Trevor Noah Hosts Final CBS Grammy Broadcast Before Historic Move to Disney Platforms
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Trevor Noah returns to host the ceremony for the sixth and final time as the music industry gathers to honor the year's best recordings. This broadcast marks the end of a long era for CBS before the show moves to a new network home next year.
Decades of Broadcasting Partnership Conclude with Upcoming Ceremony
This event represents a significant milestone in television history, it marks the conclusion of a partnership spanning more than 50 years between the Recording Academy and CBS. Viewership habits have shifted dramatically in recent years, traditional television audiences have declined while digital streaming consumption has surged. This evolution has forced major award shows to adapt their distribution strategies, the Grammys are no exception as they prepare for a major transition in 2027. The upcoming broadcast serves as a farewell to the traditional model, producers aim to capture high ratings before the distribution rights shift to a competitor.
Streaming Protocols and Key Schedules for Sunday Broadcast
The main telecast begins promptly at 8:00 PM ET on CBS, subscribers to Paramount+ with Showtime can stream the event live alongside the broadcast. Those with the Essential plan must wait until the following day for on demand access, cord cutters can use services like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV to watch the feed. Trevor Noah returns for his final turn as master of ceremonies, he guides the audience through performances and award presentations at the Crypto.com Arena. Kendrick Lamar leads the field with nine nominations, other major contenders include Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny.
Dedicated fans can tune in earlier for the Premiere Ceremony, this separate event covers the majority of the specific category awards. It takes place at the Peacock Theater at 12:30 PM PT, the Academy will stream this portion for free on their official website and YouTube channel. Darren Criss serves as host for the afternoon session, he will present trophies across dozens of niche genres before the primetime spectacle begins.
Disney Deal Promises to Reshape Future Award Accessibility
The broadcasting landscape changes radically after this ceremony, the Walt Disney Company takes over rights starting in 2027 under a new ten year agreement. This shift moves the show to ABC, Hulu, and Disney+, it aims to capture a younger and digitally native audience. Industry analysts suggest this multi platform strategy is essential for long term relevance, it allows viewers to engage across various devices simultaneously to reverse recent viewership trends.
Music fans should verify their local listings or subscription status before Sunday evening. This broadcast offers a final chance to witness the traditional CBS format before the show enters its new era of streaming integration.
