MTV VMAs Live Stream 2026: How to Watch the Video Music Awards Tonight on CBS, MTV and Paramount+
Last updated: September 27, 2026
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards air live tonight, Sunday, September 27, at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT, simulcast on CBS and MTV and streaming on Paramount+. Snoop Dogg hosts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and the show runs about two hours.
If you only want the short version: turn on CBS if you have an antenna or cable, open Paramount+ Premium if you stream, and tune in on time, because Madonna opens the show.
How to Watch the VMAs Tonight
- Free over the air: CBS carries the full ceremony. Any HD antenna that picks up your local CBS station gets it at no cost.
- Cable or satellite: MTV and CBS both air it live. You can also sign in on the MTV app or CBS.com with your provider login.
- Streaming: Paramount+ streams the show live on the Premium plan. The Essential tier does not include your live local CBS feed, so check your plan before 7:30.
- Live TV services: YouTube TV and Philo carry MTV, and YouTube TV also carries CBS in most markets. Hulu + Live TV and Fubo carry CBS in most markets as well.
Watching on a phone or a smart TV works the same way: install the Paramount+, MTV or CBS app, sign in, and pick the live channel. Our MTV live stream guide and CBS live stream guide cover each app device by device.
What to Expect at the 2026 VMAs
Madonna is the story going in. She leads the nominations, including Video of the Year for “Confessions II – The Film,” and she opens the show with her first VMAs performance in 23 years.
Taylor Swift is close behind her in nominations. MTV is also handing Swift a brand-new award, the inaugural VMA Artist Director Honors, and she is premiering the music video for “Patient Zero,” starring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell, during the broadcast. MTV has not said when in the show it lands. Two days ago Swift also added four songs to a year-old album at midnight, so expect the new material to come up.
Nirvana receives the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Kacey Musgraves leads a tribute to Dolly Parton, who died in August, and RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims perform a George Michael tribute.
The confirmed performers also include Lisa, Shaboozey, Gunna, Sienna Spiro, and GENER8ION with Yung Lean. The presenter list includes Charli xcx, Teyana Taylor, Troye Sivan, Tyla, Alex Warren, Jeff Probst and David Corenswet.
Snoop Dogg calls hosting a full-circle moment, and MTV clearly agrees: this morning the network reposted his 1994 VMAs performance.
Video of the Year and Artist of the Year Nominees
Video of the Year
- Ariana Grande, “Hate That I Made You Love Me”
- Bruno Mars, “I Just Might”
- GENER8ION featuring Yung Lean, “Storm”
- Madonna, “Confessions II – The Film”
- Sabrina Carpenter, “Tears”
- Taylor Swift, “The Fate of Ophelia”
Artist of the Year: Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Madonna, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift.
Best New Artist: Bella Kay, Cortis, Magnus Ferrell, Malcolm Todd, Myles Smith, Sienna Spiro and Stella Lefty. Fan voting for this one stays open during the show.
VMAs 2026 Schedule (All Times Eastern)
| Time (ET) | What is on |
|---|---|
| 7:30 p.m. | Live ceremony begins on CBS, MTV and Paramount+ |
| Top of the show | Madonna opening performance |
| 9:30 p.m. | Scheduled end of broadcast |
Times are Eastern. On the West Coast the show starts at 4:30 p.m. PT, live, not on tape delay. Award shows run long, so give yourself a cushion at the end.
VMAs 2026 FAQ
What time do the VMAs start tonight?
The 2026 VMAs start at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, 6:30 p.m. Central, 5:30 p.m. Mountain and 4:30 p.m. Pacific on Sunday, September 27. The broadcast is scheduled for two hours and should end around 9:30 p.m. ET. It airs live in every time zone at once, so West Coast viewers see it in the afternoon rather than on a delay.
What channel are the VMAs on?
The VMAs air on both CBS and MTV at the same time. CBS is the easiest way in, because your local CBS station is free with an antenna. MTV requires cable, satellite or a live TV streaming service that carries it.
Can I watch the VMAs without cable?
Yes. Your cheapest option is an HD antenna tuned to your local CBS station, which costs nothing after the antenna itself. For streaming, Paramount+ Premium carries the live CBS broadcast. YouTube TV and Philo carry MTV, and YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo carry CBS in most markets.
Is the VMAs live stream free?
The over-the-air CBS broadcast is free. Most streaming options require a subscription, including Paramount+ Premium and the live TV services. Some of those services offer free trials to new customers, but check the current terms yourself before you sign up. MTV and CBS usually post performance clips on their official YouTube channels after the show.
Who is hosting the 2026 VMAs?
Snoop Dogg hosts the 2026 VMAs, his first time hosting the show in Los Angeles. He has a long history with MTV, going back to his 1994 VMAs performance, which the network reposted on the morning of the show.
Who is performing at the VMAs 2026?
Madonna opens the show in her first VMAs performance in 23 years. Lisa, Shaboozey, Gunna, Sienna Spiro, RAYE, and GENER8ION with Yung Lean are also on the bill. Kacey Musgraves leads a Dolly Parton tribute, and RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims perform a George Michael tribute. MTV often adds surprise performers close to air.
Is Taylor Swift at the VMAs?
Swift is one of the night’s headline names. She is receiving the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, is up for both Video of the Year and Artist of the Year, and is premiering the “Patient Zero” video with Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell during the broadcast. MTV has not said at what point in the show the premiere airs.
Where are the 2026 VMAs being held?
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards take place at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, part of the L.A. Live complex next to Crypto.com Arena.