End of an Era: Television Drops the Oscars After Century of Broadcasting

A seismic shift rocked the entertainment landscape on Wednesday as news broke that would fundamentally change how audiences experience Hollywood’s biggest night. After approximately 100 years of television broadcasts, the Academy Awards will transition away from traditional network programming following the 2028 ceremony.

On December 17, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that ABC’s tenure as the broadcast home of The Oscars will conclude once the network airs the 100th anniversary ceremony. This milestone broadcast will be the final time the awards show appears on The Walt Disney Company’s ABC network.

Breaking: The Oscars Are Leaving ABC For YouTube Starting in 2029

Breaking: The Oscars Are Leaving ABC For YouTube Starting in 2029
https://t.co/gSDEqk81Q6

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) December 17, 2025

Streaming Platform to Host Future Ceremonies

Beginning with the 101st ceremony in 2029, the Academy Awards will find their new home on YouTube. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed the streaming platform will host live broadcasts in the future, representing an unprecedented departure from traditional television distribution.

This decision marks the first instance in Oscar history where the ceremony won’t reach audiences through conventional broadcast television channels. The implications for viewership, accessibility, and presentation format remain subjects of speculation as the industry processes this transformative announcement.

The flexibility offered by streaming platforms differs substantially from the constraints of network television. YouTube possesses capabilities for ad insertion during live programming, but operates without the strict commercial scheduling demands that define broadcast television. How this technological difference might influence which awards categories receive on-air presentation versus behind-the-scenes treatment hasn’t been addressed.

Public statements explaining the rationale behind ending the television broadcasting tradition have not been issued by either The Walt Disney Company or the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The circumstances leading to this historic shift remain undisclosed as this breaking news story continues developing.

Three More Years of Traditional Oscars Broadcasts

The transformation won’t affect Oscar ceremonies scheduled for the immediate future. Through 2028, ABC maintains its role as the official broadcaster for The Academy Awards, ensuring continuity for the next three annual events.

Audiences can expect the 98th, 99th, and centennial 100th Academy Awards to air on the Disney-owned television network, according to established plans. Only after the historic 100th ceremony concludes will the YouTube streaming era officially begin.

Check back with Disney Dining for ongoing coverage of this story and additional entertainment industry developments.