Is Preakness Stakes coming back?

Yes — the Preakness Stakes is returning on May 16, 2026, on NBC. The race is held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, and is one of the most prominent horse racing events in North America. The event takes place two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes, making it the second jewel of the Triple Crown. This race has a long history dating back to 1873 and is famously known as "The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans," with a blanket of Maryland's state flower awarded to the winner.

The Preakness Stakes is a Grade I thoroughbred horse race contested over a distance of 9.5 furlongs (1+3⁄16 miles) on dirt. It features colts and geldings carrying 126 pounds and fillies carrying 121 pounds. The race attracts large crowds and is renowned for its tradition and significance in the horse racing calendar. Each year, the event draws significant attendance and media coverage, making it a key highlight of the spring racing season.

The show features a team of reporters and analysts covering the race, including Kenny Rice, Ahmed Fareed, Britney Eurton, Donna Brothers, and Jerry Bailey, among others. The host for this season is Mike Tirico, with handicapper Matt Bernier providing expert insights. The series has aired annually since 2022, with each season consisting of a single episode. The current season is in its return from hiatus, with the next episode scheduled for May 16, 2026.