The meaning of Scott Hanson’s iconic Witching Hour phraseScott Hanson (Image Credit: Getty Images)
For NFL fans, Sundays are more than just about watching football. They’ve become a weekly tradition. If you’re one of the millions who tune into NFL RedZone, you’ve probably heard Scott Hanson say his iconic line, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are entering the witching hour.” It’s a phrase that has stuck with fans everywhere and perfectly reflects the thrilling chaos of NFL Sundays.

But what exactly is the “witching hour,” and how did it become such a big part of football culture? Let’s find out.

What Does “The Witching Hour” Mean?

The “witching hour” is when the NFL gets real. There’s no exact start time, but it usually kicks off between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. ET as the early games head into the fourth quarter. This is when everything hangs in the balance: teams fighting to win, others trying to hold on, and last-second drama changes the outcome of games. As Hanson puts it, it’s the time “where losses become wins and where wins become losses.”

It’s not just for casual fans, either. If you’ve got a fantasy team, bets on the line, or just love chaos, this is your hour. Hanson didn’t invent the phrase, though. It actually traces back to NFL broadcasting legend Brent Musburger, who used it on NFL Today on CBS. Behind the scenes, it was a favorite term of CBS analysts Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder and Mike Francesa. Hanson brought it into NFL RedZone, and now it’s a Sunday tradition.

What Is NFL RedZone?

NFL RedZone is every football fan’s dream. It’s a seven-hour, non-stop broadcast that airs every Sunday during the NFL regular season, running from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Hanson starts with his signature line: “Seven hours of commercial-free football… starts now.” And he means it: no ads, just wall-to-wall action.

Scott Hanson's famous NFL phrase the Witching Hour explainedScott Hanson (Image Credit: Getty Images)

NFL RedZone is every football fan’s dream. It’s a seven-hour, non-stop broadcast that airs every Sunday during the NFL regular season, running from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Hanson starts with his signature line: “Seven hours of commercial-free football… starts now.” And he means it: no ads, just wall-to-wall action.

The show flips between games to show live touchdowns, big plays, and critical moments. You don’t have to channel-surf or miss out on anything. Hanson’s energy and ability to juggle multiple games simultaneously make it even better. It’s no wonder RedZone has become a Sunday favorite for millions of fans since it debuted in 2009.

But now that the 2024 NFL regular season is over, RedZone has officially signed off until next year. It’s a bittersweet moment for fans, knowing they’ll have to wait until fall 2025 to hear Hanson’s iconic lines again.

What Makes The Witching Hour So Special?

The witching hour is when NFL Sundays hit their peak intensity. By this time, most of the early games are in crunch time. You’ll often see multiple one-score games unfolding at once, with teams desperately trying to clinch a win or avoid a crushing loss. It’s pure chaos, and RedZone’s quick switches and split-screen coverage ensure you don’t miss a second of the action.

But it’s more than just touchdowns. The heart-pounding drama, clutch field goals, game-saving turnovers, and momentum shifts keep fans glued to their screens. Hanson calls it “the best hour of sports television.”

How To Watch NFL RedZone?

If you have not already watched RedZone, you’re missing out. It used to be a cable-only deal, but now there are plenty of streaming options. Services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream all carry it as an add-on. Prices vary depending on the service, but most packages fall between $55 and $85 per month, including RedZone.
All about Scott Hanson's famous NFL phrase the Witching Hour NFL logo (Image Credit: Getty Images)
If you have not already watched RedZone, you’re missing out. It used to be a cable-only deal, but now there are plenty of streaming options. Services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream all carry it as an add-on. Prices vary depending on the service, but most packages fall between $55 and $85 per month, including RedZone.

For those on a budget, NFL+ is the cheapest option. It costs $14.99 a month and includes RedZone in its premium package. If you’re in Canada, you can catch RedZone through DAZN Canada.

Scott Hanson: The Voice Of NFL RedZone

Hanson has been hosting NFL RedZone since it launched in 2009, and he’s as much a part of the experience as the games themselves. Hanson’s energy, humor, and deep love for football make him the perfect host. He’s also known for his legendary stamina. He famously goes the entire seven-hour broadcast without taking a bathroom break.

Before RedZone, Hanson worked in broadcasting in several cities, including Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, and Washington, D.C. He’s also a former college football player, having played at Syracuse University. That passion for the game comes through every Sunday, and it’s a big reason fans keep coming back.

Even though RedZone has wrapped up for the 2024 season, the memories of its best moments will stick with fans until it returns next fall. For now, we’ll just have to wait, but come September, you can bet millions of fans will be ready to enter the witching hour all over again.