The world’s oldest multi-sport event is finally here with the return of the Olympics. After being postponed for a year, due to the ongoing pandemic, the Opening Ceremony will signify the beginning of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. From the torch carrying the Olympic flame that will light the Olympic Cauldron to the flight of the doves, the Opening Ceremony is one of the most exciting events of the Olympics.
This year’s Olympic Games will take place from Friday, July 23 through Sunday, August 8, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. This will be the fourth Olympic Games hosted in the country and the second Summer Games to be held in Tokyo. The highest Japan has ranked in an Olympics they’ve hosted was 3rd place at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics where they won 29 medals.
There will not be any spectators permitted at this year’s Olympics; however, cord cutters can find out how to watch every moment of the Opening Ceremony below.
When is the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony?
The Opening Ceremony will signify the official start of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad. Hosted by Savannah Guthrie and Mike Tirico, the Opening Ceremony will take place from 6:55 a.m – 11:00 a.m. ET on Friday, July 23 on NBC. This will be the first time the network will live broadcast the Opening Ceremony. NBC will have coverage and replays throughout the day, including primetime, to allow viewers to experience every moment of the Opening Ceremony.
Coverage Schedule
| Event | Time |
| Live Opening Ceremony Coverage | 6:55 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET |
| Special Edition of TODAY | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET |
| Tokyo Olympics Daytime | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET |
| Primetime Opening Ceremony | 7:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. ET |
| Overnight Replay of Opening Ceremony | 12:35 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. |
How to watch the Tokyo Olympics?
The NBC family of networks will be the exclusive home of all the games and events at this year’s Olympics.
All live coverage will be available to stream on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app, with select coverage on Peacock. Cord cutters have more ways than ever with the most popular streaming services carrying the events.
- AntennaWeb is a great tool you can use to see what NBC channel is available in your area with an antenna.
- Locast: Viewers in over 30 markets can watch their local NBC affiliate for free with Locast
- fuboTV has NBC, USA, NBCSN, Olympic Channel, and CNBC covered with the fuboTV Family plan for $65/month. NHL Network is available for an additional $11 per month.
- Hulu with Live also carries NBC, USA, NBCSN, and CNBC for $65/month.
- AT&T TV includes NBC, USA, NBCSN, CNBC, and Olympic Channel in its Ultimate package for $95/month.
- YouTube TV includes NBC, USA, NBCSN, Olympic Channel, and CNBC with a $65/month subscription
- Sling TV includes NBC, USA, and NBCSN in their Sling Blue package for $35/month. CNBC is available to add-on for an additional $6/month. Sling is also offering the Olympic Channel for free for Sling Blue subscribers through September 5.
For more information on how to watch the Olympics, check out our full guide.