2025 MTV VMAs to Air on CBS for the First Time – Here’s Everything to Expect

The MTV Video Music Awards are officially coming to CBS, which is a very big deal for music lovers. For the very first time, the VMAs are shifting to network TV, with CBS airing the 2025 show live.

That historic move was confirmed on Thursday, with the show continuing to expand beyond cable. The three-hour show will simulcast across both CBS, MTV, and streaming service Paramount+, offering up unprecedented access for fans to tune in and catch the biggest names in music picking up their Moon Person trophies.

The 2025 MTV VMAs will air Sunday, September 7th from UBS Arena starting at 8-11 PM ET (5-8 PM PT). And it’s not just the main show that’s getting the star treatment – there’s also a one-hour live pre-show airing across all Paramount Media Networks. The red carpet, the performances, the wins – all of it will be easier to catch, whether you’re watching from your couch or streaming it on your phone.

Executive producers for the show include Bruce Gillmer and Jesse Ignjatovic, co-founder of Den of Thieves, a production company that’s known for high-energy, star-studded events. Barb Bialkowski is on board as co-executive producer, while Alicia Portugal and Jackie Barba are overseeing production. On the talent side, Wendy Plaut is handling the celebrity bookings, and Lisa Lauricella is in charge of locking down the music talent.

The shift to airing the MTV VMAs on CBS in 2025 comes after a huge year for the VMAs. The 2024 broadcast brought in the biggest audience the show’s had in four years, pulling in 4.09 million viewers across MTV, 11 other Paramount-owned cable channels, and UniMás. That was an 8% jump from the 2023 numbers and the highest overall viewership since 2020. Not bad for a show that’s been around since 1984.

Last year’s show saw Taylor Swift absolutely dominate the night, taking home seven awards, including Video of the Year for her Fortnight collab with Post Malone. Sabrina Carpenter scored Song of the Year, and Chappell Roan was crowned Best New Artist. With that kind of energy behind it, it’s no wonder that CBS wants in on the action.

While we don’t have the 2025 nominations or performer lineup yet, it’s a safe bet there will be some major names and meme-worthy moments. The VMAs have long been the type of show where literally anything can happen-from unforgettable red carpet looks to surprise collaborations and wild on-stage antics. With the addition of CBS, even more people will be watching, which probably means the performers are going to go even bigger than usual.

It seems like the theme this year is accessibility and impact. Putting the MTV Video Music Awards on CBS opens it up to new viewers who perhaps wouldn’t normally tune in on MTV or stream it. It’s a savvy move on behalf of Paramount, too, since the streaming + broadcast combo worked so well with the Grammy Awards, which also air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. The synergy is real, and it looks like the VMAs are leveling up with it.

So, circle your calendars for September 7, because this year’s VMAs are going to be everywhere. Whether you are a Swiftie looking forward to another sweep or just tuning in for the chaos and live performances, the fact that MTV Video Music Awards on CBS is even happening makes this year’s show a must-watch.

What are your thoughts on this year’s MTV Video Music Awards airing on CBS? Are you hyped to finally see the show land on network TV? Make your predictions for who’s going to perform or take home the big wins in the comments.

And don’t forget to tune in September 7-whether you’re watching live on CBS, MTV, or streaming it on Paramount+, this VMAs is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.