WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown recently began airing in a three-hour format on the USA Network, marking the start of a new phase for the long-running show. However, the WWE SmackDown runtime change could be short-lived, as plans may shift back to the traditional two-hour version later in 2026.
How the Format Change Came About
Industry analyst Bryan Alvarez reported that the current expansion to three hours, which took effect in January, may not remain in place for the entire year of 2026. Alvarez discussed on The Bryan and Vinny Show at F4WOnline.com that sources have suggested this run time extension is not guaranteed to last for the whole season, indicating a resemblance to the scheduling approaches used in previous years.
Drawing from last year’s strategy, SmackDown initially adopted a three-hour broadcast for part of 2025, only to revert back to its standard two-hour run midway through the year. Alvarez relayed that WWE’s announcement about re-extending the show’s length for early 2026 echoed the same conditions:
“I was told, when the announcement was made that they were going back to three hours in January, that it probably was going to be the same thing this year, where it would be a three hour show for the first half, or whatever,”
— Bryan Alvarez, Analyst
Network Decisions and Possible Rollback
The possibility of switching back to a two-hour arrangement appears to be influenced mostly by the USA Network’s programming plans. Similar to strategies from prior years, the network may use SmackDown as a platform to introduce new shows or spin-offs in the latter half of 2026. Notably, last season,
“Everything On The Menu with Braun Strowman”
was scheduled immediately after SmackDown, requiring a shorter main show to fit the time slot.
The expectation is that, should USA Network pursue a similar programming move, WWE fans will again see SmackDown drop an hour in the schedule to support new content launches.
What This Means for WWE and Viewers
With the WWE SmackDown runtime change still under consideration, fans and performers alike face uncertainty about how programming will evolve throughout 2026. The possibility of reverting to a two-hour structure underscores WWE and the USA Network’s ongoing efforts to balance audience engagement with scheduling needs. As more updates become available, including feedback from key industry voices like Bryan Alvarez and developments around associated programs and talent, viewers can expect continued shifts in how Friday nights unfold on the blue brand.
