As the 91st Academy Awards approached in 2019, film fans wanted to know where to watch the Oscars 2019 live and how to access every moment of the show. This guide details the official television and streaming options available in the United States and highlights how viewers could revisit moments on demand.
Below is a quick reference that compares the primary ways to watch the 2019 Oscars across platforms and regions, including channel, streaming service, and access requirements.
| Country | TV Channel | Live Streaming Platform | On-Demand Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | ABC | ABC app, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV | ABC.com, Hulu, Freeform app (within plan) |
| Canada | Global | StackTV on Amazon Prime Video Channels, Roku | Global site and app with cable login |
| United Kingdom | Sky Cinema | Sky Go, NOW TV | Sky Store for delayed viewing |
| Australia | Network Ten | 10 Play, Fetch TV | 10 Play catch-up |
| India | Colors Infinity | Voot Select (subscription) | Voot app with subscription |
Live Television Options in the United States
The primary way to watch the Oscars in the U.S. in 2019 was on ABC, the long-standing broadcast home of the ceremony. Viewers with cable or satellite could tune in on the night of the show and access standard live coverage across most regions. Local affiliates in many markets also carried the program with network audio, ensuring broad over-the-air access where available.
For cord-cutters, cable alternatives were essential, and many turned to live TV streaming services that included ABC in their package. Platforms such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV provided dependable streams, and most offered free trials that allowed new subscribers to watch the ceremony without committing long-term. Out-of-market fans could often rely on an official ABC live stream through a participating television provider.
Streaming Services and Online Access
Official Digital Platforms
For viewers who preferred to stay entirely online, ABC provided a live stream on its website and app for users with cable login credentials. The same live feed was available on-demand through Hulu and Freeform for subscribers, which made it easy to catch up if the live stream was not accessible on a particular device. Many smart TVs, streaming sticks, and game consoles also supported the ABC app, enabling direct viewing on large screens.
Third-Party Aggregators and Devices
Streaming services that bundle live channels, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV, remained among the simplest ways to watch the Oscars 2019 online for those without traditional cable. Each service offered mobile apps, web players, and native support on devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Apple TV. Because these platforms functioned as full television replacements, users could watch the red carpet and the main show in a single app without switching between providers.
International Distribution and On-Demand Options
Outside the United States, the 2019 Oscars were carried on region-specific networks, and local laws often shaped how the broadcast could be streamed. In Canada, Global aired the show and allowed authenticated streaming through cable logins on its platform and on compatible devices. Canadian viewers also had the option of subscription add-ons such as StackTV on Amazon Prime Video Channels, which delivered access to included live channels without a full cable package.
In the United Kingdom, Sky Cinema held the broadcast rights and streamed via Sky Go and NOW TV, while Australia aired the ceremony on Network Ten with on-demand access through 10 Play. In India, Colors Infinity presented the show, with live streaming and on-demand viewing available through the Voot Select subscription. These international options kept global audiences able to watch the ceremony on devices ranging from televisions to smartphones.
Key Takeaways for Watching the Oscars 2019
- Primary U.S. television broadcaster was ABC, with live streaming on the ABC app and through cable login on partner sites.
- Major live TV streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV provided reliable access to ABC and other channels.
- International viewers could watch on networks including Global (Canada), Sky Cinema (UK), Network Ten (Australia), and Colors Infinity (India).
- On-demand viewing was usually available through network apps and streaming platforms within a day or two after the live show.
- Using an antenna offered a free way to receive the over-the-air broadcast in many U.S. markets where signal coverage was strong.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I watch the Oscars 2019 live without cable?
Yes, you can watch the Oscars 2019 live without cable by using streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV, which include local channels like ABC in their packages and offer free trial periods.
Where can I stream the Oscars 2019 on my TV without paying?
If you have an antenna, you can watch the live broadcast on ABC over the air, and many markets carry the ceremony on a local affiliate at no cost. Otherwise, most legal streaming options require a subscription, though limited free trials may be available from services that include ABC.
Does Hulu carry the Oscars 2019 live stream?
Yes, Hulu carried the Oscars 2019 live stream for subscribers of Hulu + Live TV, and the on-demand episode was available on Hulu shortly after the broadcast for eligible plans.
Is it legal to watch the Oscars 2019 stream online for free?
Streaming the Oscars 2019 through unofficial sites is typically illegal and may expose your device to security risks. Legal free access options include over-the-air ABC broadcasts with an antenna and time-limited trials from paid streaming services that include local channels.