How to Watch Bears vs. Lions on Thanksgiving
The Chicago Bears visit the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET (noon CT) on CBS. The game is at Ford Field in Detroit and also streams on Paramount+. It opens the NFL's Thanksgiving Day tripleheader, ahead of Eagles at Cowboys on FOX and Chiefs at Bills on NBC.
The Bears say this will be their fourth straight Thanksgiving trip to Detroit. Chicago has 20 Thanksgiving wins, the third-most in NFL history and the most by a team that does not play on the holiday every year.
Bears vs. Lions at a glance
| Date | Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving) |
|---|---|
| Kickoff | 1 p.m. ET / noon CT |
| Stadium | Ford Field, Detroit |
| TV | CBS (your local CBS station) |
| Streaming | Paramount+ |
What channel is Bears vs. Lions on?
The game airs nationally on CBS, so it's on your local CBS station everywhere in the U.S., not only in the Chicago and Detroit markets. DIRECTV includes local channels in its packages wherever they're available, so you'll find it on your CBS station's usual channel number. Our page on getting CBS with DIRECTV explains how local CBS works, and our guide on local channels on DIRECTV covers availability by address.
Can you stream Bears vs. Lions?
Yes. CBS Sports says the game streams on Paramount+ as well as airing on CBS. If you're deciding on a Paramount+ plan, our look at whether Paramount+ has ads compares the tiers.
A rivalry with Thanksgiving history
Chicago's 20 Thanksgiving wins make it one of the holiday's most successful teams. For other NFC North matchups, see our guides to Bears vs. Packers and Packers vs. Lions.
The rest of Thanksgiving Day on DIRECTV
After Bears and Lions, the Eagles visit the Cowboys at 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX, and the Chiefs visit the Bills at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. Both are on local stations too. The FOX game also streams on FOX One; our page on whether FOX One is free with DIRECTV explains who can sign in.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Bears vs. Lions Thanksgiving game?
Kickoff is 1 p.m. ET (noon CT) on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
What channel is Bears vs. Lions on Thanksgiving?
The game is on CBS nationally, so it airs on your local CBS station.
Can I stream Bears vs. Lions on Thanksgiving?
Yes. The game streams on Paramount+ in addition to airing on CBS.
Where is the Bears vs. Lions Thanksgiving game played?
The Lions host the Bears at Ford Field in Detroit.
Can I watch Bears vs. Lions on DIRECTV?
Yes. DIRECTV carries local CBS stations wherever they're available, so the game is on your local CBS channel.
Want every Thanksgiving game on one screen? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 22, 2026. Kickoff times and networks are set by the NFL and its partners and may change. Channel lineups, package contents and prices vary by address and may change. NFL, team names, CBS, Paramount+, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.