The VMAs are making a shock move: for the first time the ceremony will air live on CBS (simulcast on MTV) and stream on Paramount+ on Sept. 7, 2025, a shift reporters say could widen the audience overnight. Variety and Deadline confirm the change and a star-studded second performer wave — Doja Cat, Post Malone, Tate McRae and more — plus LL Cool J as host. This isn’t just a channel swap; it’s a bet on bigger TV reach and streaming crossover. Could this be the ratings pivot awards shows have been waiting for?
What The Sept 7 CBS Simulcast Reveals About The VMAs’ New Reach
- MTV Will Simulcast Live On CBS On Sept. 7, 2025, expanding broadcast reach.
- LL Cool J Is Confirmed As Host, listed by Deadline as returning solo host.
- Variety Reports New Performers Added: Doja Cat, Post Malone, Tate McRae, Conan Gray.
- The Show Will Also Stream Live On Paramount+, per Variety’s announcement.
- Producers Announced: Gunpowder & Sky and executive producers named by Variety.
Why The CBS Move Matters For TV Ratings And Streaming In 2025
This change lands at a moment when live TV events are prized for reach and ad dollars. After the 2024 VMAs reached roughly 4.08 million viewers (up about 8%), moving to a broadcast network could multiply linear viewership and advertiser interest. If you care about where pop culture lands — and whether awards shows still move water-cooler conversations — this is the pivot to watch. Will CBS broaden demo skews, or will streaming cannibalize the linear bump? That tension is the story.
Who Is Reacting To The Sept 7 VMAs Lineup — Clips, Tweets And What Fans Say
Fans and outlets lit up when the second performer list dropped; MTV posted a reveal clip and industry accounts shared lineup news on X. The social buzz leans excited: Doja Cat’s promised TV debut of “Jealous Type” and Post Malone’s return were highlighted as potential viral moments. Watch the official reveal and a major industry post here:
Jelly Roll, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Tate McRae & Conan Gray Added as 2025 MTV VMAs Performershttps://t.co/O4fLFHs36u
— billboard (@billboard) August 26, 2025
If You Loved Last Year’s viral moments, will this year’s CBS stage create even bigger cultural clips?
What 2024’s 4.08M Viewers Tell Us About The VMAs’ Momentum
Linear plus multi-network airing in 2024 pushed the telecast to its largest audience since 2020 — roughly 4.08 million viewers, up ~8% year-over-year. That bounce showed appetite for event TV when the show is widely available. The CBS simulcast compresses distribution into two flagship outlets (CBS + MTV) while adding Paramount+ streaming. For advertisers and talent, that concentration could mean higher CPMs and bigger headline moments.
3 Key Stats That Could Reshape Awards TV In 2025
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Viewers | 4.08M viewers | +8% vs 2023 |
| Top Noms Leader | 12 nominations | Lady Gaga Leads Field |
| Live Networks | 2 networks | First-Time CBS Simulcast |
Television reach grew in 2024; CBS simulcast aims to amplify that momentum into 2025.
How The Lineup And Host Choice Raise Stakes For Viral TV Moments
Adding pop-heavy names like Doja Cat and Post Malone, plus a legacy host in LL Cool J, signals a deliberate mix: social-first performers plus mainstream broadcast familiarity. That combination is designed to produce both short-form viral clips and linear appointment viewing. If a single performance goes viral, CBS can translate social chatter into tune-in and higher ad bids. Will producers chase spectacle or songcraft? The balance matters for awards credibility and ratings.
How The Sept 7 Shift Could Reorder Awards Shows — What Comes Next
CBS Simulcasting The VMAs Might Reset the awards calendar: expect other music or niche awards to test broadcast tie-ups and stream simulcasts in 2026. For fans, this could mean more accessible live TV moments and bigger cross-platform campaigns; for creators, a chance to craft single performances that dominate feeds. Keep watching for post-show ratings tallies, streaming minutes, and which clips break the internet — that’s the next headline. Will the VMAs’ CBS bet pay off in viewers and cultural memory?
Engagement Loop & Future Buzz Angles
Which performance do you think will break the internet on Sept. 7 — Doja Cat’s TV debut or Post Malone’s comeback? Bet on a clip and share it the night of the show to be part of the conversation. Future buzz angles: memeable staging breakdowns, advertiser CPM shifts, and a ratings face-off between broadcast vs streaming tallies.
Sources
- https://variety.com/2025/music/news/mtv-vmas-to-air-cbs-first-time-1236359122/
- https://variety.com/2025/music/news/doja-cat-post-malone-tate-mcrae-2025-mtv-vmas-1236498633/
- https://deadline.com/2025/08/ll-cool-j-host-2025-mtv-vmas-1236486194/
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Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.