The Voice Season 28: Schedule Shifts, Knockout Drama, and Rose Parade Dreams

The competition on The Voice Season 28 is heating up with intense Knockout Rounds, a game-changing "Mic Drop" twist, and a schedule that keeps fans on their toes. Here’s your complete guide to what’s happened and what’s coming next.

TL;DR

• Season 28's Knockouts are in full swing, with artists vying for spots in the upcoming Playoffs and Live Shows.
• The show's schedule has shifted: currently, it's one-hour episodes on Mondays at 9/8c, with Tuesday episodes returning only for the Live Finale.
• A new "Mic Drop" button allows coaches to nominate a standout performer for a chance to perform at the 2026 Rose Parade, decided by America's vote.

Imagine hitting a note so powerful, so unexpected, that your coach – in a moment of pure awe – slams a brand-new button, giving you a shot at a national spotlight beyond The Voice stage. That's exactly the kind of high-stakes drama that's been unfolding as Season 28 speeds through its Knockout Rounds, bringing new twists and some surprising schedule changes along the way. If you feel like you're trying to keep up with a fast-moving melody, you're not alone!

This season has been a whirlwind, kicking off with Blind Auditions, cruising through the Battles, and now we're deep into the Knockouts. With the Playoffs and highly anticipated Live Shows just around the corner, knowing when and where to tune in is key to catching every pitch-perfect moment.

Navigating the Shifting Sands of the Voice Season 28 Schedule

If you've noticed your viewing habits for The Voice changing recently, you're not imagining things. Season 28 has seen a few adjustments since its September premiere. Initially, we enjoyed two-hour episodes on Mondays and one-to-two-hour episodes on Tuesdays.

However, by the end of October, with NBA basketball games entering the NBC lineup, Tuesday nights became a no-go for The Voice. The show then switched to a single two-hour slot on Mondays. Then came another tweak: starting Monday, November 3, The Voice began airing for just one hour, at the new time of 9/8c, on Monday nights.

These one-hour Monday slots at 9/8c are confirmed for November 3, November 10, and November 17, and will continue through the Knockout Rounds. So, if you've been wondering why your usual Tuesday night fix isn't there, or why Monday's episode feels a bit shorter, that's why! Tuesdays will make a grand return for one week only: the Live Finale on Tuesday, December 16.

The Knockouts Continue: High Stakes and Heartbreaking Decisions

The Knockout Rounds are where artists truly come into their own, performing solo head-to-head against a teammate. This season, coaches Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, and Reba McEntire have had some serious decisions to make, aided by "mega mentors" Joe Walsh and Zac Brown. Unlike earlier rounds, there are no Steals or Saves here; once a coach picks a winner, the other artist goes home.

The goal for each coach is to narrow their team down to four artists for the Playoffs. This round is especially tough because artists pick their own songs, allowing them to showcase their unique style and vocal prowess. It's a true test of artistry under pressure.

The "Mic Drop" Twist: A Golden Ticket to the Rose Parade

This season introduced an exciting new element: the "Mic Drop" button. Each coach gets to press this button once during the Knockouts for an artist on their team who delivers an exceptionally powerful performance. These four "Mic Drop" recipients then compete for America's vote, with the winner earning the incredible opportunity to perform at the 2026 Rose Parade!

We saw the first "Mic Drop" of the season go to 14-year-old Max Chambers from Team Bublé, following his stunning rendition of Stevie Wonder’s "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" in Part 2 of the Knockouts. In the most recent episode (Part 3), Niall Horan used his "Mic Drop" on the trio DEK of Hearts, giving them a shot at the coveted Rose Parade performance. This twist adds another layer of excitement, making every Knockout performance potentially life-changing.

Week 3 Knockout Showdowns: Who Advanced on November 10?

Monday, November 10, brought another intense night of competition. Here’s a rundown of the matchups and who earned their spot in the Playoffs:

• Team Reba: Ryan Mitchell vs. Conrad Khalil
  • Conrad sang "Closer" by Ne-Yo, while Ryan delivered a chill-inducing cover of "Zombie" by The Cranberries.
  • Coach Reba noted Conrad's focus and Ryan's brave song choice that he could relate to.
  • Winner: Ryan Mitchell
• Team Bublé: Rob Cole vs. Marty O'Reilly
  • Marty performed Joe Cocker's "The Letter," and Rob showcased "Wondering Why" by The Red Clay Strays, starting on piano before taking the mic.
  • Snoop Dogg praised Marty's "dog in you" growl and called Rob's transition "superstar."
  • Winner: Rob Cole
• Team Bublé: Trinity vs. Jack Austin
  • Trinity wowed with Whitney Houston's "I'm Your Baby Tonight." Jack Austin's performance was not shown in its entirety.
  • Michael Bublé lauded Trinity's "gorgeous, soulful voice" and "a lot more potential."
  • Winner: Trinity
• Team Niall: DEK of Hearts vs. Kayleigh Clark
  • Kayleigh mesmerized coaches with her yodels on LeAnn Rimes' "Blue," while DEK of Hearts delivered their signature harmonies on Lady A's "What If I Never Get Over You."
  • Niall called it a "complete 50-50" decision, acknowledging both were "four-chair turns." He then used his Mic Drop for DEK of Hearts.
  • Winner: DEK of Hearts (Niall's Mic Drop Recipient)

Niall Horan on Kayleigh vs. DEK of Hearts: "I think this is what it looks like when two four-chair turns get into a knockout together... This is a complete 50-50, I have no idea what I'm gonna do."

