The question “where can I watch the CMA Awards 2025” is on the minds of country-music fans across the U.S. with good reason. The 59th Annual CMA Awards are set to broadcast live on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, and there are multiple viewing options available, whether you’re tuning in on traditional television or streaming on your device. Here’s your complete guide to how to watch, when to tune in, and what you can expect—so you don’t miss a moment.
Broadcast Date and Time
Mark your calendar: the CMA Awards will be presented live on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The ceremony kicks off at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) and 7:00 p.m. Central Time (CT). For viewers on the West Coast, the show airs at 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT). Make sure you’ve confirmed your local channel lineup or streaming settings ahead of time so you’re ready when the red-carpet arrives.
Live Television Viewing on ABC
If you prefer the classic way to watch award shows, your go-to is the U.S. network ABC. In nearly every market nationwide, your local ABC affiliate will carry the live broadcast. With a cable or satellite subscription, or even just a digital antenna, you’re set.
Here’s the breakdown of how to watch via ABC:
- Tune your TV to the ABC channel in your area for 8/7c.
- Lounge in front of your home entertainment system for live performances, presenters, and winners.
- Use an HD antenna if you prefer a free option; many households pick up ABC over the air without subscription fees.
Live broadcast ensures you’ll experience all moments as they happen—including surprise wins, unscripted reactions, and live musical numbers.
Streaming the CMA Awards Live
If cable isn’t your thing—or you’ve gone full-streaming—you’ll be glad to know the live show is available via live-TV streaming services. These platforms offer the real-time broadcast of ABC, so you can watch the CMA Awards just as you would on traditional television.
Here’s how to stream live:
- Choose a service that includes ABC in your region (common options are Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream).
- Make sure your subscription is active and you’re signed in ahead of time.
- On the night of the show, open your app around 8:00 p.m. ET to watch live.
- Use your TV app, streaming device, computer or tablet—whatever fits your setup.
Streaming live gives you the flexibility of watching on any device, and you don’t have to deal with cable boxes, routing issues, or extra cords. Just connect to Wi-Fi and go.
Next-Day Replay via Hulu
Even if you can’t catch the show live—or simply want to rewind your favorite moments—there’s a solid fallback: the show will be available on-demand through Hulu starting the next day. That means you can watch when it’s convenient, pause when you need a break, or re-watch the standout performances and winners.
Here’s how to access the replay:
- Make sure you’ve got a standard Hulu subscription (live-TV tier not required).
- After the live broadcast concludes, the full show will appear in the Hulu library.
- Browse to the CMA Awards title, press play, and enjoy at your own pace.
This gives you flexibility to catch the show later—perfect if you’re hosting, occupied at that time, or just prefer on-demand viewing.
Options for Cord-Cutters and Budget-Watchers
If you’ve cut the cable cord (or never had it), you still have strong options:
- HD Antenna – Many U.S. homes can pick up ABC with an antenna for free. Live show, no app, no subscription.
- Live-TV Streaming for a Month – Subscribing for just one month can give you access to the awards without long-term commitment. Cancel after the show if you like.
- Hulu Replay – No live streaming needed; just catch it the following day with a basic Hulu subscription.
These approaches make watching accessible whether you’re on a budget or just want to keep things simple.
Time Zone Reminder & Live Viewing Tips
Because the show is live, timing matters. Here’s a quick reminder of what time the show starts, broken down by time zone:
- Eastern Time (ET): 8:00 p.m.
- Central Time (CT): 7:00 p.m.
- Mountain Time (MT): 7:00 p.m.
- Pacific Time (PT): 8:00 p.m.
To get the best experience:
- Log in and open your streaming app 10–15 minutes early.
- Make sure your internet connection is stable (for streaming).
- If using an antenna, test reception ahead of time to ensure you’ve got a strong signal.
- Close other heavy-bandwidth applications (e.g., downloads, gaming) to prevent buffering.
- For live social sharing: prepare your hashtags, reactions, and beverage of choice.
Getting ready before 8 p.m. will reduce the risk of missing the start or running into tech glitches.
Full Watch-List of Viewing Methods
Here’s a clear table summarizing all options:
| Viewing Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Live on ABC (Cable/Satellite/OTA) | Tune to local ABC channel at 8/7c | Traditional TV viewers |
| Live via Streaming Service | Open streaming app with live ABC feed at show time | Cord-cutters, streaming enthusiasts |
| Next-Day Replay on Hulu | Watch full show on Hulu after live broadcast | On-demand watchers |
| HD Antenna Only | Free over-air ABC signal, no subscription required | Budget-conscious viewers |
Regardless of which method you choose, you’ll be able to experience the show in full and on your schedule.
