The 2024 Olympics are aiming to be markedly different than all of their predecessors—and that will be apparent right out of the gate. The Opening Ceremonies for the XXXIII Olympiad will take place not in a stadium, but on a river—the Seine, to be precise.
The Opening Ceremonies are often the most anticipated part of the Olympics, as they give the host country a chance to strut a bit and amaze a global audience. There’s also a bit of suspense as people wonder who will light the Olympic torch.
As the games get underway, here’s how you can catch the festivities, with or without cable.
When will the 2024 Summer Olympic Open Ceremonies take place?
The Opening Ceremonies will air on Friday, July 26, beginning at 7:30 p.m. In Paris (which is 1:30 p.m. ET). They’ll last three hours or more.
What TV channels are airing the Opening Ceremonies?
NBC is the broadcast home of all things Olympic once again this year. The network will present live coverage of the Opening Ceremonies over broadcast channels beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET on Friday, with Primetime coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on both NBC and Peacock. Coverage on NBC and Peacock will include a commercial-free hour beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET
Spanish-language live coverage will air on Telemundo beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Where will the Opening Ceremony take place?
Onlookers will line up along a 3.7-mile stretch of the Seine, which will pass by landmarks such as the Louvre and Notre-Dame, as well as Olympic venues. Nearly 100 boats will make up a parade that will end near the Eiffel Tower, which is where the official stands will be located and French President Emmanuel Macron will make the opening declaration.
How can I watch the 2024 Olympics’ Opening Ceremony for free?
It won’t be hard. Since NBC’s broadcast channel is the primary spot airing the ceremony, you can watch for free with a good HD antenna. Be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home to find the most reliable signal.
Can I stream the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremonies live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
You can. Peacock will air them at 8:00 p.m. And NBC has set up the NBCOlympics.com website. Prefer another option? There are several.
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $15 per month for all three combined (or $25 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service is no longer offered, as well. It will now cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After up to a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $75 per month and up after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $75 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Is there another way to watch the Opening Ceremonies?
Want to try something different? NBC has organized IMAX watch parties for the Opening Ceremonies at AMC theaters around the country. Check your local theater to see if there’s a screening near you.
What safety precautions are being taken during the 2024 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremonies?
French officials scaled back the size of the crowd for the Opening Ceremonies as a safety precaution (though it will still be bigger than the typical Opening Ceremonies. In addition, all airports and airspace within a 90-mile radius of Paris will be shut down during the ceremony. And more than 45,000 security officials will be on hand.
