The Golden Globes are getting bigger in 2026. CBS launched Golden Eve, a brand new primetime special that honors Hollywood legends three days before the main awards ceremony.
Golden Eve airs Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET on CBS and Paramount+. This year celebrates Dame Helen Mirren and Sarah Jessica Parker. Both receive lifetime achievement awards for their incredible careers spanning decades.
This guide covers everything you need to watch Golden Eve 2026. You’ll learn the exact date and time. You’ll discover multiple ways to watch on TV and online. You’ll find your local CBS channel number. You’ll also learn how Golden Eve connects to the main Golden Globes ceremony.
Golden Eve 2026: Date and Time
Golden Eve takes place three days before the 83rd Annual Golden Globes. CBS scheduled the special for Thursday evening to give these entertainment icons the spotlight they deserve.
| Event Name | Golden Eve 2026 |
| Date | Thursday, January 8, 2026 |
| Start Time | 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT |
| Duration | Approximately 1-2 hours (exact runtime TBA) |
| TV Network | CBS Television Network |
| Streaming | Paramount+ (Premium plan required for live) |
| Event Type | Taped Special |
The broadcast starts at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. West Coast viewers watch at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Central Time viewers tune in at 7:00 PM. Mountain Time starts at 6:00 PM.
CBS has not yet announced the exact runtime. Most award specials run between one and two hours. Plan for the special to end around 9:30 or 10:00 PM Eastern Time.
Golden Eve kicks off Golden Week. This new celebration runs from January 8 through January 11. The week builds excitement for the main Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday, January 11.
Save the date: Mark your calendar for Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET. Set a reminder on your phone so you don’t miss this historic broadcast.
How to Watch Golden Eve 2026?
You have several options to watch Golden Eve 2026. You can watch on regular TV through CBS. You can stream it online through Paramount+ or live TV services. Some options are completely free.
Watch on CBS (Traditional TV)
CBS broadcasts Golden Eve for free over the air. You need a TV antenna to pick up your local CBS station. This is the most affordable option because antennas cost about $20 to $50 one time.
Cable and satellite subscribers can watch on the CBS channel. The channel number varies by your provider and location. Check your on-screen guide or contact your provider.
To find your local CBS station:
- Visit CBS.com and click “Live TV”
- Enter your ZIP code
- Find your local affiliate and channel number
Most major cable and satellite providers include CBS in their basic packages. You already have access through Comcast Xfinity, DirecTV, Dish Network, Spectrum, Cox, and Optimum.
Stream on Paramount+
Paramount+ offers two ways to watch Golden Eve 2026. You can watch it live as it airs. You can also watch it on-demand after the broadcast ends.
| Streaming Plan | Monthly Cost (Jan 8) | New Price (Jan 15) | Live Stream | On-Demand Replay | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential (With Ads) | $7.99 | $8.99 | No | Yes (next day) | 7 days |
| Premium (Ad-Free) | $12.99 | $13.99 | Yes | Yes (immediately) | 7 days |
The Essential plan costs $7.99 per month on January 8. This plan does not include live streaming. You can watch Golden Eve the next day on-demand.
Note: The price increases to $8.99/month starting January 15, 2026.
The Premium plan costs $12.99 per month on January 8. This premium tier includes live streaming. You can watch Golden Eve as it airs at 8:00 PM ET. You can also replay it anytime after the broadcast. Note: The price increases to $13.99/month starting January 15, 2026.
Important: You need the Premium plan to watch Golden Eve live. The Essential plan only offers next-day on-demand access.
Both plans offer a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. Sign up a day or two before January 8 to watch Golden Eve for free. Cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
Paramount+ works on:
- iPhone and iPad (iOS app)
- Android phones and tablets
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio)
- Streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast)
- Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Web browsers at Paramountplus.com
Other Live TV Streaming Services
Several live TV streaming services carry CBS. These services let you watch Golden Eve without cable or satellite. Here’s a complete comparison:
| Service | Monthly Cost | Free Trial | Channels | CBS Available | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fubo TV (Pro) | $73.99 | 5 days | 219+ | Most markets | Unlimited DVR, 10 streams at home |
| YouTube TV | $82.99 | Limited (up to 21 days) | 130+ | All major markets | Unlimited DVR, 3 streams |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99 | 3 days | 95+ | Most areas | Includes Disney+ & ESPN Select |
| DirecTV Stream | $89.99+ | 5 days | 90+ | Nationwide | Unlimited cloud DVR, 2-year price lock |
All these services require you to check if CBS is available in your area. Enter your ZIP code on their websites to confirm local channel access before signing up.
Golden Eve 2026 Free Streaming Options
You can watch Golden Eve 2026 completely free using these methods.
Best Free Options:
- TV Antenna – Purchase once ($20-50) and watch CBS free forever. This is the best long-term free option. Antennas receive CBS and other major networks in HD quality.
- Paramount+ Free Trial – Sign up for the 7-day free trial. Choose the Premium plan ($12.99/month before Jan 15). Watch Golden Eve live on January 8. Cancel before January 15 to pay nothing.
- Fubo Free Trial – Get 5 days free. Sign up on January 6 or 7. Watch Golden Eve on January 8. Cancel before the trial ends.
- DirecTV Stream Free Trial – Get 5 days free. Same strategy as Fubo. Sign up a few days before and cancel before charges begin.
- YouTube TV Free Trial – Up to 21 days for eligible new subscribers. Availability varies. Not all users qualify for the free trial.
- Hulu + Live TV Free Trial – Get 3 days free. Sign up on January 6. Watch Golden Eve on January 8. Cancel by January 9.
Free Trial Strategy:
Sign up for a free trial 1-2 days before January 8. Watch Golden Eve on January 8. Cancel before your trial period ends. You pay nothing.
