The 2026 Oscars drew 17.9 million U.S. viewers, a 9% drop from 2025, with the show moving to YouTube in 2029.

The 2026 Oscars drew 17.9 million U.S. viewers, a 9% decline from 2025 and the lowest audience since 2022, according to Nielsen data. The ceremony, held on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre and broadcast on ABC and Hulu, saw a drop in the key 18–49 demographic to a 3.92 rating. Despite the decline, the event remained the most-watched primetime entertainment broadcast of the season, with social media engagement rising 42% to 184 million impressions. The show will move to YouTube for the 2029 ceremony, marking the end of its run on ABC.