Which Awards and Which Channel
The main Country music award shows air on specific networks and official streaming platforms. The Country Music Association Awards (CMAs) are broadcast on ABC in the United States and streamed on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and the ABC app with a TV provider login. The Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMAs) historically air on CBS and are available via Paramount+, while the CMT Music Awards typically air on CMT and stream on Pluto TV and The CW app. These details are generally stable year to year, though exact channel assignments can change when networks renew agreements.
Primary Country Music Awards and Their Homes
Below are the most prominent annual Country music award shows and their typical broadcast or live streaming homes in the United States. Because carriage and streaming partners can shift, always verify the current year through the official award show site or your TV provider’s guide.
| Award Show | Usual Channel in the US | Typical Streaming Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMA Awards | ABC | Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, ABC app with TV provider | Aired since 1968; generally consistent network home |
| ACM Awards | CBS | Paramount+, CBS app with TV provider, YouTube TV | Moved to CBS in recent years after years on NBC |
| CMT Music Awards | CMT | Pluto TV (CMT FAST), The CW app, Philo | Cable network awards; may vary by year |
How to Watch From Home
To watch the awards live, you usually need either a live TV stream that includes the broadcast network or a TV provider login through an official network app. If you subscribe to a streaming service that carries the network, select the channel within the app and tune in at the scheduled time. Alternatively, use the ABC, CBS, or CMT apps with an active TV provider username and password to access the live stream. Antennas can pick over-the-air broadcasts for local ABC, CBS, or CW affiliates; ensure the antenna is properly positioned and the TV is set to the correct channel.
Find the Right Channel Without Guessing
Because channel lineups and streaming rights change, the simplest approach is to check the official award show website or your TV provider’s guide. Search for your provider’s channel list or use a zip code lookup on the network’s site to confirm the local channel number. Streaming subscribers can open the network’s app and select Live TV or Guide to see upcoming programming. These steps reduce confusion on the night of the show and ensure you find the correct channel and stream quickly.
International Viewing Options
Outside the United States, the availability of these awards varies by country. In Canada, CMA and ACM awards sometimes air on CMT Canada or are carried by partners that also carry ABC, CBS, or CW content through authorized services. In the United Kingdom and other regions, the shows may be delayed on networks that license Country music programming or appear on digital music-focused platforms. Check local listings or the official awards site for region-specific details, because international carriage is less consistent than in the US.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- CMA Awards typically air on ABC and stream on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and the ABC app
- ACM Awards usually air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ and the CBS app
- CMT Music Awards are generally on CMT and stream on Pluto TV and The CW app
- Streaming requires a TV provider login for most live network streams, or an antenna for over-the-air options
- Always confirm the channel for the current year via the official show site or your provider’s guide