The red carpet is rolled out, the ballots are cast, and Hollywood’s biggest night is almost here. But if you’ve ditched traditional cable, figuring out how to watch the Oscars can feel like a complex puzzle of apps and subscriptions. No one wants to miss a viral acceptance speech or a surprise Best Picture win because of a lagging stream or a missing login.
The 98th Academy Awards will air live in early 2026, and fortunately, there are more ways than ever to tune in. Whether you want to watch for free with an antenna or stream via your favorite live TV service, we have the ultimate roadmap for you.
In this guide, we’ll break down the official broadcasters, the best streaming platforms, and the technical tips to ensure you have a front-row seat to the action.
Key Takeaways
- Primary Broadcaster: The Oscars air exclusively on ABC in the United States.
- Streaming Home: You can stream the ceremony via live TV services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo.
- Free Option: A simple digital antenna is the most reliable way to watch for free in high definition.
- Red Carpet Access: Pre-show coverage usually starts hours before the ceremony on ABC News Live and E! Online.
- Global Viewing: International viewers can often find the broadcast on local networks like ITV (UK) or CTV (Canada).
1. Watch the Oscars on Network TV (The Most Reliable Way)
If you have access to a television, the most straightforward way to watch is through ABC. This is the official home of the Academy Awards through at least 2028.
- Digital Antenna: If you live in or near a city, a one-time purchase of a $20 digital antenna allows you to pull in the ABC signal for free—forever. This is often the highest quality feed because it isn’t compressed for the internet.
- Cable and Satellite: If you still have a traditional provider (like Xfinity, Spectrum, or DirecTV), simply tune into your local ABC affiliate. You can also use your provider credentials to log in to ABC.com or the ABC app.
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2. Best Streaming Services for the Oscars
For cord-cutters, the best way to watch is through a Live TV Streaming Service. These platforms provide a live feed of your local ABC station directly through your internet connection.
YouTube TV
This is our top recommendation for sports and awards shows. It offers a very stable stream, a user-friendly interface, and a free trial that is perfect for watching the Oscars without a long-term commitment.
Hulu + Live TV
If you already pay for Disney+ and ESPN+, upgrading to Hulu + Live TV is a great move. It includes the live ABC broadcast and allows you to watch the ceremony on almost any device, from your Roku to your smartphone.
FuboTV
Originally built for sports fans, Fubo has expanded to include major networks like ABC. It is known for high-quality streams and is a solid choice if you want to catch the red carpet and the main event.
Comparison of Oscars Streaming Options
| Service | Price (Approx.) | Free Trial? | Best For |
| ABC (Antenna) | $0 | N/A | Highest picture quality |
| YouTube TV | $72.99/mo | Yes | Reliability and ease of use |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99/mo | No | Current Disney bundle users |
| FuboTV | $79.99/mo | Yes | Sports and awards enthusiasts |
| DirecTV Stream | $79.99/mo | Yes | Traditional channel surfers |
3. How to Watch the Oscars for Free
You don’t necessarily need to spend money to enjoy the show. Here are two legitimate “hacks” for watching the 2026 Oscars for free.
- Utilize Free Trials: Services like YouTube TV and Fubo typically offer 7-day free trials. Sign up on the day of the Oscars, enjoy the show, and cancel the next morning to avoid being charged.
- The ABC Website: In previous years, ABC has occasionally offered a “preview” window on their website, though this often requires a verified cable login. Always check ABC.com an hour before the show to see their current streaming policy.
4. International Viewing: How to Watch Outside the US
The Oscars are a global phenomenon. If you are outside the United States, you won’t be using ABC. Instead, look for these broadcasters:
- Canada: The ceremony airs on CTV and can be streamed via the CTV app.
- United Kingdom: In recent years, ITV has taken over the broadcast rights from Sky. You can stream it via ITVX.
- Australia: Look for the broadcast on Channel 7 and the 7plus streaming service.
- VPN for Travelers: If you are a US citizen traveling abroad, you can use a VPN to connect to a US server and access your YouTube TV or Hulu account as if you were at home.
Conclusion
Knowing how to watch the Oscars is all about choosing the right platform for your setup. Whether you go with a digital antenna for the crispest signal or a live streaming service for the convenience of your tablet, make sure to test your connection 30 minutes before kickoff. Don’t let a forgotten password stand between you and cinema history!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I watch the Oscars on Netflix or Max?
A: No. The Oscars are a live broadcast event owned by the Academy and licensed to ABC. They are not available on on-demand platforms like Netflix, Max, or Disney+.
Q: Is the ceremony available on Peacock or Paramount+?
A: No. Peacock is owned by NBC and Paramount+ is owned by CBS. Since the Oscars are an ABC/Disney exclusive, they will not appear on those competing platforms.
Q: What time do the Oscars start?
A: While the official time is announced closer to the date, the ceremony typically begins at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT. The red carpet coverage usually starts as early as 4:00 PM ET.
Q: Can I watch the Oscars on my phone?
A: Yes. If you have a subscription to a live TV service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, you can download their respective apps and watch the entire broadcast on your mobile device.
