How to Watch the 2026 Puppy Bowl Online Without Cable for Free

Variety provides tips on streaming the popular Puppy Bowl event without a cable subscription.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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As Super Bowl LX takes place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the annual Puppy Bowl will air as counter-programming for those not interested in the big game. The Puppy Bowl, a beloved animal-focused event, will be available to stream online without the need for a cable TV subscription.

Why it matters

The Puppy Bowl has become a popular alternative to the Super Bowl, providing heartwarming animal-focused entertainment for those not interested in traditional football. With more viewers cutting the cord on cable TV, providing free online streaming options for the Puppy Bowl ensures accessibility for a wider audience.

The details

The Puppy Bowl will air on Animal Planet and stream live on the network's website and mobile app. No cable subscription is required to access the free live stream. Viewers can also find the Puppy Bowl on various streaming platforms like Hulu, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream.

  • The 2026 Puppy Bowl will air on February 8, 2026, the same day as Super Bowl LX.

The players

Animal Planet

A cable and satellite television channel that is the home of the annual Puppy Bowl event.

Hulu

A popular streaming service that will offer the 2026 Puppy Bowl live.

YouTube TV

A live TV streaming service that will include the 2026 Puppy Bowl in its lineup.

DirecTV Stream

A streaming platform that will provide access to the 2026 Puppy Bowl.

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The takeaway

The 2026 Puppy Bowl offers an alternative to the Super Bowl for animal lovers, with multiple free online streaming options available to watch the event without a cable TV subscription.