TV fans tune in to the Emmys to watch their favorite shows and actors get the recognition they deserve. The 2020 Emmys were a socially distanced affair that involved people in hazmat suits showing up at actors’ houses with statuettes, but things are looking up for 2021. There are no hazmat suits on the agenda, and the September 2021 ceremony should look a lot more like a regular year. But a “regular year” doesn’t mean you need a cable connection to watch the Emmys. Here’s how to catch the Emmys without cable.
How to Watch the Emmys Online (and Over the Air) Without Cable
The Emmy Awards usually air in September on a major network. The major networks take turns hosting the show, which means each of ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC take over the Emmys broadcast every four years.
The 2021 Emmys are on September 19 on CBS. (Stephen Colbert hosted the last time the Emmys were on CBS, but, as of this writing, the show hasn’t yet announced a 2021 host.) If you want to know how to stream the Emmys live without cable, then you’ll need to know how to stream CBS live without cable. There are multiple options, including some that aren’t really “streaming” at all. Cord-cutters can tune in through streaming services or with an antenna.
Live TV streaming providers make it possible to watch stars walk the red carpet on a TV with a streaming device, a mobile device with a streaming app, or a computer with an internet connection. If these services are new to you, then check out our guide to live TV streaming and “skinny bundles.” If you’ve already got the gist, then let’s move on to our list!
Here are all the ways to watch the Emmys without cable, including streaming and over-the-air options.
Hulu + Live TV offers a great selection of top-notch TV networks, and fans of the Emmys will be pleased that the service offers a livestream of the local CBS affiliate in most markets. For more on Hulu + Live TV, read our review of Hulu.
fuboTV offers CBS in most markets, so you’ll be able to use fuboTV to watch the Emmys online in 2021. fuboTV markets itself as a sports-focused service — and there’s a lot of truth to that — but it has also broadened its list of channels in recent years. You can now get entertainment programming like the Emmys just as easily as you can get your favorite team’s game. Our fuboTV review has more comprehensive information on the service.
The Emmys will also be on Paramount Plus, the 2021 relaunch of CBS All Access with a new name and more content. In many markets, that content includes a livestream of CBS. Even if your market isn’t one of the lucky ones, you will still be able to stream the Emmys on Paramount Plus.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service backed by tech giant Google. It’s a strong option for live TV streaming, and Emmys fans will be happy to see CBS among the channels it offers.
Free over-the-air TV
The Emmys airing on one of the four major networks each year is great news for cord-cutters, because the four major networks are all broadcast stations. Also called terrestrial or over-the-air stations, these channels broadcast on radio frequencies that can be picked up — for free — by TV antennas. That means you can buy an antenna appropriate for your area and pick up a signal from your nearest station to watch the Emmys.
You may also be able to stream network TV with an OTA DVR such as Tablo and the Tablo app or the Plex media server application. An antenna, PC TV tuner, and computer can also work. Streaming services and skinny bundles do not require an antenna or any additional hardware.
Can I watch the Emmys on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast?
A streaming platform such as Roku or Fire TV is a cord-cutter’s best friend. But can you use such devices to watch the Emmys? The short answer is, yes! The longer answer is in this chart.
| Roku | Fire TV | Apple TV | Android TV | Chromecast | iOS | Android | Web browser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| fuboTV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| YouTube TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
You won’t see Paramount Plus on the chart, but it works with all the listed platforms and devices.
More to Watch for Emmys Fans
If you like the glitz and glamour of the Emmys, you may also want to check out the Grammys. The Grammys are typically held in January or February, although COVID-19 delayed the 2021 ceremony until March. The 2022 Grammys have already been scheduled for January 31. You can find out how to watch it in our guide to watching the Grammys without cable.