What's Happening?
The 77th Annual Emmy Awards, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, will be broadcast live on CBS from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 14, 2025. Cord-cutters have multiple options to stream the event live, including DirecTV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV, all of which carry CBS. Paramount+ Premium will also livestream the event, while its Essential subscribers can access the show on demand the following day. Several streaming services are offering free trials and discounts, allowing viewers to watch the Emmys at no cost. DirecTV offers a five-day free trial, Fubo provides a seven-day free trial, and Hulu + Live TV has a three-day free trial. Paramount+ Premium, necessary for live streaming, includes a seven-day free trial.
Why It's Important?
The availability of free trials and discounts for streaming services during the Emmy Awards highlights the competitive nature of the streaming industry. This strategy not only attracts new subscribers but also provides an opportunity for viewers to explore various platforms without financial commitment. The Emmys, being a high-profile event, serve as a significant draw for potential subscribers, offering streaming services a chance to showcase their offerings. This could lead to increased subscriber numbers and potentially higher revenue for these platforms. Additionally, the event underscores the shift from traditional cable to streaming services as a primary source of live television content.
What's Next?
As streaming services continue to vie for market share, similar promotional strategies are likely to be employed for other major live events. This could lead to further innovation in how content is delivered and consumed, potentially influencing the future landscape of television broadcasting. Stakeholders in the industry, including content creators and advertisers, may need to adapt to these changes by exploring new ways to engage audiences and monetize content. The success of these promotions during the Emmys could set a precedent for future events, encouraging more viewers to transition from traditional cable to streaming platforms.
