The most exciting two minutes in sports returns to NBC and Peacock this May. Here’s your complete Kentucky Derby viewing guide.
By Taylor KujawaMay 1, 2024 | Share
Put on your most extravagant hat because the 2024 Kentucky Derby takes over Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 4.
The 150th Kentucky Derby kicks off another exciting Triple Crown series. But if you can’t make the journey to Louisville this year, don’t gallop off just yet. NBC and Peacock have you covered with live TV coverage of this year’s finest horse racing.
Keep scrolling for a complete rundown of the Kentucky Derby schedule and TV provider recommendations.
Prepare for race day by entering your zip code below to see the best TV providers in your area.
The 2024 Kentucky Derby will air live on NBC and stream live on Peacock. Additional equestrian coverage—including Road to the Kentucky Derby races—appears on CNBC and USA Network. FanDuel TV will also show live Derby Week programs, while UNIVERSO will carry Spanish-language coverage.
Pro tip: Sirius XM subscribers can listen to the Kentucky Derby on NBC Sports Audio (ch. 85).
The Kentucky Derby is usually held on the first Saturday in May. This year follows that trend, with the 2024 Derby Day happening on Saturday, May 4.
| Event | Date | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby Post Position Draw | Saturday, April 27 | 7:15 p.m. | YouTube |
| Thurby coverage | Thursday, May 2 | 11:00 a.m. | FanDuel TV |
| Kentucky Oaks early coverage | Friday, May 3 | 11:00 a.m. | FanDuel TV |
| 150th Kentucky Oaks | Friday, May 3 | 1:00 p.m. | USA Network, Peacock |
| Kentucky Derby early races | Saturday, May 4 | Noon | USA Network, Peacock |
| 150th Kentucky Derby | Saturday, May 4 | 2:30 p.m. (post time at 6:57 p.m.) | NBC, Peacock |
Data effective as of post date.
Peacock is the best way to watch the Kentucky Derby. It shows the main event and carries select prep races like the Louisiana Derby, Florida Derby, Blue Grass Stakes, and Santa Anita Derby. Usually, you would need a TV provider with CNBC and USA Network to watch those qualifying events, but Peacock allows you to stream it all for as low as $5.99 a month.
Another inexpensive Kentucky Derby viewing method is using an antenna to pick up your local NBC station. While you’ll need to verify your location to ensure NBC is in your area, the one-time purchase lets you watch TV without paying a monthly fee. Check out our free viewing options section below for more information on that.
Beyond Peacock, most TV providers have Kentucky Derby coverage because NBC, CNBC, and USA Network are common channels. But some services don’t carry the Run for the Roses, as illustrated in our table below.