The National Hockey League is once again embracing animated broadcasts with the “Inside Out Classic,” offering fans a fresh, family-friendly way to experience the game this weekend.

These alternate telecasts have grown from novelty to mainstream across the NHL, NFL and NBA over the past few years. What began with Nickelodeon’s slime-filled NFL broadcasts has evolved into fully animated, real-time productions set inside popular entertainment worlds.

Leagues have leaned into themed presentations such as the NFL’s “Toy Story Funday Football” and “The Simpsons” broadcast, along with the NHL’s “Big City Greens Classic” and similar NBA initiatives. Designed to attract to younger audiences and casual viewers, these telecasts blend live game data with animation to create a new viewing experience.

The NHL, in partnership with ESPN, Disney and Pixar is presenting the “Inside Out Classic,” an animated telecast the reimagines a live NHL game inside the world of “Inside Out.”

Set inside the mind of Riley, the broadcast unfolds on “Hockey Island,” where her emotions skate alongside animated versions of NHL players.

The broadcast uses real-time tracking technology to translate on-ice action into animation, helping capture player movement, stick handling and game play in a more visual way, according to the press release.

Fans will also hear some familiar voices from the film, including Phyllis Smith (Sadness), Lewis Black (Anger), Tony Hale (Fear) and Maya Hawke (Anxiety).

The animated broadcast will feature the Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers.

Viewers can watch the “Inside Out Classic” on ESPN+, Disney+, Disney Channel and Disney XD.

 The “Inside Out Classic” airs Sunday, April 5 at 7 p.m. ET. 

ESPN is continuing to expand animated telecasts across the NFL, NHL, NBA and WNBA during the 2025-26 season. The company announced the initiative in October 2025, with multiple productions planned and more broadcasts already slated for the following year.