CBS Preempts 60 Minutes for VMAs as Paramount+ Kicks Off NFL Season

Lead On Sunday, Sept. 7, CBS will preempt its flagship news program 60 Minutes to broadcast the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards live from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET on Paramount+, while the network’s NFL on CBS returns with weekly live games on the same day.

Nut Graf By pairing the star-studded VMAs with the resumption of live NFL action, Paramount Global is doubling down on marquee live events to drive viewership and subscriptions across its linear and streaming platforms.

Main Part The VMAs broadcast, normally airing on MTV, will be simulcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, offering subscribers a free look at the awards ceremony without additional fees. This marks the first time CBS has ceded its Sunday evening news slot for a major entertainment awards show in prime time.

Paramount+ will also debut NFL on CBS coverage for the 2025 season on Sept. 7, featuring marquee matchups, college football and international soccer highlights. Live games will stream exclusively for Paramount+ subscribers on game days, reinforcing the service’s push into sports programming.

Subscribers can access both events under the Paramount+ Essential plan (with ads) or the ad-free Paramount+ with Showtime tier. The platform supports streaming on smart TVs, mobile devices, and game consoles, with a seven-day free trial available to new users.

As live sports and music events become increasingly critical for streaming services, Paramount Global’s strategy of leveraging its CBS and MTV assets in tandem positions Paramount+ to compete more effectively against rival platforms.