Overview: What Amazon Prime Thursday Night Football Was in 2019
In 20 2019, Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video provided a digital, streaming option for viewers who wanted to follow NFL games without traditional TV packages. This explainer describes what the service offered, how it worked in practice, and how it compared to other NFL broadcasts and streaming options that season. Topics include eligibility, scheduling, streaming requirements, and the relationship between Amazon’s digital presence and the broader NFL media strategy.
Eligibility and Access in 2019
During the 2019 season, Amazon Prime Video held digital rights to Thursday Night Football in the United States through a partnership that ran through 2022. Access required an active Amazon Prime or Amazon Prime Video membership, which could be purchased separately or included with Prime benefits like free shipping. There were no add-on sports packages needed; a Prime-eligible subscription was sufficient. Prime Video supported a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming media players, and web browsers.
- Available to U.S. residents with an active Amazon Prime or Prime Video membership.
- No additional sports subscription required beyond Prime.
- Streamable on supported devices via the Prime Video app or website.
Schedule and Game Selection
Thursday Night Football in 2019 featured games weekly during the NFL regular season, typically beginning in late September and running through early or mid-December. Amazon Prime aired most, but not all, Thursday night games; a small number of marquee matchups remained on NFL Network with their simulcast arrangements. Games usually started at 8:15 p.m. ET, though start times could vary by week and matchup. Viewers could check weekly listings on Amazon’s schedule page, TV schedules, or the NFL’s official schedule to confirm which games aired on Amazon and which aired elsewhere.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Rights Period | 2018 through 2022 | NFL Media announcements |
| Typical Start Time | 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursdays | 2019 NFL schedule data |
| Platform | Amazon Prime Video and Prime Video app | Amazon Prime terms and conditions |
| U.S. Availability | Full schedule access for Prime members | Amazon Prime terms |
How Streaming Worked on Prime Video
To watch Thursday Night Football in 2019, users signed in to their Amazon account, navigated to the Prime Video section, and selected the game. Streaming supported standard and high definition where available and relied on a stable internet connection. Prime Video offered offline viewing on supported devices through downloads, though live games were generally intended for real-time streaming. Data usage and device limits were subject to Amazon’s standard Prime Video terms, and users were encouraged to check internet speed and device compatibility before kickoff.
Comparison to Other NFL Broadcasts in 2019
In the 2019 season, NFL games appeared across network TV, cable, and streaming services. Thursday Night Football was shared between Amazon Prime Video (digital) and NFL Network (linear), with select games on Fox and CBS depending on the package. Sunday games primarily aired on Fox and CBS, with late-season Sunday games and the playoffs on NBC and ABC. Amazon’s offering was notable for being one of the few legal, live-streamed options for cord-cutters who did not subscribe to traditional pay TV.
| Day/Property | Broadcast Network | Streaming Option |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday Night | NFL Network (linear) | Amazon Prime Video |
| Sunday (AFC) | CBS | Paramount+, YouTube TV (varies) |
| Sunday (NFC) | Fox | Fox Now, YouTube TV (varies) |
| Monday Night | ESPN | ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV |
Notable Details and Common Considerations in 2019
Some viewers used virtual private networks (VPNs) to access streams outside the U.S., though this violated Amazon’s and the NFL’s terms of service. Blackouts of local markets were generally not an issue for Thursday Night Football because it was national, but local NFL carriers could still enforce restrictions on streaming within their markets according to NFL rules. Users frequently encountered the need to keep software updated, maintain sufficient bandwidth, and manage household data allowances during the season.
Summary: Amazon Prime Thursday Night Football in Context
Amazon Prime Thursday Night Football in 2019 was a digital, subscription-based streaming option for Thursday night NFL games, available to active Prime members. It complemented traditional linear broadcasts by delivering live games to connected devices without requiring cable. Though limited to the Thursday night window, it represented an important step in distributing NFL content directly to streaming audiences. For viewers evaluating options in subsequent seasons, understanding these 2019 terms and technical requirements remains useful when comparing coverage across platforms.