The Grammys air on CBS, not Paramount Plus

The Grammy Awards broadcast on CBS each year, and Paramount Plus does not carry the live ceremony. CBS is owned by Paramount Global, the same parent company that owns Paramount Plus, but the two services keep their content separate. The Grammys are a CBS broadcast event, which means they stream on Paramount Plus only if you have a live TV subscription through that service — not with a standard Paramount Plus membership.

If you have a Paramount Plus subscription without live TV, you will not be able to watch the Grammys ceremony as it happens. You may see clips, highlights, or award announcements on Paramount Plus after the show ends, but the full live broadcast is not included in the base subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • The Grammy Awards broadcast live on CBS, and Paramount Plus does not carry the live ceremony with a standard subscription.
  • Paramount Plus with Showtime (the live TV tier) includes CBS and will let you watch the Grammys live.
  • You can watch the Grammys on CBS.com or the CBS app if you sign in with a cable or streaming TV provider account.
  • Clips and highlights usually appear on Paramount Plus and other platforms after the ceremony ends.

How to watch the Grammys if you have Paramount Plus with live TV

Paramount Plus offers a tier called Paramount Plus with Showtime, which includes live TV channels. This subscription includes CBS, so you can watch the Grammys live through the Paramount Plus app or website during the broadcast. The cost is higher than the base subscription, but it gives you access to live CBS programming year-round, not just the Grammys.

To check whether your Paramount Plus account includes live TV, open the app or website and look at your subscription details. If you see "with Showtime" in your plan name, you have access to live channels. If your plan says "Essential" or "Premium" without mention of live TV, you do not have CBS included.

Watching the Grammys on CBS without Paramount Plus

You can watch the Grammys on CBS.com or through the CBS app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device. Both require you to sign in with a cable or streaming TV provider account — meaning you need an active subscription to a service that carries CBS, such as YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, or a traditional cable provider.

If you do not have a TV provider account, you cannot watch the live ceremony on CBS.com or the CBS app. The free CBS app does not include live broadcasts of major events like the Grammys; it shows clips and on-demand content only.

Finding Grammy clips and highlights after the show

After the Grammy Awards ceremony ends, clips and highlight reels appear on Paramount Plus, YouTube, and other streaming platforms within hours. These include award announcements, performance clips, and red carpet moments. If you cannot watch the live broadcast, waiting for the highlights is a common way to catch the major moments without a live TV subscription.

Paramount Plus may also post full-length performances or award segments on demand in the days following the ceremony. Check the Paramount Plus app under "Featured" or search for "Grammy" to see what content is available.

Other ways to stream the Grammys live

Several streaming services carry CBS and will let you watch the Grammys live. YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV all include CBS in their base packages. Each charges a monthly fee, and most offer a free trial period before you are charged. If you already subscribe to one of these services, you can watch the Grammys through their app or website on the night of the broadcast.

The Grammy Awards typically air in February, so you can plan ahead if you know you want to watch live. Check the CBS website or your streaming service's channel guide closer to the date to confirm the exact time and channel.

Why the Grammys are not on Paramount Plus by default

CBS owns the broadcast rights to the Grammy Awards, and those rights are tied to the CBS network, not to Paramount Plus. Even though Paramount Global owns both services, they operate as separate businesses with different content libraries. CBS uses its broadcast rights to drive viewership on the CBS network and to sell advertising during the live event. Paramount Plus gets clips and highlights after the fact, but not the live broadcast itself.

This is common with major live events. Networks like CBS, NBC, and ABC use big events to attract viewers to their broadcast channels, which generate revenue through advertising. Streaming services owned by the same parent company do not automatically get the same content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch the Grammys on Paramount Plus the day after they air?

You may see clips, highlights, and award announcements on Paramount Plus after the ceremony. However, the full live broadcast is not usually posted on demand. Paramount Plus focuses on clips and performance highlights rather than the entire ceremony.

Do I need a cable provider to watch the Grammys on CBS.com?

Yes. CBS.com and the CBS app require you to sign in with a cable or streaming TV provider account to watch live broadcasts. If you do not have one, you cannot access the live Grammy ceremony through those platforms.

Is Paramount Plus with Showtime the same as Paramount Plus with live TV?

Yes. Paramount Plus with Showtime is the live TV tier of Paramount Plus. It includes CBS and other live channels. The base Paramount Plus plans (Essential and Premium) do not include live TV or CBS.

Can I watch the Grammys for free anywhere?

The Grammy Awards broadcast is free on CBS if you have a TV antenna and live in an area with CBS reception. Otherwise, you need a cable or streaming TV subscription to watch live. Clips and highlights appear free on YouTube and other platforms after the show.

When do the Grammys usually air?

The Grammy Awards typically air in February on CBS. The exact date changes each year. Check CBS.com or your local TV listings for the specific date and time of the next ceremony.