CBC and CBC Gem are free in Canada[web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>United Kingdom</td>
      <td>BBC TV channels[web:9]</td>
      <td>BBC iPlayer[web:9]</td>
      <td>Yes, BBC and iPlayer are free with TV licence[web:9]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Australia</td>
      <td>Channel 9 network[web:7][web:9]</td>
      <td>9Now streaming service[web:7][web:9]</td>
      <td>Yes, 9Now typically free with account[web:7][web:9]</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.