How to watch the 2024 Paris Olympics: Stream the Games with these tips

Watching the 2024 Paris Olympics won’t be anywhere near as difficult as actually competing in the Olympics.

But if it feels that way to you, Summer Games enthusiast, you are in the right place.

Between the 12 hours of daily live coverage, plus three hours nightly in primetime, all of the channels – and apps! – there is a lot to keep track of. That’s where we come in. (Hint for cord-cutters: Peacock.)

Another valuable resource is USA TODAY's mega-guide to watching the Olympic Games. But here are six streamlined tips to help you figure out how you want to watch the Games. 

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How to use Peacock to watch Paris Olympics

The full might of NBCUniversal is behind broadcasting the 2024 Olympics. That includes its streaming service, Peacock. All 5,000 hours of Olympics coverage — including every single one of the 329 medal events — are available via Peacock. But the app's personalization preferences allow fans to create their ideal Olympic viewing format – with plenty of useful features. Examples of those features include:

• How to create a personalized Olympic schedule: Click "Olympics Schedule" and then add the events of your choice to "My Stuff."
• Playlists of top athletes such as Sha'Carri Richardson, Katie Ledecky or Simone Biles.
• Discovery Multiview: Watch up to four sports at once. Indicators in red will signal whether it's a medal event, an elimination risk or a first-time Olympian competing.
• Bonus for those with Roku TVs: An app should have already appeared on your home screen, "Paris 2024," that will take you straight to your Games homebase.

Peacock will the place to find alternative streaming options such as "Gold Zone," "Watch with Alex Cooper" and "Olympic Highlights with Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson."

There will be hubs for every sport and updated medal standings, as well as a search feature and interactive schedule.

How to watch Paris Olympics in primetime

For those who appreciate their Olympics with a side of drama and storytelling, NBC's "Primetime in Paris" will be the preferred option. Olympic host Mike Tirico will welcome viewers with the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. Coverage will typically begin with a Team USA gold-medal performance and this is where Snoop Dogg will be making his appearances on behalf on NBC. Studio analysts can dive deeper into topics, while highlights from throughout the day will be shown. The primetime broadcast will begin at 8 p.m. ET nightly until the closing ceremony on Aug. 11.

How to watch Paris Olympics live in the US

That said, if you are a results-oriented consumer of sports, perhaps tuning into the live action is more suitable. Again, every event is available live at any given moment, and that includes potentially streaming exclusively on Peacock or NBCOlympics.com with cable verification. The higher-profile events will be held at night, typically, putting them roughly between 2-5 p.m. ET (although not a steadfast rule). Keep those hours clear.

Where to find NBC Olympics broadcast schedule

For non-Peacock users, NBC has published its tentative TV listings. Keep that page handy, even if it's subject to change, to give you a general idea of what's happening when and where to find it.

What is NBC's 'Gold Zone' for Olympics?

Once the action in Paris begins, it never stops. As many as 40 events could be happening at the same time. NBC is trying to ride the wave of "NFL RedZone" and created "Gold Zone" for Paris, and the whip-around show will actually feature Scott Hanson. "Gold Zone" streams live on Peacock from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET from July 27-Aug. 10. Andrew Siciliano, Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila will host in addition to Hanson.

Why Peacock is lifeline for cord-cutters

This cannot be overstated. Everything you could watch on NBC or cable is available on Peacock on top of the exclusive programs and features within the app. Even for those who still have a cable bill, it may be the place to watch the Games.

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