Since first revolutionizing the country music video scene back in the early 1980s, Country Music Television (CMT) has taken multiple twists and turns in its programming strategy to stay viable in an increasingly fractured media environment. What began as a scrappy upstart airing Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton videos 24/7 eventually grew into a cable staple broadcasting popular reality shows and scripted dramas to the country fanbase.
But in recent years, the network has charted a decidedly different programming course that leaves little room for fiddles and steel guitars. Like so many of its cable counterparts, CMT now relies heavily on off-network syndicated sitcoms to fill the majority of airtime. Diehard country music lovers can still find a few bright spots here and there, but it takes a bit more searching nowadays.
Below we chart CMT‘s history and evolution from music video innovator to sitcom rerun hub. I‘ll also answer the key question facing Spectrum subscribers today: what channel is CMT on? Read on for a city-by-city guide of where to find CMT in your channel lineup plus insights on the network‘s strategy and future.
The Many Lives of Country Music Television
For country fans that came of age in the late 20th century, CMT represented a refuge from the predominately rock and pop fusion MTV that emerged alongside it in 1981. While MTV catered to a young audience enamored by Madonna, Michael Jackson and hair metal, CMT focused squarely on legends like Johnny Cash along with hot new acts such as Garth and Shania.
Viewers tuned in by the millions to watch the latest Reba video premiere or catch their favorite artists on documentary-style shows like CMT Most Wanted Live. By providing a platform designed strictly for country – something no other cable network offered at the time – CMT quickly grew from newcomer to major player throughout the 1980s and 90s.
But with success came greater pressure to turn profits. After Westinghouse acquired CMT in 1997, leadership began gradually moving away from music programming due to the rising costs associated with video play and artist royalties. The network still aired the staples that built its brand – compilation shows like CMT 100 Greatest Videos and annual awards specials – but started testing the waters of reality, comedy and scripted drama.
And despite shedding much of the music-centric content that defined it early on, CMT experienced surging ratings in the 2000s thanks to breakout hits like Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team and the Billy Ray Cyrus sitcom Still The King. Buoyed by these less expensive but popular new shows, the network doubled down on more ambitious scripted bets including a reboot of the 1960s soap Dallas in 2012 plus original musical dramas Nashville and Sun Records.
For a moment in the mid-2010s, it seemed CMT regained firm footing with audiences through this blend of unscripted reality programs, scripted series and the occasional block of throwback country videos.
But emerging competition from streaming platforms coupled with continued fragmentation of cable audiences eventually took their toll. In 2017, new network leadership at ViacomCBS (owner of CMT) made the decision to exit all original scripted programming and steer focus back to cheaper-to-produce reality shows like Racing Wives along with repeats of series popular with country viewers such as Last Man Standing and Reba.
Sitcom Syndication Saves the Day…for Now
The last few years have seen CMT double down on an acquired programming strategy stocked with reruns of mainstream network sitcoms like The Goldbergs, The King of Queens, Mom and Young Sheldon mixed alongside country fan favorites such as Reba and Nashville.
Let‘s take a look at the key business factors driving this shift – and what it means for the network‘s future viability:
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Low Production Costs – By filling the majority of airtime with existing off-network shows, CMT keeps programming expenses incredibly low at a time when content costs are ballooning thanks to high-end streaming offerings.
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Familiarity – Even though series like The Goldbergs don‘t necessarily mesh with a country image, research shows audiences gravitate toward known quantities they recognize. In some ways, name value trumps genre-based consistency.
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Ad Revenue – Consistent ratings from reliable sitcoms translate into steady advertising dollars even if the demographic skews older. Specifically, marketing products like life insurance and medical alert systems appeal squarely to the lucrative 55+ audience that enjoys watching reruns.
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Younger Viewer Erosion – While the network‘s current model pads profits through low costs and loyal older viewers, CMT loses relevance with each passing year among Generation Z and Millenials. Once stalwart fans age out of the lucrative 18-49 advertising demographic, CMT will face even greater challenges with its future business model.
In essence, airing a stable of well-known sitcom reruns that appeal to older viewers represents a temporary cost-saving measure amidst massive disruption. It requires little original expenditure while generating decent returns…for now.
But without any new hit shows that resonate with younger viewers, questions linger regarding the network‘s viability 5-10 years down the road.
Even in today‘s fragmented media landscape, consumer demand for music persists through platforms like YouTube, Spotify and TikTok. And CMT owns a once-strong country brand with major equity, especially among Southern and Midwestern audiences. Perhaps with additional investment into new music-centric programs, live events or even a streaming service, the network can reclaim relevance as cultural shifts keep pushing traditional outlets to reinvent themselves.
For the moment, though, catching the latest Shania Twain or Zac Brown Band video on CMT proves more difficult. Sitcom fans, however remain in luck.
