Broadway is stepping back into the spotlight and this Sunday marks the return of the ceremony that celebrates it all. The 79th Tony Awards are almost here, and if you’re like me, you’d rather not miss the evening’s chaos, emotional wins, andthose show-stopping performances.
Pink is taking the helm as host this year, which already has people talking. Love her or not, she’s bringing a different energy to Radio City Music Hall in New York City, and that’s saying something for an awards show that usually plays it pretty safe.
How to Watch Without Cable
Let’s be honest, network TV has gotten complicated. If you’ve cut the cord like most people I know, you’ve got a few solid options to catch the broadcast on CBS starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Paramount Plus Premium tier gets you live CBS streaming along with their on-demand library. It runs about $14 monthly, which isn’t terrible if you’re already using the service. If you want something with more channels bundled in, DirecTV and Fubo both carry CBS in their packages. DirecTV’s cheaper option starts around $40 monthly, while Fubo’s base plan with the network is roughly $56.
One heads up: if you’re traveling outside the US, you’d need a VPN to access your usual streaming services. Just know that some countries restrict VPN usage, and it might violate the terms of certain streaming platforms. Worth mentioning since it’s a common workaround people try.
The Nominees Worth Watching
This year’s field is surprisingly competitive. “The Lost Boys” and “Schmigadoon!” are dominating with 12 nominations each, which is a huge deal for any production. The “Ragtime” revival isn’t far behind with 11 nods, and if you’re into plays, “Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman” picked up the most nominations on the play side.
What I find interesting is how the nominations reflect current Broadway tastes. You’ve got a mix of revivals that clearly resonated with voters alongside newer works that took creative risks. That’s usually a good sign for the overall health of the industry, even if some of us wish they’d revive more obscure titles.
What Else to Expect
The Tonys always deliver on performances, and this year looks no different. Around 170 Broadway performers will be part of the opening number, which should be worth staying awake for. Shows like “Titaníque,” “CATS: The Jellicle Ball,” and “The Rocky Horror Show” are set to appear, giving viewers a taste of what’s currently running.
There are also some heartfelt tributes woven in. “Chicago” celebrates its 30th Broadway anniversary with Queen Latifah and company, while “The Book of Mormon” marks 15 years on stage. Rachel Zegler will pay homage to “A Chorus Line,” and Leslie Odom, Jr. is handling a “Rent” memorial performance. That’s a lot of legacy right there.
The presenter lineup reads like a who’s who of stage and screen, spanning veterans like Bernadette Peters and Billy Crystal to newer names making their Tony debut. It’s that mix that keeps the show feeling both reverent andfresh.
Whether you’re streaming from your couch or planning a viewing party, Sunday evening promises roughly three hours of theater magic. Just maybe keep your phone nearby for the inevitable acceptance speech overflow on social media afterward.
