How to Find NBC on Your Samsung TV

NBC channel numbers vary by your TV provider, not by Samsung

Samsung TVs do not assign channel numbers — your cable, satellite, or streaming provider does. NBC appears on different channels depending on whether you use Comcast, DirecTV, Dish Network, a local antenna, or a streaming service. The channel number in New York is not the same as the channel number in Denver or Dallas.

To find NBC on your Samsung TV, you need to know two things: what service brings video into your home, and what that service calls NBC in your area. Once you have that information, tuning in takes the same steps on any Samsung model.

Key Takeaways

NBC's channel number depends entirely on your TV provider — cable, satellite, antenna, or streaming — not on Samsung.
Cable and satellite customers can find their local NBC by searching the channel guide or calling their provider's customer service line.
Antenna users can run a channel scan on their Samsung TV to locate NBC and other broadcast stations.
Streaming services like Peacock, YouTube TV, and Hulu Live carry NBC but require a separate subscription or login.
Samsung Smart TV remotes include a search button that can locate NBC across all your connected services at once.

Finding NBC if you have cable or satellite

Call your provider's customer service number or log into your account online to find NBC's channel number in your area. Comcast typically carries NBC on channel 10 in many markets, but this varies. DirecTV and Dish Network use different numbering systems and change them periodically.

Once you know the channel number, use your Samsung remote to navigate to that channel directly by typing the number, or scroll through the channel guide to find NBC's listing. Most Samsung TVs display the guide when you press the Guide button on the remote.

If you cannot find NBC after entering the correct channel number, your provider may have moved it or your cable box may need a software update. Restart your cable or satellite box by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait two minutes for it to fully boot.

Finding NBC with an antenna

If you use an over-the-air antenna, NBC is a broadcast channel and should be free to receive. Your Samsung TV needs to scan for available channels first. Press the Menu button on your remote, navigate to Settings, then select Broadcasting or Channel Setup (the exact name varies by Samsung model year).

Select Auto Tuning or Channel Scan. Your TV will search for all available broadcast stations in your area and assign them channel numbers. This process takes three to five minutes. Once complete, NBC will appear in your channel list — usually on channel 4 or 5 in most markets, though this varies by location.

If the scan finds no channels, check that your antenna is connected firmly to the TV's antenna input port (labeled RF In or Antenna). Move the antenna to a window or higher location and try scanning again. Some areas require an antenna positioned toward the broadcast tower to receive a strong signal.

Finding NBC on streaming services

NBC content is available through several streaming platforms, each with different requirements. Peacock is NBC's own streaming service and carries live NBC broadcasts, though some content requires a paid subscription. YouTube TV, Hulu Live, and Sling TV all carry NBC as part of their channel packages.

To watch NBC through a streaming service on your Samsung TV, open the app from your TV's app store, sign in with your account, and navigate to the live TV section or search for NBC. If you do not already subscribe to one of these services, you will need to create an account and pay the monthly fee.

Samsung Smart TVs also have an Integrated Search feature. Press the Search button on your remote and type "NBC" — the TV will show you which of your installed apps carry NBC and let you jump directly to it.

Using your Samsung remote to search for NBC

Newer Samsung Smart TV remotes have a dedicated Search or Microphone button. Press it and say "NBC" or type "NBC" using the on-screen keyboard. Your TV will display NBC across all your connected services — cable, antenna, and streaming apps — and show you which ones have it available right now.

This search works only if you have already set up your TV's inputs and connected services. If you just installed your TV or added a new cable box, run the initial setup first so the TV knows what services are available to search.

Troubleshooting when NBC does not appear

If you know the correct channel number but NBC does not appear, first check that you are looking at the right input. Press the Input or Source button on your remote and make sure you are on the correct input for your cable box, satellite receiver, or antenna. Many Samsung TVs have multiple inputs, and it is straightforward to switch to the wrong one by accident.

If you are on the correct input and still cannot find NBC, restart your cable or satellite box. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart — this usually takes two to three minutes. If NBC still does not appear after a restart, contact your TV provider's support line with your account number and the channel number they gave you.

For antenna users, a weak signal can cause NBC to drop in and out or not appear at all. Try repositioning your antenna, moving it higher, or pointing it toward the nearest broadcast tower. You can also run the channel scan again — sometimes a second scan picks up stations the first one missed.

What to do if your provider does not carry NBC

In rare cases, a smaller cable or satellite provider may not carry NBC in your area. Contact your provider to ask whether they offer it on a different channel package or if they plan to add it. If they do not carry NBC and do not plan to, you can watch NBC through a streaming service instead — Peacock, YouTube TV, or Hulu Live all carry it.

You can also use an antenna to receive NBC for free if you live within range of a broadcast tower. Run a channel scan on your Samsung TV as described above to see if NBC is available over the air in your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is NBC on a different channel number than it was last week?

Your TV provider sometimes moves channels to make room for new services or to reorganize their lineup. Check your provider's website or call their support line to confirm NBC's current channel number. You may need to manually retune your TV or run a channel scan if you use an antenna.

Can I watch NBC on my Samsung TV without cable or satellite?

Yes. You can use an over-the-air antenna to receive NBC for free, or you can subscribe to a streaming service like Peacock, YouTube TV, or Hulu Live. Both options work on any Samsung Smart TV with an internet connection or antenna input.

My Samsung TV says "no signal" on the NBC channel. What does that mean?

This usually means your cable box, satellite receiver, or antenna is not connected properly or is not powered on. Check that all cables are plugged in firmly, restart your equipment by unplugging it for 30 seconds, and try again. If you use an antenna, try moving it to a higher location or toward a window.

Does every Samsung TV have the same channel numbers?

No. Channel numbers come from your TV provider, not from Samsung. Two Samsung TVs in the same house connected to the same cable box will show NBC on the same channel. Two Samsung TVs in different cities with different providers will show NBC on different channels.

How do I add NBC to my favorites list on my Samsung TV?

Navigate to the NBC channel, press the Menu or Options button on your remote, and select Add to Favorites or Mark as Favorite. The exact wording depends on your TV model. NBC will then appear in a separate Favorites section of your channel guide for faster access.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.