WWE SmackDown Set to Expand to Three Hours in 2025, Netflix Streaming Rumors Emerge

One big thing: WWE SmackDown going long

WWE’s Friday night show, SmackDown, is reportedly set to extend to three hours starting January 3, 2025, coinciding with significant changes in WWE’s broadcasting landscape.

The details:

• SmackDown will expand from two to three hours
• The change is set to take effect on January 3, 2025
• Rumors suggest the show may be available on Netflix the day after airing
• This shift comes as WWE Raw is expected to reduce to two hours in October 2024

Why it matters

This potential expansion represents a major shift in WWE’s programming strategy, potentially offering more content for fans but also raising questions about viewer fatigue and content quality.

By the numbers:

• Current SmackDown runtime: 2 hours
• Proposed SmackDown runtime: 3 hours
• Date of change: January 3, 2025

The bigger picture

These changes come amid WWE’s evolving media partnerships:

• WWE Raw is moving to Netflix in January 2025
• SmackDown is switching from Fox to USA Network
• The day-after streaming deal with Hulu has recently expired

What’s next?

As WWE reshapes its broadcast strategy, fans and industry watchers will be keen to see how these changes impact the quality and viewership of SmackDown.

How do you feel about SmackDown potentially becoming a three-hour show? Will this enhance your viewing experience or lead to content fatigue? Share your thoughts in the comments below.