EXCLUSIVE: Two months after the Golden Globes aired on CBS for the first time in more than four decades, the network has closed a new five-year deal to continue to broadcast the awards show and stream it live on Paramount+. The new agreement, announced by George Cheeks, President and CEO of CBS, and Jay Penske, Chairman and CEO of Deadline parent Penske Media and Dick Clark Productions, kicks off with the January 2025 broadcast. The pact also includes the American Music Awards moving to CBS. Both awards shows are owned and produced by Dick Clark Productions.
The early, long-term renewal of the Golden Globes is in contrast to the one-year pact for the 2024 ceremony which CBS closed less than two months before the January 7 show.
It recognizes the broadcast’s ratings success, with the 81st Golden Globes averaging 9.96 million viewers in Live+7, up nearly +50% from last year’s low on NBC and the ceremony’s largest audience since 2020. The telecast, which CBS used to promote the launch of its lineup following the strikes, was also the third-largest ever live-streamed CBS special event on Paramount+ in AMA (average minute audience) and reach.
Following Golden Globes’ rebound, the 2024 Grammys on CBS and the Oscars on ABC both also delivered their biggest audiences since 2020.
“CBS’ collaboration with the Globes for this year’s broadcast was a big win for both of us and established strong momentum for awards shows in 2024,” Cheeks said. “The Globes is a one-of a-kind live event that adds another marquee special and valuable promotional platform to CBS’ annual calendar. I’m excited to expand the partnership with Jay and the entire team to continue to drive the Globes forward.”
The ratings spike and the pop culture impact of the 2024 ceremony, which created a number of viral moments, were likely to spark new interest and potential bidding for the rights to the Golden Globes telecast.
Still, with the right offer, CBS was expected to have the inside track. The network took a chance on the Globes when the awards franchise was in flux, coming off an all-time ratings low on NBC, tumultuous last couple of years marked by controversy and a June ownership change when the awards show — now owned by Dick Clark Prods. — was turned into a commercial enterprise and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association dissolved.
Not only did CBS step in, the network also committed to the Globes in a big way, slating it behind an NFL double-header, which boosted ratings, and supporting it with a major marketing campaign.
Those circumstances were acknowledged by Penske.
“We’re so proud to continue to call CBS our home for the Golden Globes,” he said. “CBS stepped up for the Globes during a very challenging time, and inherently understood its value, while having the foresight, imagination and conviction to bring this iconic show to its many platforms. We’ve long admired CBS’ commitment to some of the greatest cultural live events and partnering for the long-term further cements this show’s legacy and incredible place in history.”
Before this year, the Golden Globes, which are available in more than 185 countries worldwide, had aired on CBS in 1961 and 1982. The 2024 ceremony introduced two new categories, Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Stand-Up Comedian on Television.
“Today marks a significant milestone for the Globes as we solidify our partnership with CBS and Paramount+ for the next five years,” said Helen Hoehne, President, Golden Globes. “We are incredibly proud of the audience we garnered in 2024 and look forward to building upon the immense success to make the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards the best and most memorable show yet.”
2022 American Music Awards (ABC via Getty Images)
Getty Images
The exact length of CBS’ pickup of the American Music Awards is unclear.
“We are also thrilled that the American Music Awards has found its home on CBS,” said a PMC spokesperson. “This multi-year alliance brings one of Dick Clark Productions’ most coveted fan-centric awards shows to CBS.”
The American Music Awards were created Dick Clark in 1973, when the network’s contract to air the Grammy Award expired, and had been a staple on the network for decades. ABC’s most recent contract ended with the November 2022 telecast. The AMAs are now joining the Grammys on CBS’ roster of music awards shows.