Oscars to Shift Exclusively to YouTube in 2029 After ABC Run, Conan O'Brien to Host 98th Ceremony
The Oscars will exclusively stream globally on YouTube from 2029, ending its ABC broadcast run. Conan O'Brien will host the 98th Academy Awards in 2026.
Overview
The Academy Awards will transition to exclusive global streaming on YouTube starting in 2029, with the multiyear partnership running through 2033, marking a significant shift from traditional broadcast television.
ABC will continue its long-standing partnership, broadcasting the Oscars annually through 2028, which includes the milestone 100th Academy Awards celebration planned for that year.
YouTube's exclusive coverage will be globally accessible for free, featuring red carpet, behind-the-scenes content, interviews, educational programs, closed captioning, and multilingual audio tracks.
Conan O’Brien is slated to host the 98th Academy Awards, which will air on ABC on March 15, 2026, adding a new host detail to the upcoming ceremonies.
This move aims to counter declining Oscar ratings, which fell from 55 million in 1998 to around 20 million, by engaging new global audiences through digital platforms.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the significance of the Oscars' move to YouTube as a "new era" and a "massive shift" in media consumption. They highlight YouTube's growing dominance and contextualize the decision within the broader trend of declining traditional TV viewership for awards shows, underscoring the digital transformation of entertainment.