Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#1
Posted: 4/22/26 at 8:05am
The ten year contract between CBS and the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League ends this year. The Tonys have had a relationship with CBS since the 1970's but the media company has now become a propaganda tool of the Trump administration. Will the Tonys renew the contract for another ten years?
Updated On: 4/22/26 at 08:05 AM
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#2
Posted: 4/22/26 at 8:14am
It was announced YouTube will be broadcasting the Tony Awards in 2029 so they might just extend 2 more years on CBS. Unless PlutoTV takes it for those 2 years.
Broadway Star Joined: 3/21/07
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#3
Posted: 4/22/26 at 8:20am
The Oscars are moving to YouTube in 2029, not the Tonys. Nothing has been announced as of yet about the future plans for the Tonys if they or CBS decide not to renew their contract.
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#4
Posted: 4/22/26 at 8:48am
Indications right now say no, although moving to YouTube like the Oscars would just result in even lower viewership totals. It's really a lose-lose situation.
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#5
Posted: 4/22/26 at 9:47am
EDSOSLO858 said: "Indications right now say no, although moving to YouTube like the Oscars would just result in even lower viewership totals. It's really a lose-lose situation."
I wasn’t able to see any indication online one way or the other. To my knowledge no one in the entertainment press has asked this question of the American Theatre Wing or The Broadway League.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#6
Posted: 4/22/26 at 10:02am
I previously thought PBS would be the most ideal home for the Tonys. But even in normal times, PBS wouldn’t pay even half of what CBS pays for the rights.
Netflix is getting into live awards shows, but I really can’t see them shelling out money for something that isn’t related to filmed media. The SAGs are a way for them to parade around Netflix talent.
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#7
Posted: 4/22/26 at 10:19am
If Bob Greenblatt was still head of NBC, I'm sure he would've easily picked them up.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/18/17
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#8
Posted: 4/22/26 at 10:29am
Broadway isn’t too exciting anymore
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#9
Posted: 4/22/26 at 10:34am
I think CBS might renew, but perhaps not with a full 10 year contract.
I'm not sure any of the other "big four" networks would go for it. PBS would be a good fit, but I don't think they can afford it right now. So if CBS doesn't keep the show it would probably head to a lesser network like TBS.
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#10
Posted: 4/22/26 at 11:23am
No matter what they do, the Tony Awards telecast viewership will continue to decline. That’s not unique to them, though. Most, if not all, award shows are losing viewers. Especially when younger viewers go to x or instagram to find out who won.
What the Tony’s have going for it are the performances. I’d actually be curious what the total view count of those performances are on each social media platform is compared to what the telecast ratings are. They might as well make the actual ceremony a private event and release the list of winners as a press release. Then, they film the musical nominees for their YouTube channel and then clipping it for social media.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#11
Posted: 4/22/26 at 12:06pm
It was announced YouTube will be broadcasting the Tony Awards in 2029
Nah, Brodawg. Not that you'd ever admit you were wrong ;)
https://press.oscars.org/news/academy-partners-youtube-exclusive-global-rights-oscarsr-and-other-academy-content-starting
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#12
Posted: 4/22/26 at 1:00pm
EDSOSLO858 said: "Indications right now say no, although moving to YouTube like the Oscars would just result in even lower viewership totals. It's really a lose-lose situation."
Youtube is the biggest streaming platform in the world, and definitely a better way of reaching younger audiences than traditional network tv.
Also, if they dont region block it on youtube, they would then open it up to a worldwide audience that usually doesnt get a look in. Which would also include international tourists
Worse ideas than putting it on youtube
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#13
Posted: 4/22/26 at 2:10pm
Theatrefan2 said: "EDSOSLO858 said: "Indications right now say no, although moving to YouTube like the Oscars would just result in even lower viewership totals. It's really a lose-lose situation."
Youtube is the biggest streaming platform in the world, and definitely a better way of reaching younger audiences than traditional network tv.
Also, if they dont region block it on youtube, they would then open it up to a worldwide audience that usually doesnt get a look in. Which would also include international tourists
Worse ideas than putting it on youtube"
The Tonys on YouTube would be best-case scenario. Paramount+ is a c-level streamer that isn't even close to worldwide, and the Tonys are often on against some sort of sport that might take physical TV eyes away from those households fighting over what to watch. There's a reason the ratings are so dismal.
Also, arguably more shows could perform on the show if they move to more sponsored performances, if it means more eyes generally.
