How to Watch Super Bowl LX 2026: Patriots vs. Seahawks Complete Streaming & TV Guide

The wait is almost over. Super Bowl LX is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated championships in recent memory, and if you haven't marked your calendar yet, now's the time. The New England Patriots are bringing Drake Maye and an offense that's finally clicking, facing off against Sam Darnold and a Seattle Seahawks team that's become a force to be reckoned with. It's David versus Goliath meets underdog story, and the whole nation will be watching.

But here's the thing: knowing the matchup is only half the battle. Figuring out how to actually watch the game without spending a fortune or hunting through a maze of subscription services? That's where most people get stuck. There are legitimate reasons why so many Americans skip straight to the halftime show or wait for the highlights on YouTube. The logistics are genuinely confusing.

That's what this guide is for. I'm breaking down every single way to watch Super Bowl LX, from traditional cable to the best streaming options, plus what you need to know about the halftime performance, where to grab tickets, and timing considerations for different time zones. Whether you're planning a massive game day party or just want to catch the action on your phone while doing other stuff, you'll find what you need here.

Let's start with the absolute basics so you can lock this in right now.

TL; DR

• Super Bowl LX kicks off February 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara
• Watch on NBC, Telemundo (Spanish), Peacock, NFL+, or DirecTV without needing cable
• Bad Bunny headlines the halftime show with performances from Charlie Puth (National Anthem), Brandi Carlile (America the Beautiful), and Coco Jones
• **Peacock costs
  $11/month ad-supported** or$
  17/month ad-free for complete sports access
• Tickets available on StubHub and Gametime resale platforms for secondary market access

Peacock offers two subscription tiers for streaming Super Bowl LX:

Super Bowl LX: The Complete Game Day Details

Let's get specific about what's actually happening on February 8th because the details matter more than you'd think. You've got the Patriots coming in with Drake Maye at quarterback. This is genuinely exciting because Maye spent most of his rookie season proving he's the real deal, and now he's got playoff experience under his belt heading into February. The coaching staff has figured out how to use his dual-threat capability without overextending him.

On the other side, Sam Darnold has had one of the most interesting redemption arcs in recent football memory. People wrote him off completely after his Jets tenure. The Vikings took a shot on him, and suddenly he's throwing for 4,000 yards and leading one of the more balanced offenses in the league. The narrative writes itself.

Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara is a relatively new venue for hosting the Super Bowl, which means the infrastructure is modern and the broadcast quality will be outstanding. The stadium sits right in the heart of Silicon Valley, so you're getting that strange mix of cutting-edge tech and California football culture. If you've watched other recent Super Bowls broadcast from newer stadiums, you know the camera work and sound quality are typically pristine.

The game starts at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time, which is important if you're coordinating with friends across the country. For folks on the West Coast, that's 3:30 p.m. local time, which is earlier than you might expect for a Super Bowl. Central time gets 5:30 p.m., and Mountain time gets 4:30 p.m. If you're planning a watch party, knowing the exact start time helps with scheduling food and drink runs.

NBC Broadcast: The Primary Television Channel

NBC has the exclusive rights to broadcast Super Bowl LX, which actually matters more than you'd think. Different networks have different broadcast philosophies. NBC tends to go heavy on the drama and narrative angles, really leaning into the human-interest stories and player backgrounds. If you remember the production quality from their Sunday Night Football broadcasts, you're getting that same crew for the Super Bowl.

The broadcast will be in 4K on select NBC affiliates and streaming platforms. This is becoming standard for major sporting events now, but the quality difference is genuinely noticeable if you've got the setup for it. The field looks crisper, the action sequences are smoother, and those slow-motion replays of crucial plays have way more visual information.

Antennas are a legitimate option here if you live in a reasonably-sized media market. NBC is a broadcast network, not cable, so if you've got a decent over-the-air antenna, you can pull in the signal for free. I know that sounds ancient, but seriously—antenna technology has improved dramatically. A $30 antenna from Best Buy might be all you need. Your main limitation is proximity to the broadcast tower and line of sight, but for most people in urban and suburban areas, it works surprisingly well.

The Spanish-language broadcast on Telemundo is also worth knowing about. If you prefer Spanish commentary or you're watching with family members who do, Telemundo will have the full game with professional announcers who bring genuine energy to the broadcast. Many people who speak both languages actually prefer the Telemundo feed because the commentators often catch different nuances of the game.

Buffering issues are resolved 70% of the time by restarting the modem. App crashes and picture quality issues have a 60% and 75% resolution success rate, respectively. Audio sync issues are less frequently resolved, with a 50% success rate. Estimated data based on typical user experiences.

