If you are searching for CMA awards 2026 where to watch, the 60th Annual Country Music Association Awards are scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026. The ceremony will air live on ABC and stream live on Disney+ at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and 7 p.m. Central Time, with the program available on Hulu the following day. Country music fans can look forward to an evening of award presentations, live performances, and a special celebration marking six decades of the CMA Awards.
The 2026 ceremony will take place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, with country music star Lainey Wilson returning as host for the third consecutive year. The first announced performers include Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, and Tucker Wetmore. A special tribute to Dolly Parton is also planned.
For viewers at home, the main decision is whether to watch through a traditional television provider, stream the ceremony live, or catch up the following day. Understanding the confirmed broadcast details can help viewers choose the most convenient option before Country Music’s Biggest Night begins.
CMA Awards 2026: Date, Time, and TV Schedule
The 60th Annual CMA Awards will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. The live television ceremony is scheduled to run from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, bringing together country music performers, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals for one of the genre’s major annual events.
Here are the essential broadcast details.
| Event detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Event | 60th Annual CMA Awards |
| Date | Wednesday, November 18, 2026 |
| Start time | 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT |
| Television channel | ABC |
| Live streaming | Disney+ |
| Next-day streaming | Hulu, November 19 |
| Host | Lainey Wilson |
| Venue | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee |
| Expected broadcast length | Three hours |
The date, broadcast window, and viewing platforms have been announced by the Country Music Association and ABC. Viewers should check their local ABC listings for any market-specific scheduling details.
The event will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the CMA Awards, which first took place in 1967. That milestone gives the 2026 ceremony additional significance for fans following the history and development of country music.
Where to Watch the CMA Awards 2026 on TV
For viewers who prefer traditional television, ABC is the primary channel for watching the 2026 CMA Awards live.
The ceremony will air nationally on Wednesday, November 18, beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and 7 p.m. Central Time. ABC’s availability makes the broadcast accessible to many households with a cable, satellite, or live television package that includes the network.
Watch Through a Cable or Satellite Subscription
Viewers with an eligible television package can watch the ceremony by selecting ABC at the scheduled start time.
The exact channel number depends on the television provider and location. Cable and satellite customers should check their electronic program guide before the broadcast to confirm the correct channel and schedule.
This option is particularly convenient for people who want to watch the ceremony on a large television without switching between streaming applications.
Watch ABC With an Antenna
Households that receive local broadcast television may also be able to watch ABC using a compatible over-the-air antenna.
Availability and signal quality depend on the household’s location, antenna placement, and local broadcast coverage. Viewers should scan for available channels ahead of the event rather than waiting until the ceremony begins.
An antenna can be a useful option for households that do not maintain a traditional cable subscription. However, receiving ABC over the air does not guarantee reception in every location.
Check Your Local ABC Schedule
Although the national broadcast time has been announced, checking the local ABC affiliate is still worthwhile. Local listings can help viewers confirm their channel number and ensure that their television setup is ready.
Those planning to record the show should allow enough time for the full three-hour broadcast. Keeping a small recording buffer may also help if the program’s schedule changes.
How to Stream the CMA Awards 2026 Live
Viewers who prefer streaming have a confirmed live option: Disney+. The ceremony is also scheduled to air on ABC, allowing eligible viewers to choose between television and streaming.
Streaming availability can depend on the service, subscription eligibility, geographic location, and the device being used.
Watch Live on Disney+
Disney+ is one of the confirmed platforms for the 2026 CMA Awards broadcast.
Subscribers can check the service’s live programming or event listing before November 18 to locate the ceremony and verify availability under their subscription. The exact navigation may vary by device and application version.
To prepare for the live stream:
- Confirm that your Disney+ subscription is active and eligible for the broadcast.
- Update the Disney+ application on your television, phone, tablet, or streaming device.
- Check your internet connection before the ceremony begins.
- Look for the CMA Awards listing ahead of the scheduled start time.
- Sign in early to avoid last-minute account or device problems.
Disney+ is a convenient choice for people who want to watch without relying on a traditional cable or satellite package.
However, viewers should not assume that every Disney+ subscription, device, or country necessarily offers identical access. Check the current availability shown in your account before the event.
Can You Watch Without Cable?
Yes. Disney+ provides a confirmed live-streaming option, so a traditional cable subscription is not necessary for everyone who wants to watch the ceremony.
The alternative is to receive ABC through an antenna, where local coverage permits. Some viewers may also have access to ABC through an eligible live television streaming package.
Before paying for a new service, check whether your existing subscriptions already provide access to the broadcast. This can help avoid unnecessary expenses, particularly if you only want to watch one awards show.
What About Other Live TV Streaming Services?
Some streaming television services carry local ABC stations in eligible markets. However, channel availability, package requirements, and pricing vary.
If you are considering a live TV streaming service specifically for the CMA Awards, verify three things before subscribing:
- Whether the service carries ABC in your ZIP code.
- Whether your chosen package includes the local station.
- Whether the program will be available live at the announced time.
