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how to watch the oscars

You can watch the 2026 Oscars live on ABC in the U.S., or stream them on Hulu and several live TV services on Sunday night, March 15, 2026.

How to Watch the Oscars (Quick Scoop)

When and where is the 2026 Oscars?

  • Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • Time (U.S.):
    • Main ceremony: starts 7 p.m. Eastern / 4 p.m. Pacific.
* Red carpet coverage: starts earlier in the afternoon on entertainment channels like E! and ABC pre‑shows.
  • Official broadcaster (U.S.): ABC network, through your local ABC affiliate.

If you can get ABC at home in any form, you’re basically set.

Watching on regular TV (no streaming needed)

If you still have cable or an antenna, this is the simplest route.

  • Cable / satellite:
    • Tune to your local ABC channel at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
  • Free over‑the‑air (antenna):
    • If you have a basic HDTV antenna, scan for local channels and watch ABC for free.
  • ABC app and website:
    • ABC.com and the ABC app will carry the ceremony live, but you usually need to sign in with a pay‑TV provider (cable, satellite, or an eligible streaming bundle).

Streaming the Oscars live (with and without cable)

1. Hulu

  • This year, ABC’s live broadcast is also streaming on Hulu.
  • Some coverage notes:
    • The show streams live for Hulu subscribers, and there may also be next‑day on‑demand access on Hulu if you miss it live.
  • Free trial angle:
    • Hulu has offered short free trials around this period, which you can use if you only need it for Oscars night.

2. Live TV streaming services

If you’re fully cord‑cut, but still want “live channels,” these are your key options:

  • YouTube TV – carries ABC in most U.S. markets and will have the Oscars live.
  • Fubo – includes ABC in many regions, with live streaming of the ceremony.
  • AT&T TV / DirecTV Stream – another cable‑replacement service with ABC live in supported markets.
  • Hulu + Live TV – if you prefer Hulu’s live bundle instead of regular Hulu, ABC is included in most areas.

These services often cost around the price of traditional cable, but many offer week‑long trials or promotional pricing if you just want them for big events.

Can you watch the Oscars free (or nearly free)?

You have a few low‑cost or no‑cost paths:

  • Use an antenna:
    • Over‑the‑air ABC is completely free once you’ve bought the antenna hardware.
  • ABC.com / ABC app with an existing login:
    • If a family member already has cable or a streaming bundle that includes ABC, you may be able to sign in with their credentials and watch at no extra cost (check house rules!).
  • Take advantage of streaming trials:
    • Free trials from Hulu or live TV services (where available) can cover Oscars night; just remember to cancel if you don’t want to keep the subscription.

Red carpet, pre‑shows, and international options

Even before the main ceremony, there’s a lot to tune into.

  • Red carpet in the U.S.:
    • E! runs afternoon red‑carpet shows and specials, such as “Brunch at the Oscars,” starting hours before the main telecast.
* ABC’s own pre‑show and red‑carpet specials air before the 7 p.m. ET ceremony and stream through the ABC app/site as well.
  • Example: E! begins Oscars‑day programming in the early afternoon, with red‑carpet coverage kicking off later in the day.
  • Outside the U.S. (example: Ireland):
    • The ceremony is carried on local broadcasters such as RTÉ One, with coverage starting late evening local time (around 11 p.m.).
* Other countries typically have their own partner channels or streaming rights for the Oscars; viewers should check local listings or their national broadcaster’s site.

What else to know this year (trending context)

  • Ceremony edition: This is the 98th Academy Awards.
  • Start time and host: U.S. broadcast begins at 7 p.m. ET, and Conan O’Brien is returning as host, following his performance last year.
  • Expect a tight race in major categories like Best Picture and acting awards, which is part of why the 2026 show has been heavily discussed in entertainment news and forums.

Mini FAQ: How to watch the Oscars

  • “What channel are the Oscars on?”
    • ABC in the U.S., plus your country’s local partner channel (for example, RTÉ One in Ireland).
  • “Can I just stream it online?”
    • Yes: Hulu, ABC.com / ABC app (with login), and live TV streaming services like YouTube TV or Fubo all carry the live ceremony in the U.S.
  • “Is there a replay if I miss it?”
    • The ceremony is usually available on‑demand via Hulu or through your TV provider’s DVR / on‑demand library the next day (for 2026 it is specifically noted as available on streaming the following Monday).

Simple step‑by‑step plan

  1. Check if you can get ABC via cable, satellite, or an antenna.
  2. If not, choose a streaming option (Hulu, YouTube TV, Fubo, etc.) and confirm ABC is included in your area.
  1. Sign up early on Sunday, test your login and stream.
  2. Tune in a bit before 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT for red‑carpet and pre‑show coverage.

Meta description (SEO):
Find out exactly how to watch the Oscars in 2026, including broadcast channels, streaming options, free ways to tune in, red‑carpet coverage, and the latest news around this year’s 98th Academy Awards.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.