NFL Thanksgiving is one of American sports' greatest traditions - a triple-header of football that brings families together across the United States. For UK fans, it's one of the best days of the NFL calendar, with games starting in the early evening and running through to the early hours. Here's everything you need to know about watching NFL Thanksgiving from Britain.
Quick Answer
NFL Thanksgiving features three games kicking off at approximately 5:30pm, 9:30pm, and 1:20am UK time (GMT). All games are shown live on Sky Sports NFL. The Detroit Lions always host the early game; the Dallas Cowboys always host the late afternoon game. A fourth game on Black Friday (8pm UK) extends the football weekend.
NFL Thanksgiving UK Kick-off Times
Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday of November. The triple-header offers some of the most UK-friendly game times of the season, with the early game kicking off during early evening rather than late night.
| Game | US Time (ET) | UK Time (GMT) | Host Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Game | 12:30pm ET | 5:30pm GMT | Detroit Lions (always) |
| Late Afternoon | 4:30pm ET | 9:30pm GMT | Dallas Cowboys (always) |
| Primetime | 8:20pm ET | 1:20am GMT (Fri) | Rotating teams |
| Black Friday | 3:00pm ET | 8:00pm GMT | Rotating teams |
Upcoming Thanksgiving Dates
Thanksgiving 2026: Thursday, November 26th
Thanksgiving 2027: Thursday, November 25th
Thanksgiving 2028: Thursday, November 23rd
How to Watch in the UK
Sky Sports NFL
Sky Sports NFL broadcasts all three Thanksgiving games live, with dedicated coverage including pre-game analysis, halftime shows, and post-game breakdowns. If you have Sky Sports, you're covered.
- Channel: Sky Sports NFL (also simulcast on Sky Sports Main Event for big games)
- Cost: Included with Sky Sports subscription (from £22/month)
- Apps: Sky Go for mobile/tablet viewing
NOW Sports
No Sky subscription? NOW Sports offers flexible access to Sky Sports channels without a long-term contract.
- Day Pass: £14.99 - perfect for Thanksgiving day only
- Month Pass: £34.99 - covers Thanksgiving through to playoffs
NFL Game Pass International
NFL's official streaming service shows all games live. At £14.99/month, it's a solid option if you want to watch on your own schedule with on-demand replays.
Amazon Prime Video (Black Friday Only)
The Black Friday game is an Amazon Prime Video exclusive in the US, but UK viewers can watch via NFL Game Pass or Sky Sports.
The Thanksgiving Football Tradition
NFL Thanksgiving isn't just another gameday - it's a near-century-old American tradition that ranks alongside the Super Bowl as the most-watched NFL broadcast of the season. Understanding why it matters adds to the viewing experience.
How It Started
American football on Thanksgiving dates back to 1876, predating the NFL itself. College football dominated the holiday for decades before the NFL got involved. The Detroit Lions started hosting annual Thanksgiving games in 1934, and the Dallas Cowboys joined in 1966. These traditions have continued unbroken (except for WWII) ever since.
Why It Matters
- Massive viewership: Thanksgiving games regularly draw 30-40+ million viewers each - the 2025 Cowboys-Chiefs game attracted 57.2 million viewers, a record for that time slot
- Cultural event: American families gather around the TV after their Thanksgiving meal - it's as much about tradition as it is about football
- Playoff implications: Coming in late November, these games often have significant playoff implications
- Prime matchups: The NFL schedules marquee matchups for maximum entertainment
The Permanent Hosts: Lions & Cowboys
Detroit Lions
Early Game (5:30pm UK)
The Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game every year since 1934, making it an 89-year tradition (paused only during WWII from 1939-1944). The franchise's owner at the time, George Richards, started the tradition to boost attention for the struggling team.
- Started: 1934
- Thanksgiving record: Mixed historically, but improving under Dan Campbell
- Stadium: Ford Field, Detroit
- Fun fact: Barry Sanders' legendary Thanksgiving performances made the Lions' game must-watch TV in the 1990s
Dallas Cowboys
Late Afternoon Game (9:30pm UK)
The Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving tradition in 1966 under general manager Tex Schramm. The late afternoon slot captures the post-dinner crowd, often drawing the highest viewership of the day.