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#14
Posted: 4/22/26 at 4:35pm
sinister teashop said: "The ten year contract between CBS and the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League ends this year. The Tonys have had a relationship with CBS since the 1970's but the media company hasnow become a propaganda tool of the Trump administration. Will the Tonys renew the contractfor another ten years?"
I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up being the last year…but if I were in The Wing and The Broadway League’s position…I would actually move it over to ABC (I mean they already got the GRAMMYs contract so it makes sense they also get the TONY contract as well)
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#15
Posted: 4/22/26 at 4:44pm
I don't think the Tonys hold any kind of a winning hand that would allow them to choose between networks or streaming services. It's a money loser and is locked in to an aging non-ad friendly audience on network TV. Staying with CBS or any network TV might be comfortable in the short term but it is forestalling the inevitable. A move to streaming as the Oscars is doing might be rough for a number of years or maybe even a serious risk but it would bring the award ceremonies to a wider and younger generation, especially as posters have suggested above if it is part of a broader strategy of highlight clips posted over social media sites.
Updated On: 4/22/26 at 04:44 PMWill the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#16
Posted: 4/22/26 at 5:26pm
malcs98 said: "sinister teashop said: "The ten year contract between CBS and the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League ends this year. The Tonys have had a relationship with CBS since the 1970's but the media company hasnow become a propaganda tool of the Trump administration. Will the Tonys renew the contractfor another ten years?"
I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up being the last year…but if I were in The Wing and The Broadway League’s position…I would actually move it over to ABC (I mean they already got the GRAMMYs contract so it makes sense they also get the TONY contract as well)"
Unless the Tony Awards are okay with being preempted by the NBA finals, this wouldn’t work.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/4/04
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#17
Posted: 4/22/26 at 5:38pm
BwayLB said: "Broadway isn’t too exciting anymore"
Then why are you here?
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#18
Posted: 4/22/26 at 5:43pm
sinister teashop said: "The ten year contract between CBS and the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League ends this year. The Tonys have had a relationship with CBS since the 1970's but the media company hasnow become a propaganda tool of the Trump administration. Will the Tonys renew the contractfor another ten years?"
Isn’t there going to be a special Tony this year for peace, going to Trump of course.
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#19
Posted: 4/22/26 at 5:49pm
Timon3 said: "sinister teashop said: "The ten year contract between CBS and the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League ends this year. The Tonys have had a relationship with CBS since the 1970's but the media company hasnow become a propaganda tool of the Trump administration. Will the Tonys renew the contractfor another ten years?"
Isn’t there going to be a special Tony this year for peace, going to Trump of course."
Bari Weiss is too busy kissing him on both cheeks. And I don’t mean George Cheeks.
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#20
Posted: 4/23/26 at 1:42am
I am shocked so many here seem to think that the Tonys have any say in this. At CBS, even back when the present contract was signed, this was known as Moonves's pet. It's not clear why they would want to discuss renewing it. There are variables however. There are those who have influence in many places, although I am not sure CBS is very tied in to the power producers of the moment.
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#21
Posted: 4/23/26 at 4:11am
Call_me_jorge said: "malcs98 said: "sinister teashop said: "The ten year contract between CBS and the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League ends this year. The Tonys have had a relationship with CBS since the 1970's but the media company hasnow become a propaganda tool of the Trump administration. Will the Tonys renew the contractfor another ten years?"
I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up being the last year…but if I were in The Wing and The Broadway League’s position…I would actually move it over to ABC (I mean they already got the GRAMMYs contract so it makes sense they also get the TONY contract as well)"
Unless the Tony Awards are okay with being preempted by the NBA finals, this wouldn’t work."
I have no idea if ABC is an option, but there would be no conflict with the NBA Finals this year. I don’t know about future years, though.
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#22
Posted: 4/23/26 at 11:59am
HogansHero said: "I am shocked so many here seem to think that the Tonys have any say in this.
Yeah the League and the American Theater Wing don’t get to pick and choose any network or streaming platform they want. And after losing the Oscars to YouTube (which, according to reports was a big shock at ABC), there’s little chance that ABC would want to scoop up the Tonys. Ratings for all awards shows are on the decline across the board. The math just doesn’t work.
The best scenario would be if the Tony telecast were to follow the Oscars to YouTube. Being on the top (as in most watched) streaming platform would likely gain it more viewers than being on CBS / Paramount Plus.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/1/13
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#23
Posted: 4/24/26 at 9:55am
James885 said: "The best scenario would be if theTonytelecast were to follow the Oscars to YouTube. Being on the top (as in most watched) streaming platform would likely gain it more viewers than being on CBS / Paramount Plus."