Streaming Super Bowl LX on Peacock

Peacock is probably your best bet if you don't have cable and you want a dedicated streaming option. The service is owned by NBC's parent company, so it has exclusive streaming rights to the Super Bowl. Here's what you're actually getting.

The ad-supported tier costs $11.99 per month and includes live sports broadcasts (which includes Super Bowl LX), plus access to their entire library of shows and movies. That library is legit—we're talking Parks and Recreation, The Office, all the Real Housewives franchises, movies, documentaries, and more. The ads are typically 30-second bumpers at natural break points, so they're not as intrusive as traditional TV commercials.

The ad-free tier runs $17.99 monthly and removes most ads. More importantly, it gives you simultaneous streaming on up to four devices, so if you've got multiple people in your household wanting to watch different things, you can all do it. You also get access to your local NBC affiliate's live feed, not just the sports programming.

Both tiers include offline downloads, which honestly sounds nerdy but is useful for people who travel. Download an episode before a flight and watch it on the plane. For the Super Bowl specifically, you won't need this, but it's nice to know the service has this feature.

The streaming quality on Peacock is solid. You're getting up to 4K resolution if you're on a compatible device and you've got strong internet. I'd recommend a minimum of 15 Mbps for 4K, though 1080p looks great on anything 25 Mbps and up. If you're on wifi, make sure you're not too far from the router. Streaming video events can be finicky on weak signals.

One thing to know: Peacock does regional blackouts for some sports content depending on your location, but the Super Bowl is a national broadcast, so this shouldn't affect you. The game will be available everywhere in the country.

DirecTV Entertainment: The Cable Alternative

If you want a more traditional experience without committing to full cable, DirecTV Entertainment is a live TV streaming service that carries NBC and includes the Super Bowl broadcast. Think of it as cable service that arrives through your internet connection instead of a satellite dish.

The Entertainment tier costs $89.99 per month and gets you access to a huge channel lineup including ESPN, TNT, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, and CBS Sports Network, plus your local NBC affiliate. The main advantage here is that if you're really into sports, you get year-round access to college football, professional basketball, hockey, and everything else. You're not just paying for one event.

DirecTV gives you unlimited cloud DVR storage, which means you can record anything and keep it as long as you want. No deletion timers, no storage limits. That's actually pretty generous compared to most streaming services. You also get ESPN Unlimited, which lets you stream ESPN content on the ESPN app.

Right now, DirecTV offers a free five-day trial. Seriously. That's enough time to watch the Super Bowl, experience their interface, and figure out if the service is worth the ongoing commitment. If you're only interested in watching the Super Bowl and nothing else, you could theoretically sign up for the trial, watch the game, and cancel. The five days would be well after the game, so you'd have plenty of time.

The setup is straightforward. You download the DirecTV app, create an account, start the trial, and you're watching NBC immediately. No equipment shipping, no technician visits, no installation nightmare. If you've got decent internet, you're good to go.

Interruptions are the only real downside. Like all internet-based services, if your connection hiccups during a crucial play, you're at the mercy of buffering. This is rare with modern internet speeds, but it's worth being aware of.

NFL Plus: The Mobile-First Streaming Option

NFL Plus is the league's own streaming service, and it's worth mentioning because of the price point. An NFL Plus subscription costs about

So if you're the type of person who watches the game on your phone while doing other stuff, NFL Plus is perfect. You get the full broadcast without ads on the higher-tier subscription ($14/month), or with limited ads on the basic tier. The video quality adapts to your device and internet connection, so even on slower connections, you'll get a watchable picture.

The limitation makes sense from a broadcast licensing perspective. The Super Bowl is a massive revenue generator for the networks, and they want people watching on TVs where they're seeing full-screen advertisements. But for secondary viewing—checking the game during work, watching at a bar with friends, keeping up during a family dinner—NFL Plus is legitimately useful.

One more thing: NFL Plus gives you access to out-of-market game replays, so if you missed a playoff game earlier in the season, you can catch the full broadcast within 24 hours. It's not the most glamorous feature, but it's actually valuable if you're a serious football fan.

NFL Plus offers a basic tier at

Hulu + Live TV: Another Streaming Alternative

Hulu + Live TV is a streaming service that gives you access to live television, including NBC and the Super Bowl. It costs

The service includes ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and dozens of other channels. If you want to watch other events or shows throughout the year, Hulu + Live TV makes sense. The live TV experience is smooth, the DVR functionality works well, and the interface is intuitive.

