2025 MTV Video Music Awards to Air on CBS for the First Time with Live Simulcast

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The New Simulcast Experience
4. Historical Context of the MTV Video Music Awards
5. Implications for CBS and MTV
6. Comparisons to Historical Partnerships
7. Future Expectations
8. Concluding Thoughts on a New Era for the VMAs
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will make history by airing live on CBS for the first time, alongside MTV and streaming on Paramount+.
• The event is scheduled for September 7, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM ET.
• Following the success of the 2024 VMAs, which saw its highest viewership in four years, CBS’s partnership signals a new era for both networks.
• The show will feature a one-hour pre-show and will be produced by a team led by experienced industry executives.

Introduction

Imagine a night where music legends gather not just to celebrate art but also to redefine how we consume entertainment. The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), a cornerstone of music culture since its inception in 1984, is poised to write a new chapter. For the first time, the 2025 VMAs will be broadcast live on CBS, officially broadening its reach and accessibility. With audiences craving innovative formats, this simulcast represents a significant move toward unifying viewership across platforms. As the event approaches, it raises pivotal questions: What does this change mean for the VMAs' future, and how will it influence the landscape of televised music awards?

The New Simulcast Experience

Scheduled for September 7, 2025, the 2025 VMAs will take place at the UBS Arena, kicking off at 8:00 PM ET and concluding at 11:00 PM ET. Being aired live on CBS, in addition to the traditional broadcast on MTV, allows the VMAs to target both loyal fans and new viewers who might not typically tune in to music award shows.

In recent years, the ratings for live television events have fluctuated, with many network shows seeing declines as streaming services gain traction. However, the 2024 VMAs broke through this trend, achieving their highest ratings in four years with 4.09 million viewers. Such success bodes well for the inaugural CBS airing, suggesting a growing audience's appetite for live, high-stakes musical performances.

Notable Executives Behind the 2025 Show

The production team for the 2025 VMAs is led by Bruce Gillmer, a veteran in the entertainment industry, alongside co-founder Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, known for their innovative approach to live events. The production team also includes Barb Bialkowski as co-executive producer, with additional roles including Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent, Wendy Plaut, and Lisa Lauricella as Music Talent Executive.

This team has a wealth of experience behind them, suggesting that they will leverage both traditional elements of the VMAs while integrating fresh concepts in line with contemporary audience tastes.

Historical Context of the MTV Video Music Awards

Launched during an era when music videos were beginning to cement their place in pop culture, the VMAs grew into an annual fixture that showcased the creativity of artists while celebrating the best in music video production. Over the years, the VMAs have become known for their memorable performances, such as Madonna's boundary-pushing acts, Beyoncé's renowned "Formation" performance, and Lady Gaga's theatricality.

Despite its storied history, MTV has faced criticism in recent years as the network transitioned away from its roots in music video programming. The channel has increasingly focused on reality television and other forms of entertainment, leading some to question whether the VMAs, which were once a significant platform for music artists, could continue to thrive.

Ratings and Viewership Trends

The 2024 VMAs showcased a recovery in viewership, attracting an average of 4.09 million viewers across multiple Paramount Media Networks, marking an 8% gain from the previous year. This upswing prompted CBS executives to consider airing the VMAs live as part of their broader strategy to capture younger audiences who favor live, interactive content.

Statistical analysis shows that networks seeking to engage with a younger demographic are increasingly relying on simulcasting popular events. This model emerges as a response to declining viewership numbers across the board in favor of more dynamic streaming environments.

Implications for CBS and MTV

CBS’s Strategic Move

The decision to simulcast the VMAs lays the groundwork for CBS to strengthen its foothold in the premium entertainment space. With the increasing influence of streaming platforms and changing viewer habits, traditional networks must adapt to stay relevant. The VMAs present a well-established event that CBS can use to attract potential clients and advertisers eager to reach a diverse and engaged audience.

Conversely, MTV stands to benefit from the partnership by revitalizing its brand image. The simulcast can reaffirm MTV’s commitment to celebrating the music that defines various cultural movements.

The Audience’s Role in the New Format

One significant advantage of airing the VMAs on CBS is the potential participation of the audience. Future telecasts might feature interactive voting mechanisms or social media integrations that could enhance viewer engagement and capture wider attention. This marks a deviation from older formats where viewers were passive consumers. Today’s audiences demand interactive experiences, and CBS is positioning itself to capture that dynamic.

Comparisons to Historical Partnerships

The collaboration between CBS and MTV mirrors previous significant broadcasting partnerships, such as when ABC aired the Oscars or when NBC broadcast the Grammy Awards. These partnerships often result in a fresh perspective on classic events, helping them to resonate with both existing fans and newcomers.

Historically, the VMAs have utilized innovative techniques to engage with audiences. For instance, in 2015, the show featured a "Twitter Vote" segment, which allowed fans to vote for their favorite performers in real-time through social media. With CBS’s reach and resources, similar interactive moments could be amplified.

Breeding a New Generation of Artists

As the music industry evolves, the focus shifts increasingly towards young, emerging artists who dominate platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The 2025 VMAs will have a unique opportunity to highlight these artists alongside established acts, fostering greater inclusivity and celebrating burgeoning talent.

The previous edition's winners, including Taylor Swift, who took home seven Moon Person awards, and best new artist Chappell Roan, demonstrate a trend toward recognizing diverse musical styles and emerging voices within the industry. This trajectory may continue into 2025 as the show strives for relevance in a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

Future Expectations

As anticipation builds for the new format, speculation abounds surrounding potential nominees and performances for the 2025 VMAs. Given the show's rich history of surprise appearances and unforgettable moments, fans and critics alike are eager to see who will take center stage.

Key themes may also emerge from the nominees, as social issues often play a significant role in artists' works today. The incorporation of commentary on current events and cultural trends could serve both to root the event in contemporary society and to highlight the artists' positions on pressing issues.

Hosting the Event: Who Will Take the Stage?

While the host of the 2025 VMAs has yet to be announced, industry speculation suggests that CBS may choose a popular artist or celebrity figure who embodies the spirit of both music and television, appealing to a broad audience. The choice of host can significantly influence the tone of the VMAs and add another layer of excitement to the production.

Concluding Thoughts on a New Era for the VMAs

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are not simply about celebrating the best in music videos; they represent a significant realignment of how viewers engage with televised events. As the music and television landscapes continue to shift, the collaboration between CBS and MTV serves as a testament to their shared commitment to innovation and audience engagement.

This historic broadcast has the potential to connect generation-spanning audiences while celebrating the diversity and vibrancy of contemporary music. As the countdown to the live event commences, both fans and industry insiders are eager to see how this pioneering simulcast unfolds and what it spells for the future of the VMAs.

FAQ

When and where will the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards take place?

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will be held live on September 7, 2025, from the UBS Arena starting at 8:00 PM ET.

How can viewers watch the 2025 VMAs?

The event will air live on CBS and MTV, with additional streaming available on Paramount+.

Why is CBS airing the VMAs for the first time?

CBS’s decision to air the VMAs is part of a strategic move to diversify their programming and attract younger audiences who are more engaged with live events.

What were the viewership numbers for the 2024 VMAs?

The 2024 VMAs achieved an average viewership of 4.09 million across MTV and multiple Paramount-owned networks, marking its highest viewership in four years.

Who is responsible for producing the 2025 VMAs?

The 2025 VMAs will be executive produced by Bruce Gillmer and Jesse Ignjatovic, along with a seasoned production team familiar with live event production.

Will there be interactive audience participation during the event?

While specific details haven't been announced, CBS and MTV have expressed interest in incorporating more interactive elements to engage audiences in real time.