As the oldest broadcast network in America, NBC has been entertaining viewers since 1926 with an incredible array of programming. From classic shows like Saturday Night Live to hit primes like Chicago Fire, NBC continues to deliver must-see TV over 95 years since it first launched.
Dish Network subscribers can easily access NBC by tuning to channel 165 in high definition. This guide will give you background on NBC‘s offerings plus details on accessing the network through your Dish subscription.
A Look Back at NBC‘s Pioneering Legacy
NBC‘s storied history traces back to pioneer company RCA, who founded the network in 1926 as the National Broadcasting Company. Through the 20th century, NBC cultivated beloved programming like The Tonight Show along with pioneering Satuday morning cartoons and made-for-TV movies.
Beyond entertainment, NBC advanced broadcast technologies, essentially shaping the evolution of television. Milestones powered by NBC‘s technical infrastructure and innovation include:
- First U.S. network broadcast in color – 1954
- Birth of Saturday morning kids programming – 1955
- Launch of first made-for-TV movie – 1964
- Transition to digital signals and HDTV – late 90s/early 2000s
Today owned by Comcast‘s NBCUniversal, this media giant still churns out smash hits across genres. Recent examples include reality juggernauts The Voice and American Ninja Warrior, tear-jerking dramas This Is Us and New Amsterdam, as well as enduring comedy classics Saturday Night Live and Late Night with Seth Meyers.
By the Numbers: NBC‘s Continued Dominance
While the media landscape has massively transformed since NBC first hit the airwaves, the iconic network still delivers viewers at towering levels:
- 10+ million nightly news viewers on NBC
- 232 million Super Bowl LVI viewership
- 19.6 million average viewers for Sunday Night Football
- $7.75 billion in 2021 advertising revenue for NBCUniversal
NBC‘s entertainment library and franchises have also left an indelible mark on popular culture for close to a century:
- 130 Emmy Awards for Saturday Night Live
- 14 seasons and 450+ episodes for staple drama Law & Order: SVU
- $5 billion+ box office gross for Shrek film series launched via NBC holiday special
The stats speak for themselves – NBC holdings continue to capture audience attention while remaining integral to the fabric of American entertainment.
Access NBC Sports and More on Dish Network
In addition to smash hit entertainment and news programs, NBC has long been a destination for thrilling sports coverage. Dish Network grants access to all of NBC‘s sports offerings across package tiers:
NFL Football
- Sunday Night Football: 19.6 million avg. viewers per game
- Thanksgiving Primetime Specials: 26.4 million viewers in 2022
- Super Bowl Every 4 Years: 112 million average audience
Olympics
- Summer & Winter Games Exclusively on NBC
- 195 hours of Beijing 2022 coverage garnered 11.4 million primetime viewers
- Bolt, Phelps & Spitz among iconic NBC Olympic profiles
Golf, Racing & More
- Multiple Major Events: Ryder Cup, Kentucky Derby, French Open, and more
With unparalleled sports assets under their belt, NBC invested $7.75 billion to renew Olympic broadcast rights through 2032. As tentpole events drive ratings, NBC Sports also nets over $1.2 billion annually in ad revenue.
Dish Network Delivers the Complete NBC Experience
To enjoy NBC programming in all its glory, Dish Network offers streamlined access and innovative tools to personalize your viewing experience:
Hopper Receivers – Dish‘s setup boxes like the Hopper 3 allow you to record up to 16 shows at once while storing up to 500 hours of NBC content spanning dramas, sitcoms, late night talk shows, news, sports and more.
Multi-Screen Streaming – The Hopper ties into Dish‘s Sling integration, letting you stream NBC live or on demand from any internet-connected mobile device.
On Demand Library – Dish subscribers can binge thousands of NBC titles on demand including current seasons of This Is Us, Chicago Fire, SNL and more.
4K HDR Channel Capabilities – As NBC bolsters its 4K ultra HD programming, compatible Dish receivers will grant access to the highest quality picture available.
Compare Dish‘s top-rated equipment and capabilities vs. competitors:
| Feature | Dish Hopper 3 | Xfinity X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Concurrent DVR Recordings | 16 shows | 6 shows |
| DVR Storage | 500 hours | 200 hours |
| 4K-Enabled | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-Screen Apps | ✅ | ✅ |
| Voice Controls | ✅ | ✅ |
While pay TV rivals like Xfinity charge up to $20/month for HD, DVR additions and such, Dish Network packages bundle the Hopper‘s industry-leading features at no extra cost.
NBC Streaming Options: Best of Both Worlds
While Dish grants you easy access to NBC via set-top boxes, the rise of streaming has also diversified availability. NBC‘s standalone Peacock service boasts shows, movies and originals from NBC, Bravo and other properties.
Peacock programming not readily found on Dish NBC includes:
- Bel-Air (Fresh Prince reboot)
- Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip
- Yellowstone spin-off 1883
- Harry Potter film franchise
- Universal Pictures movies library
Luckily, Dish subscribers can complement their standard NBC access with Peacock Premium for just $4.99/month. This combo yields the most robust library of current and legacy NBC programming all in one place.
Use promo code DISH100 to save $100 over your first two years of Peacock Premium when added to select Dish packages.
NBC News Rivals the Best in Broadcasting
While NBC Entertainment captures the spotlight, the network‘s news division also wields massive influence. NBC News reaches 10.3 million viewers daily via stalwart programs:
- The Today Show: 5+ million viewers
- NBC Nightly News: 8-10 million nightly
- Meet the Press: 3.7 million weekly
Through agenda-setting interviews, investigative journalism and breaking coverage, NBC News has won acclaim for everything from presidential election coverage to international event reporting.
Meanwhile, sister network MSNBC stands #2 in cable news viewership thanks to marquee anchors and talk programming around politics and world events.
FAQs about Watching NBC via Dish
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about accessing NBC on Dish Network:
Can I stream NBC live through Dish?
Yes! Dish‘s Hopper receivers allow you to watch NBC live from any internet-connected mobile device.
What‘s the cheapest Dish package with NBC?
The America‘s Top 120 package and higher tiers include NBC access starting from just $64.99/month.
Does Dish provide NBC On Demand content?
Select Dish plans come with thousands of On Demand titles from NBC and other networks via Dish‘s Primetime On Demand feature.
Can I record NBC shows on Dish?
Dish receivers equipped with the Hopper allow you to record up to 16 shows simultaneously and store up to 500 hours of NBC content.
Does Dish offer deals for signing up?
Yes! New Dish customers can take advantage of free premiums plus discounts for bundling Dish services. Contact Dish today for the latest deals.
With Dish Network, experience all of NBC‘s best entertainment, news and sports content. Tune into the network‘s century-spanning legacy of beloved shows and groundbreaking programming on channel 165 in crystal-clear HD.
