The Video Music Awards are bringing the glitz and glamor to CBS this year! The awards ceremony will start at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 7 on CBS, and one of the best-selling female artists of all time will return to the stage for the first time in 20 years when Mariah Carey receives the Video Vanguard award. Find out more about the VMAs below, and stream the awards with a subscription to DIRECTV.

How to watch 2025 Video Music Awards

• When: Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET
• TV: CBS, simulcast on MTV
• 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 2025 Video Music Awards

What time do the 2025 Video Music Awards start?

The 2025 VMAs start at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 7.

Why do we recommend watching the 2025 Video Music Awards on DIRECTV?

The VMAs are on CBS this year, and that means DIRECTV is a great way to watch. You can stream CBS in most markets with a subscription to any DIRECTV Signature package, starting with the ENTERTAINMENT plan at $85 per month.

You can also get CBS in several of DIRECTV’s Genre Packs in some markets, including the MyNews pack ($40 per month) and the MySports pack ($70 per month). Both of these have a smaller focus, with fewer channels than Signature plans, for a lower price. No matter which plan you pick, if you choose to receive your DIRECTV channel plan through your own device, you get a five-day free trial!

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.

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Can you watch the 2025 Video Music Awards for free?

Apart from DIRECTV, there are some services that include free trials that carry CBS, and thus can be used to watch the VMAs.

Fubo has CBS in many markets, and comes with a free trial of between one and seven days, depending on factors like what time of month you sign up. After the trial, plans start at $85 per month, not including fees.

Hulu + Live TV comes with a three-day free trial for new customers. After the trial, plans with the Disney Bundle cost $83 per month.

YouTube TV also costs $83 per month, and its trial can last between two and 14 days, or as much as 21 during promotional periods.

What are all the services you can use to stream the 2025 Video Music Awards

DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV are the live TV streamers you can use to watch the VMAs on CBS. DIRECTV is our top one of these, thanks to the free trial and the selection of plans a customer can pick from.

The Paramount+ Premium plan includes a live stream of CBS and will also allow customers to stream the VMAs live. This plan costs $13 per month normally.

Watch the 2025 VMA nominations

About 2025 Video Music Awards

Hosted by LL Cool J, the 2025 VMAs will see some of the best artists of yesterday and today on hand to perform. Audiences can expect to see live performances from Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin ft. DJ Snake, Ricky Martin, Sabrina Carpenter, and sombr, and that’s just the first round of stars expected to be on hand!

In addition to honors for Carey, the VMAs will see Rhymes win the VMA Rock The Bells Visionary Award, and Martin honored with the Latin Icon Award. It should be a blast for any music fan, and CBS will no doubt have plenty of surprises in store for the evening.

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Paramount Plus

Paramount+ is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 40,000+ TV show episodes from BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and more. Get free access with a Walmart+ subscription.

Paramount+ includes “1883,” “Tulsa King,” “Star Trek: Discovery,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” and “PAW Patrol.” Subscribers can watch the NFL, college football, The Masters, college basketball, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Serie A, and NWSL. The service also offers the option to watch your live CBS affiliate. The upgraded ad-free package includes premium movies and shows from Showtime.

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$8.99+ / month

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