Summary
WWE "Friday Night SmackDown" recently started airing in a three-hour format. There are reports that this change might not continue throughout 2026, possibly returning to a two-hour format in the year's second half due to the network's programming plans.
Key Facts
- WWE "Friday Night SmackDown" is now airing for three hours on the USA Network.
- Reports suggest that the show may return to a two-hour format by mid-2026.
- The format change aligns with the show's schedule in 2025, which also started with three hours and shifted to two later.
- The network plans to introduce a new show after SmackDown in the second half of 2026.
- Bryan Alvarez noted that the first episode of 2026 effectively used the extra hour for content, including featuring NXT call-ups.
