Grammys End 50-Year CBS Era with Historic Move to Disney Networks in 2027
In a landmark shift, Disney has secured a 10-year deal to broadcast the Grammy Awards across ABC, Hulu, and Disney+ from 2027 through 2036, ending the show's 50-plus-year run on CBS.
Mickey Mouse pumpkin
The deal marks a significant change in the awards show's broadcasting history, which began on NBC (1959-1970), moved briefly to ABC (1971-1972), and has aired on CBS since 1973. CBS's current rights extend through 2026 under a deal signed in 2016.
The transition occurred after CBS and The Recording Academy failed to reach an agreement during their exclusive negotiating window, though CBS remained interested in retaining the rights.
Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden emphasized the importance of live events in today's media landscape, calling the Grammys "one of the crown jewels" in programming. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expressed excitement about joining Disney while acknowledging CBS's long-standing partnership.
The acquisition strengthens ABC's impressive lineup of major events, including:
- The Grammy Awards
- The Academy Awards
- The Super Bowl
- The CMA Awards
- Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve
For CBS, this represents a strategic shift toward focusing resources on live sports and prime-time franchises, having recently secured rights to the Golden Globes.