The main reason to choose Hulu + Live TV over Peacock specifically for the Super Bowl is if you're already planning to use it for other programming. The price comparison is tough because you're paying for different things. Peacock is

That said, Hulu also offers a free trial period, so you could theoretically sign up just for the Super Bowl if you want to test the service. Check their current promotional offers before signing up.

Secondary Market Tickets: StubHub and Gametime

Let's talk about actually being there. Super Bowl tickets are expensive. Ridiculously expensive. We're talking thousands of dollars for decent seats. Primary ticket sales go to the leagues, teams, and sanctioned vendors, and those sell out in minutes.

The secondary market is where you'll find tickets after the initial release sells out. StubHub is the biggest secondary market platform, and they have Super Bowl LX tickets available. Gametime is another option, and they specialize in last-minute deals, sometimes dropping prices significantly as game day approaches.

Here's the reality: ticket prices fluctuate based on demand. Right now, prices are high because the matchup is exciting. If one team crushes the other in the NFC Championship, ticket prices might drop because fewer people will want to attend a predictable blowout. The opposite is also true: if the conference championships are nail-biters, prices will shoot up because everyone wants to see what happens.

Average ticket prices for recent Super Bowls have ranged from

When you buy on the secondary market, you're buying from other people who have tickets. Both StubHub and Gametime act as intermediaries, so you're protected as a buyer. They hold the seller's money until the transaction is confirmed after the game, which protects against fraud.

Bad Bunny Halftime Show: What to Expect

Bad Bunny is the most-streamed artist on Spotify globally, and he's bringing his A-game to the Super Bowl LX halftime show. This is legitimately exciting because Bad Bunny doesn't typically do the big stadium show experience. His concerts are events, but this is different. This is the Super Bowl.

Expect a performance that leans heavily into his biggest hits. We're talking "Un x 100to," "Tití," "Pepas," "Dákiti," and probably a surprise collaboration. The Super Bowl halftime show budget is enormous, so you're getting production quality that rivals the biggest music festivals. Think pyrotechnics, dancers, multiple stage setups, and production that probably took months to plan.

The halftime show starts after the second quarter, typically around 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET. It lasts roughly 12 to 15 minutes, which sounds short but is actually standard for Super Bowl performances. Artists cram their biggest hits into that window.

Charlie Puth is performing the National Anthem, which is significant because Puth is known for his perfect pitch and his ability to hit incredibly difficult vocal runs. National Anthems at the Super Bowl are actually surprisingly important. They set the tone for the whole event.

Brandi Carlile is singing "America the Beautiful," and Coco Jones is handling "Lift Every Voice and Sing." These selections are intentional. The NFL puts thought into these choices, and each performer brings genuine musical credibility to their roles.

Hulu + Live TV offers a broader channel lineup but at a significantly higher cost compared to Peacock. Estimated data.

Time Zone Considerations for the Full Game Day

Let's map out the actual timeline because game day has way more happening than just the 6:30 p.m. kickoff.

In the Eastern Time Zone, pre-game coverage starts around 3 or 4 p.m. This is when analysts are breaking down matchups, discussing injury reports, and building narrative around the game. If you're serious about the full experience, this is worth watching. The analysis is typically good, and you get context for what's about to happen.

Kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET means the game itself runs roughly three to three and a half hours. So you're looking at 6:30 p.m. to sometime around 9:30 or 10 p.m. ET for the final whistle. That's a significant time commitment.

For Central Time, shift everything back an hour. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m., game ends around 8:30 or 9 p.m.

Mountain Time is 4:30 p.m. kickoff, game ends around 7:30 or 8 p.m.

Pacific Time (where the game is being played) is 3:30 p.m. kickoff, game ends around 6:30 or 7 p.m. West Coast people actually get the game at a reasonable time.

NBC also has Winter Olympics coverage all day and after the football game on February 8. So if you're into winter sports, you could legitimately watch Olympics coverage in the morning, switch to pre-game football coverage in the afternoon, watch the Super Bowl, and then catch more Olympics coverage after the game. It's a full day of sports.

Why NBC Over Cable Alternatives

NBC's broadcast rights mean they have the ability to make production decisions that other broadcasters don't. The network has invested heavily in their sports broadcasting infrastructure, so you're getting extremely high production quality. Multiple camera angles, professional color grading, expert commentary, and seamless transitions between shots.

NBC's production crew has broadcast nearly every Super Bowl for years now, so they know exactly how to cover the game. They know the pacing, the angles, the moments that matter. This experience translates into a better viewing experience for you.

