Super Bowl TV Deals Debunked: Why Spring Offers Better TV Bargains

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.
Former Sony employee. Covered the consumer electronics industry for 30 years.

TV Answer Man, I was planning to go shopping for a new TV for the Super Bowl. I saw some decent prices at our local Best Buy in an ad. My question is this a good time to buy a TV. Are the deals legit or just marketing come-ons? – Bob, Bowie, Maryland.

Bob, despite what you hear, the lead-up to the Super Bowl is not the best time to buy a new television. During the NFL Playoffs, and the week before the Super Bowl, retailers (both retail and online) will offer special discounts on some sets to get you in the door. But most TVs are not discounted at all during this time.

Why Do Retailers Lower Prices On Some Sets?

The lower prices during the playoff season are reserved for a handful of models that both retailers and TV makers are trying to get rid of because either there is a large inventory and/or they are older sets no longer in demand.

Retailers will sell some models for reduced prices, but most sets retain their normal price. The stores are hoping the splashy discounts will attract shoppers who then proceed to buy TVs with higher prices because they are usually better sets with more bells and whistles.

So when is the best time to buy a new television?

When Is the Best Time to Buy a New TV?

Spring.

TV makers usually release their new line of TVs every spring. And when they do, they carry bigger price tags because they are loaded with the latest features. The set manufacturers, and their retail partners, consequently lower the price on the older models to get them out of the store fast so they can make room for the new pricey sets that generate more profits.

This is not to say you can’t get a good deal before the Super Bowl. You can. But spring is definitely the time when you will see the most bargains on top-quality TVs.

So if you hang in there for a few more months, I think you’ll find the set you want at the best price. However, if you absolutely must have a new TV for the game, I would get the best set you can afford rather than trying to save a relatively small amount of money. You will not regret it in the coming months and years.

Bob, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!

Have a question about a favorite show, streaming service or new TV product? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com. Please include your first name and hometown in your message.

The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.