How to watch the 2025 CMA Awards live
The Country Music Association Awards typically air on ABC in the United States, with related pre-shows and after-shows across Disney—owned networks and digital platforms. To watch the 2025 CMA Awards, you can tune in on the ABC broadcast in over the air or on a cable or satellite package, or stream via services that carry local ABC affiliates. This evergreen guide explains where to watch, how to confirm local availability, and how to access replays on demand so you don’t miss the performances and winners.
Primary broadcast and streaming options
In most U.S. markets, the 2025 CMA Awards will air on ABC as a live network telecast. The same local ABC affiliate that carries other primetime programming will carry the awards. Because station ownership and channel position vary by market, your exact affiliate and channel number will depend on where you live. If you subscribe to cable or satellite, you will generally find ABC in the local channel lineup; if you rely on streaming, choose a service that includes the local ABC affiliate in your area.
- Over the air: an antenna can receive local ABC in most markets
- Cable/satellite: check your provider’s lineup for the local ABC affiliate
- Streaming with local channels: services that include ABC and local affiliates in your region
Check your local ABC affiliate and channel
Because the CMA Awards air live on ABC, the most reliable way to know where to watch is to identify your local ABC affiliate and its channel number. Broadcasters and cable systems can differ by city and county, so a station that carries ABC in one area may differ from a neighboring region. Use TV network websites or popular TV listings apps to enter your ZIP code or city and confirm the local ABC affiliate and channel before awards night.
Streaming services that include local ABC
Not all streaming services carry local ABC channels, and availability can change as carriage agreements evolve. As of the latest publicly available information, the services below are commonly reported to carry local ABC affiliates in many markets. Because local channel access depends on your location and the service’s carriage agreements, confirm within each service using ZIP code or city before relying on it for live awards coverage.
| Streaming Service | Typical access to local ABC | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DirecTV Stream | Usually includes local ABC in many markets | Channel lineup varies by location; check ZIP code |
| FuboTV | Often carries local ABC in supported markets | —|
| YouTube TV | Generally includes local ABC in eligible locations | Availability is determined by local agreements and GPS |
| AT&T TV | May include local ABC in some regions | Verify local channel access in your area |
| Philo | Does not include local ABC channels | Focuses on entertainment and news cable channels; not suitable for live network awards |
How to check if you can stream the 2025 CMA Awards where you live
Because local channel availability is market dependent, follow these steps before awards day to confirm access and avoid surprises:
- Note your city, state, and ZIP code.
- Visit the ABC network site or a trusted TV listings service and enter your location to identify the local ABC affiliate and channel number.
- Check streaming service plans and supported areas to see whether that local ABC affiliate is included where you live.
- If you use an antenna, ensure it is positioned for your area’s broadcast band (VHF/UHF) and check signal strength.
- Test your chosen method with a live channel stream ahead of the awards to confirm it works in time for the event.
Alternatives if local ABC is not available
If your location does not have convenient access to a local ABC affiliate, consider these alternatives:
- Check whether your cable or satellite provider offers an out of market sports or national network package that includes ABC.
- Use an antenna designed for your broadcast band to capture over the air signals if you are within range.
- Explore short-term streaming subscriptions from services that add local ABC in your market during major events.
- Verify whether the network’s app or services like Hulu + Live TV provide trials that include ABC during awards season.
What to expect from the 2025 CMA Awards broadcast
While exact segments and performers are announced closer to the event, the CMA Awards typically feature live presentations, recorded performances, acceptance speeches, and special tributes. Winners in major categories are announced live during the telecast. Pre-shows and post-shows may offer interviews, red carpet moments, and deeper analysis of performances. Expect the broadcast to run several hours, with commercial breaks aligned to network advertising schedules. If you plan to stream the event, choose a service with sufficient bandwidth and low-latency delivery for a smoother live experience.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will the 2025 CMA Awards be available to stream after the live airing?
Yes, full episodes are commonly available on demand through ABC’s official platforms, the ABC app, and supported cable or streaming providers for a limited time after the live broadcast.
Can I watch the CMA Awards on my smart TV or mobile device?
If your smart TV or mobile device supports the streaming service that carries your local ABC affiliate, you can watch the awards there. Confirm that the service you choose includes local channels in your area and supports your device.
Are there any reliable free options to watch the 2025 CMA Awards?
Over the air viewing with an antenna is a free option if you are within range of your local ABC affiliate’s broadcast. Some services may offer limited free trials that include ABC; verify eligibility and blackout rules with the provider.