Thursday Night Football Start Time: Your Guide

Nick Leason

-Oct 17, 2025

Thursday Night Football Start Time: Your Guide

When does Thursday Night Football (TNF) kick off? Usually, TNF games begin at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET), though start times can vary slightly. This weekly NFL tradition airs during the regular season, offering fans a mid-week dose of gridiron action. But where can you watch, and why is it scheduled this way? Let's dive in.

Key Takeaways

Regular Start Time: TNF games typically start at 8:15 PM ET.
Broadcast Channels: Games primarily air on Amazon Prime Video, with occasional simulcasts on broadcast television.
Why Thursday? The Thursday night slot provides a dedicated weekly game, generating revenue and boosting viewership.
Flex Scheduling: While rare, start times can shift slightly; always check official NFL schedules.
Game Length: Expect games to last around 3 hours, including breaks.

Introduction

Thursday Night Football has become a staple of the NFL season, providing a weekly dose of professional football for fans across the United States. But what time do these games actually start? The answer, while generally consistent, involves some nuances regarding the broadcast schedule, time zones, and potential variations. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of when you can expect TNF games to begin, where to watch them, and why they're scheduled on Thursdays in the first place. — Peru Vs. Chile: A Detailed Comparison

What & Why

Thursday Night Football is a prime-time broadcast of an NFL game on Thursday evenings during the regular season. But why is it on Thursday? The NFL created this weekly game to:

Maximize Revenue: TNF generates significant revenue through media rights deals, primarily with Amazon Prime Video, and advertising.
Boost Viewership: The Thursday night slot provides a dedicated weekly game, separate from Sunday's packed schedule, guaranteeing a large audience.
Extend the Football Week: TNF effectively stretches the football-viewing week, keeping fans engaged with the sport.

The games are also structured to provide a unique viewing experience. Games often have a different feel compared to Sunday games, with a focus on pre-game shows and analysis.

Benefits of Watching TNF

Mid-Week Football: TNF provides a weekly fix of NFL action, breaking up the typical work week.
High-Quality Production: Broadcasts on Amazon Prime Video and other networks often feature top-notch production, including advanced stats, replays, and expert commentary.
Convenience: Games are played during prime-time hours, making them accessible for a broad audience.

Potential Risks and Considerations

Player Health: The short turnaround time between Sunday and Thursday games raises concerns about player fatigue and injury risk.
Game Quality: Some argue that the limited preparation time can lead to lower-quality games.
Time Zone Differences: The 8:15 PM ET kickoff translates to different times for viewers in other time zones, impacting viewing schedules.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

To know when TNF starts, consider these factors:

Standard Kickoff Time: The majority of Thursday Night Football games kick off at 8:15 PM ET. This is your baseline.
Confirm the Schedule: Always verify the specific game's start time on the official NFL schedule or the broadcasting network's website (Amazon Prime Video, etc.).
Account for Time Zones: Convert the 8:15 PM ET start time to your local time zone. For example, if you're in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), the game starts at 5:15 PM PT.
Check for Variations: While rare, start times can sometimes shift slightly (e.g., due to a doubleheader on a particular Thursday). Always double-check.
Pre-Game Shows: Tune in early to enjoy pre-game analysis, highlights, and interviews. These often begin an hour or more before kickoff.

Step-by-Step Guide to Watching TNF:

Subscribe/Access: Ensure you have access to the platform broadcasting the game. This primarily means an Amazon Prime Video subscription. Some games may also be simulcast on broadcast channels.
Check the Schedule: Look up the TNF schedule online (NFL.com, ESPN, etc.) to confirm the date, teams, and start time of the game you want to watch.
Locate the Game: On the day of the game, open your Amazon Prime Video app or tune into the broadcast channel. The game should be prominently featured.
Enjoy the Game: Settle in, grab your snacks, and enjoy the Thursday Night Football experience. Keep an eye on the time, as games typically last around three hours.

Examples & Use Cases

Here are some examples to illustrate the TNF start time and how it affects viewers across the country:

Example 1: New York City: A fan in New York City (ET) tunes in at 8:15 PM to watch the game. They're ready to go! The game begins right on time.
Example 2: Los Angeles: A fan in Los Angeles (PT) wants to watch. They need to adjust for the three-hour time difference; the game starts at 5:15 PM PT. They might plan their day to be home in time for kickoff.
Example 3: Denver: A fan in Denver (MT) knows that the game begins at 6:15 PM MT, adjusting their schedule accordingly.
Example 4: Simulcast: A viewer without Amazon Prime Video can still watch if the game is also broadcast on a local channel. They would still tune in at 8:15 PM ET, as the game’s start time is the same, no matter the channel.

These examples demonstrate the importance of understanding time zone differences to avoid missing any of the action. — Gig Harbor Weather: Forecast, Radar & Updates

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices:

Always Verify: Double-check the game's start time on the official schedule. Don't rely solely on the general 8:15 PM ET time. Circumstances may cause changes.
Plan Ahead: Factor in travel time, dinner plans, or any other commitments to ensure you're settled in before kickoff.
Set Reminders: Use your phone or TV's reminder feature to get a notification before the game begins.
Use a Time Zone Converter: If you're unsure about the time difference, use a time zone converter to ensure accuracy.
Check for Pre-Game Coverage: Tune in early to enjoy pre-game shows and analysis.

Common Mistakes:

Assuming the Start Time: Don't assume every game starts at the exact same time. Schedules can be adjusted.
Forgetting Time Zones: The most common mistake is failing to account for the time difference if you live outside the Eastern Time Zone.
Missing Pre-Game: Don't miss the pre-game shows; they often provide valuable insights and entertainment.
Relying on Outdated Information: Always refer to the most current NFL schedules.
Not Checking the Broadcast Channel: Make sure you know where the game will be aired (Amazon Prime Video, etc.) to avoid missing the game.

FAQs

What time zone is Thursday Night Football in? Thursday Night Football games are generally broadcast starting at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET). This is the time to which the schedules refer.
Where can I watch Thursday Night Football? TNF games are primarily broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. Some games may also be simulcast on broadcast television channels (e.g., FOX, NBC, or a local affiliate).
How long does a Thursday Night Football game last? Including pre-game and post-game coverage, expect to spend around 3 hours. The game itself typically lasts about 3 hours, but the whole experience can be longer.
Can the start time of Thursday Night Football change? While rare, the start time can sometimes shift, so always verify the official schedule.
Why is Thursday Night Football played? TNF is played to generate revenue, boost viewership, and extend the football viewing week for fans.
Does Amazon Prime Video have exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football? Yes, Amazon Prime Video has the primary broadcasting rights for Thursday Night Football. But there may be select simulcasts.
What happens if I don't have Amazon Prime Video? You can still watch TNF if the game is simulcast on a broadcast channel. Check your local listings.

Conclusion with CTA

Knowing when Thursday Night Football starts is key to enjoying the NFL season. While the standard kickoff time is 8:15 PM ET, always check the official schedule and account for time zones. Now that you're informed, prepare your game-day snacks, set your reminders, and get ready for another exciting season of Thursday Night Football. Don't miss a minute of the action! Check the NFL schedule today to plan your viewing. — 6080 S Hulen St: Info & What's Nearby

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 10:00 UTC