Addressing Fair Play and Viewer Frustrations in the Knockouts

The Knockout format, while thrilling, sometimes sparks discussions among fans. For instance, is it truly fair for a three-person powerhouse like DEK of Hearts to go up against a solo artist? While groups bring a "wall of sound" and intricate harmonies, a single vocalist has to command the stage and performance entirely on their own. Both demand immense talent, but the playing field can feel a little uneven.

Another point of contention for viewers is when performances aren't fully aired, as with Jack Austin's battle against Trinity. Fans invest in these artists from the Blind Auditions, and missing their Knockout performance can be frustrating. It's a tricky balance for production teams, especially with the current one-hour format, but it definitely leaves some fans wishing for more.

The Teams Ready for the Playoffs

After the latest round of Knockouts, here's how the teams stack up, with these artists advancing to the next stage:

• Team Bublé: Jazz McKenzie, Max Chambers, Rob Cole, Teo Ramdel, Trinity
• Team Reba: Aaron Nichols, Aubrey Nicole, Austin Gilbert, Cori Kennedy, Peyton Kyle, Ryan Mitchell
• Team Niall: Aiden Ross, Ava Nat, DEK of Hearts, Dustin Dale Gaspard, Kirbi
• Team Snoop: Carolina Rodriguez, Lauren Anderson, Mindy Miller, Ralph Edwards, Toni Lorene, Yoshihanaa

As you can see, the competition is getting fierce, and every coach has a strong lineup heading into the final stages!

Example: How One Fan Keeps Up with the Changes

Maria, a dedicated Voice fan in California, used to plan her Monday and Tuesday evenings around the show. When the schedule changed, she almost missed an episode! "I had to frantically check online to make sure I wasn't missing my favorites," she explained. "Now I've set my DVR to record 'The Voice' every Monday at 9 PM Pacific, just to be safe, and I mark my calendar for the Live Finale on a Tuesday. It's worth it, but it definitely keeps you on your toes!"

Looking Ahead to the Playoffs and Live Finale

The pace of Season 28 is truly breakneck! We're quickly approaching the conclusion of the Knockouts (the final round airs Monday, November 24), which will then pave the way for the decisive next phases:

• The Playoffs: Catch these pivotal performances on Monday, December 1 and Monday, December 8.
• The Live Shows: The stakes get even higher on Monday, December 15.
• The Live Finale: The ultimate winner will be crowned on Tuesday, December 16.

But don't fret when Season 28 wraps up! The Voice Season 29 is already slated for 2026, promising an "all-star Coach lineup" featuring Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Adam Levine. It's even being dubbed The Voice: Battle of Champions, hinting at even more format changes and surprises to keep us hooked.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Voice Season 28 When does The Voice Season 28 air? New episodes of The Voice Season 28 currently air on Mondays at 9/8c on NBC. Tuesday episodes will only return for the Live Finale on December 16. Where can I watch The Voice Season 28? You can watch new episodes live on NBC. They are also available to stream the next day on Peacock. For those without cable, services like FuboTV or DIRECTV offer free trials, and Sling also provides streaming options with promotional offers. What is the current runtime for The Voice episodes? Currently, The Voice episodes run for one hour on Monday nights. What is the "Mic Drop" button? The "Mic Drop" is a new twist this season. Each coach can use it once during the Knockouts to select a standout performer from their team. These four artists will then compete via America's vote for the chance to perform at the 2026 Rose Parade. Practical Takeaways for Voice Fans

• Mark Your Calendars: Remember the current schedule is Mondays at 9/8c on NBC.
• Stream Smart: If you miss it live, Peacock is your go-to for next-day streaming. Free trials on FuboTV and DIRECTV are also an option.
• Don't Miss the Mic Drop Vote: The final Knockout round (Nov 24) is when fans will get to vote for the Rose Parade performer.
• Gear Up for the Finale: The Live Finale on December 15 (Monday) and December 16 (Tuesday) will be a two-night event.
• Anticipate Next Season: Look forward to a "Battle of Champions" with returning favorites in Season 29 in 2026.

Sources

• NBC Insider: "When Do The Voice Playoffs Start? The Remaining 2025 Schedule, Explained" (Nov 11, 2025)
• TV Insider: "When Is ‘The Voice’ On Tonight? What to Know Amid Season 28 Schedule Change" (Originally published on tvinsider.com)
• NJ.com: "The Voice Season 28 Knockout results, and who got the Mic Drop on Reba McEntire’s team, Bublé’s team, Niall’s team and Snoop Dogg’s team" (Sara Donnellan)
• American Songwriter: "Why Is ‘The Voice’ Not on Tonight (November 11, 2025)? When Does It Return?" (Chris Piner, November 11, 2025)
• Primetimer: "The Voice season 28 episode 12 recap: A thrilling Mic Drop follows a tense 50-50 Knockout decision" (Stephany Montero, Tuesday 11/11/2025)
• Hollywood Outbreak: "‘The Voice’ Season 28 Knockouts: Emotions Run High" (A.C., November 10, 2025)
• MassLive.com: "‘The Voice’ Season 28, episode 12: Watch online free; How to stream The Knockouts Part 3 tonight (11/10/25)" (Ariana Tourangeau)