- Started: 1966
- Thanksgiving record: Strong historically
- Stadium: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Fun fact: The Cowboys' Thanksgiving game is often called the "main event" due to prime scheduling and "America's Team" status
The Third Game
The NFL added a third primetime Thanksgiving game in 2006, rotating host cities each year. This game features different teams annually and kicks off at 8:20pm ET (1:20am UK Friday). While the late UK timing is challenging, it often features the best matchup of the day.
Black Friday Game
Starting in 2023, Amazon Prime Video began hosting a Black Friday NFL game, extending the Thanksgiving football weekend to four games over two days.
Black Friday Game
Friday 8:00pm UK (GMT)
The Black Friday game kicks off at 3pm ET (8pm UK), providing an excellent UK viewing time for those who want more football after Thanksgiving.
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video (US) / Sky Sports & NFL Game Pass (UK)
- UK kick-off: 8:00pm GMT - prime evening slot
- Added: 2023
UK Viewing Tips for Thanksgiving
Plan Your Evening
The Thanksgiving schedule is perfect for UK viewers:
- 5:30pm: Lions game kicks off - settle in after work
- 8:30pm: Lions game ends, grab dinner
- 9:30pm: Cowboys game kicks off
- 12:30am: Cowboys game ends - decision time
- 1:20am: Primetime game kicks off (for the dedicated!)
Host a Thanksgiving Watch Party
Even though we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK, the NFL triple-header is perfect for an American-themed watch party:
- Cook American-style food (wings, nachos, burgers, or even a turkey dinner)
- Invite fellow NFL fans for the evening
- The games run continuously with minimal gaps - perfect for sustained viewing
Fantasy Football Implications
Thanksgiving games matter hugely for fantasy football. With multiple teams playing on Thursday rather than Sunday:
- Check your lineup Wednesday - players from Lions, Cowboys, and primetime teams lock early
- Thanksgiving performances can make or break your fantasy week
- Many leagues have weekly prizes for highest Thanksgiving scorer
RedZone Alternative
Unlike regular Sundays, there's no RedZone for Thanksgiving - games are played sequentially, not simultaneously. This actually makes it easier to follow: one game at a time, full focus.
Taking Friday Off?
If you want to watch the primetime game (1:20am UK Friday), consider taking Friday off work. The game won't finish until around 4:30am UK time, and with Black Friday football at 8pm, you could make it a proper NFL weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time are NFL Thanksgiving games in the UK?
NFL Thanksgiving games kick off at approximately 5:30pm, 9:30pm, and 1:20am UK time (GMT). The early game starts at 12:30pm ET (5:30pm UK), the late afternoon game at 4:30pm ET (9:30pm UK), and the primetime game at 8:20pm ET (1:20am UK Friday).
How can I watch NFL Thanksgiving games in the UK?
Sky Sports NFL shows all three Thanksgiving games live in the UK. You can also watch via NOW Sports (day pass £14.99) or NFL Game Pass International (£14.99/month). The early and late games are usually on free-to-air US networks (Fox, CBS) which Sky carries.
Why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?
It's tradition dating back decades. The Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game every year since 1934 (except during WWII), making it an 89-year tradition. The Dallas Cowboys started their Thanksgiving tradition in 1966. Both teams have contractual rights to host annual Thanksgiving games.
When is Thanksgiving in 2026?
Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26th. NFL Thanksgiving games will be played that day, with UK kick-off times of approximately 5:30pm, 9:30pm, and 1:20am (Friday morning).
Is there a Black Friday NFL game?
Yes, Amazon Prime Video now hosts a Black Friday NFL game, typically kicking off at 3pm ET (8pm UK time). This extends the Thanksgiving football weekend to four games across two days.
Are Thanksgiving games on free TV in the UK?
No, Thanksgiving games require a Sky Sports subscription, NOW Sports pass, or NFL Game Pass. Unlike the Super Bowl, which is sometimes shown free on ITV, Thanksgiving games aren't typically available on free-to-air UK television.
Final Thoughts
NFL Thanksgiving represents one of the best days on the American sports calendar, and for UK fans, the timing works remarkably well. The early games kick off in the evening rather than the middle of the night, and you get three consecutive games building through to the primetime slot.
Whether you settle in for the entire triple-header or just catch the Cowboys game after dinner, Thanksgiving football is a great way to embrace American sports culture from across the pond. Add in the Black Friday game and you've got a genuine football weekend to rival anything in the NFL calendar outside the playoffs.
Gobble gobble. Happy Thanksgiving viewing!
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