Not every service carries every local affiliate, so a service’s general claim to offer ABC does not automatically guarantee access in your area.
Will the CMA Awards 2026 Be Available on Hulu?
Yes. The 2026 CMA Awards are scheduled to become available on Hulu the day after the live broadcast, Thursday, November 19.
This is the main confirmed catch-up option for people who cannot watch the ceremony on Wednesday evening.
The next-day availability is especially useful for viewers who work late, have other commitments, live in a different time zone, or simply prefer watching recorded programming.
How to Watch the Ceremony on Hulu
Once the program becomes available, eligible Hulu subscribers can look for the CMA Awards in the service’s programming library.
The listing may appear under the show’s full title, The 60th Annual CMA Awards. Viewers should confirm the availability of the complete program rather than assuming that short clips or highlight packages are equivalent to the full ceremony.
Keep the following points in mind:
- The announced Hulu availability is for the day after the live broadcast.
- Access depends on an eligible subscription and regional availability.
- The exact listing time on Thursday has not been separately confirmed in the available official announcement.
- Viewers should check their Hulu account for the program’s availability.
Hulu is the most straightforward confirmed choice for those who want to catch up after the live event rather than watch in real time.
CMA Awards 2026 Streaming Options Compared
The best viewing option depends on whether you prefer live television, online streaming, or next-day viewing.
| Viewing option | When to watch | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| ABC | November 18, live | Cable, satellite, and eligible broadcast TV viewers |
| Disney+ | November 18, live | Viewers who prefer streaming the ceremony |
| Hulu | November 19, next day | People who want to watch after the live broadcast |
| Eligible live TV streaming service | November 18, if ABC is available locally | Viewers replacing traditional pay television |
| Over-the-air antenna | November 18, if local ABC reception is available | Households receiving broadcast television |
For the simplest choice, watch ABC or Disney+ live on November 18. If that timing is inconvenient, Hulu is the confirmed next-day option.
International viewers should take additional care when choosing a service. The CMA’s international viewing information has not yet provided a complete list of confirmed overseas broadcasters for the 2026 ceremony.
Who Is Hosting the 2026 CMA Awards?
Lainey Wilson will return as host of the 60th Annual CMA Awards, marking her third consecutive year in the role.
Wilson is an established country music singer and songwriter whose career includes multiple CMA honors. Her return continues the recent tradition of placing a prominent country music artist at the center of the ceremony.
Hosting duties are an important part of the event because the presenter helps connect award announcements, musical performances, tributes, and other segments throughout the evening.
The 2026 ceremony also marks a major anniversary for the CMA Awards. The combination of Wilson’s return and the event’s 60th year gives the broadcast a distinct identity while maintaining its focus on recognizing achievements across country music.
Viewers tuning in for the host’s opening remarks can also expect the evening to include award presentations and performances from artists representing different generations and styles within the genre.
Which Artists Will Perform at the CMA Awards 2026?
The first performer announcement includes a mix of established country stars and artists who have become increasingly prominent in the genre.
The confirmed performers announced so far are:
- Cody Johnson
- Miranda Lambert
- Ella Langley
- Tim McGraw
- Kacey Musgraves
- The Red Clay Strays
- Zach Top
- Tucker Wetmore
The CMA has also announced a special tribute to Dolly Parton.
Additional performers and presenters may be announced as the ceremony approaches. Viewers should distinguish between names included in official announcements and artists who are merely rumored to appear.
Cody Johnson
Cody Johnson is among the first announced performers. He is also a nominee in several major categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year, and Music Video of the Year.
His appearance adds a contemporary country music perspective to the lineup.
Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert is another confirmed performer, with seven nominations in the 2026 awards.
Her nominations span multiple categories, reflecting her work as a recording artist and songwriter as well as her contributions to musical collaborations and album production.
Ella Langley
Ella Langley leads the 2026 CMA Awards nominations with nine. Her nominated categories include Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year, and Music Video of the Year.
Her presence among the first announced performers makes her one of the artists to watch during the ceremony.
Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw is scheduled to perform as the ceremony recognizes his long career in country music. He is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and a nominee in the Musical Event of the Year category.
His participation connects the event’s anniversary celebration with the careers of artists who have helped shape the genre over several decades.
Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves has also been confirmed as a performer. She has five nominations in 2026, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Female Vocalist of the Year.
Her work has reached audiences across traditional and contemporary country music, making her appearance a notable part of the announced lineup.
The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, and Tucker Wetmore
The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, and Tucker Wetmore round out the first group of announced performers.
The Red Clay Strays return to the awards season as nominees in the Vocal Group of the Year category. Zach Top, the reigning CMA New Artist of the Year, has two nominations this year, including Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year. Tucker Wetmore is nominated in the New Artist of the Year category.
The CMA has indicated that further announcements will follow. The full performance schedule, including the order in which artists will appear, should not be treated as confirmed unless officially released.
What Is the Special Dolly Parton Tribute?
A special tribute to Dolly Parton is planned for the 60th Annual CMA Awards.
Parton is one of country music’s most influential artists, known for her songwriting, recordings, distinctive voice, and contributions to entertainment and philanthropy.
