How to Find Chicago Bears Games on TV
The Chicago Bears are a National Football League (NFL) franchise, and their TV schedule follows the league’s national and conference broadcast frameworks. Regular-season games appear on CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, or Amazon Prime Video, depending on the package and matchup. Preseason games are carried by local stations and regional networks tied to the Bears’ media rights. Because schedules are updated annually, the exact list of games and channels changes each year. This guide explains how to locate broadcasts, interpret the packages, and stay up to date with reliable sources.
Understanding NFL Broadcast Packages Affecting the Bears
NFL television rights are divided among several national packages, plus regional games. For the Bears, this determines which networks carry specific games and how you can watch. The league packages include national games and strict rules about blackouts and local access. Knowing these packages helps you predict which channels may show a given Bears game before the detailed schedule is released.
National Packages
- NBC Sunday Night Football: One weekly national game most seasons.
- ESPN Monday Night Football (including simulcasts on ABC): Another weekly national game.
- CBS and Fox: Each holds broadcast rights to multiple games, rotating based on conference and matchups.
- Amazon Prime Video: Carries select Thursday night games.
Regional and Local Rights
Local and regional broadcasts are governed by the Bears’s media agreements. These determine which games air on over-the-air stations and regional cable networks. The specifics depend on your location within the Bears’ designated market and any syndication arrangements.
Typical Regular-Season Patterns
While each year’s schedule is unique, certain patterns help you anticipate Bears TV coverage. The team usually plays eight games within their conference and four games against opponents in other conferences. Home and away designations affect whether a game appears on a national package or a local station. Start-of-season projections may indicate which matchups are likely national, but final broadcasts are confirmed once the schedule is released.
How to Check the Official Chicago Bears TV Schedule
To get the most accurate and up-to-date broadcast information, consult the team’s official resources and the league’s schedule tools. The Bears’ website and app list game times, networks, and streaming options. NFL.com and ESPN provide searchable schedules with filters for team, date, and channel. Your local TV listings and cable guide also show exact channel numbers and any schedule changes.
Practical Steps to Find Broadcast Information
- Visit the official Chicago Bears website and navigate to the schedule or broadcast section.
- Check NFL.com or ESPN.com for the full season schedule and network details.
- Use your TV provider’s schedule or mobile app to see channel assignments by date.
- Set reminders or notifications for game-day changes or streaming availability.
Preseason Television Information
Chicago Bears preseason games are typically carried by local broadcast stations and regional cable networks. These games are not part of the national packages and are primarily intended for local audiences. Exact channels vary by year and preseason slot, so checking the team’s official sources before each preseason is essential. Streaming options may depend on your cable provider and local agreements.
Additional Viewing Options and Restrictions
Even when a game is scheduled for a national network, your ability to watch may be affected by blackouts or streaming restrictions. Blackouts are rare for Bears games but can occur if a game is not sold out, per NFL rules. Most national games are available through the league’s streaming services, subject to blackouts. Cable subscriptions often provide access to regional sports networks and streaming apps tied to your provider.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary National Carriers | NBC (Sunday Night Football), ESPN (Monday Night Football), CBS, Fox, Amazon Prime Video | NFL Media Rights |
| Local Broadcast Stations | Designated local stations in the Bears market (varies by year) | Bears Media Guide |
| Preseason Coverage | Regional networks and local over-the-air stations | Team Broadcast Information |
| Streaming Availability | Varies by network and cable subscription; some games on league streaming with blackout restrictions | NFL and Team Platforms |
Planning Ahead and Staying Updated
Because schedules are finalized in the spring, you can prepare in advance by identifying likely national games and confirming local broadcast details closer to each matchup. Subscribe to the Bears’ channels, enable notifications, and cross-reference official NFL schedule tools. Remember that channel assignments can change due to network agreements, weather, or other factors, so double-check on game day when necessary.
Key Takeaways for Chicago Bears TV Viewing
- Regular-season games appear on national networks such as NBC, ESPN, CBS, Fox, and Amazon Prime Video.
- Preseason games are handled by local and regional outlets; verify annually for exact channels.
- Always check official Bears and NFL sources for the most current schedule and streaming details.
- Understand blackout rules and streaming restrictions that may affect access.
- Use TV provider guides and the NFL app to track channel numbers and time changes.
By following the team’s official resources and the league’s broadcast structure, you can reliably find Chicago Bears games on TV each season. Treat preseason and regular-season schedules as distinct, confirm details close to game time, and use multiple sources to ensure you never miss a play.