Streaming services like Apple TV+, HBO Max, and Netflix are once again well represented at the 2025 Emmy Awards. The awards ceremony will air on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Hosted by Nate Bargatze, the Emmys will see the best TV shows of the past year honored by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. There’s an impressive list of streaming services represented at this year’s Emmy Awards, and you can watch the evening from start to finish on CBS with a five-day free trial of DIRECTV.

How to watch 2025 Emmy Awards

• When: Sunday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. ET
• TV: CBS
• Stream: Watch with a five-day free trial of DIRECTV.
• From anywhere: Watch with a subscription to a VPN.

Everything you need to know about the 2025 Emmy Awards

What time do the 2025 Emmy Awards start?

The Emmy Red Carpet broadcast on CBS begins at 7 p.m. ET, one hour before the awards ceremony itself starts. Viewers will also be able to stream “E! Countdown to the Red Carpet” on E! beginning at 6 p.m., if you want to build anticipation even more. The 2025 Emmy Awards begin at 8 p.m. ET.

Why do we recommend watching 2025 Emmy Awards on DIRECTV?

There are several reasons to recommend DIRECTV for watching the 2025 Emmy Awards. For one, you can watch DIRECTV Genre Packs or Signature plans with a five-day free trial if you sign up to receive your channel package through your own streaming device. That means the Emmy Awards will be free to watch!

You can also choose between several plans to watch CBS on DIRECTV. The MyNews package comes with CBS and a variety of other news-related networks for $40 per month, or the MySports plan includes CBS with its lineup of sports cable and broadcast channels for $70. The ENTERTAINMENT plan — cheapest of DIRECTV’s Signature packages — has 90+ networks, including CBS, news, sports, entertainment, and more for $85 per month.

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DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

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Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

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Can you watch 2025 Emmy Awards for free?

There are indeed streamers besides DIRECTV that offer free trials you can use to watch CBS, and use it to stream the Emmy Awards this year.

We’ll start with Fubo, which has a trial that can range between one day and seven, depending on numerous factors such as what time of month you subscribe. After the trial, Fubo costs at least $56 per month for packages that include CBS, such as the Fubo Sports plan.

Hulu + Live TV costs $83 per month for plans that include the Disney Bundle free. However, this service comes with a three-day free trial for all new subscribers.

YouTube TV has a trial that can span between two and 14 days depending on several variables. After the trial, this service costs $83 per month.

Finally, Paramount+ comes with a seven-day free trial with monthly plans of both price tiers. The Premium plan includes a live stream of CBS that you can use to watch the Emmys.

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What are all the services you can use to watch the 2025 Emmy Awards?

DIRECTV is our favorite live TV streaming service for watching the Emmys, thanks to its reliable free trial, and the numerous ways you can use to watch CBS on the platform. But if you prefer, you can also stream it on Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV if you want to stream CBS in a package of other cable channels.

You can also watch the Emmys on Paramount+ Premium using the CBS live stream, starting at $13 per month.

Preview 2025 Emmy Awards

About 2025 Emmys

Comedian Nate Bargatze is set to host the 2025 Emmy Awards, which will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sept. 14. The awards will bring out the finest in Hollywood TV, and the competition for wins will be tougher than ever with some of the titles that are up for consideration.

Apple TV+’s “Severance” is up for 27 awards this year, following a second season that blew critics and audiences away. “Adolescence” from Netflix, “The Pitt,” “The White Lotus,” and a ton of other sterling titles could pull out wins on Sunday evening, but the only way to see if your favorite wins is to watch live!