Yes, you can watch Thursday Night Football on YouTube TV
YouTube TV carries Thursday Night Football, which airs on Amazon Prime Video. However, YouTube TV does not have a direct feed of the game — instead, you can watch it through the Prime Video app or website using your YouTube TV credentials if your account includes the necessary add-on or subscription tier.
The catch is that Thursday Night Football moved to Amazon Prime Video in 2022 and stays there exclusively during the regular season. YouTube TV itself does not broadcast the games on its main channel lineup. You need either a standalone Prime Video subscription or an Amazon Prime membership to watch, separate from your YouTube TV service.
Key Takeaways
- Thursday Night Football streams only on Amazon Prime Video, not on YouTube TV's main channel list.
- You can watch through Prime Video using your Amazon account or Prime membership, which costs extra beyond YouTube TV.
- Some YouTube TV plans may bundle Prime Video access, so check your account details before buying a separate subscription.
- Games are available to stream live and on-demand through the Prime Video app on most devices.
Where Thursday Night Football Actually Streams
Amazon Prime Video holds the exclusive rights to broadcast Thursday Night Football during the NFL regular season. This means the game does not appear on YouTube TV's standard channel guide, ESPN, Fox, or any other traditional broadcast or cable network.
If you want to watch the game, you go to Prime Video — either through the Prime Video app, the Amazon website, or the Prime Video channel within other streaming services. YouTube TV does not carry it as part of its base package or add-ons.
How to Access Prime Video if You Have YouTube TV
Your YouTube TV subscription and a Prime Video subscription are separate services. You need to pay for Prime Video independently unless your YouTube TV plan includes it as a bundle.
Check your YouTube TV account settings to see if Prime Video is already included. Some YouTube TV plans or promotional offers bundle Prime Video access at no extra cost. If it is not included, you can buy a Prime Video subscription directly from Amazon. A Prime Video standalone subscription costs less than a full Amazon Prime membership but gives you access to Thursday Night Football and other Prime Video content.
Once you have Prime Video access, open the Prime Video app on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer. Search for "Thursday Night Football" or navigate to the live sports section. The game streams live during the broadcast window and remains available on-demand afterward.
What Devices Let You Watch
Prime Video works on nearly every device that YouTube TV supports. You can watch on your smart TV using the Prime Video app (available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Samsung, LG, and others), on your phone or tablet through the iOS or Android app, on your computer through a web browser, or on gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
The broadcast quality depends on your internet speed and the device you use. Prime Video streams in up to 4K on compatible devices if your internet connection supports it, though standard HD is the typical quality for most viewers.
When Thursday Night Football Games Air
Thursday Night Football games broadcast during the NFL regular season, which runs from September through early January. Games typically start at 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday evenings.
The exact schedule changes each season. You can find the full schedule on the NFL website or through the Prime Video app itself, which lists upcoming games and lets you set reminders.
If You Want NFL Games on YouTube TV Instead
YouTube TV does carry other NFL broadcasts through its standard channels. You can watch Sunday Night Football on NBC, Monday Night Football on ESPN, and select playoff games depending on which network has broadcast rights that year. These games appear in your YouTube TV channel guide without any extra subscription.
If your main goal is to watch as much NFL football as possible through one service, YouTube TV covers most games — just not Thursday Night Football. For that specific game, Prime Video is your only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both YouTube TV and Prime Video to watch Thursday Night Football?
You need Prime Video to watch Thursday Night Football. YouTube TV alone is not enough. However, if your YouTube TV plan already bundles Prime Video, you do not need to pay extra. Check your YouTube TV account to see if it is included.
Can I watch Thursday Night Football for free?
Prime Video requires a paid subscription. There is no free way to watch Thursday Night Football legally, though Amazon occasionally offers free trial periods for new Prime Video subscribers. Check Amazon's website to see if a trial is currently available.
What if I miss the live game?
Thursday Night Football games remain available on-demand through Prime Video after they air live. You can watch the full game or highlights anytime after the broadcast ends, as long as your Prime Video subscription is active.
Can I watch Thursday Night Football on the YouTube TV app?
No. The YouTube TV app shows only channels and content that YouTube TV carries. Since Thursday Night Football is on Prime Video, you must use the Prime Video app or website to watch it.
Does YouTube TV offer any NFL package that includes Thursday Night Football?
No. YouTube TV does not offer any add-on or package that includes Thursday Night Football. The only way to watch is through Prime Video, which is a separate service from YouTube TV.