Join host Deon Cole, actor and comedian, for a celebration of the biggest names in Hollywood. The 2026 NAACP Image Awards are finally here, and you don’t want to miss out on the star-studded event. The live show begins on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET. If you’re hoping to catch all of the action, we recommend tuning in to the awards ceremony live on CBS or BET with a five-day free trial of DIRECTV.

How to watch the 2026 NAACP Image Awards

• When: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET
• TV: CBS, BET
• 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 2026 NAACP Image Awards

Why we suggest using DIRECTV to watch 2026 NAACP Image Awards

The 2026 NAACP Image Awards will air on CBS and BET, which means you will need access to a live TV streaming service if you’d like to tune in. DIRECTV is our top choice if you need access to either or both of these channels. New subscribers can take advantage of a five-day free trial, which gives you the chance to enjoy the awards show and then see what else the service has to offer. This is the longest guaranteed trial in the industry.

Can you stream the 2026 NAACP Image Awards for free?

As mentioned, our preferred way to watch the awards show live is with a free trial to DIRECTV. However, there are other streaming services to consider.

Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial and gives you access to both CBS and BET. After your three-day trial ends, you can subscribe for $83 per month.

Another option is Fubo, but the free trial details aren’t straightforward. It can run anywhere from one to seven days. You will get access to both CBS and BET. If you choose to subscribe, it costs $85 per month.

5-Day Trial

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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.

5-Day Trial

$59.99+ / month

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Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.

What are all the streamers you can use to watch the 2026 NAACP Image Awards?

DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all carry either CBS, BET, or both. Currently, Philo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV do not have free trials, which means you will have to pay to watch the NAACP Image Awards with those services. Our top choice is DIRECTV because you will be able to watch the awards show for free.

Another option is to tune in on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME’s CBS live streams. A subscription costs $13 per month.

Check out the pre-show for 2026 NAACP Image Awards

About 2026 NAACP Image Awards

Live from Pasadena Civic Auditorium this weekend, the 2026 NAACP Image Awards highlight the biggest stars in Hollywood. The awards show recognizes achievements in 80 categories, from film and television to music and podcasts. During the dazzling event, Viola Davis will receive the Chairman’s Award, and Colman Domingo will be honored with the President’s Award. Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella are set to be inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame.

You can enjoy red carpet coverage on BET.com beginning at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Kyla Pratt and Terrence J host Red Carpet Live!

Take a look at all of the nominees here.

Who is presenting at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards?

Leading up to the big event, the NAACP revealed this year’s presenters. Chase Infiniti, Delroy Lindo, NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson, Halle Bailey, and Janelle James are all set to take the stage. They’re joined by NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell, Miles Caton, Nicole Beharie, Rege-Jean Page, Regina Hall, Ryan Coogler, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Sterling K. Brown, and the cast of “Tyler Perry’s Sistas.”

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