Every World Series game starts at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT) and broadcasts nationally on FOX Sports. If you're tuning in from outside the Eastern time zone, that means first pitch drops at 7:00 p.m. CT and 6:00 p.m. MT.
Knowing when and where to watch the Fall Classic shouldn't require digging through cluttered sports aggregator pages. This guide breaks down exact game times, television networks, streaming options, and common viewing roadblocks so you don't miss a single pitch.
Complete World Series Game Schedule
The Major League Baseball championship follows a 2-3-2 hosting format. The pennant winner with the better regular-season record hosts Games 1, 2, 6, and 7, while the opposing club hosts Games 3, 4, and 5.
- Game 1: Friday, October at 8:00 p.m. ET
- Game 2: Saturday, October at 8:00 p.m. ET
- Game 3: Monday, October at 8:00 p.m. ET
- Game 4: Tuesday, October at 8:00 p.m. ET
- Game 5: Wednesday, October at 8:00 p.m. ET (If necessary)
- Game 6: Friday, October at 8:00 p.m. ET (If necessary)
- Game 7: Saturday, October at 8:00 p.m. ET (If necessary)
Travel days are built into the calendar. Notice that there is always an off-day between Game 2 and Game 3, as well as between Game 5 and Game 6, allowing teams to travel across the country without exhausting their bullpens on short rest.
How to Watch on TV and Stream Online
Catching the Fall Classic requires a setup that carries the primary broadcast network. You have several valid paths depending on whether you rely on traditional cable or live-streaming packages.
Traditional Cable and Antenna
If you have a digital television antenna, local over-the-air reception of your regional FOX affiliate gives you every game in high definition completely free. Cable and satellite packages from providers like DirecTV automatically include local broadcast stations in standard tiers.
Cord-Cutting Streaming Services
If you don't have cable, you can stream the broadcast through live TV subscription services that carry local channels.
- FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV all include regional FOX feeds in most media markets.
- FOX Sports App: You can log in using credentials from your TV provider to watch live feeds directly on smart TVs, tablets, or phones.
- FOX Deportes: Offers complete Spanish-language broadcasts for every matchup.
Strategic Viewing Tips and Common Mistakes
Viewers often run into predictable snags during high-profile postseason broadcasts. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a smooth viewing experience.
- Don't trust the exact first pitch time: While the broadcast window opens at 8:00 p.m. ET, ceremonial first pitches, player introductions, and national anthems usually push the actual first pitch back by 8 to 12 minutes. Tune in a few minutes early.
- Verify local affiliate blackouts: If you use an over-the-top streaming service while traveling, your local channel lineup might shift to your current geographic location rather than your home billing address. Check your app settings before game time.
- Account for daylight saving shifts: Depending on the exact calendar alignment, international viewers or fans in specific territories need to double-check local time conversions if standard time changes occur mid-series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channel broadcasts the World Series?
Every game airs exclusively on FOX in English and FOX Deportes in Spanish.
Can I watch the games on MLB.TV?
Live broadcasts of World Series games are blacked out on the domestic MLB.TV app due to national television rights agreements. Domestic users must use a TV provider login or a live TV streaming service.
How many games are required to win the championship?
The World Series is a best-of-seven series. The first team to secure four wins takes home the Commissioner's Trophy.
What happens if a game is rained out?
Major League Baseball works closely with meteorologists to make early postponement calls if severe weather threatens player safety. Postponed games are typically made up on the scheduled travel day immediately following the rainout.
