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why are grammys leaving cbs

The Grammys are leaving CBS mainly because their long-standing broadcast deal expired and Disney came in with a much bigger, streaming-heavy offer that better fits where TV is heading now.

Quick Scoop: What’s Actually Happening

  • The Recording Academy’s deal with CBS runs through the 2026 Grammys, ending a broadcast partnership that’s lasted more than 50 years.
  • Starting in 2027, the Grammys will move to Disney’s platforms under a 10‑year global deal, airing on ABC and streaming on Hulu and Disney+ through 2036.
  • Reports say Disney is paying more than 500 million dollars for the rights, making it a huge business win for Disney and a big loss for CBS/Paramount.

Why Are the Grammys Leaving CBS?

Think of it less as “storming out” and more as “the contract ended and someone else paid more and offered more reach.” The key reasons:

  1. Exclusive CBS deal ended
    • CBS signed a 10‑year extension in 2016 that locked the Grammys to the network through 2026.
 * Once that exclusive window closed, the Recording Academy was free to shop the show around to other buyers.
  1. CBS and the Academy couldn’t agree on a new deal
    • Industry reports say CBS and the Recording Academy tried to negotiate an extension but didn’t reach terms during their exclusive period, even though CBS was interested in keeping the show.
 * After that, the Academy opened talks with other bidders, and Disney ultimately made the winning offer.
  1. Disney’s huge money + streaming combo
    • Disney’s deal is described as a “10‑year global” agreement, with the Wall Street Journal reporting a price north of 500 million dollars.
 * The show will be simulcast on ABC, Hulu, and Disney+, giving the Grammys a mix of traditional broadcast and big streaming reach in the U.S. and internationally.

 * For the Academy, that means more cash up front and a better shot at younger, streaming‑first viewers.
  1. CBS is tightening its focus
    • CBS’s parent, Paramount, has been cutting costs and prioritizing live sports and core primetime franchises.
 * CBS recently grabbed the Golden Globes at a favorable price, suggesting they’re shopping strategically rather than overpaying for every awards show.

 * In forum chatter, people even point out that CBS picking up shows like the AMAs fits with this repositioning as Grammys move away.

What Changes for Viewers?

  • Through the 2026 show, nothing changes: it’s still on CBS.
  • From 2027 onward, “music’s biggest night” will be:
    • On ABC for traditional TV viewers.
* Streamed on Hulu and Disney+, which is a big shift for people who mostly watch online.
  • Disney executives are already talking about using their “ecosystem” (networks + streaming) to evolve the show and build more music content around it.

How People Online Are Reacting

Public forum discussions add some color to the move:

  • Some TV and music fans joke that awards shows keep “moving to ABC/Disney,” seeing it as part of a bigger trend of live events clustering under a few media giants.
  • Others are skeptical, worrying the Grammys may take on a more “Disney‑fied,” family‑friendly vibe or feel overly polished.
  • On the flip side, some fans are excited that streaming access might make the show easier to watch, especially outside traditional cable setups.

Simple Answer in One Line

The Grammys are leaving CBS because their long CBS contract ended, CBS and the Recording Academy couldn’t agree on new terms, and Disney stepped in with a richer offer plus global streaming on ABC, Hulu, and Disney+ that matched the Academy’s long‑term goals.

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