The Grammy Awards air on U.S. broadcast television on CBS and are streamed live on Paramount+, while international viewers often watch on regional networks and services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and local broadcasters. For cord-cutters, live TV streaming apps that carry CBS—including Paramount+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fubo—provide access, and each option varies in cost, availability, and channel requirements. Below is a durable, practical breakdown of how and where you can watch the Grammys, updated for the most common current platforms.
Primary U.S. Broadcast and Live Stream Options
In the United States, the Grammys are produced and aired by CBS, with the network’s parent company Paramount operating the main live stream on Paramount+. This live stream is included with a Paramount+ subscription, and Paramount+ is available on a wide range of devices including smart TVs, game consoles, streaming boxes, and mobile apps. If you do not subscribe to Paramount+, you can add the channel via live TV streaming services that carry CBS, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or fubo. These services typically include CBS in their base plans, though local CBS affiliate availability can vary by market. Cable and satellite subscribers usually receive CBS as part of their package and can watch the Grammys via their set-top box or cable app.
Watching Over-the-Air with an Antenna
If you prefer not to subscribe to any paid TV or streaming service, you can receive CBS over the air with a suitable indoor or outdoor antenna. The Grammys air on CBS in standard and high definition, and an antenna paired with a digital TV tuner or a TV with a built-in ATSC tuner will pick up the local CBS affiliate. To confirm reception, check the channel number assigned to CBS in your area using your zip code on the FCC’s station search tool. Note that broadcast channels may appear differently in some regions, and a strong line-of-sight to the broadcast tower improves reception quality.
Live TV Streaming Services Compared
For viewers who have cut the cord or do not have cable, live TV streaming is the most straightforward way to watch the Grammys on a television. Below is a concise comparison of the most common services that carry CBS live, including approximate pricing tiers and device availability.
| Service | Plan with CBS (approximate) | CBS Live Stream Included | Key Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ (with ads) | $6–7/month | Yes | Smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming sticks, web |
| Paramount+ (without ads) | $12–14/month | Yes | Smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming sticks, web |
| YouTube TV | 1$72–75/month | Yes | Smart TVs, phones, tablets, Chromecast, streaming sticks |
| Hulu + Live TV (with ads) | 1$76–80/month | Yes | Smart TVs, phones, tablets, Fire TV, streaming sticks |
| Fubo | 1$65–70/month | Yes | Smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming sticks, web |
| DirecTV Stream | 1$70–75/month | Yes | Smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming sticks, web |
| AT&T TV NOW | 1$65–75/month | Yes | Smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming sticks, web |
1Prices reflect typical introductory or standard tiers as of 2023 and may vary by region and promotional periods. All listed services include live CBS in most markets, but you should confirm local CBS affiliate availability in your area.
International Viewing Options
Outside the United States, the Grammys are licensed to a range of broadcasters and streaming platforms depending on the country. In many regions, you can watch on a national television network, and in others, international or localized streaming services carry the event. Viewing options can change year to year, so it is best to check the official Grammy website or an authorized partner for the most current information for your country.
Common International Platforms
- Amazon Prime Video or Prime Video Channels in select countries
- Apple TV and the Apple TV app through partners or regional stores
- Local broadcast networks that hold Grammy rights in your territory
- Regional streaming services that aggregate international music events
How to Watch on Mobile Devices and Smart TVs
Most streaming apps and smart TV platforms support the services that carry the Grammys. If you plan to watch on a smart TV, confirm that your TV can install the app for your chosen service (for example, the Paramount+ app, YouTube TV app, or the CBS app where available). On mobile devices, download the official app from the App Store or Google Play, sign in or subscribe, and verify that your plan includes the relevant live channel. Some services offer cloud DVR, which can be useful to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Cost Considerations and Trade-offs
Cost and channel availability are the main trade-offs when choosing where to watch the Grammys. The lowest-cost path in the U.S. is typically Paramount+ with ads plus a separate antenna for over-the-air backup, while services such as YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV provide a bundled approach if you also want other live channels. Consider whether you need only the Grammys or ongoing live TV, and choose accordingly. International viewers should weigh local subscription costs against the availability of multi-region services such as Apple TV or Prime Video Channels.
Accessing Past Grammy Episodes
If you missed the live broadcast, you can watch previous Grammy ceremonies on Paramount+ (where available as on-demand content) and, in some regions, on licensed streaming services or digital rental platforms. Note that recent years of Grammys are more likely to be available for streaming than older ceremonies, which may require a DVD purchase or a visit to a library. Availability windows vary by service and region.
Summary Table: U.S. Options to Watch the Grammys Live
| Option | Cost (approximate) | Requires Antenna | Live Stream Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ (with ads) | $6–7/month | No | Yes | Lowest cost; CBS live stream included |
| Paramount+ (no ads) | $12–14/month | No | Yes | Higher cost; same live stream, fewer interruptions |
| YouTube TV | 1$72–75/month | No | Yes | Broad channel lineup; local CBS in most areas |
| Hulu + Live TV | 1$76–80/month | No | Yes | Large channel library; includes CBS |
| OTA antenna + Paramount+ | Low (antenna) + subscription | Yes (for OTA) | Yes (via Paramount+) | Combine over-the-air CBS with streaming for redundancy |
1Prices are approximate and can vary by region and promotions. Confirm local CBS affiliate availability with each service.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Check that your streaming service or cable package includes the local CBS affiliate in your ZIP code.
- Update your streaming apps and smart TV firmware before the awards to avoid compatibility issues.
- If using an antenna, ensure proper placement and consider an amplifier if the signal is weak.
- For mobile viewing, verify that your plan is not restricted to on-demand-only content in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Paramount+ include the Grammys live? Yes, Paramount+ streams CBS live, including the Grammys, as part of the base subscription in the U.S.
- Can I watch the Grammys for free? Yes, you can watch for free with an antenna and a local CBS broadcast, or via a free trial of a streaming service that carries CBS.
- Is the Grammys blacked out in any region? Blackouts are rare for major awards shows on national networks, but local affiliate scheduling or streaming restrictions can occur; always check your local CBS affiliate and service terms.
- What devices support the Paramount+ app? Smart TVs, streaming media players, game consoles, mobile devices, and most smart platforms support Paramount+.
Choosing where to watch the Grammys depends on whether you prefer a low-cost standalone streaming plan, a bundled live TV service, or a free antenna-based option. Because the awards are produced by CBS, your best universal option in the U.S. is a way to access CBS live—either directly through Paramount+ or via a streaming service that carries the network. For international viewers, confirm regional licensing with official sources, and align your choice with your budget and viewing habits.