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8.4 Million Viewers, Up 51% From Last Year
Variety • • general
Key Points:
- The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) drew a combined average of 8.43 million viewers across CBS and MTV, marking the highest viewership in 11 years and a 51% increase from last year.
- CBS's telecast alone averaged 7.61 million viewers, up 52% from 2025, while MTV's simulcast and encore also saw significant gains in viewership.
- The VMAs achieved their best ratings in key adult demographics since 2018-2019, with notable increases among adults 18-34, 18-49, and 25-54.
- The show featured Madonna's first VMA performance in 23 years, Taylor Swift winning Video of the Year and premiering a new music video, and tributes to Dolly Parton and George Michael.
- Snoop Dogg hosted and executive produced the event, which was produced by Gunpowder & Sky with a team of executive producers including Van Toffler and Jesse Ignjatovic.
