NBC News Launches 13-Hour Midterm Coverage with Vertical Video Experiment

Key points

• Coverage begins at 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 3, running until 6 a.m. ET, anchored by Savannah Guthrie, Tom Llamas, and others.
• Gadi Schwartz leads a vertical video livestream from Texas, using FaceTime-style calls with correspondents in battleground states.
• NBC introduces a new race classification system to provide earlier indications of outcomes without making premature calls.
• The network emphasizes its resource advantage over competitors like CNN and CBS, which are under new ownership structures.
• Peacock offers a multiview experience including the Kornacki Cam and live results from 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. ET.

Background

This election night strategy follows NBC's 100th anniversary in 2026 and reflects broader industry shifts toward digital-first journalism. Previous experiments with social platforms like Snapchat and TikTok have informed the current vertical video approach, which seeks to blend professional standards with the intimacy of independent creators.

How outlets are covering it

Variety highlights NBC's reliance on scale and credibility to compete with fragmented media, noting the network's new race classification system. NBC TV provides the detailed schedule and platform availability, emphasizing the multiview experience on Peacock. NewscastStudio focuses on Gadi Schwartz's vertical video experiment, detailing the technical infrastructure and interactive elements that distinguish it from traditional broadcast. All sources agree on the 13-hour duration but differ in emphasis: Variety on strategic positioning, NBC TV on logistics, and NewscastStudio on production innovation.

Why it matters

This coverage model represents a significant shift in how major news networks engage audiences during critical events, potentially influencing future election night strategies across the industry.

What to watch

Viewers can expect real-time updates on race classifications and interactive content throughout the night, with final results determining control of Congress.