What to Expect from the Show
When you ask “where can I watch the CMA Awards 2025,” you’re really asking how you can join one of country music’s biggest nights. The awards show delivers:
- Live Performances – Big-name artists, surprise guest appearances, powerful duets.
- Award Presentations – Major categories like Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Male/Female Vocalist of the Year.
- Red-Carpet Coverage – Pre-show fashion, celebrity interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses.
- Special Honors – Lifetime achievements, career milestones, emotional tributes.
- High Production Value – Live band, stage design, lighting, and visual spectacle.
Whether you’re a casual viewer or a dedicated country-music fan, watching live ensures you don’t miss key moments or the crowd’s reaction to big wins.
Devices & Setup Recommendations
To make sure your viewing experience is as smooth as possible:
- On a smart TV: Install or open the streaming app ahead of time; make sure TV software is updated.
- On a streaming stick or box: Confirm the device is connected, powered, and working; test other content beforehand to ensure connection.
- On a tablet or phone: Use Wi-Fi (not mobile data) if possible for better reliability; tilt the device or connect to a stand for comfort.
- For sound: If available, connect to external speakers or soundbar for fuller experience; live award shows benefit from strong audio.
- In a group setting: Start early, minimize distractions, ready snacks/drinks—and consider situating seats for best screen view.
A little preparation will enhance your viewing, keep you from scrambling at kickoff, and let you simply enjoy the show.
Why It Matters
Knowing where can I watch the CMA Awards 2025 isn’t just about semantics—it’s about being part of the event in real time. Here’s why the live-viewing choice makes a difference:
- Shared experience – Millions of people will tune in at once; watching live keeps you in sync with the full energy of the evening.
- Social value – Real-time watching means you can chat on social media, join live-tweet threads or share reactions.
- Timeliness – Winners and standout moments are freshest when watched live; spoiler alerts abound.
- Community – Country-music fans and TV viewers alike treat this night as a communal event.
Selecting the right method ensures you’re not just “catching it later,” but actively participating in the broadcast moment.
What to Do Before the Show
To be fully prepared, here are a few pre-show steps:
- Confirm your channel lineup: Make sure ABC is included, either in your cable/satellite plan or your streaming platform.
- Ensure your streaming app is installed and updated; ensure you’re logged in.
- If using an antenna, run a quick channel scan or check signal strength ahead of time.
- Check your devices: Sleep mode, updates, or power issues could interfere—fix these before showtime.
- Decide viewing location: Living room, bedroom, tablet on the go—whatever works for your fellow viewers.
- Clear your schedule: Since live shows often include surprise performances or segments at the very start, plan to tune in right at the designated time.
Taking these steps in advance means you’ll relax into the experience rather than rushing at kickoff.
FAQ: Common Questions
Q: Can I watch if my streaming service doesn’t list ABC?
A: If ABC isn’t included in your streaming plan, you’ll need a different service or rely on an antenna. The next-day Hulu replay remains an option.
Q: What if I’m traveling or in a different time zone?
A: Live streaming on services that carry ABC will generally show the broadcast at 8 p.m. local PT if you’re on the West Coast. Next-day Hulu is global (within U.S.) so you won’t miss it.
Q: Will I need to pay extra to watch live?
A: If you already have a cable/satellite plan with ABC or a streaming plan that includes ABC, no extra payment is needed. For the on-demand Hulu replay, you just need a standard Hulu subscription.
Q: Can I watch on my phone?
A: Absolutely. With a streaming device or the Hulu app, you can watch on a tablet or phone—just ensure a strong internet connection.
Q: Are there any local variants or broadcast delays?
A: In most U.S. markets the show airs live. It’s always smart to check your local ABC affiliate listing to confirm.
Wrap–Up
If you’ve been wondering where can I watch the CMA Awards 2025, the answer is clear and accessible: tune in live on ABC on November 19, stream via a service that carries ABC, or catch the replay on Hulu the next day. Whether you’re settled in for the live red-carpet thrills or prefer to watch later on your schedule, there’s a viewing option that works for you.
Get ready for a night of top-tier country-music performances, big winner announcements, and memorable moments. Whether you’re watching solo, with friends, or hosting your own viewing party—be prepared, set your time zone and device, and enjoy the show.
Feel free to drop a comment below with your viewing setup, your predicted winners, or who you’re most excited to see on stage—let’s keep the conversation going!