Fifty years ago, a film arrived that would forever change summer movies and make generations wary of dipping their toes in the ocean. Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, widely hailed as the first true summer blockbuster, is celebrating its golden anniversary in 2025.
To mark the occasion, NBC is hosting a special telecast featuring a screening of the iconic thriller. For fans eager to revisit Amity Island (or Martha’s Vineyard, its real-life filming location) without leaving home, here’s how you can tune into the Jaws 50th Anniversary Special online – potentially even for free.
Tune into the JAWS 50th Anniversary Telecast on NBC
Mark your calendars for Friday, June 20, 2025. Exactly 50 years to the day of its original theatrical premiere, the Jaws anniversary special is scheduled to air on NBC at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
This special three-hour broadcast isn’t just a simple screening. It will feature the complete original 1975 film, enhanced by a brand-new, exclusive introduction from director Steven Spielberg himself. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the classic with insights from the legendary filmmaker who brought the terrifying tale to life at just 27 years old.
As Jenny Storms, Chief Marketing Officer for NBCUniversal Television & Streaming, noted, this celebration honors the enduring legacy of Jaws as one of Universal’s most impactful films, continuing to captivate audiences across generations.
How to Stream the Special Online Without Cable
If you’ve cut the cord and don’t have traditional cable, catching the NBC telecast live is still easy. You’ll need access to a live TV streaming service that carries the NBC channel in your local market. Several popular services fit the bill, including Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV.
The great news? Many of these services offer free trials or special introductory discounts for new subscribers, providing a perfect opportunity to watch the Jaws 50th Anniversary special live without paying extra.
Watch JAWS 50th Anniversary FREE with Streaming Trials
Leveraging a free trial is the simplest way for new customers to stream the entire three-hour Jaws event on NBC at no cost. Here are your options:
Fubo: Known for its sports focus but also carrying major networks like NBC, Fubo offers a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. Sign up, watch the special, and cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges. (Standard pricing starts after the trial).
DirecTV Stream: This comprehensive streaming service includes NBC in all its signature packages (Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, Premier). DirecTV Stream currently offers a five-day free trial, giving you ample time to catch the Jaws telecast. (Standard pricing applies after the trial).
Hulu + Live TV: A popular bundle that includes live TV channels alongside the extensive Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ streaming libraries. Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial, which is just enough time to sign up and stream the NBC special live on June 20th. (Standard pricing applies after the trial).
While Sling TV doesn’t currently advertise a free trial for its Sling Blue plan (which carries NBC in select markets), they often have introductory offers, such as 50% off your first month. While not free, it’s another affordable option to access NBC and stream the event live.
Remember to check which local channels are available in your area for each service before signing up, and make sure to cancel your subscription before the free trial period expires if you don’t wish to continue the service.
More JAWS 50th Anniversary Celebrations
The NBC telecast is just one piece of a larger celebration honoring the lasting impact of Jaws. Here are other ways fans can dive deeper:
Stream the Entire Franchise on Peacock: Starting June 15, 2025, through July 14, 2025, all four films in the Jaws franchise (Jaws, Jaws 2, Jaws 3, and Jaws: The Revenge) will be available for exclusive streaming on Peacock. This also includes Spielberg’s special introduction with the original film.
New Documentary: A brand-new documentary titled Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Story, directed by longtime Spielberg collaborator Laurent Bouzereau, is set to premiere on July 10, 2025. It features interviews with Spielberg, cast members, filmmakers (like George Lucas, Jordan Peele, Guillermo del Toro), and fans, offering new insights into the film’s creation and legacy.
50th Anniversary Home Entertainment Release: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing a 50th-anniversary edition of Jaws on June 17, 2025, available digitally and as a 4K/Blu-ray combo pack. This release includes the new Jaws @ 50 documentary.
Real-World Events: Celebrations extend beyond the screen, with events planned in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts – where much of the film was shot. The island will host exhibits (like the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s “Jaws” at 50: A Deeper Dive showcasing relics and stories), screenings, and special weekends dedicated to the film throughout the summer. Major League Baseball teams like the Giants, Yankees, and Phillies are also hosting Jaws-themed home games June 20-22.
Why JAWS Still Terrifies (and Captivates) 50 Years Later
Based on Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel, Jaws assembled a perfect storm of talent: Roy Scheider as the hesitant police chief Brody, Richard Dreyfuss as the eager oceanographer Hooper, and Robert Shaw as the grizzled shark hunter Quint. John Williams’s instantly recognizable, Oscar-winning score is a masterclass in building tension.
The film won three Academy Awards and boasts a stunning 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, cementing its place in cinematic history. Its cultural impact is undeniable – it redefined marketing, distribution, and the very concept of a summer movie event. As the saying goes, a day at the beach hasn’t been the same since.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or experiencing the terror for the first time, the Jaws* 50th Anniversary special is a must-watch event. Tune into NBC on June 20, 2025, and relive the suspense that launched a phenomenon. Utilizing a free trial on a live TV streaming service is your ticket to watching the special online for free.
