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You've got the snacks ready. Maybe a bottle of something nice is chilling in the fridge. You’re looking for that specific channel, but then it hits you: what time does the CMAs come on tonight? If you’re like me, you probably mix up the start times for every single awards show. Is it 7? Is it 8? Does the red carpet count as the "start"?
Let’s skip the fluff. The 59th Annual CMA Awards are set to air live on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. If you’re in the Central Time zone, that’s 7:00 PM CT. For the West Coast friends, ABC usually does a tape delay for the 8:00 PM PT slot, though some streaming services let you catch the live feed earlier if you’ve got the right setup.
It’s going to be a long night, usually wrapping up around 11:00 PM ET. Three hours of Nashville’s best. Honestly, it’s one of the few awards shows that actually moves at a decent clip because the performances usually outweigh the long-winded speeches.
Where to Find the Broadcast and How to Stream
The CMAs are an ABC staple. If you have an antenna, you’re golden. Just tune in to your local affiliate. If you’ve cut the cord, things get a little more "choose your own adventure."
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You can stream it live if you have a subscription to Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV. Basically, anything that gives you a live local ABC feed. If you only have the "basic" Hulu subscription (the one without live TV), you’re going to have to wait. The full show usually drops on regular Hulu the very next morning—typically by 3:00 AM ET on Thursday.
- Network: ABC
- Live Stream: Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, YouTube TV
- Next-Day Streaming: Hulu (standard)
- Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
What Time Does The CMAs Come On Tonight for the Red Carpet?
Look, the show starts at 8:00 PM, but the fashion starts way earlier. Usually, around 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM ET, you’ll start seeing the "On the Red Carpet" specials. These are often on ABC or streamed through their digital platforms.
It’s where you see the outfits that people will be talking about for the next week. Last year’s looks were a mix of traditional rhinestones and some weirdly modern "country-core" that didn't quite land for everyone. It's always a toss-up.
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Who Is Hosting and Performing This Year?
Lainey Wilson is pulling double duty. She’s hosting and she’s probably going to be on stage every twenty minutes for a performance or an award. She’s the solo host this time around, which is a big deal. Only a handful of women have ever hosted this show solo—think Dolly Parton or Reba.
The performer lineup is basically a "who’s who" of the charts right now:
- Luke Combs (always a powerhouse)
- Post Malone (yes, he’s fully country now, get used to it)
- Chris Stapleton
- Megan Moroney
- Shaboozey
There is also a huge tribute planned for Vince Gill, who is receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. If you’re a fan of 90s country, this is the segment you cannot miss. Bring tissues. Seriously.
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The Big Nominees to Watch
The "Entertainer of the Year" category is the one everyone fights over. This year it’s a heavyweight battle: Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, and Lainey Wilson.
Morgan Wallen has been breaking records left and right, but the CMAs have a funny way of voting based on "industry respect" rather than just raw streaming numbers. It wouldn't surprise me if Stapleton or Combs takes it home again just because their live shows are so technically perfect.
Quick Checklist for Tonight
- Double-check your local ABC channel. Sometimes these move around if there’s a local news conflict.
- Update your streaming apps. There is nothing worse than opening Hulu at 7:59 PM and seeing a "System Update" bar.
- Clear your DVR. If you're recording it, make sure you have at least 3.5 hours of space. Awards shows almost always run over.
Everything is moving toward a more digital-first experience, but there’s still something about watching the CMAs live that feels right. It's that "water cooler" moment. Even if the water cooler is now just a group chat with your cousins.
Next Steps for Your Viewing Party:
Check your local listings one last time to ensure no sports pre-emptions are happening in your area. If you’re planning to watch on a delay, stay off social media starting at 8:00 PM ET sharp, as the winners are posted in real-time and will absolutely spoil the surprise of the night.