It's that time of year again where everyone starts asking the same question: what network is America's Got Talent on? You’d think by now, after twenty seasons of golden buzzers and high-stakes variety acts, we’d all have it memorized. But with the way TV works these days, things shift. One year you're watching a show on cable, the next it’s exclusive to a streaming app you’ve never heard of.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a maze.
If you are looking for the short answer, NBC is still the home of the show. It has been since the very first episode aired back in June 2006. Simon Cowell’s brainchild hasn't budged from its original broadcast home, even as the media world around it has basically turned upside down.
The Current State of AGT on NBC
As we head into the 2026 season—which is actually a massive milestone for the franchise—NBC remains the primary broadcaster. This is Season 21. If you're counting, that’s two decades of magicians, singers, and people doing things with fire that probably shouldn't be legal on live television.
The show generally anchors the NBC summer schedule.
📖 Related: Why the Madison Square Garden Roof Looks So Weird
Typically, you can catch the new episodes on Tuesday nights. When the live shows start later in the summer, they usually add a Wednesday night results show. It's a formula that has worked for years. You know the drill: Simon looks unimpressed, Howie Mandel makes a joke, and Terry Crews gets hyped up backstage.
The 2026 season is expected to follow the traditional rollout. Most insiders, including reports from TV Insider, point toward a premiere in late May, specifically around Tuesday, May 26, 2026. This is the post-Memorial Day slot that NBC has protected for years. It’s the perfect time for a "summer juggernaut" to take over the airwaves.
Can You Stream It Live or On-Demand?
This is where people usually get confused. If you don’t have an antenna or a standard cable package, you aren't out of luck.
Peacock is the official streaming partner. Since NBC and Peacock are both under the NBCUniversal umbrella, the synergy is pretty tight. If you have a Peacock subscription, you can usually stream the episodes the very next day.
For those who want to watch "live" without a cord, you've got a few options:
- YouTube TV: This carries your local NBC affiliate.
- Hulu + Live TV: Same deal here; if they carry NBC in your area, you’re good.
- FuboTV: Great for sports, but it also carries the major networks.
Just remember that "next day" streaming on Peacock usually hits the service at 6:00 AM ET the morning after the broadcast. So, if you're trying to avoid spoilers on social media, you might want to stay off Twitter (or X, whatever we're calling it this week) until you’ve had your morning coffee and watched the acts.
Why the Network Choice Matters for 2026
There was some chatter last year about whether the show would see a judging shake-up for the 20th anniversary. We saw Mel B return for Season 20, taking over Heidi Klum’s seat for a bit. For 2026, the lineup looks to be stabilizing back to the fan favorites, though NBC likes to keep us guessing until the last minute.
Howie Mandel recently chatted with KTVB about the search for new talent, emphasizing that the "Comedy Showcase" events are already happening in early 2026. This confirms that the production machine is moving at full speed.
The reason what network is America's Got Talent on matters so much this year is the scale. Being on a major "Big Three" network like NBC allows for a massive production budget. We are talking about the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, high-end pyrotechnics, and that $1 million grand prize. A smaller cable network or a niche streaming service just couldn't pull off the same level of spectacle.
International Viewers and Spin-offs
If you aren't in the U.S., finding the network is a bit trickier. In Canada, Citytv usually carries the show simultaneously with the NBC broadcast. In other territories, it often pops up on local "Got Talent" hubs or Disney+.
Also, don't confuse the main summer show with the spin-offs. We’ve had AGT: Fantasy League, All-Stars, and The Champions. While these also air on NBC, they often run during the winter months (January and February) to bridge the gap between the main seasons.
How to Get Ready for Season 21
If you're planning on watching, here is the best way to ensure you don't miss a beat. First, check your local listings for your NBC affiliate. Channel numbers vary wildly depending on whether you're in New York, LA, or a small town in the Midwest.
Second, download the AGT Official App. It’s not just for voting; it usually has the schedule and clips of the best performances.
Lastly, if you're a die-hard fan, keep an eye on the Tuesday night 8/7c time slot starting in late May. That’s been the show's home for a long time, and NBC isn't likely to move its biggest summer hit to a different night and risk losing those ratings.
🔗 Read more: Amazon Prime Video Attack on Titan: Why Finding Every Episode Is So Frustrating
The reality is that broadcast TV is changing, but some things stay the same. As long as Simon Cowell is at the helm, NBC is going to be the place where the "biggest stage in the world" lives.
Your next move: Check your streaming subscriptions. If you're planning to cut the cord before the summer, make sure your new service carries your local NBC station so you don't miss the Season 21 premiere.