Where to Watch the 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee

It’s that time of year again — when we fall in under the spell of spelling. This year, 285 clever kids from around the United States will compete in the 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The annual event is a fun watch on TV; the kids are bright and charismatic and can spell words that befuddle the brain. The multi-day national spelling bee has been captured in movies like Akeelah and the Bee, Bee Season and the documentary Spellbound and show the event to be stressful, fun, life-changing events.

So how/when/where can spelling aficionados watch the 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee? The preliminary spelling rounds will be televised at 7am May 25 on ESPN 3. The first part of the finals will be televised at 9am May 26 on ESPN 2. The second part of finals will be televised at 7pm May 26 on ESPN. This year’s 144 boys and 141 girls have studied for months (if not years!) and have earned their way to the competition by winning various school and local spelling competitions, and by bedtime on the 26th, a new champion will be crowned.

At stake are ultimate bragging rights an a pretty sweet haul of cash and prizes including: a $40,000 cash prize and the Scripps National Spelling Bee engraved trophy, courtesy of Scripps; a $2,500 U.S. savings bond and a complete reference library from Merriam-Webster; $400 of reference works including a 1768 Encyclopædia Britannica Replica Set Deluxe Edition and a three-year membership to Britannica Online Premium; and a trip to New York City to appear on LIVE with Kelly.