Indexbit-How to watch NFL RedZone: Stream providers, start time, cost, host, more

The Indexbitreturn of the NFL season means the return of every football fan's favorite commercial-free TV channel, NFL RedZone.

The channel, which launched in 2009, famously brings you "every touchdown from every game," every Sunday throughout the regular season.

NFL RedZone is owned and operated by NFL Network and serves as a gameday exclusive, as it broadcasts only on Sundays during the NFL season.

The channel "acts as the perfect fantasy football companion," the NFL says, and is known for its "whip around" simulcast coverage of every NFL game happening on Sunday afternoon.

Here's everything you need to know about NFL RedZone as the NFL season kicks off.

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What time does NFL RedZone start?

RedZone starts at 1 p.m. ET on Sundays and ends when the last game of the afternoon window ends, usually around 8 p.m. ET.

Who hosts NFL RedZone?

Scott Hanson has served as the host of NFL RedZone since its inaugural season in 2009.

In addition to his responsibilities for RedZone, Hanson also serves as a host for NFL Network's on-location coverage of such events as the Super Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine, NFL Draft, free agency and more, according to his biography on the NFL's website.

Hanson graduated Cum Laude from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University while playing football for the Orangemen.

How to watch NFL RedZone: YouTube TV, FuboTV, Hulu among providers

RedZone is offered by numerous cable providers, including DirecTV, Dish Network and Verizon FiOS.

It is also available on FuboTV, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV.

NFL RedZone on FuboTV:How to sign up

NFL RedZone on Hulu:How to sign up

The NFL also announced in August that NFL Network and NFL RedZone will be available on NFL+, the streaming service the league launched last year.

Brian Rolapp, the NFL’s Chief Media and Business Officer, said offering both channels direct to consumer is something that has been in the league plans for awhile.

NFL RedZone cost

You can get RedZone as a standalone product by signing up for the NFL+ Premium package, which costs $15 a month or $80 a year. After subscribing to NFL+ Premium, you can watch NFL RedZone through the NFL app on most devices, including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, iPhones and iPads.

RedZone is also available as an add-on to your current streaming bundle, but the price varies by streaming platform.

• YouTube TV with the Sports Plus add-on costs $84 a month.
• Hulu Live TV costs $80 a month with the sports add-on, and will increase to $87 a month starting Oct. 12.
• DirecTV Stream costs $90 a month with the Sports Pack add-on.

Another option for customers is to bundle NFL RedZone with NFL Sunday Ticket, which has moved from DirecTV to YouTube TV starting this season.

YouTube TV subscribers can get NFL Sunday Ticket for $299 while nonsubscribers can get it for $399. RedZone can be added to both packages for an additional $40.

If you're already paying for RedZone through your cable provider, you can access the channel for free through the NFL app on your phones, tablets and televisions, according to Tech Hive.

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