The Olympics return with one of the most-watched moments of any Winter Games: the opening ceremony.This year's opening ceremony promises to redefine Olympic tradition, as Milano Cortina 2026 marks the first time a Winter Games has taken a multi-centered approach, with celebrations spreading across Italy's Olympic venues rather than a single stadium. The ceremony at San Siro Stadium in Milan will feature blockbuster performances, the iconic Parade of Nations and the lighting of not one but two Olympic cauldrons.With the United States sending its largest-ever contingent of winter athletes to compete across 16 sports, there's plenty of reason for fans to tune in.
Whether you're planning to watch the ceremony live or catch the primetime encore, understanding your viewing options ensures you don't miss a moment of this historic event.Catch the Winter Olympics action on Peacock What time does the 2026 Olympics opening ceremony start and end?The opening ceremony time for the 2026 Winter Olympics is Friday, Feb.
6, with live coverage starting at 2 p.m.ET on NBC and Peacock.
The ceremony is expected to run approximately three hours, concluding around 5 p.m.ET.For viewers who can't watch the Olympics opening ceremony live, NBC will air an enhanced primetime encore presentation at 8 p.m.
ET, giving fans a chance to experience the spectacle during evening hours.How to watch the 2026 opening ceremony live on cableTraditional cable subscribers can watch the opening ceremony on NBC, which will broadcast both the live afternoon coverage and the primetime encore.NBC Sports legend Terry Gannon will host the ceremony and will be joined by Mary Carillo.Three-time Olympic snowboarding champion Shaun White will provide commentary during the Parade of Nations.
NBC Olympics primetime host Mike Tirico will also contribute to coverage remotely from California, where he's preparing to call Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb.8.
The broadcast will feature c...