WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown may continue its three-hour broadcast format on the USA Network into early June, contrary to previous expectations of the program reverting to a two-hour runtime, according to recent industry reports.
PWInsider reported this week that internal listings at the USA Network currently schedule Friday Night SmackDown for three-hour episodes at the beginning of June. This development is notable as it diverges from what was understood to be the original plan for the show.
Several months ago, WrestleVotes first reported that WWE had planned for SmackDown to return to its traditional two-hour format in early summer, specifically around June. However, with the program reportedly still listed for three hours internally at USA Network as June approaches, it appears the anticipated reduction in length may be delayed or reconsidered, at least for the immediate future.
A three-hour SmackDown would keep its broadcast length consistent with WWE’s flagship Monday Night Raw program, also a three-hour show. This extended format inherently allows for more in-ring action, deeper storyline development, and broader roster utilization. However, some would argue that the show is better at 2 hours.
Currently, neither WWE nor the USA Network have made an official public announcement regarding the definitive runtime for Friday Night SmackDown for June and beyond.