It is too early, and there are changes coming to OTA TV (ATSC 3.0) that muddy the waters re: making that decision, IMO. In my personal viewpoint, I choose to drop the Networks to last on the totem pole regarding importance in the decision.
I think it's relevant, in discussing YouTube to be more specific prior to suggesting The Tonys follow the Oscars. YouTube is no longer the singular entity most people are familiar with (meaning the branch of YouTube that's used for video sharing). Yet, people still speak (misleadingly) as if they are.
Many TV shows currently have their own channels on YouTube where they upload content (commercial-free) for sharing, but if awards shows move to YouTube's sharing platform before they've been broadcast OTA (including the money-generating commercials), I can see "opportunities" lighting up in the eyes of [whomever - fill in the blank].
In regards to The Oscars, I'm wary of being told in the L.A. Times : "The show, including red carpet coverage and behind-the-scenes access, will stream live on YouTube around the world, with U.S. viewers also able to watch via YouTube TV." ...YouTube and YouTube TV are two, separate parts of the company - and one requires a subscription.
PBS reports more specifically: "The Academy Awards will stream for free worldwide on YouTube, in addition to YouTube TV subscribers."
There's also the corporate merger(s) to be sorted out before considering where The Oscars or The Tonys will eventually land.
IMO, there's a lot to be sorted, but I don't think Networks matter that much anymore.
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#24
Posted: 4/24/26 at 11:02am
John Adams said: "James885 said: "The best scenario would be if theTonytelecast were to follow the Oscars to YouTube. Being on the top (as in most watched) streaming platform would likely gain it more viewers than being on CBS / Paramount Plus."
It is too early, and there are changes coming to OTA TV (ATSC 3.0) that muddy the waters re: making that decision, IMO. In my personal viewpoint, I choose to drop the Networks to last on the totem pole regarding importance in the decision.
I think it's relevant, in discussing YouTube to be more specific prior to suggesting The Tonys follow the Oscars. YouTube is no longer the singular entity most people are familiar with (meaning the branch of YouTube that's used for video sharing). Yet, people still speak (misleadingly) as if they are.
Many TV shows currently have their own channels on YouTube where they upload content (commercial-free) for sharing, but if awards shows move to YouTube's sharing platformbeforethey've been broadcast OTA (including the money-generating commercials), I can see "opportunities" lighting up in the eyes of [whomever- fill in the blank].
In regards to The Oscars, I'm wary of being told in the L.A. Times : "The show, including red carpet coverage and behind-the-scenes access, will stream live on YouTube around the world, with U.S. viewers also able to watch via YouTube TV." ...YouTube and YouTube TV are two, separate parts of the company - and one requires a subscription.
PBS reports more specifically:"The Academy Awards will stream for free worldwide on YouTube, in addition to YouTube TV subscribers."
There's also the corporate merger(s) to be sorted out before considering where The Oscars or The Tonys will eventually land.
IMO, there's a lot to be sorted, but I don't think Networks matter that much anymore."
Good points. I do think though that the networks still do matter to an older demographic that votes in elections so it still has value as a political market. But that is probably decreasing even in that value each year.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/1/13
Will the Tony Awards renew their contract with CBS?#25
Posted: 4/24/26 at 1:56pm
sinister teashop said: "I do think though that the networks still do matter to an older demographic that votes in elections so it still has value as a political market. But that is probably decreasing even in that value each year."
You are absolutely correct about that, I feel. (You certainly capture me in that net!)
But even me, living within that demographic, understand that what The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) protected as the right of consumers to receive a) for free, b) over-the-air broadcast television signal, and c) without any subscription fees, is to my great nostalgic sadness - possibly a thing of the past.
I do feel that options other than a YouTube company could (should?) be included in the debate - e.g., the impending ATSC 3.0 standard for OTA TV, as it would still keep ceremonies like The Oscars, The Tonys, et.al. free from "corporate overlords" and potential hyper-monitization.
Granted, when the ATSC 3.0 standard gets fully implemented (February 2028, and the remainder by February 2030), some folks will need to purchase new TVs, but in balance, that's what I prefer. Your mileage may vary.
FYI: I'm not saying that awards ceremonies like The Tonys and The Oscars have to be OTA broadcasts - that's just my preference. IMO, stuff like that should be thought of as "free to all" viewing.
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