Where To Watch The Oscars Tonight: Channel Guide

by Jhon Lennon 49 views

Alright, movie lovers! Are you ready for the glitz, the glamour, and the golden statues? If you're anything like me, you're probably wondering, "Which channel shows the Oscars tonight?" Don't worry, I've got you covered. Finding the right channel to watch the Academy Awards is crucial, so you don't miss a single acceptance speech, red carpet moment, or surprise upset. Let's dive into everything you need to know to tune in and enjoy the show.

The Official Broadcast Channel

First things first, the official broadcast channel for the Oscars in the United States is ABC. Yes, that's right, ABC has been the home of the Academy Awards for many years, and you can count on them to bring you all the action live. This means that if you have a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription, you can simply tune into your local ABC channel to catch the ceremony. It’s that easy! But what if you've cut the cord? Don't fret; there are still plenty of ways to watch.

For those of you who prefer streaming, ABC also offers a live stream through their website and app, but there's a catch. You'll likely need to log in with your cable or satellite provider credentials to access the live stream. This is a common practice for many networks, as it allows them to verify that you're a subscriber before granting access to their online content. So, if you have a friend or family member with a cable subscription, now might be a good time to ask for their login information (with their permission, of course!).

Now, let's talk about the pre-show. The red carpet coverage is a huge part of the Oscars experience. It's where you get to see all the stars arriving in their stunning outfits, and hear them chat about their nominated films. ABC typically starts their red carpet coverage a couple of hours before the main ceremony, so be sure to tune in early to catch all the fashion and celebrity interviews. Other networks, like E!, also offer extensive red carpet coverage, so you might want to flip between channels to get the full picture.

Streaming Options for Cord-Cutters

Okay, so you've ditched cable and embraced the world of streaming. I get it. The good news is that there are several streaming services that offer live ABC broadcasts, allowing you to watch the Oscars without a traditional cable subscription. Let's take a look at some of the most popular options:

  • Hulu + Live TV: This is a great option because it includes ABC in its channel lineup, along with a bunch of other popular networks. With Hulu + Live TV, you can stream the Oscars on your TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone. Plus, you get access to Hulu's extensive library of on-demand content, so you'll have plenty to watch before and after the ceremony.
  • YouTube TV: Similar to Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV also includes ABC in its channel lineup. It offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of features, like cloud DVR storage, so you can record the Oscars and watch it later if you can't catch it live. YouTube TV is available on a wide range of devices, making it easy to stream the show wherever you are.
  • AT&T TV Now (now DIRECTV Stream): AT&T TV Now, which is now known as DIRECTV Stream, also carries ABC in many markets. However, it's important to check their channel lineup for your specific location to make sure ABC is included. DIRECTV Stream offers a variety of packages, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
  • fuboTV: While fuboTV is primarily known for its sports coverage, it also includes ABC in select markets. Again, be sure to check their channel lineup to confirm that ABC is available in your area. FuboTV offers a range of features, like cloud DVR and multiple simultaneous streams, making it a great option for families.

Keep in mind that these streaming services typically require a subscription fee, so you'll want to factor that into your decision. Many of them offer free trials, so you could potentially sign up for a free trial to watch the Oscars and then cancel your subscription if you don't want to continue.

International Viewers

For all my international friends out there, the channel that broadcasts the Oscars will vary depending on your country. In most cases, major networks or channels that typically broadcast American programming will carry the Academy Awards. Here are a few examples:

  • Canada: In Canada, the Oscars are typically broadcast on CTV. Check your local listings to confirm the broadcast time and any pre-show coverage.
  • United Kingdom: In the UK, the Oscars are usually broadcast on Sky Cinema. Sky subscribers can tune in to watch the ceremony live.
  • Australia: In Australia, the Oscars are typically broadcast on Channel 7. Check your local listings for the exact time and any related programming.

To find out which channel is broadcasting the Oscars in your specific country, I recommend checking your local TV listings or searching online for "Oscars broadcast [your country]". This should give you the information you need to tune in and enjoy the show.

What Time Does the Show Start?

Now that you know where to watch, let's talk about when to watch. The Oscars typically start at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). However, the pre-show coverage usually begins a couple of hours earlier, so you'll want to tune in around 6:00 PM ET to catch all the red carpet action. If you're in a different time zone, be sure to adjust accordingly:

  • Pacific Time (PT): 5:00 PM (pre-show at 3:00 PM)
  • Mountain Time (MT): 6:00 PM (pre-show at 4:00 PM)
  • Central Time (CT): 7:00 PM (pre-show at 5:00 PM)

Keep in mind that these times are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the year. It's always a good idea to double-check your local TV listings to confirm the exact start time.

How to Prepare for the Oscars

Okay, you know which channel shows the Oscars and when to watch. Now, let's talk about how to prepare for the big night. Here are a few tips to make your Oscars viewing experience even better:

  • Make a Ballot: Print out an Oscars ballot and make your predictions for who will win each category. This is a fun way to get involved and add a little friendly competition to your viewing party.
  • Plan a Viewing Party: Invite some friends over to watch the Oscars together. Make some snacks, pop some popcorn, and enjoy the show as a group.
  • Dress Up: Even if you're just watching from home, why not dress up in your finest attire? It's a fun way to celebrate the occasion and feel like you're part of the glamour.
  • Follow Social Media: Keep up with the latest Oscars news and updates by following the Academy Awards on social media. You can find them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
  • Have Fun: Most importantly, remember to have fun! The Oscars are a celebration of movies and the people who make them, so relax, enjoy the show, and celebrate the magic of cinema.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, folks! Everything you need to know about which channel shows the Oscars tonight and how to watch them. Whether you're tuning in on ABC, streaming through a service like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV, or watching from another country, I hope you have a fantastic time. Remember to check your local listings for the exact start time and pre-show coverage, and don't forget to make your predictions and plan a fun viewing party. Enjoy the show!

Happy watching, and may your favorite films and actors take home the gold!