2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"More to come": Prime Video's Mark Shapiro teases bigger, bolder NHL coverage in Season 2
NHL (via Getty Images)
Following a wrap of its inaugural full season as a Canadian broadcaster of NHL games, Amazon's Prime Video is already gliding full-tilt into Season 2. During their 2025 upfronts in Toronto, the company announced it will be back with an expanded package of hockey programming, including exclusive Monday night games of the Maple Leafs, the groundbreaking 'Coast-to-Coast' Thursday whiparound show, and a new season of the behind-the-scenes docuseries, 'FACEOFF: Inside the NHL.
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Prime Video Canada VP Mark Shapiro discusses what NHL viewers can see in 2025-26
Mark Shapiro, Prime Video Canada VP, discussed with The Hockey News what viewers should look for in 2025-26, why executives and players are committing more, and if Amazon's aspirations for the NHL go beyond the two-year agreement.
"We were really happy. I think what we were most happy with was the fan reception to the broadcast," Mark Shapiro stated. "We're really happy with our viewership and growing with younger audiences, our members spending more time with the broadcast.
We view it as a great opportunity to be a part of everybody's Monday nights for three hours every Monday as we broadcast games from Canadian teams."
The docuseries 'FACEOFF: Inside the NHL' provided viewers with unmatched access to players such as William Nylander and David Pastrnak. From locker room humor to low-key times with family members, the show pulled back the curtain—and it paid off.
Mark Shapiro explained players were naturally guarded initially.
"Understanding the players as people and everything that they dedicate to becoming such elite athletes was something that we had, you know, great response on in season one. And I think fans can expect to see more of in season two," he said.
Even front office execs, including Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan, will appear on screen this time, offering a 360-degree look at the league.
For 2025-26, Amazon becomes the exclusive Canadian broadcaster for NHL Monday night games, including several featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs.
That means Prime Video is no longer just sharing the spotlight—it is the spotlight.
From auto-play on Fire TV to 1080p HDR imagery and 5.1 surround sound, Prime Video is breaking the mold. Shapiro underscored highlights such as
Home Ice Access: Take a peek at arenas before puck drop
Rapid Recap: Two-minute game summary for late joiners
Dynamic studio formats, such as the revolving panel of pundits on 'Coast-to-Coast'
Looking Ahead: Will Amazon Stay with the NHL Beyond 2025-26?
Though Amazon's current deal with the NHL, sublicensed through Rogers Sports & Media, ends after the upcoming season, Shapiro wasn't ready to talk long-term.
However, Prime Video's increasing investment in hockey—such as previous productions like All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs and Saving Sakic—indicates there is long-term interest in the works.
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From inside access to elite storytelling and groundbreaking presentation, Amazon's NHL package isn't just about games—it's about redefining what it means to experience hockey in the streaming age. Be on the lookout for Season 2 to double down even more on this high-energy, fan-centric format.
