You’ve likely been there—scrolling through a digital grid at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday, trying to figure out if your favorite show was preempted by a "Breaking News" banner or a random sports special. It’s a Phoenix tradition, honestly. KPNX, or Channel 12 as most of us still call it, is the NBC backbone for the Valley. But its schedule isn't just a carbon copy of the national NBC feed. Local news, syndicated talk shows, and Arizona-specific programming create a lineup that's actually pretty unique if you look at the fine print.
The Morning Grind: KPNX Channel 12 Schedule Phoenix
Most people in Phoenix start their day with the same faces. It’s comforting. The weekday kicks off with 12News at 4:30 A.M., which sounds painfully early, but for the East Valley commuters hitting the US-60, it's essential. This block runs straight through until 7:00 A.M. when the national Today show takes over.
But here is where it gets interesting for the locals. While the rest of the country is deep into Today, Phoenix viewers get a localized slice with Today in AZ. It’s a hybrid. You get the big national headlines from New York, but Savannah Sellers and the local team keep the focus on why the I-10 is a parking lot near the Broadway Curve.
Around 10:00 A.M., the vibe shifts. You've got 12 News Arizona Midday. It’s heavy on lifestyle—think cooking segments, local business spotlights, and health tips. If you're looking for hard-hitting investigative journalism, this isn't the hour for it. It's more about which new taco spot opened in Scottsdale.
Syndicated Staples and Afternoon Shifts
The afternoon is a mix of syndicated heavy hitters. The Kelly Clarkson Show has become a massive anchor for Channel 12, usually sliding in around the 2:00 P.M. slot. It’s followed by Access Daily or Blast, depending on the current seasonal shuffle.
Then comes the "News Block."
- 4:00 P.M.: 12 News at 4
- 5:00 P.M.: 12 News at 5
- 5:30 P.M.: NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt
- 6:00 P.M.: 12 News at 6
It is a lot of news. Total saturation. But in a fast-growing city like Phoenix, the 4:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. shows are where the real local "scoops" happen before the national broadcast takes the mic.
What about the late-night crowd?
If you're a night owl, the channel 12 schedule phoenix stays pretty predictable. After the 10:00 P.M. news—which is the station's flagship broadcast—you’ve got the standard NBC late-night royalty. Jimmy Fallon starts at 10:35 P.M., followed by Seth Meyers. If you’re still awake at 12:30 A.M., you’re probably watching Early Today or a repeat of a lifestyle segment from earlier in the day.
The Weekend Curveball
Weekends are a different beast. Saturday mornings are dominated by The More You Know—that block of E/I (Educational and Informational) programming that stations are legally required to air. It’s a lot of shows about vets saving animals or teenagers traveling the world.
Sports often blow the weekend schedule out of the water. Between NASCAR at Phoenix Raceway (which is a massive deal locally) and Sunday Night Football, the regular "schedule" is more of a suggestion. During the fall, don't even bother looking for the 5:00 P.M. news on a Sunday if there's a late afternoon NFL game. It’s going to be pushed, shortened, or moved to a subchannel.
Speaking of subchannels, if the main 12.1 feed is occupied by a game, check:
- 12.2: Shop LC (mostly jewelry, honestly)
- 12.3: True Crime Network (exactly what it sounds like)
- 12.4: Quest (nature and science stuff)
- 12.5: The Nest (home improvement and lifestyle)
Why the Schedule Matters Right Now
In 2026, the way we watch local TV has changed, but the "appointment viewing" for news hasn't quite died. People still want to know if a monsoon is actually going to hit or if the heat dome is finally breaking. KPNX has leaned heavily into their "Weather First" branding, which means the schedule often gets interrupted for "Turquoise Alerts" or severe weather warnings.
One thing most people get wrong is assuming the TV Guide on their cable box is 100% accurate. It isn't. Programming managers at KPNX often make last-minute swaps for syndicated shows if a contract changes or if a specific episode of Entertainment Tonight (which usually airs at 6:30 P.M.) has a major local tie-in.
Actionable Tips for Tracking the Lineup
If you're tired of missing your shows, stop relying on the "Info" button on your remote.
First, download the 12News app. They send push notifications for schedule changes, especially during the Olympics or major breaking news events.
Second, if you're an antenna user (cord-cutter), rescanning your channels once a month is a good habit. Digital subchannels like 12.3 or 12.4 sometimes swap networks without much fanfare.
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Finally, check the "Rescheduled Programming" section on the 12News website. They actually list when a show like Days of Our Lives (now on Peacock, but occasionally mentioned) or syndicated favorites are moved to a different time slot due to special reports. It’s the most reliable way to stay ahead of the grid.