Also, NBC affiliates are distributed across the country, so local commercials during the Super Bowl often feature regional advertising. This doesn't sound important until you realize that national advertisers spend millions on Super Bowl spots specifically because everyone watches. Local commercials are sometimes actually good because they're made by people who actually know the community.

Getting the Best Picture Quality at Home

If you're watching on a TV at home, picture quality genuinely matters. Here are the specifics that actually matter.

If you have a 4K TV and you're streaming on Peacock or NBC's website, make sure your internet connection is strong enough to support 4K streaming. That's a minimum of 25 Mbps, ideally 50 Mbps or higher. Wired connections beat wireless every time, so run an ethernet cable if possible.

TV settings matter too. Many TVs come with motion smoothing turned on by default. This is a feature that adds artificial frames to make motion look smoother, but it actually makes sports look weird and unnatural. Turn this off for sports. Look for settings called "Tru Motion," "Motion Flow," "Smooth Motion," or something similar depending on your TV brand. Disable it.

Brightness and contrast should be balanced. The default settings on many TVs are set to be eye-catching in a store, not to reproduce accurate colors and proper blacks. You want to see players' faces clearly without losing details in shadows. If you're not sure about your settings, most TV manufacturers have sports mode presets that are designed for this exact use case.

The room lighting matters. Dim the lights in the room where you're watching. This helps your eyes adjust to the TV's brightness range, which makes details pop more. You don't need complete darkness, but avoiding direct overhead lights pointing at the screen is important.

Estimated data shows that Gametime often offers slightly lower prices than StubHub, especially for last-minute deals. Estimated data.

Backup Streaming Options If Your Primary Choice Fails

Here's the thing about streaming major events: sometimes things go wrong. A server crashes, your internet hiccups, the app freezes. Having a backup plan is smart.

If Peacock is having issues, you can switch to NBC's website and stream directly from there. You'll need your Peacock credentials (or cable credentials if you have cable), but it's the same broadcast. The streaming quality is typically the same.

If streaming isn't working at all, an antenna is your fallback. As mentioned earlier, a basic over-the-air antenna picks up NBC's broadcast for free. Keep one on hand just in case. They cost

If you're watching on mobile and NFL Plus is your primary option but it's overloaded, Peacock Mobile will work as a backup if you have that subscription.

Another option: watching at a bar, restaurant, or sports venue. Most establishments will have the game on multiple TVs, the sound is loud enough to hear commentary, and there's social energy that actually makes the experience better in some ways.

Common Streaming Problems and Solutions

Buffering issues usually indicate your internet connection is struggling. First, try restarting your modem (unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in). This fixes connectivity issues about 70% of the time. If that doesn't work, close all other applications and tabs on your device. Streaming takes up decent bandwidth, and if you've got 15 browser tabs open and someone else in your house is downloading something, you're going to see buffering.

If you're on WiFi, try moving closer to the router or switching to a wired connection. WiFi signals can degrade if there's interference from other devices, walls, or distance.

App crashes happen sometimes, especially during high-traffic events. Force quit the app, clear the cache, and restart it. On iPhone, this means swiping up from the bottom to close the app. On Android, go to Settings > Apps and force stop the app. Restart it and try again.

Picture quality looks bad sometimes because the streaming service is automatically downscaling your resolution to match your connection speed. This is actually smart—it's better to have a lower-quality picture than constant buffering. But if your internet is good, you can usually manually adjust the quality settings in the app.

Audio dropouts or sync issues where the audio is out of sync with the video are rare but annoying. The fix is usually to restart the app and try again. If it persists, it's a problem on the broadcaster's end, and there's not much you can do except wait.

International Viewing Options

If you're outside the US but still want to watch, the options are more limited but do exist. DAZN carries the Super Bowl in several countries including Canada, Mexico, and parts of Europe. Check their website for specific availability in your region.

Sky Sports in the United Kingdom carries the game with UK commentary. Channel 7 in Australia broadcasts the Super Bowl early Monday morning local time (it's already Monday there by the time the game happens).

Many international providers have streaming apps, so even if you're traveling, you can access local broadcasts through VPNs (if legal in your area) or through the broadcaster's own app if they have one.

If you're a US expat or military person abroad, Peacock might still be available depending on your location. Some streaming services geoblocking issues, others don't.

Making Game Day Actually Fun

Here's something people don't talk about: Super Bowl is a social event. The game is obviously the main attraction, but the whole day is built around it. Having a good setup for your viewing experience actually makes the day better.

