NFR TV Schedule | How to Watch on Dish, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Spectrum

The 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) runs nightly from December 4–13, 2025. The performances are broadcast exclusively on The Cowboy Channel.

Here is the TV schedule for the remaining days, including today’s Round 2 performance.

Quick Summary

• Channel: The Cowboy Channel (Cable/Satellite) or Cowboy Channel+ (Streaming app)

• Main Performance Start Time: 8:45 PM ET / 5:45 PM PT every night.

• Pre-Show Coverage: Starts daily at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT.

Daily TV Schedule (Remaining Rounds)

Since you are currently on Friday, Dec 5 (Round 2), here is the specific lineup for today and the weekend.

Today: Friday, Dec 5 (Round 2)

• 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT): NFR Tailgate (Live talk/variety show from the Cowboy Channel studios)

• 6:30 PM ET (3:30 PM PT): Western Sports Round Up (Recap of Round 1 & Preview of Round 2)

• 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PT): Rodeo Live! (Live analysis from outside the arena)

• 8:45 PM ET (5:45 PM PT): NFR Round 2 Live Performance (The main event)

• 11:30 PM ET (8:30 PM PT): NFR Round 2 Recap

• 12:30 AM ET (9:30 PM PT): Buckle Presentation (Live from South Point)

Upcoming Rounds (All start at 8:45 PM ET)

Every night follows the same broadcast pattern as above.

• Saturday, Dec 6: Round 3 (“Golden Night”)

• Sunday, Dec 7: Round 4 (“Memorial Night”)

• Monday, Dec 8: Round 5 (“Tough Enough to Wear Pink”)

• Tuesday, Dec 9: Round 6 (“Resistol Rookie Night”)

• Wednesday, Dec 10: Round 7 (“Military Night”)

• Thursday, Dec 11: Round 8 (“Canadian Night”)

• Friday, Dec 12: Round 9 (“Legacy Night”)

• Saturday, Dec 13: Round 10 (Championship Night / “Patriot Night”)

Rebroadcasts (If you miss it live)

If you miss the live airing, The Cowboy Channel replays the round immediately after the Buckle Presentation and again the next day.

• Nightly Re-air: Approx. 1:30 AM ET (10:30 PM PT)

• Next Day Re-air: 12:00 PM ET (9:00 AM PT)

Channel Guide

• DISH: Channel 232

• DirecTV: Channel 603

• Cox: Channel 260

• Sling TV: Requires “Heartland Extra” add-on.

How to Watch on Dish, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Spectrum

Here is the channel information for The Cowboy Channel on the services you requested:

Quick Channel Guide

Detailed Breakdown

1. DISH Network

• Channel: 232

• Package: It is typically included in the “America’s Top 120” package and higher.

2. Spectrum

• Channel: There is no single national channel number for Spectrum. It depends entirely on your zip code.

• Common Numbers: It is often found on 468, 712, or 153, but you must check your on-screen guide or the Spectrum website for your specific area.

• Note: If you cannot find it, you may need the “Entertainment View” or a specific tier add-on.

3. Amazon Prime

• Status: The Cowboy Channel is not available as a “Prime Video Channel” add-on (like HBO or Starz). You cannot watch it directly inside the Prime Video app.

• The Workaround: If you have an Amazon Fire Stick or Fire TV, you can download the standalone “Cowboy Channel+” app from the app store. You will need to pay for a separate subscription (approx. $119.99/year or a monthly rate) to watch the NFR live through that app.

4. YouTube / YouTube TV

• YouTube TV: The Cowboy Channel is not carried on YouTube TV’s base plan or add-on packages.

• YouTube.com: You can find highlights and recaps on their official YouTube channel, but no live NFR streams are available there.

Best Streaming Alternatives

If you don’t have cable (DISH/Spectrum) and want to watch the NFR, your best options are:

1. Sling TV (Cheapest Live TV Option):

   • You need the base Sling Orange or Blue plan (~$40/mo).

   • MUST ADD: The “Heartland Extra” package ($6/mo), which includes The Cowboy Channel.

2. DirecTV Stream:

   • Channel 603.

   • Included in the “Choice” package or higher.

3. Cowboy Channel+ App:

   • Subscribe directly to their app to watch on your phone, tablet, or smart TV (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV).