Oscars Trade ABC For YouTube In 2029, Because Fewer People Are Watching Anyway

In a major break with tradition, the Oscars will leave ABC, its broadcast home since 1976, and move to YouTube in 2029 as the Academy tries to court younger and more global audiences.

The Wednesday announcement surprised the entertainment industry and marked a turning point in how people consume content and how they will continue to do so. Disney-owned ABC will continue to air the show until its 100th anniversary in 2028, per The Hollywood Reporter.

YouTube will stream the Academy Awards ceremony and related content on its platform, which boasts two billion users worldwide. This includes red-carpet pre-shows, behind-the-scenes footage, nominee announcements, and the Governors Awards, where honorary Oscars are presented.

Neal Mohan, CEO of the streaming giant, said in a statement Wednesday: “The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry. Partnering with the Academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”

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ABC also issued a statement, saying, “ABC has been the proud home to The Oscars for more than half a century. We look forward to the next three telecasts, including the show’s centennial celebration in 2028, and wish the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences continued success.”

The Oscars have suffered a steep, decades-long ratings decline, exacerbated by a major drop during the pandemic, with only occasional minor upticks since. Viewership was up 1% this year, reaching 19.7 million viewers. 

While this year’s host, Conan O’Brien, mostly steered clear of politics, the Oscars are known for being a leftist lovefest, which has drawn criticism from the potential audience. This includes the show itself and the projects that get nominated. O’Brien was invited back to host in 2026.

This year, the anti-Israel film “No Other Land” won Best Documentary Feature. Daily Wire podcast host Matt Walsh had his runaway hit documentary, “Am I Racist?” snubbed by the Academy in 2024 despite its massive popularity and cultural impact.