The NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games are a long-standing American tradition, with the Detroit Lions hosting the opening game every year since 1934. Historically, that game kicked off at 12:30 p.m. ET. However, for Thanksgiving 2025, the league officially moved the first game’s kickoff to 1:00 p.m. ET. While the NFL has not released a formal explanation, several scheduling and broadcast strategy factors help clarify why this change was made.
Aligning with Standard NFL Kickoff Times
Most Sunday afternoon NFL games start at 1:00 p.m. ET, which is the league’s most common and recognizable kickoff time. Moving the Thanksgiving opener to this slot creates consistency with standard scheduling, making the holiday lineup feel more like a typical NFL Sunday. This standardization also simplifies promotion, programming, and viewer expectations.
Improved National TV Audience and Ratings
A 1:00 p.m. kickoff helps draw a larger national audience, particularly on the West Coast. Instead of starting at 9:30 a.m. local time, the game now begins at a more viewer-friendly 10:00 a.m. This small shift can increase viewership and advertising value, which is particularly important on a day when NFL games rank among the most-watched broadcasts of the year.
Better Spacing for the Thanksgiving Tripleheader
The NFL Thanksgiving schedule features three games:
| Game Slot | Traditional Start Time | 2025 Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 – Detroit | 12:30 p.m. ET | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| Game 2 – Dallas | 4:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. ET |
| Game 3 – Night Game | 8:20 p.m. ET | 8:20 p.m. ET |
By pushing the opener to 1:00 p.m., the NFL improves the time spacing between the games, preventing viewer fatigue, allowing smooth transitions, and creating cleaner broadcast windows with no overlap.
Broadcast Network Optimization
Major NFL broadcast partners, including CBS, FOX, and NBC, benefit from the move. A 1:00 p.m. start allows better alignment with pre-game programming, ad slots, and postgame analysis. It also reduces scheduling conflicts with other national programming and provides a more natural lead-in to the afternoon and primetime games.
Enhanced Stadium and Fan Experience
A slightly later start time improves the in-person experience for fans:
- More time for parking, tailgating, and stadium entry.
- Better travel accommodations, especially on a holiday morning.
- Reduced logistical strain for stadium staff, media, and security.
The NFL balances TV demands with the live fan experience, and this timing shift reflects that.
Will 1 PM Become the New Standard?
While 2025 is the first confirmed move to a 1:00 p.m. opener, it could represent a long-term scheduling adjustment. As holiday programming continues to expand—especially with Christmas Day games and streaming partnerships—the NFL may standardize kickoff times across holiday events.
Conclusion
The NFL moved the first Thanksgiving game in 2025 to 1:00 p.m. ET to improve scheduling consistency, boost national viewership, enhance broadcast logistics, optimize game spacing, and improve the fan experience. While not officially confirmed by the league, these factors align with broader NFL scheduling trends and broadcast strategy.