How To Watch The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards

The MTV Video Music Awards — which takes place Sunday, September 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles at 7:30 p.m., airing on MTV, CBS, and Paramount+ — has been a cultural touchstone since the mid-1980s. 

Between the countless memorable VMA moments and the art of the music video becoming more respected, the perception of the VMAs quickly changed in the zeitgeist. Winning a VMA has become a coveted form of recognition for mainstream artists who value their aesthetic as much as their sound.

Unsurprisingly, the list of nominees is pretty stacked this year. The crop was announced on August 18, with Madonna leading the pack. She amassed an epic 11 nominations in total, with Taylor Swift following her closely with nine. From there, pop stars Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande are tied for the third-most nominations with seven each. Bruno Mars, Zara Larsson, and PinkPantheress have five each.

The ceremony has typically been held on Sundays, though not always. The event is also usually held in September, and since the VMAs began in 1984, it has taken place within this month 28 times. The event has often taken place in August as well, but only 15 times to date, between 2002 and 2022. The 2025 VMAs — when Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ariana Grande won big, took place on the first Sunday of September.

This year, the VMAs will air live from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern time, or 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Pacific time, which means it'll be over early enough for you and your friends to continue your awards show party well into the evening.

Iconic rapper Snoop Dogg was announced as the host for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on September 10. Before CBS and MTV confirmed that Snoop would be MCing this year, eager music fans had their speculations about who might lead the night. They had their sights on one of his fellow rap superstars: Cardi B. Conversation around the possibility grew on social media in August, but it was all just a rumor. 

That said, it's a no-brainer to have a charismatic generational star like Snoop helm the stage, especially considering his history with the show. He's won three VMAs and been nominated for 13 over the years. Plus, he's performed at the event four times: in 1994, 1999, 2005, and 2022. 

The official list of 2026 MTV Video Music Awards performers is insanely stacked. The night's most nominated artist, quintessential 1980s pop legend Madonna, has been announced as the evening's opening performer — which marks her first performance at the VMAs in 23 years. Also taking the stage during the event are K-pop star Lisa, pop crooner Raye, TikTok sensation Sienna Spiro, country-hip hop vocalist Shaboozey, producer Gener8ion, and rappers Gunna and Yung Lean.

Additionally, country star Kacey Musgraves will honor the late country and cultural legend Dolly Parton with a tribute performance, while Raye will perform a tribute to the late pop icon George Michael alongside SOMBR and Teddy Swims. 

If you're looking to watch the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards live, you have a few options this year, depending on if you're the streaming or the live TV type. The event will be broadcast live on CBS across the United States. The show will also be simultaneously broadcast, naturally, on MTV.

As for streaming options, fans can catch the VMAs on Paramount+, which requires a subscription. Unfortunately, the brand isn't currently offering a free trial subscription, but $8.99 will get you a basic subscription, called Paramount+ Essential, which gives viewers access to the full event on demand the next day. The $12.99 tier, Paramount+ Premium, will get audiences access to the live broadcast of the VMAs through their local CBS station's live feed.

Otherwise, a few internet-based live TV services such as YouTube TV or Fubo that have access to CBS or MTV will get you there as well.