The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) shattered viewership records, experiencing a dramatic 42% increase thanks to its broadcast on CBS. This marked the first time the VMAs aired on the network, significantly expanding its reach to a massive audience. Nielsen's initial data, including out-of-home viewing, revealed a staggering 5.5 million viewers – the highest number in six years.
The success wasn't solely attributed to the CBS broadcast. The show also aired on MTV and streamed via Paramount+, contributing to a combined average of 4.09 million viewers across MTV and 11 other Paramount cable networks for the telecast, including pre-show and encore presentations. Paramount's directly comparable figure stands at 3.91 million viewers (with final adjustments for the 2025 broadcast pending). The significant viewership boost underscores the advantage of CBS's far-reaching availability compared to MTV, accessible to approximately 125 million US households.
The 2025 VMAs emerged as CBS's most-watched entertainment special since the Grammy Awards on February 2nd, a remarkable achievement given the stiff competition from a thrilling Sunday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens on NBC. The nail-biting game, which saw the Bills mount a stunning comeback, undoubtedly drew a substantial audience.
Despite the intense competition, the VMAs delivered a star-studded night of awards. Lady Gaga reigned supreme, securing the Artist of the Year award alongside three others. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each took home three awards; Grande's "Brighter Days Ahead" won Video of the Year, and Carpenter's "Short n' Sweet" secured Album of the Year.
Hosting duties fell to the legendary LL Cool J, a fitting choice given his extensive history with CBS and its associated channels, stemming from his time on shows like NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawaiʻi, as well as his hosting gig for Lip Sync Battle on Paramount Network. His long-standing relationship with MTV, cemented by his influential rap career and inclusion in VH1's "100 Greatest Artists Of All Time," further solidified his position as the perfect emcee. The combined effect of a powerful broadcast partner, compelling performances, and a celebrated host undeniably contributed to the VMAs' monumental success in 2025.
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Originally published at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/vmas-2025-tv-ratings-cbs-1236365220/
