The network broadcasting the Chicago Bears game varies each week; check your local listings or a sports app for the specific channel.
Finding the right channel to catch the Chicago Bears can sometimes feel like a fumble. It’s a common question many fans ask: what network is the chicago bears game on? The answer isn’t always straightforward since broadcast rights change.
Each week different networks like CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN might have the game. Sometimes a game might even be on a cable channel. To avoid missing kickoff, it’s best to check a sports app or your local television listings just before game day.
What Network is the Chicago Bears Game On?
Figuring out where to watch the Chicago Bears can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle. With so many games happening each season, and different networks showing them, it’s easy to get confused. Don’t worry, though! This guide will help you know exactly where to find the Bears each week. We will cover all the main networks that show the games, plus some extra ways to catch the action. Knowing the broadcast schedule can help you plan your football Sunday perfectly!
Understanding the NFL Broadcasting Landscape
The National Football League (NFL) has deals with several big television networks. These agreements decide which games are shown on which channels. This is why sometimes you see a Bears game on CBS, while other times it’s on FOX, ESPN, or even another network. It is very important to know which network is broadcasting that week’s game. Different networks have different types of broadcasts and commentary teams. For example, some broadcasts might be more focused on stats while others emphasize storytelling.
Major Networks for Chicago Bears Games
Let’s look at the main players when it comes to showing Bears games:
- CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System): CBS often broadcasts games that include teams from the American Football Conference (AFC). But, when the Bears play an AFC team, you will often find the game on this channel.
- FOX (Fox Broadcasting Company): FOX usually shows games involving teams from the National Football Conference (NFC). The Chicago Bears are part of the NFC, so a lot of their games are on FOX.
- NBC (National Broadcasting Company): NBC is home to “Sunday Night Football.” Sometimes, the Bears get a prime-time slot on NBC. These games are usually big matchups against popular teams.
- ESPN (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network): ESPN has “Monday Night Football” and sometimes airs other games during the week. If the Bears have a Monday night appearance, you’ll see it here.
- NFL Network: The NFL Network broadcasts a mix of games, including some Thursday night match-ups. You might also see re-airs of past Bears games, or different shows about the team on the NFL Network.
How Scheduling Works
The NFL schedule is made before the season begins. It is a big puzzle that puts together teams for games over 18 weeks. The networks then decide which games they will show. There are lots of factors like how good the teams are, when the games are played, and the location that impact these choices. Here’s a little bit more on the timing:
- Sunday Afternoon Games: Most games are on Sunday afternoons. CBS and FOX typically share these games.
- Sunday Night Games: As the name says, these games are on Sunday evenings and are shown on NBC.
- Monday Night Games: These games are on Monday evenings and are usually on ESPN.
- Thursday Night Games: Some Thursday games are on the NFL Network, and some are on Amazon Prime Video.
Finding the Specific Network for Each Game
Now, let’s get down to the brass tacks. How do you know exactly which network will show a specific Bears game?
Using the NFL Schedule
The NFL website (NFL.com) has a great schedule page. It tells you:
- The date and time of each game: This helps you know when to tune in.
- The network that is showing the game: This is what we are looking for! It tells you if it will be on CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, or NFL Network.
- Who the Bears are playing: This information helps you follow the team’s season.
You can also find the schedule on the Chicago Bears’ official website. Team websites usually have easy to use schedules. They will have a list of each game with the times and what network shows it. Some sports websites also provide game schedules with network information.
Using TV Guides and Apps
Old-fashioned TV guides (both in the newspaper and online) also help to find out what channel the Bears are playing on. Many of these websites and apps let you look up by time or team, so it’s easy to see the Bears game.
Also, many TV providers like Xfinity, DirectTV, and Spectrum, have apps. With these apps, you can look at the TV schedule. You can search by date and team, which helps find the right channel for the Bears game you want to watch. You can also program your DVR (Digital Video Recorder) to record the game.
Special Cases: Streaming and Beyond
Sometimes, games appear on streaming platforms. Here are some times you may need more than your traditional TV:
- Amazon Prime Video: Some Thursday Night Football games are exclusively on Amazon Prime. This means you’ll need a Prime membership to watch them.
- Peacock: Peacock is NBC’s streaming service, and it streams some games. This means some Sunday Night Football games are also available on Peacock.
- NFL+: The NFL’s own streaming service, NFL+, provides live local and primetime games on your phone or tablet.
Local Channels
Your local CBS, FOX, or NBC channels will usually broadcast the Bears games. So, if the schedule says that a Bears game is on CBS, you will want to watch your local CBS channel. The channel numbers can be different depending on where you live. So, make sure you check what channel number you have for each network.
Out-of-Market Games
If you live outside of Chicago, it can be a little more challenging to watch the Bears. Here are some extra options:
- NFL Sunday Ticket: This service, usually offered by a satellite provider, lets you watch almost every game. It is a way to watch every Chicago Bears game even if they are not being shown in your area.
- Sports Bars: Lots of sports bars show all the NFL games. If you can’t watch at home, visit a sports bar. It is fun to watch with other fans, too.
- Streaming Services with Live Sports: Some live TV streaming services have many channels, including those showing NFL games. Check which services include your regional sports networks, if those carry the Bears.
Why Knowing the Network Matters
Knowing which network is showing the Chicago Bears game is not just about finding the right channel; it improves your whole viewing experience:
- Never Miss a Game: Knowing the network ahead of time means you won’t miss the kickoff! It also means you will not need to be searching for a channel when the game is starting.
- Plan Ahead: You can set your DVR or mark it on your calendar so you are ready to watch.
- Engage with the Broadcast: Every network has different announcers and ways of presenting games. Knowing what to expect will help you enjoy the game more.
- Save Time: There is no need to flip through all your channels trying to find the game.
Additional Tips for Finding Bears Games
Social Media
Follow the Chicago Bears on social media. They usually announce which network will broadcast their games on their social platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. Check their posts leading up to the game, or even day of the game.
Sports News Sites
Websites like ESPN, Bleacher Report, and others will usually have a schedule of all of that week’s games. They will usually include the network that the game will be on as well. This can be a great resource for game schedules.
Team Apps
Some teams also have an app you can download on your phone or tablet, that will let you know when they are playing, what channel it will be on, and when the game starts.
Ask a Friend
If you have a friend that likes to watch football, ask them what channel the Bears game will be on. They will probably know how to find that information as well.
Keep Up with the Schedule
NFL schedules can change, so always double-check the day before or the morning of the game. There might be a switch because of a flex scheduling decision. This is when the NFL will switch a game to a different time or day to make the schedule more exciting for the viewers.
So, there you have it! Finding out which network has the Chicago Bears game might seem tough at first. But, with a few tips and some know-how, you’ll never have to wonder again. Remember to use the NFL schedule, your TV guide, and other tools to make sure you do not miss any of the action. And remember, cheering for the Bears is always more fun when you know where to watch!
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Final Thoughts
The Chicago Bears game broadcast network varies. Check your local listings to confirm the exact channel. Network coverage depends on the schedule and game.
Sometimes games appear on national networks like CBS, Fox, or NBC. Other times, they show on ESPN or NFL Network. Therefore, knowing ‘what network is the chicago bears game on’ requires checking before the game starts.
Always verify the most current schedule for your area. This will ensure you don’t miss any action.