Now let‘s get to the key question facing Spectrum subscribers looking for that country fix…
What Channel is CMT? A City-By-City Guide
Do you want to know what channel CMT falls under within your Spectrum cable package? Use the reference below to pinpoint where CMT resides in channel lineups across numerous major US cities:
| City | State | CMT Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Albany | NY | 84 |
| Austin | TX | 70 |
| Bakersfield | CA | 53 |
| Birmingham | AL | 79 |
| Buffalo | NY | 21 |
| Charlotte | NC | 51 |
| Chicago | IL | 120 |
| Columbus | OH | 77 |
| Dallas | TX | 91 |
| Hartford | CT | 22 |
| Indianapolis | IN | 43 |
| Kansas City | MO | 76 |
| Las Vegas | NV | 51 |
| Los Angeles | CA | 293 |
| Louisville | KY | 66 |
| Miami | FL | 46 |
| Milwaukee | WI | 91 |
| Nashville | TN | 57 |
| New York City | NY | 293 |
| Philadelphia | PA | 29 |
| Phoenix | AZ | 53 |
| Pittsburgh | PA | 50 |
| Raleigh | NC | 69 |
| Sacramento | CA | 82 |
| San Antonio | TX | 51 |
| San Diego | CA | 66 |
| San Francisco | CA | 81 |
| Seattle | WA | 111 |
| Washington D.C. | – | 340 |
In addition to the main CMT network available widely across Spectrum‘s offerings, some select packages feature a sister channel called CMT Music.
True to its name, CMT Music includes far greater emphasis on country tunes through blocks of music videos and concerts. So if you can‘t get enough country and find the amount of videos on regular CMT lacking, be sure to check whether CMT Music resides within your plan.
While not offered as widely on cable, streaming alternatives also exist…
Cutting the Cord? Stream CMT with These Options
If you‘ve cut the cord or somehow don‘t receive CMT through your current TV package, don‘t lose hope. The network still offers multiple avenues for streaming its programming on demand:
Philo – This low-cost streaming provider offers a 7-day free trial and includes CMT as part of its channel package at only $25 per month. An unlimited DVR feature allows you to record all your favorite Reba reruns as well.
Frndly TV – Another budget-friendly streaming option with CMT and 30+ other channels for $7 per month. Its basic plan appeals for those looking for a no-frills lineup of top cable stations.
DIRECTV STREAM – For $70 and above per month depending on package, DIRECTV STREAM grants access to CMT along with hundreds of other popular networks. If you desire greater channel variety and the ability to watch shows outside your home, DIRECTV STREAM delivers.
Hulu + Live TV – Though pricier at $70 monthly, Hulu + Live TV carries 75+ channels on top of the service‘s substantial on-demand library of movies, shows and Hulu originals. Try it free for 7 days.
YouTube TV – Another robust streaming package with CMT included within its $65 monthly offering. YouTube TV also provides subscription add-ons like 4K Plus and Sports Plus along with unlimited cloud DVR storage.
CMT.com – Don‘t require a full channel package? You can watch a limited selection of CMT shows on the network‘s site. Programming available varies but expect mostly highlights and clips rather than full episodes.
So while locating CMT within the regular Spectrum cable lineup depends on geography, several handy streaming alternatives help ensure access to the latest Nashville rerun or CMT Crossroads collaboration.
CMT Channel Guide: Companion Networks for Country Music Fans
Beyond CMT itself, country devotees can turn to several sister channels on Spectrum for a more focused dose of country videos, news and performances:
CMT Music – As referenced earlier, this offshoot network lives up to its branding through long blocks devoted exclusively to country tunes via artist videos, concerts and related content.
GAC – Great American Country – Mixing music videos with lifestyle programs and reality series appealing to Southern audiences and culture.
Heartland – Strictly country music videos from yesterday‘s superstars and promising up-and-comers of tomorrow define this no-frills offering.
The Country Network – Blends vintage country hits with off-network dramas boasting rural themes liked Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman. Also features outdoors programming.
Ride TV – Spotlighting content related to Western heritage including rodeos, horse training/breeding and other livestock competitive events.
RFD-TV – Billing itself as "Rural America‘s Most Important Network, RFD-TV airs agriculture reports, news and analysis about issues impacting farm families and rural communities.
So while CMT drifted away from county over the years, several solid alternatives stepped up for loyal country music lovers. Spectrum subscribers can access these additional options through select channel packages or by upgrading service. Streaming alternatives also present newfound choice and flexibility when seeking specialized networks.
In recent years, consolidating media giants like ViacomCBS funneled increased resources into high-end original streaming series for platforms such as Paramount+ while allowing niche cable brands like CMT languish.
But with audiences fracturing faster every year and demand diversifying, perhapsleaner networks catering to underserved audiences like country music fans still warrant attentionand support. The seismic shifts upending the media world may call for rethinking what content best resonates with key demographics rather than doubling down on prestige projects with narrow appeal.
Or history may just repeat itself yet again with once-beloved properties like CMT eventually fadingout or shifting strictly online.
But for now, country music lovers can still locate CMT in their channel guides to get that hotly anticipated Reba reunion or world premiere Yellowstone rerun. Even as viewing habits change exponentially, fans find comfort and familiarity in seeing their favorite crooning cowboy celebs grace the small screen.
So let your steel guitar wail proudly once more – with this handy city-by-city reference, that beloved country music channel hopefully registers loud and clear on your television tonight no matter where life finds you.
