Election Night 2026 on DIRECTV: Channels and Start Times
By American TV editorial team |
Election-night coverage airs Tuesday, November 3, 2026. NBC begins its announced coverage at 5 p.m. Eastern, with most affiliates joining at 6:30 p.m. CBS starts its main special at 7 p.m. Eastern. Choose a network in your DIRECTV package or use one of the free news streams below.
For related viewing details, see CNN and Fox News.
Announced election-night coverage
| Network | Start, Eastern time | Where to watch |
|---|---|---|
| NBC, Decision ’26 | 5 p.m.; most stations join at 6:30 p.m. | Your local NBC station where carried; NBC News NOW and Peacock also have coverage |
| CBS News data stream | 5 p.m. | Election 2026: The Nerd Show on CBS News 24/7 and CBS digital platforms |
| CBS, America Decides: Election 2026 | 7 p.m. | Your local CBS station where carried, CBS News 24/7 and Paramount+ |
| FOX News / FOX Business | From 6 p.m. | DIRECTV 360 / 359 |
| ABC, Vote 2026 | 8–11 p.m. | Local ABC station where carried; confirm the November 3 guide |
| CNN and other networks | Check the current guide | CNN 202 |
NBC plans coverage through 6 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday, November 4. CBS also has a special evening newscast at 6:30 p.m. Coverage plans can change; local affiliates may join at different times.
ABC’s block appears in current program listings. NBC’s earlier start and overnight coverage come from its official Decision ’26 announcement. FOX News announced a 6 p.m. Eastern start. CNN’s exact listing should be checked in the live guide.
Set up your DIRECTV viewing
- Search the guide for your chosen network and November 3 election coverage.
- Confirm local NBC, CBS or ABC availability for your ZIP and package.
- Record the coverage you want, allowing extra time for races that remain unresolved.
- Use the DIRECTV app with your account for channels and devices supported by your plan.
Free news streams and separate subscriptions
CBS News 24/7 and NBC News NOW offer free news streams through their own websites and apps. A DIRECTV package is not required for those free streams. Peacock and Paramount+ are separate services; check your existing subscriptions before ordering.
News organizations make projections as votes are counted. A network projection is not the same as a state's certified result, and some races may remain unresolved after election night.
For the companion guide, see DIRECTV election-results channel numbers.
Need help comparing TV packages? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Reviewed October 26, 2026. Network schedules, local carriage and package contents may change. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.