The 2025 Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O'Brien, saw a slight decrease in overall viewership but witnessed an increase in younger demographics. Despite technical issues with the live stream on Hulu, the event managed to attract significant attention from adults aged 18-49 and 18-34, marking post-pandemic highs for these age groups. The Oscars remain the most-watched awards show of the season, outperforming other major events like the Grammys.

Challenges Faced During Live Streaming

While the 2025 Oscars aimed to innovate by offering a live stream through Hulu, several technical glitches marred the experience. These issues included interruptions during crucial moments of the ceremony, affecting the viewing experience for some users. Despite these challenges, the event still managed to draw considerable attention, particularly among younger viewers who are increasingly favoring streaming platforms over traditional TV.

The decision to stream the Oscars live was intended to cater to the growing number of viewers who prefer digital platforms. However, Hulu faced multiple technical difficulties that disrupted the broadcast, especially towards the end of the event. Some users reported losing access to the final two awards, which could have impacted the overall viewer satisfaction. Nevertheless, the integration of streaming services into such high-profile events signals a shift in how audiences consume entertainment, even if it comes with initial setbacks.

Growth Among Younger Viewers

Despite a decline in total viewership, the Oscars achieved notable growth among younger demographics. Adults aged 18-49 and 18-34 showed increased interest, reflecting a trend towards more diverse and engaging content. This demographic shift suggests that the Oscars are successfully adapting to changing viewer preferences.

In particular, the 18-34 age group saw its highest ratings since 2020, indicating a resurgence of interest in the event. The 3.17 rating for this age range translates to approximately 2.27 million viewers, highlighting the Oscars' ability to connect with a younger audience. Moreover, the 3.92 rating among adults 18-49 underscores the event's continued relevance and appeal across different age groups. As the most-watched awards show of the season, the Oscars continue to lead in terms of viewership, surpassing even the Grammys. This success is partly attributed to strategic changes aimed at attracting a broader and younger audience, ensuring the Oscars remain a cultural highlight year after year.