WWE SmackDown Returning to 3-Hour Format in 2026

Get ready to stay up later on Fridays — WWE SmackDown is going back to three hours starting January 2, 2026.

The announcement was made live during the December 12th episode of SmackDown, with longtime WWE commentator Michael Cole confirming the change on-air. This comes nearly a month after WrestleVotes first broke the story on November 14.

SmackDown previously ran for three hours from January 2025 through June, before scaling back to the traditional two-hour format. Now, with WWE set to make 2026 a massive year, they’re going big once again.

The show airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network, and with the extra hour, fans can expect even more matches, promos, and drama — but also the usual debate from viewers about whether longer really means better when it comes to WWE programming.

This change adds fuel to WWE’s ongoing evolution heading into the Netflix era for RAW and a busy WrestleMania season on the horizon.

Are you excited about SmackDown returning to three hours, or do you think it’s just too much for a Friday night? Sound off in the comments and tell us how you feel.