Critics’ Choice Awards 2026 to Stream Live on E! January 4

Chelsea Handler will host the awards ceremony, which will air at 7:00 p.m. ET that day.

The Critics Choice Awards 2026 Will Stream Live on E! on January 4
Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images for the Critics Choice Association

The Critics' Choice Awards are gearing up for a multi-platform takeover on Sunday, Jan. 4, giving viewers plenty of ways to tune in live.

According to E! News, the 31st annual ceremony will broadcast simultaneously on E! and USA Network, with streaming options available via USANetwork.com and the USA, E!, SYFY, and Oxygen apps.

For anyone who misses the live show, the whole ceremony will be available to stream the following day on Peacock.

The show will air live on both coasts from 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT to 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, continuing the Critics' Choice tradition of a coast-to-coast simulcast. Returning host Chelsea Handler will once again take the stage.

Before the trophies are handed out, E! is rolling out extensive red-carpet coverage. LIVE from E!: Critics Choice Awards will air from 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT to 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on both E! and USA Network, hosted by Justin Sylvester and Keltie Knight, alongside Will Marfuggi and Erin Lim Rhodes. Viewers can also stream the red carpet live through the same network apps and Peacock.

Erin Lim Rhodes will lead E!’s CreatorCam from 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT until showtime, offering behind-the-scenes access through E! News’ Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, as well as USA Network’s social platforms.

Additional Glambot footage and fashion-focused segments will roll out across E!’s social channels throughout the night. After the ceremony, Live RE!CAP: Critics Choice will air at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, breaking down standout moments, fashion, and wins across TV and digital platforms.

Once the show begins, the focus shifts to a competitive field led by Sinners, which tops the film nominations with 17 nods, including Best Picture.

The Ryan Coogler-directed project stars Michael B. Jordan and represents one of Warner Bros.’ strongest awards showings in recent years.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another follows closely with 14 nominations, while Hamnet and Frankenstein each earned 11.

On the television side, Netflix’s Adolescence leads all series with six nominations, including Best Limited Series. Overall, Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery dominate the TV categories.

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