Donnie Wahlberg Hosts “Best of VMAs: Iconic Vanguard Performances” and Vanessa Lachey Hosts “Best of VMAs: Unforgettable Moments”

CBS will celebrate the road to the 2026 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (“VMAs”) with two new primetime specials. Donnie Wahlberg will host BEST OF VMAs: ICONIC VANGUARD PERFORMANCES on Sunday, Sept. 13 (9:30 PM, ET/9:00 PM, PT), and Vanessa Lachey will host BEST OF VMAs: UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS on Sunday, Sept. 20 (9:00 PM, ET/PT). The 2026 “VMAs” air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27 (7:30-9:30 PM, ET/4:30-6:30 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S. The show will also be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.

• BEST OF VMAs: ICONIC VANGUARD PERFORMANCES airs Sunday, Sept. 13 (9:30 PM, ET/9:00 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium). Hosted by Donnie Wahlberg, the special celebrates trailblazers who redefined the visual landscape of music for over four decades. The Video Vanguard honorees’ show-stopping performances stand as some of the most iconic, career-defining moments in MTV history, forever cementing their legacy as industry titans.

• BEST OF VMAs: UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS airs Sunday, Sept. 20 (9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium). Former MTV VJ Vanessa Lachey will host a special retrospective of the most unpredictable “VMAs” moments – from bold fashion choices and game-changing collaborations to performances that transformed rising stars to celebrated icons.

“VMA Countdown” specials are produced by Gunpowder & Sky. Van Toffler serves as producer. Alex Castino serves as executive producer alongside Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer. Rebecca Terán serves as senior producer.

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CBS Press Contacts:

Kate Fisher: khfisher@cbs.com

Mallory Mason: mallory.mason@cbs.com

VMAs Press Contact:

Triple 7 PR: vmas@triple7pr.com