Grammy Awards Move from CBS to Disney in 2027

The Grammy Awards are set to transition from CBS to Disney by 2027, marking a significant shift in the award show’s long history on network television. Disney announced this move on Wednesday, revealing a 10-year agreement that will see the prestigious music awards featured across its various streaming and cable platforms, including ABC, Hulu, and Disney+. This change represents the end of an era for the Grammys, which have been broadcast on CBS since 1973.

The deal will allow Disney to simulcast the Grammys from 2027 to 2036, integrating the music awards into its growing portfolio of live event programming. This lineup will also include other major events such as The Oscars and the Super Bowl, further solidifying Disney’s position as a powerhouse in live entertainment. Additionally, the Grammys will join The Country Music Association Awards and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, enhancing Disney’s offerings in the realm of live television.

The decision to part ways with CBS comes after the network and The Recording Academy failed to reach an agreement during an exclusive negotiating window. According to Deadline, while discussions continued beyond that window, the absence of a deal ultimately opened the door for other bidders, leading to Disney’s successful acquisition of the Grammy Awards.

This move is significant for both the Grammys and CBS, given the former’s historical presence on the network for over five decades. During this time, the Grammy Awards became synonymous with CBS, a relationship that flourished until recent years when viewership began to decline. In 2023, the Grammy Awards drew 16.9 million viewers, representing the show’s highest ratings since 2020. However, this number pales in comparison to the nearly 40 million viewers who tuned in back in 2013, highlighting a broader trend of diminishing audiences for traditional television broadcasts.

As viewership patterns evolve, the importance of streaming platforms cannot be overstated. The Grammy Awards are now poised to capitalize on Disney’s extensive reach in the streaming arena, which could potentially help the show regain some of its lost audience. Disney’s acquisition aligns with a broader strategy of enhancing its live programming, as the company continues to attract viewers who prefer on-demand content over conventional cable TV.

However, the specifics of the financial arrangements between Disney and The Recording Academy remain undisclosed. It is unclear how much Disney is investing in the Grammy Awards. In previous years, CBS reportedly paid around $20 million annually for the rights to air the show, based on a deal struck with The Recording Academy in 2016. With the move to Disney, the financial implications for CBS become particularly relevant as the company grapples with its own fiscal challenges.

CBS parent company Paramount has been facing significant pressures from the evolving media landscape, including the rise of streaming services and a subsequent decline in traditional cable subscriptions. As a result, Paramount has been actively working to cut costs, planning to reduce its expenses by approximately $500 million by the end of the year. This cost-cutting initiative may include laying off about 2,000 employees, further indicating the company’s struggle to adapt to a rapidly changing industry.

Disney’s acquisition of the Grammy Awards also comes at a time when major award shows are experiencing a resurgence in viewership. The Oscars, which also fall under the Disney umbrella, have seen a rebound in ratings, drawing 19.5 million viewers in 2024. This marks the third consecutive year of growth for the Oscars, suggesting that live events are regaining their allure in an increasingly fragmented entertainment landscape.

While the Grammy Awards may be shifting to Disney, it remains to be seen how this transition will impact the show’s future. The move provides an opportunity for revitalization, particularly as the show aims to recapture the audience it has lost over the years. Disney’s vast reach and innovative programming strategies may play a crucial role in shaping the Grammys’ trajectory, allowing the event to thrive in the competitive world of live television.

In summary, the Grammy Awards’ migration from CBS to Disney by 2027 is a pivotal moment for both entities. As CBS concludes its long-standing relationship with the awards show, Disney prepares to welcome a new chapter in its live event programming. This partnership not only aligns with Disney’s goal of expanding its live offerings but also reflects the evolving dynamics of television viewership in an era dominated by streaming platforms. As the Grammys embark on this new journey, the focus will be on how the show adapts to the changing media landscape and whether it can recapture its former glory in the ratings.