Thanks to the NBC empire featuring coverage across NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, Bravo, Golf Channel, USA, NBC Universo and specialty channels, watching the Olympics on TV will be easier than ever. Of course, you couldn’t watch all 6,755 hours of programming through Aug. 21 even if you wanted to, so this will make it more manageable.
If you like your heartstrings pulled: NBC. As usual, the network’s top anchors will guide viewers through the most sought-after events throughout the day and night. Swimming, track and field, gymnastics, beach volleyball and other high-profile sports will be on tap, and expect the usual mix of interviews and heartfelt features on athletes.
If you like winning: NBC Sports. This network will mainly feature the American men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as the women’s soccer team, all three of which are favored to take home gold.
If you love nature: Golf Channel. Although many of the top women’s golfers will be in Rio, most of the top men’s players will not. However, seeing as the Olympic course is inhabited by owls, monkeys, small alligators and giant rodents, it’s a good bet they’ll make an appearance.
If you like big names: Bravo will feature tennis coverage. Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray are among the favorites to win gold.
If you like long lunch breaks: Much of MSNBC’s coverage will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Why eat in your cubicle when you can find a bar and get your games on while you nosh?
If you like drama: CNBC. Not what you might expect from a financial news network. Yet CNBC will showcase elimination-round coverage of basketball, volleyball, archery, beach volleyball, rugby, wrestling, water polo and other sports.
DON’T HAVE CABLE?
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Unfortunately, you need to be a cable subscriber to watch live coverage on the NBC Sports app or NBCOlympics.com. Yet there are alternatives:
Get an antenna.
Pro: Yes, those are still a thing, and a decent one should only cost about $30. Con: You’ll be able to access only NBC and Telemundo.
Get Internet TV.
Pro: Sling TV or PlayStation Vue can get you access to virtually all the Olympics coverage, and you have some options to pick the networks you want. Con: Costs can add up quickly once you’ve burned through the free trial periods.
Watch on YouTube.
Pro: There’s a dedicated Olympic channel with everything from highlights to features to rules explanations. Con: You won’t see anything live.
Go to a friend’s house.
Pro: Almost 19 days of bonding time! Just remember to shower and bring your host a gift or two to say thanks. Con: It’s not exactly convenient, and you’ll probably have to buy your friend a lot of beer.