Food planning matters. You don't want to be constantly getting up during crucial moments. Plan your snacks in advance. Know where your bathrooms are. Sounds silly, but trust me—the moment you leave your seat is always the moment something important happens.

Guest management matters too. If you're hosting people, make sure you have enough seating and that people understand this is going to take four hours. Invite people who actually care about football or are genuinely interested in the halftime show and commercials. Nothing kills the vibe like someone who treats it like a hangout and keeps talking through crucial plays.

Second-screen experience is huge. Have your phones ready for live commenting on social media, checking stats in real time, or just following along with what other people are saying about the game. This is legitimately part of the modern Super Bowl experience.

Commercial breaks are actually entertainment now. Advertisers spend millions on Super Bowl spots specifically because everyone's paying attention. Don't skip them. Some Super Bowl commercials are legitimately better than the movie trailers.

FAQ

What time does the 2026 Super Bowl start?

Super Bowl LX kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026. That's 5:30 p.m. CT, 4:30 p.m. MT, and 3:30 p.m. PT for other time zones.

Can I watch the Super Bowl without a cable subscription?

Yes, absolutely. You can stream on Peacock (

Is the Super Bowl in 4K?

Yes, select NBC affiliates and streaming platforms offer 4K broadcasts. Peacock supports 4K streaming on compatible devices with sufficient internet speed (25 Mbps minimum, 50 Mbps recommended). You need a 4K TV to see the difference.

Who is performing the halftime show?

Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show. Charlie Puth is performing the National Anthem, Brandi Carlile is singing "America the Beautiful," and Coco Jones is performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Where can I buy Super Bowl tickets?

Secondary market platforms like StubHub and Gametime have tickets available. Primary ticket sales go through the NFL and teams first and sell out quickly, so secondary market is where most people find tickets. Expect to pay thousands of dollars depending on seat location and proximity to game day.

What's the best streaming service for the Super Bowl?

Peacock is the best option if you want dedicated NFL streaming since NBC owns it and has exclusive broadcast rights. It's affordable ($11.99/month), includes other entertainment, and offers reliable 4K streaming. DirecTV Entertainment is better if you want year-round sports access. NFL Plus is best if you only watch on mobile devices.

Will there be a Spanish-language broadcast?

Yes, Telemundo will broadcast the game in Spanish with professional announcers. You can access this through cable, satellite, or live TV streaming services that carry Telemundo.

How long does the Super Bowl last?

The game typically lasts three to three and a half hours from kickoff to final whistle. Add another hour or so for pre-game coverage if you want the full experience. The halftime show runs about 12 to 15 minutes.

Can I watch on my phone?

Yes, multiple options work on mobile devices. Peacock streams the full game on phones and tablets. NFL Plus lets you watch on mobile devices (though not on TV). The NBC app also allows streaming if you have cable or Peacock credentials.

What if my streaming cuts out during the game?

Restart your modem first (unplug for 30 seconds). If that doesn't work, restart the app, clear the cache, or switch to a different streaming option if you have one. Having a backup like an over-the-air antenna is smart for critical moments.

Final Thoughts: Your Super Bowl LX Game Plan

You've got everything you need to watch Super Bowl LX. The decision now is figuring out which option fits your situation best. If you don't have cable and you want the most reliable experience, Peacock is hard to beat. If you want to try something for free first, DirecTV's five-day trial covers it. If you're watching on your phone, NFL Plus is the cheapest option.

The Patriots-Seahawks matchup is genuinely compelling. Drake Maye versus Sam Darnold is the kind of quarterback story that drives football narrative. You don't want to miss this game.

Set up your streaming service or antenna at least 24 hours before kickoff. Test it. Make sure everything works. The last thing you want is technical issues during the actual game when you're surrounded by people expecting you to have it figured out.

Plan your food, your guest list, and your bathroom breaks. Have your phone charged. Know where your backup option is (antenna, different app, nearby restaurant with the game on). Super Bowl day is long, but if you handle the logistics correctly, you're looking at one of the best sports days of the year. The game matters, the halftime show is worth watching, and the overall experience is genuinely fun when you're not stressed about streaming issues.

February 8 is coming. Make it count.

Key Takeaways

• Super Bowl LX kicks off February 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. ET from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara
• Stream on Peacock ($11.99/month), NBC free with antenna, or try DirecTV's free five-day trial
• Bad Bunny headlines halftime show with Charlie Puth (National Anthem) and Brandi Carlile
• Patriots (Drake Maye) face Seahawks (Sam Darnold) in compelling quarterback matchup
• Secondary market tickets available on StubHub and Gametime; expect
  $3,000-$
  15,000+ for seating

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