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

The 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) runs nightly from December 4โ€“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)

Also Read : What Channel is World Cup Draw On

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

Provider Channel / Status
DISH Network Channel 232
Spectrum Varies by Location (Commonly 468, 712, or 153)
Amazon Prime Not Available directly (Use the “Cowboy Channel+” app on Fire TV)
YouTube TV Not Available (See “Streaming Alternatives” below)

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).