The 68th Annual Grammy Awards return Sunday with a packed night of performances, tributes and newly added categories. As one of music’s biggest global events, the show brings together chart-toppers, producers and industry creatives at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Fans without cable have more ways than ever to tune in and a wide mix of platforms are carrying both the ceremony and the red carpet coverage.
How to watch the 2026 Grammys live
The ceremony airs live on CBS Today Sunday at 8 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. PT. Since the show broadcasts on a major network, viewers can watch either through a traditional cable subscription or through any TV streaming service that includes CBS. That group includes DirecTV Stream, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV. Each of these options delivers the broadcast in real time and allows viewers to watch the full lineup of performers and presenters without delay.
Those who already subscribe to Paramount+ Premium can also stream the ceremony live. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not receive the live broadcast but will have full access to the show the following day. This mirrors previous years and continues to give subscribers an option that works with their preferred plan.
Where to stream for free
DirecTV Stream offers viewers a five-day free trial. This trial covers both the ceremony and the red carpet shows, making it one of the simplest free pathways to watching everything from start to finish. Fubo also includes a five-day trial for new users that supports the CBS broadcast feed.
Red carpet coverage across all platforms
E! returns with extensive red carpet programming beginning at 4 p.m. ET. The network’s early coverage and its later two-hour pre-show will both stream on DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV and Sling. Fans who want full access to fashion arrivals, first-look moments and category previews can watch both programs through any live streaming service carrying E!.
CBS Los Angeles also airs a red carpet special beginning at 7 p.m. ET. The special streams on CBS News Los Angeles and is also accessible in the local market on KCAL for those in Southern California.
Full list of streaming options
Since the title includes a number, here are the three primary ways to access the Grammys live:
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Streaming services carrying CBS including DirecTV Stream, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV
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Paramount+ Premium for a direct livestream
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CBS cable or satellite access for traditional viewing
Next-day coverage is available to Paramount+ Essential subscribers beginning Monday.
What else to expect from the 2026 ceremony
This year’s Grammy event introduces two new award categories. Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover expand the total number of categories to 95. The former Best Country Album category now carries the name Best Contemporary Country Album.
Kendrick Lamar leads with nine nominations. Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff and Cirkut each earn seven nominations while Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Leon Thomas and Serban Ghenea follow with six nods. The show also features performances from the full Best New Artist group along with tributes honoring influential figures across multiple genres.
Trevor Noah returns as host for his sixth year. His continued presence brings consistency to a night known for unpredictable moments, major collaborations and memorable live performances.
Crypto.com Arena once again serves as the home of the ceremony. Fans interested in the nominees can find the full list published ahead of the broadcast along with additional updates from the Recording Academy.
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