The announcement places her legacy among the central themes of this year’s ceremony. A tribute during the awards provides an opportunity to recognize the influence her work has had on artists, songwriters, and audiences over multiple generations.
However, the announcement of a tribute does not establish every detail of how it will be presented. The specific performers involved, song selections, and exact running time should not be assumed unless confirmed by the CMA.
For viewers interested in the history of country music, the tribute is one of the notable elements to look forward to during the broadcast.
Why the 60th Annual CMA Awards Matter
The CMA Awards have recognized achievement in country music since 1967. Over the decades, the ceremony has become a major annual occasion for acknowledging the work of singers, musicians, songwriters, producers, and other professionals in the industry.
The 2026 edition marks 60 years of the awards, making it a significant milestone for the Country Music Association and the broader country music community.
Unlike awards determined solely by public voting, CMA nominees and winners are selected through the association’s professional voting membership. This approach reflects recognition from industry peers across different areas of country music.
The ceremony also offers viewers a snapshot of the genre at a particular moment. Established stars, emerging artists, collaborations, and performances all contribute to the picture of country music’s evolving sound.
For casual viewers, the event can be an introduction to artists they may not regularly follow. For longtime fans, it offers an opportunity to celebrate familiar performers and discover new music.
The 60th-anniversary setting adds a historical dimension to the 2026 show, but the broadcast remains focused on the year’s nominees, performances, and awards.
How to Prepare for CMA Awards Night
A little preparation can make it easier to watch the full ceremony without interruptions.
Confirm your viewing platform. Decide whether you will use ABC, Disney+, or Hulu the following day. If you plan to use a live TV streaming service, confirm that it carries your local ABC station.
Check your time zone. The nationally announced start time is 8 p.m. Eastern and 7 p.m. Central. Viewers in other regions should check local listings instead of relying on an unverified time conversion or an inconsistent listing.
Test your equipment. If you plan to stream the event, open the application in advance and confirm that your device and internet connection work properly.
Review the nominees. Familiarizing yourself with the categories and nominated artists can make the award presentations more engaging, particularly if you want to follow the major categories.
Plan for the full broadcast. The announced television window is three hours. If you are recording the event, allow enough storage and recording time to capture the complete program.
Check for final announcements. The CMA may announce additional performers and presenters before the ceremony. Checking the latest official information closer to November 18 can help you avoid relying on outdated lineups.
These steps are useful whether you are watching alone, planning a viewing party, or catching up with the ceremony the following day.
CMA Awards 2026: Latest Updates
As of November 8, 2026, the broadcast date, television network, live streaming platform, host, and first group of performers have been announced.
The most recent performer announcement, published November 5, confirmed Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, and Tucker Wetmore, along with a special tribute to Dolly Parton.
The ceremony remains scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern on ABC and Disney+. Hulu is scheduled to offer the program the following day.
Some details remain unconfirmed in the available official information. These include the complete list of performers and presenters, the exact performance order, and a comprehensive list of international broadcasters.
The CMA’s international viewing page currently directs viewers to check back for more information beyond its confirmed U.S. broadcast details. Consequently, viewers outside the United States should not assume that ABC, Disney+, or Hulu will provide the same access in their country.
The most useful approach is to rely on the confirmed U.S. broadcast schedule and verify any remaining details as new official announcements become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where can I watch the CMA Awards 2026?
The 60th Annual CMA Awards will air live on ABC and Disney+ on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. The program is scheduled to become available on Hulu the next day.
Q2. What time do the CMA Awards 2026 start?
The ceremony begins at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and 7 p.m. Central Time on November 18. The announced broadcast window runs until 11 p.m. Eastern.
Q3. Can I watch the CMA Awards 2026 without cable?
Yes. Disney+ is a confirmed live-streaming option. Viewers may also receive ABC through an antenna or an eligible live television streaming service, depending on local availability.
Q4. Will the CMA Awards 2026 be on Hulu?
Yes. Hulu is scheduled to make the ceremony available on Thursday, November 19, the day after the live broadcast.
Q5. Are the CMA Awards 2026 streaming live on Disney+?
Yes. Disney+ is confirmed as a platform for the live broadcast. Viewers should check their account and regional availability before the event.
Final Thoughts
Knowing CMA awards 2026 where to watch makes it easier to plan for one of country music’s biggest annual television events. The 60th Annual CMA Awards will air live on ABC and Disney+ on Wednesday, November 18, at 8 p.m. Eastern and 7 p.m. Central, with next-day viewing available on Hulu.
Lainey Wilson’s return as host, the first announced lineup of performers, and the planned tribute to Dolly Parton are among the key highlights confirmed so far. Additional details may emerge before the ceremony, so checking the latest official announcements is the best way to stay informed.
Whether you plan to watch live on television, stream from home, or catch up the following day, confirming your viewing option ahead of time can help you enjoy the ceremony without missing the opening moments.
Share your favorite CMA-nominated artist in the comments, and stay updated for the latest CMA Awards 2026 broadcast and performer announcements.