How to Watch the Critics Choice Awards
To watch the Critics Choice Awards, first check whether the current edition is televised or streamed, as formats and partners can change across years. The event is typically held in early January and aired on a major broadcast network; from 2022 onward, the ceremony moved to television on The CW, while prior years sometimes aired on E! or other cable channels. To confirm how to watch the Critics Choice Awards for the current cycle, consult the Critics Choice Association’s official announcements, a trusted TV listings source, or the schedule of your streaming service. Below are the most common, reliable ways to tune in.
TV Broadcast
For viewers who use traditional television, the simplest path is to identify which over-the-air or cable channel is carrying the program. In recent editions, The CW has served as the primary U.S. broadcast home, replacing E! after the show moved from cable to broadcast television in 2022. Because broadcasters and carriage agreements can change, always verify the local affiliate and schedule through a TV listings site or your provider’s guide. If you rely on an antenna, check which station—often a CW affiliate in major markets—carries the network feed on the ceremony date.
Find Your Local Channel
Use your ZIP code on The CW’s station finder or your provider’s network map to confirm the local affiliate that will carry the broadcast. Search tools on TV Guide or similar sites can also show you the channel number and start time in your area. During election years or when sports overruns occur, some affiliates may preempt the ceremony for live news or games, so check a few days before the event.
Streaming and On-Demand Options
If you prefer streaming, you can watch through services that carry the broadcast network or the event’s digital home. Many modern smart TVs, streaming media sticks, and gaming consoles include the The CW app, which streams the network’s programming live and on demand where available. You can also use subscription streaming tiers that include cable network add-ons, such as services that carry E! or live TV packages with broadcast feeds. Note that availability varies by region due to licensing, and some years the Critics Choice Awards have appeared on Max or other digital platforms when special editions or simulcasts were arranged.
Live Streaming and Apps
- The CW App and Website: Where available, this is the primary streaming option for the broadcast network stream.
- Live TV Services: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and similar services that include The CW or the cable network previously airing the show.
- Network Portals: E! or other past broadcasters may offer live streams through their apps or websites when they hold rights.
International Viewing
Outside the United States, the Critics Choice Awards are less consistently broadcast on free television, so viewers may need to rely on international entertainment channels, specialty film or pop culture networks, or digital services that secure regional rights. In some countries, the ceremony is delayed and aired on cable channels focused on movies and entertainment, or it may appear on streaming platforms that aggregate international red-carpet events. If you are traveling or outside the U.S. broadcast footprint, check local TV listings or the streaming service’s catalog for the event date and time.
Check Local Listings
Use an international TV listings guide or the guide within your streaming app to see whether a local or regional broadcaster has scheduled the Critics Choice Awards. Look for channels that focus on general entertainment, movies, or awards coverage, and verify the start time, as it may be shifted to accommodate time zones.
Cable and Satellite Alternatives
Even when the broadcast moves to The CW, some cable and satellite providers continue to carry E! or related networks that previously held rights, especially in areas with limited CW coverage or during transitional periods. If you prefer a familiar UI, you can watch through your provider’s set-top box or their companion app that supports live TV. Note that high-profile awards shows can attract temporary blackout rules on certain streaming services, so confirm access ahead of time.
Provider Apps and Cloud DVR
Many cable and satellite apps provide a live stream of your channel lineup, and some allow you to use cloud DVR to automatically record the ceremony. Set a reminder in your provider’s app to ensure the program is recorded if you cannot watch live; archived recordings are usually available for at least a short window after the event.
Key Viewing Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical U.S. Broadcast Home (Recent) | The CW | Network announcement and news reports |
| Prior U.S. Broadcast Homes | E! (and select cable channels) | Past press releases and TV schedules |
| Typical Timing | Early January, following major fall film awards | Historical event calendars |
| Digital Platforms | The CW App, Live TV services, select streaming portals | Platform availability and rights notices |
| International Availability | Variable; regional networks or streaming services | Local listings and service catalogs |
Plan Ahead to Ensure Smooth Viewing
Because channel assignments and streaming rights can shift, confirm how to watch the Critics Choice Awards close to the event date. Check The CW’s schedule, your local affiliate, and any streaming service you plan to use; set reminders for start time, and if live viewing is not possible, confirm cloud DVR or on-demand availability. If you rely on an antenna, run a channel scan a day or two before the show to verify continued broadcast reception, and watch for any preemption notices from your local station.