Friday Night SmackDown: How To Watch New Episodes

Okay, wrestling fans, you're probably wondering, "Where can I catch the latest episodes of Friday Night SmackDown?" Don't worry, I've got you covered. With the ever-changing landscape of streaming services and broadcast deals, it can get confusing to keep up with where your favorite WWE shows are airing. So, let's break down all the ways you can watch Friday Night SmackDown and make sure you never miss a single piledriver, suplex, or dramatic storyline twist.

Understanding Friday Night SmackDown's Broadcast History

Before diving into streaming options, it's helpful to understand SmackDown's journey through different networks. Friday Night SmackDown first premiered on UPN in 1999 before moving to The CW in 2006. A few years later, it landed on MyNetworkTV in 2008. In 2010, the show made a significant jump to Syfy, and then in 2016, it found a new home on USA Network. Finally, in October 2019, SmackDown made its debut on Fox, marking a major shift for the program. This move to Fox also brought with it a live broadcast format, adding to the excitement of the show. Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, that's cool history, but what about now?" Well, all of this shuffling impacts where you can find SmackDown content today, both live and on-demand.

Current Broadcaster: Fox

As of now, the primary broadcaster for Friday Night SmackDown is Fox. This means the show airs live every Friday night on the Fox network. So, if you have access to Fox through your cable provider, satellite service, or even an over-the-air antenna, you're in luck! You can watch SmackDown as it happens. This is the most straightforward way to catch the action, and it ensures you're part of the live wrestling conversation happening online. But what if you don't have cable or you're on the go? That's where streaming options come into play. Keep reading to explore the various ways you can stream SmackDown episodes, whether you're looking to watch live or catch up on demand. Remember that start times can vary slightly depending on your time zone, so always double-check your local listings to ensure you don't miss the opening bell!

Live Streaming Options for Friday Night SmackDown

Okay, so you want to watch SmackDown live but don't have cable? No problem! Several streaming services offer live TV packages that include Fox. These services are generally cheaper than traditional cable and offer the flexibility to watch on your phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV. Here are some of the top contenders:

1. Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is a popular choice for cord-cutters. It includes Fox in many markets, along with a ton of other channels, plus access to Hulu's extensive on-demand library. With Hulu + Live TV, you can stream Friday Night SmackDown live as it airs, just like you would with cable. Plus, you get the added bonus of being able to record the show to your DVR and watch it later if you can't catch it live. The service also offers multiple simultaneous streams, so your whole family can watch different things at the same time. This is a great option if you're already a Hulu subscriber or if you're looking for a comprehensive streaming package that includes live TV and on-demand content. The user interface is also very intuitive, making it easy to find and watch your favorite shows. Before committing, make sure to check that Fox is available in your local area, as channel availability can vary depending on your location.

2. YouTube TV

YouTube TV is another excellent option for streaming Friday Night SmackDown live. Like Hulu + Live TV, it includes Fox in most markets, along with a wide range of other channels. YouTube TV offers a similar experience to traditional cable, with a channel guide and the ability to record shows to your DVR. One of the standout features of YouTube TV is its unlimited DVR storage, so you never have to worry about running out of space. You can record as many episodes of SmackDown as you want and watch them whenever you have time. YouTube TV also offers multiple simultaneous streams, making it a great choice for families. The service is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with other Google services. Again, be sure to confirm that Fox is available in your local area before signing up.

3. Sling TV

Sling TV is a more budget-friendly option for streaming live TV. It offers different channel packages, and you'll need to make sure you choose a package that includes Fox. Sling TV can be a bit more complicated than Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV, as you may need to add on extra channel packages to get everything you want. However, if you're looking to save money and you're willing to customize your channel lineup, Sling TV can be a good choice. Keep in mind that Sling TV may not offer Fox in all markets, so be sure to check availability before subscribing. Also, DVR storage may be limited depending on your plan, so factor that into your decision.

4. fuboTV

fuboTV is primarily known for its sports coverage, but it also includes Fox in many markets, making it another option for streaming Friday Night SmackDown live. If you're a sports fan, fuboTV is definitely worth considering, as it offers a wide range of sports channels in addition to the standard entertainment channels. fuboTV also includes a DVR, so you can record SmackDown and watch it later. The service offers a variety of plans with different channel lineups, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. As with the other streaming services, be sure to check that Fox is available in your area before signing up.

On-Demand Streaming Options for Friday Night SmackDown

Maybe you missed SmackDown on Friday night, or perhaps you just want to re-watch your favorite matches. Here's where on-demand streaming comes in handy:

1. WWE Network/Peacock

Here's the deal: The WWE Network has moved to Peacock in the United States. That means if you want the most comprehensive WWE content, including past SmackDown episodes, premium live events (formerly known as pay-per-views), and original series, Peacock is your go-to. Peacock offers a premium tier that includes all of the WWE content, as well as a ton of other movies and TV shows. This is the best option for die-hard WWE fans who want access to everything the company has to offer. With Peacock, you can watch classic SmackDown episodes, relive iconic moments, and stay up-to-date on all the latest WWE happenings. The service is available on a wide range of devices, so you can watch on your TV, computer, phone, or tablet.

2. Hulu

While Hulu + Live TV lets you stream SmackDown live, the regular Hulu service (the on-demand one) sometimes offers episodes after they air, but the availability can vary. Keep an eye on Hulu's listings to see if SmackDown episodes are available to stream on-demand. This can be a convenient option if you're already a Hulu subscriber and you don't mind waiting a bit to watch the latest episodes. However, don't rely on Hulu as your primary source for SmackDown content, as the availability is not always consistent.

3. Fox Website/App

Fox often makes recent episodes of its shows available on its website or through its app. You may need to log in with your cable provider credentials to access the content. This can be a good option if you have a cable subscription but you prefer to watch on your computer or mobile device. The Fox website and app offer a convenient way to catch up on SmackDown episodes, but keep in mind that the availability may be limited to recent episodes. Also, the streaming quality may not be as high as with some of the other options.

Additional Tips for Watching Friday Night SmackDown

• Check Local Listings: Always verify the airtime of SmackDown in your local area, as it can sometimes vary due to special events or programming changes.
• Social Media: Follow WWE and SmackDown on social media for updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. This can also help you stay informed about any changes to the broadcast schedule.
• WWE Website: The official WWE website is a great resource for news, results, and video highlights. You can also find information about upcoming events and how to watch them.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, wrestling aficionados! Watching Friday Night SmackDown is easier than ever with a variety of live and on-demand streaming options. Whether you prefer the immediacy of live TV or the flexibility of on-demand viewing, there's a way to catch all the action. From Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV to Peacock and the Fox website, you have plenty of choices to ensure you never miss a moment of SmackDown. Now go forth and enjoy the show!