Oscars 2026 Start Time + How to Watch (ABC & Hulu)
Oscars 2026: What Time It Starts (ET/CT/MT/PT) + How to Watch on ABC / Hulu
The 98th Academy Awards (aka the Oscars 2026) air live on Sunday, March 15, 2026. If you only need the essentials: the show starts at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT), and you can watch it on ABC or stream it live on Hulu.
Quick Start-Time Answer (ET/CT/MT/PT)
| Time Zone | Oscars 2026 Start Time |
|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 7:00 PM |
| Central (CT) | 6:00 PM |
| Mountain (MT) | 5:00 PM |
| Pacific (PT) | 4:00 PM |
Tip: In mid-March, most of the U.S. is on daylight time. That’s why you’ll often see the broadcast listed as 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT.
Don’t Miss the Pre-Show (Red Carpet / Preshow Time)
The official preshow begins at 6:30 PM ET. Converted to the same U.S. time zones:
- 6:30 PM ET
- 5:30 PM CT
- 4:30 PM MT
- 3:30 PM PT
If you’re tuning in mainly for arrivals, fashion, and interviews, set a reminder for the preshow and treat the main ceremony like the “second act.”
How to Watch the Oscars 2026 on ABC (Cable, Antenna, or Apps)
ABC is still the main “traditional TV” home for the Oscars broadcast in the United States. Your simplest options:
- Cable or satellite: Find your local ABC affiliate in your channel guide.
- Free over-the-air antenna: In many markets, you can get ABC for free with a digital antenna.
- ABC app / ABC.com: In some cases, you can watch by signing in with your TV provider.
If you’re using an antenna, it’s worth testing reception earlier in the day (especially if weather is bad or you’re far from broadcast towers).
How to Watch the Oscars 2026 Live on Hulu
Hulu is a key reason this year’s “how to watch” questions are different: the Oscars stream live on Hulu in the U.S. at the same time as the ABC telecast.
- Best for: cord-cutters who want the simplest official stream
- What to do now: make sure your Hulu login works, your app is updated, and your device is ready
- Smart move: open the stream early so you’re not scrambling at 6:59 PM ET
Backup Streaming Options (If You Don’t Want to Rely on One App)
If you’d rather have a “plan B” in case an app glitches, the most common approach is a live TV streaming service that carries ABC in your area.
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Fubo
Keep in mind: local channel availability can vary by ZIP code, so it’s smart to confirm ABC access on your service ahead of time.
What Reddit Says About Streaming the Oscars (and How to Avoid a Panic)
Reddit threads from past live-stream attempts are basically a masterclass in what to do before awards night: confirm your login, update apps, and have a backup ready (even if it’s just ABC via antenna).
Trying to watch Oscars, hulu live tv doesn't work from r/Oscars
Did Hulu cut the Oscar stream at the end for anyone else? from r/cordcutters
The takeaway: treat the Oscars like a big live sports event. If you wait until the exact start time to sign in, you’re playing on hard mode.
Instagram Post to Bookmark (Nominations + Official Updates)
If you like getting official reminders and short clips leading into Oscars night, the Academy’s social posts are the easiest “one-tap” way to keep up.
Related YouTube Watch: A Quick Awards-Season Clip
Want something Oscars-adjacent while you’re waiting for the live broadcast window? Here’s a short related YouTube clip that’s been making the rounds in awards-season conversations.
FAQ
What time do the Oscars start in 2026?
7:00 PM ET — which is 6:00 PM CT, 5:00 PM MT, and 4:00 PM PT.
What time does the Oscars preshow start?
6:30 PM ET — which is 5:30 PM CT, 4:30 PM MT, and 3:30 PM PT.
Can I watch the Oscars live on Hulu (not Hulu + Live TV)?
Yes, the Oscars stream live on Hulu in the U.S. at the same time as ABC.
Can I watch the Oscars for free?
If you can receive your local ABC station with an over-the-air antenna, you can watch the broadcast without a paid streaming subscription. Availability depends on where you live and your reception.
Final Checklist (So You’re Not Troubleshooting at 6:59 PM ET)
- Update your Hulu app and sign in early.
- If watching ABC, confirm your local affiliate channel (or test your antenna).
- Have one backup option ready (another device, another app, or another service).
- Start with the preshow if you care about red carpet arrivals.
Enjoy Oscars Sunday—may your stream be stable and your predictions be unhinged (in the fun way).