The VMAs are back, and this year they’re doing something unusual: they’re letting cord-cutters watch the whole thing for free, at least for a little while. The 2026 edition airs Sunday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET on CBS and MTV, and the major streaming platforms are lining up free trials to keep the cable-free crowd happy.
The show itself is stacked with firsts. Madonna is returning to the VMAs stage for the first time in 23 years, opening the show. Snoop Dogg hosts for the first time ever. RAYE makes her VMA performance debut, and LISA brings her new single “SaWaDiKa” to television for the first time. It’s a night full of debuts, tributes and surprises, and the platforms want you to see it without signing a contract.
Free Trials for Cord-Cutters
The easiest route is the free trial. DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo all carry CBS and MTV, and they’re currently offering free trials for new subscribers. That means you can sign up, watch the show live, and cancel before the trial ends without paying a cent.
Sling is another option, but it doesn’t offer a free trial. You have to pick a base plan like Sling Orange or Sling Blue, then add the Entertainment Extra package for $6.99 per month. That’s a small monthly fee, but it’s not the zero-dollar entry point the other platforms are pushing.
Paramount+ Premium streams the show live via CBS or MTV, and it also carries the full slate of nominees and performances. Paramount+ Essential gets the show on demand the next day, Monday, Sept. 28, rather than live. So if you want to watch it immediately, the premium tier is the way to go. If you don’t mind waiting, the essential tier is cheaper.
Snoop Dogg Takes Over Hosting
Snoop Dogg takes over hosting duties for the first time. The show promises performances from longtime VMA names and new artists making their mark on the ceremony.
Madonna opens the show with her first VMAs performance since 2003. She leads this year’s nominations with 11 nods, the highest total in the field.
Kacey Musgraves performs a tribute to Dolly Parton. It’s a fitting nod to a career that has shaped generations of performers.
LISA performs her new single “SaWaDiKa,” marking the television debut of the track. RAYE makes her VMA performance debut and joins Sombr and Teddy Swims for a tribute honoring the late George Michael.
The tribute lineup runs deep. Shaboozey and Gunna perform their collaboration “Cowgirl” and “High Noon.” GENER8ION and Yung Lean deliver a world premiere performance of “STORM II.” Sienna Spiro makes her VMA performance debut. All of these acts are performing at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where the ceremony is taking place.
The Awards and the Nominations
The 2026 VMAs are happening at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marking the ceremony’s return to the city for the first time since 2017. That’s a significant move for an awards show that has spent years bouncing around different venues.
Madonna leads the nominations with 11 nods. Taylor Swift follows with nine. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each have seven. PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson have five apiece. The Best Dance category returns after a seven-year absence.
First-time nominees include CORTIS, Don Toliver, Kali Uchis, Noah Kahan, Olivia Dean, Sienna Spiro and Yung Lean. That’s a mix of established names and fresh faces, which is typical for the VMAs. The show has always been about recognizing emerging talent alongside the biggest stars in the industry.
Nirvana receives the Video Vanguard Award, one of the ceremony’s highest honors. Taylor Swift receives the inaugural Artist Director Honors, a new category that recognizes her work behind the scenes. Both awards are presented during the show, giving the ceremony a sense of history and innovation at the same time.
The Streaming Options Compared
Here’s how the streaming options break down:
- DirecTV: CBS/MTV, free trial available, new subscriber fee
- Hulu + Live TV: CBS/MTV, free trial available, new subscriber fee
- Fubo: CBS/MTV, free trial available, new subscriber fee
- Sling: CBS/MTV, no free trial, $6.99/month (Entertainment Extra)
- Paramount+ Premium: CBS/MTV, no free trial, subscription required
- Paramount+ Essential: On-demand, no free trial, subscription required
The table shows the breakdown at a glance. DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo are the simplest paths for cord-cutters who want to watch live without commitment. Sling requires a monthly payment, and the Paramount+ tiers split the difference between live and on-demand viewing.
The free trials are the draw. You sign up, watch the show, and walk away without a subscription. It’s a limited offer, so the window is narrow, but it works for people who just want to see the event.
What to Expect Sunday Night
The show runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. PT. Snoop Dogg’s hosting should bring a laid-back energy to the proceedings. He’s known for his humor and his command of the room, and the VMAs have benefited from strong hosts in the past. His first time in the chair is a notable moment for the show.
The world premiere of “STORM II” from GENER8ION and Yung Lean is another reason to tune in.
The Bottom Line on Watching
If you don’t have cable and you want to watch the VMAs, the free trial route is the smartest move. Sign up for DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV or Fubo, watch the show, and cancel before the trial ends. It’s a simple strategy that avoids the commitment of a subscription.
Sling is a viable alternative if you want to skip the free trial entirely, though you’ll pay $6.99 per month for the Entertainment Extra package. Paramount+ Premium is the premium option for those who want live access, while Paramount+ Essential is the budget-friendly choice for viewers who don’t mind waiting until Monday.
The show is a celebration of pop culture, and the lineup reflects that. Madonna’s return, Snoop Dogg’s hosting debut, and the tribute to George Michael all sit alongside the newer acts like CORTIS and Olivia Dean. It’s a mix that should appeal to fans of every generation.
The VMAs have always been about the spectacle, and this year’s show looks set to deliver. The free trial offers make it easy to watch without committing to a long-term subscription, which is a win for cord-cutters who want the show but not the monthly bill. The ceremony’s return to Los Angeles after nearly a decade adds a sense of occasion.
Set your alarms for 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 27. The show starts soon, and the free trials won’t last forever.
See the video the story is built around at Billboard.
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