In a significant programming shift, the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) will be broadcast live on CBS for the first time ever. The major music event is scheduled for Sunday, September 7, 2025, maintaining its connection with MTV through a simulcast.
Here’s the Lowdown: The 2025 VMAs ceremony will air live from the UBS Arena on CBS from 8:00-11:00 PM ET / 5:00-8:00 PM PT on September 7. The broadcast will also run simultaneously on MTV. Additionally, a one-hour live pre-show will air across various Paramount Media Networks channels. Further details regarding nominations and performers will be announced later.
What This Means Now: This move places one of music’s biggest annual events onto a major US broadcast network, potentially expanding its viewership reach considerably compared to its traditional cable home. It represents a strategic decision to leverage CBS’s broader audience base while keeping the MTV brand involved.
The Bigger Picture: The decision follows a successful 2024 VMAs, which reportedly achieved its largest multi-network audience in four years and high social media engagement. Bringing the event to CBS could further elevate its profile and advertising potential. This collaboration between the cable channel and its broadcast network sibling reflects ongoing adjustments in media distribution strategies for large-scale live events. Bruce Gillmer and Jesse Ignjatovic return as executive producers.
