You can watch Puppy Bowl 2026 on multiple TV channels and streaming platforms, including options that are free with trials, and it airs on Super Bowl Sunday in the early afternoon (U.S. time).

How to Watch Puppy Bowl 2026

Key details (time, date, channels)

  • Event: Puppy Bowl XXII (2026).
  • Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026 (same day as Super Bowl LX).
  • Kickoff time: 2 p.m. ET, with a pregame show starting at 1 p.m. ET.
  • Main cable channels: Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, TBS, truTV, and in some listings TNT.

If you already have a traditional cable or satellite subscription that includes Animal Planet or Discovery , you can simply tune in there at start time.

Streaming Puppy Bowl 2026 without cable

Here are the main legal streaming options that carry the channels airing Puppy Bowl 2026.

Live TV streaming services (with trials)

These work like cable replacements and are the easiest way to stream the live broadcast:

  • DirecTV (streaming)
    • Includes Animal Planet and Discovery (and often TBS, truTV, TNT) in its Entertainment and higher packages.
* New users can get a **multi‑day free trial** (often 5 days), which covers Puppy Bowl Sunday so you can watch free if you cancel in time.
  • Hulu + Live TV
    • Carries Discovery‑owned channels and Super Bowl networks, making it a good “one app for Puppy Bowl + Super Bowl” option.
* Offers a **3‑day free trial** , enough to sign up just before game day, watch, and then cancel if you don’t want to keep it.
  • Sling TV
    • Sling Orange/Blue plus the right add‑ons can give you Discovery Channel and, via Discovery+ add‑on, Animal Planet, along with TBS and truTV.
* Sling often skips free trials, but it tends to be one of the cheaper paid options month‑to‑month.

Other live TV bundles like YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream are mentioned as alternatives if they carry the necessary channels in your region.

Streaming on apps (Max and Discovery+)

In 2026, Puppy Bowl is also available via major on‑demand platforms linked to Discovery.

  • Max (formerly HBO Max)
    • Puppy Bowl XXII is available to stream on Max because it carries Discovery content, including Animal Planet.
* Max itself does not usually have a free trial, but you can sometimes get Max through **bundles** (e.g., with Hulu or as an Amazon Prime Video channel), where the _bundle_ or _Prime_ part has a trial.
  • Discovery+
    • Discovery+ includes Discovery Channel content and Animal Planet programming, and coverage of Puppy Bowl 2026 is available there.
* It’s a relatively low‑cost subscription and is often sold standalone or as an add‑on through services like Sling.

Best option if you want it totally “free”

“Free” almost always means using a trial from a legitimate service and canceling before you’re billed.

A simple play:

  1. A few days before February 8, sign up for DirecTV’s streaming service free trial (check that Animal Planet and Discovery are included in your region).
  1. Install the DirecTV app on your TV/streaming device/phone.
  2. On Puppy Bowl day, tune to Animal Planet or Discovery at 1 p.m. ET for pregame and stay for kickoff at 2 p.m. ET.
  1. Decide after the game whether to keep the service or cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.

You can apply the same strategy with Hulu + Live TV if you prefer Hulu’s interface or also want Super Bowl coverage in the same app.

Quick comparison of main ways to watch

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Method Where you watch Free option? Key channels / notes
Cable / satellite TV Your cable box on TV No extra cost if you already subscribe Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, sometimes TNT, at 2 p.m. ET.
DirecTV (streaming) DirecTV app on smart TV, streaming device, or mobile Yes, multi‑day free trial, then monthly fee if not canceled.Entertainment+ packages with Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV; also carries many Super Bowl–related channels.
Hulu + Live TV Hulu app with Live TV enabled Yes, around 3‑day free trial.Discovery‑owned channels and major networks for Super Bowl; good “all‑in‑one Sunday” option.
Sling TV Sling app Usually no free trial, but cheaper base price.Discovery Channel in Orange/Blue; Animal Planet via Discovery+ add‑on; includes TBS and truTV.
Max Max app or via Hulu/Prime bundle No direct trial; may be included in bundles with their own trial.Streams Puppy Bowl through Discovery/Animal Planet content hubs.
Discovery+ Discovery+ app or as a channel add‑on Low‑cost subscription; occasional promos.Streams Puppy Bowl and other Animal Planet programming.

Extra fun: what’s special in 2026?

Puppy Bowl 2026 (Puppy Bowl XXII) brings back Team Ruff vs. Team Fluff, with over 100–150 rescue puppies from shelters and rescues across the U.S. and territories.

This year’s broadcast also highlights special‑needs dogs and even features a dedicated senior dog segment, so older pups get some spotlight love too.

You can expect the usual adoptable spotlights, playful commentary, and kitten‑filled skybox segments that run during breaks, plus lots of on‑screen info about each pup’s rescue group if you’re watching on the main broadcast or official streams.

Many forum users over the years remind others to avoid sketchy unofficial streams and stick to legit services, especially since free trials on the big platforms already make watching Puppy Bowl pretty painless.

TL;DR:
To watch Puppy Bowl 2026, tune into Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV (or TNT in some listings) at 2 p.m. ET on February 8, 2026, or stream via a live TV service like DirecTV or Hulu + Live TV using their free trials, or via Max/Discovery+ if you prefer pure streaming apps.

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