For Paramount+: Sign up on January 6 or 7. Choose Premium plan. Watch live on January 8. Cancel by January 13 or 14. Total cost: $0.
Important Trial Notes:
- You need a valid credit or debit card to start free trials
- Set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends
- You can only use each service’s free trial once
- Cancel anytime during the trial period with no penalty
TV Channel Guide for Golden Eve 2026
CBS is available on different channel numbers across the country. Your channel number depends on your TV provider and location.
Finding CBS in Your Area
The easiest way to find CBS is to check your on-screen TV guide. Look for “CBS” in the channel listings. Your guide shows the local channel number.
Online CBS Finder:
- Go to CBS.com
- Click “Live TV” at the top
- Enter your ZIP code
- See your local CBS affiliate and channel number
Common CBS Channel Numbers by Provider
| TV Provider | Typical CBS Channel Range |
|---|---|
| Antenna (Over-the-air) | 2-13 (varies by city) |
| Comcast Xfinity | 2-12 |
| DirecTV | 2-13 |
| Dish Network | 2-13 |
| Spectrum | 2-12 |
| Cox Communications | 2-13 |
| Optimum | 2-12 |
| Verizon Fios | 2-12 |
These channel numbers are general ranges. Your actual CBS channel might be different. Always verify your local channel number before the broadcast.
Some rural areas might not receive CBS over cable or satellite. Check with your provider about local channel availability in your specific location.
Golden Globes 2026 Connection
Golden Eve serves as the perfect warmup for the main Golden Globes ceremony. The special airs just three days before the big show.
83rd Annual Golden Globes Details:
- Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
- Network: CBS and Paramount+
- Host: Nikki Glaser (returning for second year)
About the Main Ceremony
Nikki Glaser returns to host the Golden Globes for the second consecutive year. She made history in 2025 as the first solo female host in the ceremony’s history. Her performance received strong reviews.
The 2026 ceremony introduces a major change. The Golden Globes now recognizes podcasting alongside film and television. This marks the first time the awards honor audio content.
The Golden Globes calls itself “Hollywood’s Party of the Year.” The ceremony is known for being more relaxed than the Oscars. Celebrities sit at tables and enjoy dinner during the show.
Why Watch Golden Eve First
Watching Golden Eve enhances your Golden Globes experience. You’ll understand the significance of lifetime achievement awards. You’ll appreciate Helen Mirren and Sarah Jessica Parker’s contributions to entertainment. You’ll feel more connected to the industry’s history.
Golden Eve sets the tone for the main ceremony. The special reminds viewers why we celebrate entertainment excellence. It honors the people who built the industry.
Golden Week Programming
Golden Eve is part of Golden Week, a new tradition running January 8-11. CBS and Paramount+ will feature Golden Globes-themed content throughout the week.
The goal is to make the Golden Globes feel like a multi-day cultural event rather than a single night. Golden Week transforms the awards into a week-long celebration of entertainment.
2026 Golden Eve FAQs
What time does Golden Eve 2026 start?
Golden Eve 2026 starts at 8:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Pacific Time viewers watch at 5:00 PM. Central Time starts at 7:00 PM. Mountain Time begins at 6:00 PM.
What channel is Golden Eve on?
Golden Eve airs on CBS. The channel number varies by your TV provider and location. Check your on-screen guide or visit CBS.com to find your local CBS channel. You can also stream it on Paramount+.
Can I watch Golden Eve 2026 for free?
Yes. You can watch for free with a TV antenna to receive CBS over the air. You can also use a 7-day free trial from Paramount+ Premium. Other options include free trials from Fubo (5 days) or DirecTV Stream (5 days). Remember to cancel before the trial ends.
Who are the 2026 Golden Eve honorees?
Dame Helen Mirren receives the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Sarah Jessica Parker receives the Carol Burnett Award. Both are lifetime achievement awards recognizing their entire careers.
Is Golden Eve the same as the Golden Globes?
No. Golden Eve is a separate special that airs before the Golden Globes. Golden Eve airs Thursday, January 8 and honors lifetime achievement awards. The main Golden Globes ceremony airs Sunday, January 11 and awards current achievements. Both air on CBS and Paramount+.
How long is Golden Eve 2026?
CBS has not announced the exact runtime. Most award specials run one to two hours. Expect Golden Eve to end around 9:30 or 10:00 PM Eastern Time.
Do I need Paramount+ to watch Golden Eve?
No. You can watch on CBS through cable, satellite, or antenna. Paramount+ is one viewing option but not required. You have multiple ways to watch without a Paramount+ subscription.
What’s the difference between Golden Eve and Golden Gala?
Golden Gala was the 2025 version of this event. It was not televised and only industry people attended. Golden Eve is the 2026 version. CBS broadcasts it as a primetime special that everyone can watch.
Will Golden Eve be available on-demand?
Yes. Paramount+ will offer Golden Eve on-demand after the live broadcast. Essential plan subscribers can watch the next day. Premium plan subscribers can replay it immediately after the broadcast.
What is Golden Week?
Golden Week is a new celebration running January 8-11, 2026. It includes Golden Eve on Thursday and special programming on CBS and Paramount+ through the weekend. It ends with the Golden Globes on Sunday.
Will there be commercials during Golden Eve?
Yes. Golden Eve is a regular CBS broadcast with commercial breaks. Paramount+ subscribers may still see ads during live programming depending on their plan.
Golden Eve 2026 makes history as the first televised celebration of Golden Globes lifetime achievement awards. The special airs Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET on CBS and Paramount+.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Dame Helen Mirren and Sarah Jessica Parker before the main Golden Globes ceremony on January 11.
