If you’ve ever tried to follow any Olympic Games live on TV, you know the problem isn’t a lack of action. It’s that there’s too much of it, all happening at once. Alpine skiing overlaps with figure skating, hockey faceoffs collide with speed skating finals, and medal moments pile up faster than you can switch channels.
NBC’s Gold Zone exists for that exact reason. It’s a live, whip-around show designed to cut through the overload and keep you locked into the most important moments as they happen, without forcing you to commit to a single event, stream, or network.
For the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Gold Zone steps into a bigger spotlight. For the first time at a Winter Games, the program will stream live on Peacock and air on the returning NBC Sports Network (NBCSN). That gives you more ways than one to tune in, and I have all the details on how to catch every heart-pounding minute below.
Where to watch Gold Zone
Gold Zone is available through a mix of streaming, cable, and authenticated digital platforms. Here are the three core ways to tune in, depending on your current TV setup.
- Peacock Premium: Gold Zone streams live for subscribers on Peacock‘s premium tiers. This is the most direct viewing method, requiring no cable box or satellite subscription. The Gold Zone feed lives alongside other live Olympic streams in the app, making it easy to switch between the “whip-around” view and full events.
- NBC Sports Network (NBCSN): In a rare move, NBCUniversal revived NBCSN ahead of the 2026 Games. If you have a traditional TV package (cable, satellite, or live TV streaming) that includes this channel, you can watch Gold Zone just like any other linear network. Check your local channel lineup, as NBCSN availability is scarce and varies by provider.
- NBC Sports App: If you pay for a live TV service that doesn’t include NBCSN, you can still access Gold Zone through the NBC Sports app or NBCOlympics.com. You’ll need to sign in with your TV provider credentials (e.g., Xfinity, DIRECTV, Spectrum) to unlock the live feed.
2026 Gold Zone TV schedule
Gold Zone runs daily from Saturday, Feb. 7, through Saturday, Feb. 21, covering the heart of the Milan Cortina Games. Unlike a typical studio show with a fixed slot, it doesn’t follow a rigid schedule. Instead, its airtime expands and contracts based on the intensity of the live action in Italy.
Because Milan is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time, the “prime time” for live medals happens during the morning and early afternoon in the U.S. Typically, Gold Zone goes live during these high-traffic windows (e.g., 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET), ensuring you catch the simultaneous finals as they happen.
| Show | Date | Time (ET)* | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Saturday, Feb. 7 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 2 | Sunday, Feb. 8 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 3 | Monday, Feb. 9 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 4 | Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 5 | Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 6 | Thursday, Feb. 12 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 7 | Friday, Feb. 13 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 8 | Saturday, Feb. 14 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 9 | Sunday, Feb. 15 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 10 | Monday, Feb. 16 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 11 | Tuesday, Feb. 17 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 12 | Wednesday, Feb. 18 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 13 | Thursday, Feb. 19 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 14 | Friday, Feb. 20 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Day 15 | Saturday, Feb. 21 | 8:00 a.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
*Note: Start times may shift to earlier slots on select medal days.
Best ways to watch Gold Zone
Accessing Gold Zone comes down to one question: Do you want a standalone subscription or a full TV experience?
If you already have a cable or satellite package, you can likely log into the NBC Sports app right now to watch at no extra cost. But if you’re starting from scratch or want a dedicated upgrade for the Olympics, these are the two best TV plans.
Best overall: Peacock Premium
If Gold Zone is your main priority, Peacock Premium is the non-negotiable starting point. At just $10.99–$16.99/mo., it’s the most affordable way to stream every day of the show alongside complete coverage of the Games. Unlike cable feeds that may vary by region, the Peacock Gold Zone stream is always front and center in the app, serving as your dedicated hub for the Winter Olympics.
Beyond just the live whip-around show, a Premium subscription makes you the master of your own schedule. It serves as the go-to place for full-event replays, on-demand highlights, and an exclusive multiview feature that lets you watch up to four events at once. If you want the complete Olympic experience without an expensive contract, this is the essential choice.
Best live TV service: YouTube TV
For viewers who want the Gold Zone experience but prefer the feel of a traditional TV guide, YouTube TV ($82.99/mo.) is the best complete package. It’s one of the few live TV streaming services to carry NBCSN right now, allowing you to watch the linear feed of Gold Zone just like a regular TV channel. This is perfect if you prefer flipping channels rather than navigating different app feeds.
YouTube TV justifies its higher price tag by backing that coverage with industry-leading features. You get unlimited DVR storage to record the show if you miss the live window, plus robust multiview capabilities to track simultaneous events across multiple sports channels. If you want a full cable replacement that ensures you never miss a medal moment on NBCSN, this is the most reliable option.
Meet the Gold Zone broadcast team
Gold Zone works because it’s hosted by people who already specialize in controlled chaos.
Scott Hanson brings his NFL RedZone instincts to the Olympics, guiding viewers through nonstop action with urgency and clarity. Andrew Siciliano adds experience from multiple Olympic cycles and years of hosting DIRECTV’s RedZone coverage, keeping the show grounded when the schedule gets overwhelming.
Matt Iseman and Jac Collinsworth round out the hosting group with a mix of live-event energy and storytelling, helping bridge the gap between hardcore sports fans and casual viewers. New for the Winter Games, Ashley Wagner joins as the show’s first-ever Gold Zone analyst, offering expert insight into figure skating moments that can otherwise feel opaque to non-specialists.
Together, their editorial judgment turns Gold Zone from a channel-flipping shortcut into a genuinely watchable Olympic experience.
Gold Zone FAQ
What exactly is Gold Zone?
Gold Zone is a live "look-in" show that jumps between the most important moments happening across the Winter Olympics. You'll see medal runs, sudden-death overtimes, and podium finishes as they happen—even if they are occurring at the same time at different venues.
Can I watch Gold Zone for free?
There's no completely free way to watch Gold Zone, as it requires a Peacock Premium subscription or a paid TV provider login. But if you already subscribe to a live TV plan that includes NBCUniversal channels, you can stream the show at no extra cost by logging into the NBC Sports app or NBCOlympics.com. A free trial to YouTube TV can also get you Gold Zone access for a limited time.
Does Gold Zone show full events or just highlights?
No. It prioritizes moments. On Gold Zone, you'll see the final two minutes of a hockey game or the last three skiers in a downhill final. If you want to watch a full three-hour curling match, you should switch to the dedicated stream on Peacock.
Is Gold Zone better for casual viewers or die-hard fans?
Both. Gold Zone gives casual viewers the "best of" reel without needing to study the entire Olympic schedule. Meanwhile, die-hard fans can use it as a second screen to track everything while focusing on a specific event on their main TV.
Can I pause and rewind Gold Zone?
On Peacock, yes. You can pause, rewind, or restart the Gold Zone stream. This is a lifesaver if they cut away from a moment you wanted to re-watch immediately.
