NBC Chicago airs on channel 5.
This is the standard channel for WMAQ-TV, the local NBC affiliate serving the Chicago area across most providers.

Channel by Provider

Channel numbers can vary slightly depending on your TV service, but here's the breakdown based on common setups in Chicago:

Provider| Channel| Notes 34
---|---|---
Over-the-air (antenna)| 5.1| Virtual channel for HD broadcasts 9
DIRECTV| 5| Confirmed for WMAQ-TV 3
Xfinity/Comcast| 5 or 36| Check your local lineup; often 5 for basic 46
Streaming (Peacock, etc.)| App-based| No traditional channel needed 1

Why It Varies

Cable and satellite companies assign numbers differently, but NBC Chicago (WMAQ-TV) sticks to channel 5 as its core broadcast frequency since the analog days. In early 2026, no major changes have hit the lineup amid ongoing cord-cutting trends—millions still tune in for local news like Chicago Today or national hits.

Quick Tips

  • Verify yours : Use your provider's app, website, or say "NBC" into your voice remote.
  • Antenna option : Free over-the-air on 5.1—great for Windy City winters indoors.
  • Streaming shift : Peacock or NBC.com for latest episodes without cable hassle.

TL;DR: Channel 5 for NBC in Chicago—dial it up for NBC Nightly News tonight.

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