The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are heading to Los Angeles with Snoop Dogg as host, Madonna opening the show and a lineup built for a very big night of live music. The ceremony airs Sunday, September 27, and Paramount+ subscribers have two different ways to watch depending on their plan.
Here is the straightforward answer: Paramount+ Premium subscribers in the United States can stream the VMAs live through the live feed of their local CBS affiliate. Paramount+ Essential subscribers cannot watch live, but the ceremony will be available to stream on demand the following day.
When Are the 2026 MTV VMAs?
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards air live on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 7:30–9:30 p.m. ET / 4:30–6:30 p.m. PT. The show broadcasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on CBS and will simulcast on MTV. It is the first time the VMAs have been staged in the Los Angeles area since 2017.
The ceremony will be hosted by Snoop Dogg. Madonna opens the telecast in her first VMAs performance since 2003, while Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. Nirvana is set to receive the Video Vanguard Award, and RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims will join for a tribute performance honoring George Michael.
Can You Watch the 2026 VMAs Live on Paramount+?
Yes, but only with Paramount+ Premium. Premium subscribers in the U.S. can watch the VMAs live through the service’s local CBS affiliate feed. Availability is tied to the live CBS feed in your market, so it is worth checking your account’s live-TV options before the show begins.
Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have a live stream of the ceremony. Instead, they can watch the special on demand on Monday, September 28, one day after the live broadcast.
Paramount+ Plan Breakdown for the VMAs
- Paramount+ Premium: Stream the 2026 VMAs live on Sunday, September 27 through the local CBS affiliate feed, or watch on demand afterward.
- Paramount+ Essential: Watch the 2026 VMAs on demand beginning Monday, September 28. Live viewing is not included.
At the time of publication, Paramount+ Premium is listed at $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year. Paramount+ Essential is listed at $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year. Plans and prices can change, so viewers should confirm current details directly through Paramount+ before subscribing.
Who Is Performing at the 2026 VMAs?
Madonna is set to open the awards, returning to the VMAs stage for the first time in 23 years and entering the night with 13 nominations. The announced performance roster also includes GENER8ION, LISA, Shaboozey, Gunna, SIENNA SPIRO and Yung Lean, with more artists expected to be part of the celebration.
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments will be the George Michael tribute from RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims. Taylor Swift’s new Artist Director Honors recognition spotlights artists whose work behind the camera has helped expand music video storytelling, while Nirvana’s Video Vanguard Award honors the band’s lasting impact on music, culture and MTV.
Fans looking to follow the race before the show can find the current categories and voting information at MTV’s official VMAs voting site.
What to Watch on Paramount+ After the VMAs
After the awards, Paramount+ subscribers can move from music to live sports including UFC, NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League, along with originals such as MobLand Season 2, Lioness Season 3 and Dutton Ranch. The platform’s fall lineup also includes CBS originals including Marshals, Tracker and NCIS ahead of CBS Premiere Week, as well as upcoming Premium-plan releases including new seasons of Yellowjackets and Dexter: Resurrection.
How to Watch the 2026 MTV VMAs
Live broadcast: Sunday, September 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT on CBS and MTV.
Live stream: Paramount+ Premium subscribers in the U.S. can watch through their local CBS affiliate feed.
On demand: Paramount+ Essential subscribers can stream the VMAs beginning Monday, September 28. Premium subscribers can also watch on demand after the broadcast.
For the official VMAs hub and live-stream information, visit Paramount+’s MTV Video Music Awards page.
2026 VMAs FAQ
What time do the 2026 MTV VMAs start?
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards begin Sunday, September 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.
Can Paramount+ Essential subscribers watch the VMAs live?
No. Paramount+ Essential does not include the live VMAs stream. The show will be available on demand on Monday, September 28.
Who is hosting the 2026 MTV VMAs?
Snoop Dogg hosts the 2026 ceremony from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
What channel are the 2026 MTV VMAs on?
The awards air live on CBS and simulcast on MTV.
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Thomas Miller is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Seat42F, covering television, movies and streaming entertainment. He launched Seat42F in 2007 and has spent nearly two decades covering the entertainment industry.
