2025 Oscars Air on Hulu: What about ABC?

The 2025 Oscars are set to make a big splash by airing live on Hulu, but what does that mean for ABC viewers? The landscape of TV viewing has been shifting, with streaming services gaining popularity and traditional network TV losing some of its luster. Even major events like the Super Bowl and awards shows are not pulling in the same massive audiences as before. While the 2024 Emmy Awards did see a rise in viewership, the trend of people watching TV live has been on the decline.

In a significant change, the 97th Academy Awards, scheduled to air on Sunday, March 2, will not only be broadcast on ABC but will also be available for live streaming on Hulu. This decision reflects the acknowledgment by the Academy that streaming is the way of the future, and adapting to this new reality is crucial for the Oscars to stay relevant.

In recent years, the Oscars have allowed viewers to watch the ceremony on Hulu the day after the broadcast, but the live broadcast on ABC remained the primary way to catch the show. Now, with the move to streaming, the Oscars are embracing a new era of entertainment consumption.

Viewership for the Oscars can vary depending on the popularity of the nominated movies. Major blockbusters like the Lord of the Rings trilogy can draw in nearly 50 million viewers, while lesser-known films may see lower numbers. Over the years, the Oscars have experienced a decline in ratings due to a variety of reasons, including less popular movie nominees and changing viewing habits.

The shift to streaming the Oscars live is a strategic move to attract a wider audience and adapt to the changing viewing habits of the modern audience. With major films like Wicked expected to be among the nominees for the 2025 Oscars, and Conan O’Brien taking over hosting duties, the upcoming ceremony is anticipated to be a major event that draws in both traditional broadcast viewers and streaming audience on Hulu.

While ABC may be concerned about losing some viewers to Hulu, the decision to stream the Oscars live could actually lead to an increase in overall viewership. By making the Oscars accessible to a larger audience through streaming, the Academy is positioning itself for a successful and engaging ceremony that could potentially attract the highest viewership in over a decade.

The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, starting at 6:30/5:30c on both ABC and Hulu. Get ready for a night of glamour, excitement, and unforgettable moments as Hollywood’s biggest stars come together to celebrate the magic of the movies.