The 2025–2026 awards season spans multiple months and is spread across a mix of broadcast networks and streaming-exclusive platforms. No single streaming service covers every major ceremony, but a few platforms stand out by offering the widest access to live award show broadcasts. The best choice depends on which shows matter most and whether live viewing or next-day on-demand access is acceptable.
Where Each Major Award Show Streams
| Award Show | Date (2026) | Broadcast Network | Streaming Platform(s) |
| Critics Choice Awards | Jan 4 | E! / USA Network | Hulu + Live TV, Sling, DirecTV, Peacock (next-day) |
| Golden Globes | Jan 11 | CBS | Paramount+ (Premium for live) |
| Grammys | Feb 1 | CBS | Paramount+ (Premium for live) |
| BAFTA Film Awards | Feb 22 | E! (US) / BBC One (UK) | Hulu + Live TV, Sling, DirecTV (US); BBC iPlayer (UK) |
| SAG/Actor Awards | Mar 1 | N/A (streaming only) | Netflix (exclusive, global) |
| Academy Awards (Oscars) | Mar 15 | ABC | Hulu (live for the first time), YouTube TV, Fubo |
| Tony Awards | Jun 7 | CBS | Paramount+ (Premium for live) |
| MTV VMAs | TBD (Sep) | CBS / MTV | Paramount+, YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling |
| Emmy Awards | Sep 14 | NBC | Peacock (live stream) |
| People’s Choice Awards | TBD | NBC / E! | Peacock, Hulu + Live TV |
Top Streaming Platforms Ranked by Award Show Coverage
Paramount+ — Best for CBS-Hosted Ceremonies
Paramount+ is the single most important streaming platform for awards season because CBS hosts the Golden Globes, Grammys, Tony Awards, and MTV VMAs. The Paramount+ Premium plan ($14/month) is required for live streaming via local CBS affiliate feeds; Essential subscribers ($9/month) only get on-demand access the day after. In total, Paramount+ covers at least four of the ten major ceremonies live.
Hulu + Live TV — Best All-in-One Live TV Option
Hulu + Live TV ($89.99/month) provides access to over 95 live channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, E!, and USA Network. This makes it the most comprehensive single subscription for award shows — covering the Oscars (ABC), Golden Globes and Grammys (CBS), Emmys (NBC), Critics Choice Awards and BAFTAs (E!/USA Network), and more. Starting in 2026, the Oscars also stream live on Hulu for the first time. The plan includes Disney+ and ESPN content as part of the Disney bundle.
YouTube TV — Best User Experience for Cord-Cutters
YouTube TV ($82.99/month) includes 100+ live channels covering ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, E!, and USA Network. It offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing viewers to record any award show and watch later. YouTube TV provides access to virtually every broadcast award ceremony, though shows exclusively on Netflix (SAG Awards) are not included.
Netflix — Exclusive Home of the SAG Awards
Netflix is the exclusive global home of the SAG/Actor Awards, now in its third consecutive year of streaming the ceremony live. Plans start at $7.99/month (with ads), $17.99/month (Standard), or $24.99/month (Premium with 4K). While Netflix is essential for this one show, it does not carry any other live award ceremonies.
Peacock — Best for NBC and Next-Day Replays
Peacock streams the Emmy Awards live when they air on NBC. It also carries next-day replays of shows aired on E! and USA Network, including the Critics Choice Awards. Peacock Premium starts at $11/month (with ads) or $17/month for ad-free and live NBC access. The People’s Choice Awards also air on both NBC and E!, making them accessible through Peacock.
DirecTV Stream / Fubo / Sling — Budget and Niche Options
These live TV services carry most broadcast and cable channels needed for award shows:
- Fubo starts at $74/month and includes ABC, CBS, Fox, E!, and USA Network, though it currently lacks NBC due to a carriage dispute.
- Sling TV is the most affordable at $46/month (Orange or Blue), though it lacks some local broadcast channels. Sling Blue includes E!, Fox, and NBC in select areas.
- DirecTV Stream starts at $90/month with the broadest channel selection and a 5-day free trial, making it a solid short-term option for award season.
Comparison of Live TV Streaming Prices
| Service | Monthly Price | ABC | CBS | NBC | E! / USA | Key Award Shows |
| Sling TV (Blue) | $46–$54 | ❌ | ❌ | Some areas | ✅ | Critics Choice, BAFTAs |
| Fubo | $74 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (dispute) | ✅ | Oscars, Globes, Grammys, BAFTAs |
| YouTube TV | $82.99 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | All broadcast award shows |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | All broadcast + Oscars on Hulu |
| DirecTV Stream | $90+ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | All broadcast award shows |
Recommended Combinations
For viewers wanting full award season coverage, a single platform is insufficient. The most practical combinations are:
- Paramount+ Premium + Hulu + Live TV: Covers the most ground. Hulu + Live TV handles all broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, E!), while Paramount+ Premium ensures reliable live CBS streaming for Globes, Grammys, and Tonys. Together, they cover everything except the SAG Awards on Netflix. Approximate cost: ~$104/month.
- YouTube TV + Netflix + Paramount+: YouTube TV covers all broadcast ceremonies through its 100+ channels and DVR. Adding Netflix ($7.99+) provides SAG Awards access, and Paramount+ Premium ($14) ensures live CBS streaming. Approximate cost: ~$105–$120/month.
- Budget Option — Sling Blue + Paramount+ + Netflix: For those who can live without ABC and NBC shows (or watch Oscars/Emmys via antenna), Sling Blue ($46) handles E! and USA Network shows. Paramount+ Premium ($14) covers CBS ceremonies live, and Netflix ($7.99) adds the SAG Awards. Approximate cost: ~$68/month.
Free and Low-Cost Viewing Options
Several award shows offer free or low-cost access:
- Over-the-air antenna: The Oscars (ABC), Grammys and Golden Globes (CBS), Emmys (NBC), and Tony Awards (CBS) all air on free broadcast television.
- Free trials: DirecTV offers a 5-day free trial, and Fubo also provides free trial periods — both can be timed strategically around specific ceremonies.
- YouTube and social media: Grammy red carpet coverage streams free on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel. BAFTA shares highlights across its social media platforms.
- Next-day streaming: Peacock offers next-day access to shows on E! and USA Network. Paramount+ Essential provides on-demand access the day after CBS shows air.
India-Specific Streaming
For viewers in India, streaming options differ by show:
- BAFTA Awards: Available on Lionsgate Play (via OTTplay Premium) starting at 12:30 AM IST.
- Oscars, Grammys, Emmys: Typically available via Star/Disney+ Hotstar or JioCinema depending on broadcast rights, though 2026 deals may vary.
- SAG Awards: Netflix India streams the ceremony live, as the deal is global.
Conclusion
Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer the broadest single-subscription coverage for award show fans, carrying nearly every broadcast and cable network that hosts major ceremonies. However, the SAG Awards’ Netflix exclusivity means no single platform covers every show. For the most cost-effective approach, pairing an over-the-air antenna with Paramount+ Premium and Netflix provides access to the majority of ceremonies for under $25/month. Viewers willing to spend more should consider YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV as comprehensive one-stop solutions, supplemented by Netflix for complete coverage.
