‘Best of VMAs’ Primetime Specials Will Relive the Most ‘Unforgettable,’ ‘Iconic’ Moments Ahead of 2026 Show: Watch Exclusive Clip

UPDATE (Sept. 11): Iconic Vanguard Performances, the first of two primetime specials leading up to the 2026 MTV VMAs, is set to air on Sunday, Sept. 13 (9:30 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. PT) on CBS, and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium). Hosted by Donnie Wahlberg, the special celebrates the artists who have received the Video Vanguard Award at the VMAs, from David Bowie, The Beatles and film director Richard Lester (the first recipients in 1984) to Mariah Carey (who received the honor in 2025).

Watch the exclusive clip above.

PREVIOUSLY (Sept. 3): CBS will air two new primetime specials to build anticipation for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, which the network is carrying for the second year in a row. Donnie Wahlberg will host Best of VMAs: Iconic Vanguard Performances on Sunday, Sept. 13. Former MTV VJ Vanessa Lachey will host Best of VMAs: Unforgettable Moments on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Both specials seem sure to include Madonna, who is the leading nominee for the 2026 VMAs, with 11 nods.

Best of VMAs: Iconic Vanguard Performances airs Sunday, Sept. 13 (9:30 p.m. ET/9 p.m. PT) on CBS, streaming on Paramount+ (Premium). The special celebrates trailblazers who redefined the visual landscape of music. The Video Vanguard honorees’ performances stand as some of the most iconic, career-defining moments in MTV history.

The Vanguard Award, sometimes known as the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, has been presented since 1984, but it has been given more time and attention on the telecast in recent years. Since 2013, recipients have been invited to perform a medley of songs leading up to their acceptance speech. The recipients in time span, who will presumably make up the bulk of the special, are Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Ye (formerly Kanye West), Rihanna, Pink, Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, Shakira, Katy Perry and Mariah Carey. 

Best of VMAs: Unforgettable Moments airs Sunday, Sept. 20 (9 p.m. ET/PT) on CBS, streaming on Paramount+ (Premium). This will be a retrospective of the most unpredictable VMAs moments — from bold fashion choices and game-changing collaborations to performances that transformed rising stars to celebrated icons. The best example of that may be Madonna, whose jaw-dropping performance of “Like a Virgin” on the very first VMAs in September 1984 stole the show and set her on her path to becoming an icon.

“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.

The 2026 VMAs on Sept. 27 are also produced by Gunpowder & Sky. Toffler serves as producer for the second year in a row. Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barbara Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer serve as executive producers, alongside Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer. Melanie Block serves as co-executive producer and Gary Lanvy as co-producer.

The 2026 VMAs air live coast-to-coast from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 27 (7:30-9:30 p.m., ET/4:30-6:30 p.m., PT) on CBS, 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.