Awards season steps into high gear this weekend with MTV’s 2021 Video Music Awards, which will attempt to regain a sense of normalcy after taking a COVID-19 departure from the traditional format in 2020. The VMAs are returning to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and will be hosted by Doja Cat. Justin Bieber leads with the most nominations, followed by Billie Eilish, BTS, Lil Nas X, and Olivia Rodrigo. (You can check out the full list here.)
Where and when to watch the VMAs
Like last year, the VMAs will be simulcast on a number of cable networks owned by MTV parent company ViacomCBS, in addition to the broadcast CW Network. The ceremony and performances are set to begin on Sunday (September 12) at 8 p.m. ET. The following networks will air the event live:
- MTV
- CMT
- Comedy Central
- Logo
- MTV2
- Nickelodeon
- Paramount Network
- Pop
- TV Land
- VH1
- CW
How to watch the VMAs without cable
If you don’t have a subscription to a traditional cable network or an over-the-air antenna that can pick up the CW, you’ll need a streaming service that includes ViacomCBS cable networks as part of a bundle. (It doesn’t look like the VMAs will air live on Paramount Plus, the streaming service owned by ViacomCBS, although reports are conflicting. We’ve reached out to the company to confirm and will update this post if we hear back.)
The following streaming services offer one or more of the networks airing the VMAs in their bundles. If you sign up for one of these services, make sure you get a package that includes a channel from the above list. Good luck!
Recognize your brand’s excellence by applying to this year’s Brands That Matter Awards before the early-rate deadline, May 3.
