The Academy Awards air on ABC and stream live on Hulu, the pairing that now covers the ceremony for both cable and cord-cutting viewers.
You can watch free over the air on your local ABC station with an antenna, stream on Hulu, or use any live-TV service that carries ABC. The next Oscars ceremony is set for early 2027, broadcast on a Sunday evening Eastern.
ABC has been the Oscars’ broadcast home for decades, and Hulu now carries the live stream, which finally gives streamers an official option. Here is exactly where Hollywood’s biggest night airs and how to watch without cable.
What Channel Are the Oscars On?
The Oscars are on ABC. The network broadcasts the full ceremony, from the opening monologue through Best Picture, in a single primetime telecast, and it has held the rights for decades under a long-running agreement with the Academy. ABC is the answer for the main event.
The ceremony also streams live on Hulu. Disney, which owns both ABC and Hulu, added a live Hulu stream of the Oscars so viewers can watch in real time through the standard Hulu app, not just Hulu + Live TV. That made the Oscars far easier to stream without a traditional TV package.
| Provider | ABC Channel | Streams the Oscars? |
|---|---|---|
| DirecTV | Local ABC affiliate | Yes |
| Dish | Local ABC affiliate | Yes |
| Xfinity | Local ABC (varies by market) | Yes |
| Spectrum | Local ABC (varies by market) | Yes |
| YouTube TV | ABC included | Yes |
| Hulu + Live TV | ABC included | Yes |
| Fubo | ABC included | Yes |
| Sling | Not carried | No, ABC not on Sling |
How to Watch the Oscars Without Cable
You have a clean set of cord-free options. The standard Hulu app streams the ceremony live, which is the simplest route for most cord-cutters. Live-TV services including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo carry ABC in most markets and stream it live as well. The exception is Sling, which does not carry ABC, so it is not an option for the Oscars.
For a single night, a Hulu trial or an antenna covers it inexpensively. Our guide to watching live TV online compares the services that include ABC if you want a longer-term setup.
Are the Oscars Free to Watch?
The broadcast is free. Because the Oscars air on ABC, a basic indoor antenna pulls in your local ABC affiliate at no cost, so you can watch the full ceremony in high definition with no subscription. For most viewers, the antenna is the genuinely free way to watch.
Streaming on Hulu or a live-TV service requires a subscription, though free trials can cover the single evening. The free-stream sites that surface around the ceremony are pirated feeds, and not worth the risk when a free antenna option exists.
When Are the 2027 Oscars and What Time Do They Start?
The Academy Awards have recently been held in early-to-mid March, so the 2027 ceremony falls early in the year on a Sunday evening, staged at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The telecast typically begins at 7pm ET, an hour earlier than it once did, following red-carpet coverage in the afternoon and early evening. Confirm the exact date and start time on the official Academy Awards site and ABC closer to the ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channel are the Oscars on?
The Oscars air on ABC, which broadcasts the full ceremony in primetime. The show also streams live on Hulu, and the ABC broadcast is free over the air with an antenna. ABC has held the rights for decades.
Is the Oscars on ABC or Hulu?
Both. The ceremony airs on ABC and streams live on Hulu, which is owned by the same company. The live Hulu stream runs through the standard Hulu app, so you do not need Hulu + Live TV to watch in real time.
How can I watch the Oscars without cable?
Stream the ceremony live on the Hulu app, or use a live-TV service that carries ABC such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo. An antenna also pulls in your local ABC affiliate free. Sling does not carry ABC, so it is not an option.
Can I stream the Oscars on Hulu?
Yes. Hulu carries a live stream of the Oscars through the standard Hulu app, in addition to Hulu + Live TV. That makes Hulu the most direct streaming route for cord-cutters who want to watch the ceremony as it airs.
Are the Oscars free to watch?
The ABC broadcast is free over the air with an antenna through your local affiliate. Streaming on Hulu or a live-TV service requires a subscription, so the antenna is the only no-cost way to watch the ceremony live.
When are the 2027 Oscars?
The Academy Awards have recently been held in early-to-mid March, placing the 2027 ceremony early in the year on a Sunday evening at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The official Academy Awards site confirms the exact date.
What time do the Oscars start?
The telecast typically begins at 7pm ET, an hour earlier than in past years, following afternoon and early-evening red-carpet coverage. The exact start time is confirmed on the official Academy and ABC listings closer to the date.
Last updated: May 2026. We refresh this guide each year ahead of the Academy Awards.