The renewal, announced by CBS in conjunction with the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League, solidifies a partnership that has spanned an impressive 48 years. Since its initial broadcast on the network in 1978, CBS has been the exclusive home for the Tony Awards, bringing the magic of live theatre to a national audience.
Under the terms of the new agreement, the Tony Awards telecast will continue to air live across both the East and West coasts on CBS. Additionally, premium subscribers to Paramount+ in the U.S. will have the option to stream the ceremony live, further expanding its reach to a digital audience.
Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, and Jason Laks, President of The Broadway League, expressed their enthusiasm in a joint statement. "We are thrilled to extend our long-standing partnership with CBS," they remarked, highlighting the enduring collaboration that has brought Broadway to fans worldwide.
Echoing this sentiment, Amy Reisenbach, President of CBS Entertainment, underscored the network's commitment to the arts. "CBS has a celebrated history of supporting the creative arts on television and the Tony Awards are a cornerstone of that past, present and future," Reisenbach stated, emphasizing the importance of the Tonys within CBS's programming lineup.
This long-term extension provides crucial stability for Broadway's most prominent awards event, ensuring its continued prominence in the entertainment landscape. For theatre enthusiasts and general television audiences alike, it guarantees that the annual celebration of Broadway's finest performances, productions, and creative talents will remain accessible on a major network and streaming platform for years to come.
While specific details for future ceremonies are yet to be fully revealed, the 80th annual Tony Awards is already slated to broadcast live on Sunday, June 13, on CBS and Paramount+.
