How to Watch the Grammy Awards: Channel and Start Time
The Grammy Awards are televised in the United States on CBS in English and simulcast on MTV and MTV2 for additional pre-show and late-night coverage. While the ceremony typically begins in the early evening locally on the East Coast (often around 5:00 PM ET), start times can vary by edition; always check the current year’s official schedule for precise timing and any adjustments due to programming or time zone considerations. International viewers should verify regional broadcasters, as networks and local times differ by country and market.
Primary U.S. Broadcast Details
In the United States, the main television home for the Grammys is CBS, which has aired the ceremony for many years. The network usually carries the program in prime access or early primetime, with streaming available through Paramount+. When CBS carries the event, affiliates across the country follow the national feed. The red carpet and pre-show coverage typically air beginning midafternoon local time, leading into the main ceremony. If you prefer music-focused cable coverage, MTV often runs parallel segments and exclusive interviews, making it a useful companion channel for deeper coverage.
Streaming and International Access
Live Official Streams and On-Demand Options
For cord-cutters and mobile viewers, Paramount+ provides the primary legal live stream of the CBS broadcast in the U.S., with selected international windows where available and highlights on-demand afterward. The official Grammy website and app may offer live streams in certain territories when rights allow; elsewhere, authorized partners may carry the ceremony. Social platforms and channels such as YouTube may host clips, performances, and official streams where permitted, but availability can depend on licensing and geography. If you are outside the U.S., local listings, embassies, or broadcaster websites are the best sources for finding approved services and avoiding unofficial streams.
- CBS (U.S. TV) — main over-the-air channel for the ceremony
- MTV and MTV2 — pre-show coverage and supplemental music programming
- Paramount+ — live U.S. stream and on-demand replays where available
- International broadcasters — check regional schedules; rights vary by market
- Official social and app highlights — performances and backstage clips
Typical Schedule Pattern and Time Zones
The Grammys are often scheduled on a Sunday in February, with the carpet and pre-show starting in the mid-afternoon and the main ceremony in the early evening Eastern Time. West Coast viewers usually subtract three hours from Eastern times for local scheduling, while Central and Mountain zones shift accordingly. Because of sports, news, or special programming, actual local start times can change; confirm with local listings and the official Grammy guide for the current year. Weekend dates near the end of January or first half of February are common, but exact dates and times are edition-specific.
What to Verify for Your Edition
Date, Start Time, and Channel in Your Market
Because scheduling can shift by edition, always confirm four items before tuning: the official ceremony date, local start time in your time zone, the primary TV channel, and the availability of streaming or simulcast options on MTV, Paramount+, or regional partners. If you rely on radio or mobile updates, check whether your market carries affiliate feeds or alternative audio streams. When in doubt, visit the official Grammy site or your network guide to lock in the exact channel and what time the show airs where you live.
Quick Reference: U.S. Viewers
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary U.S. Channel | CBS | Broadcaster |
| Typical Local Start (East) | Early evening (often ~5:00 PM ET) | Historical schedule pattern |
| Companion Cable Coverage | MTV and MTV2 | Network programming |
| Live U.S. Stream | Paramount+ (where available) | Platform terms and rights |
| International Note | Check local broadcaster; rights vary | Rights and regional guidance |