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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

How To Watch The Kennedy Center Honors Online in 2024

Sheharyar Zaheer Updated on 4th November 2024 Fact-checked by Aleksandra Kovacevic Cybersecurity Researcher

The Kennedy Center Honors will be televised on CBS and streamed online exclusively on Paramount+. However, both platforms are unavailable globally and restrict content based on your region.

A VPN makes it possible to access The Kennedy Center Honors in HD from anywhere. By sending your traffic through its private servers in the US, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides you with a US IP address and encrypts your connection. This also prevents any speed throttling issues, as your ISP can’t see what you are doing online.

After my team and I tested over 40 VPNs, ExpressVPN is my top choice for streaming the 47th Kennedy Center Honors on December 8th. It has fast servers in 24 US locations that reliably work with Paramount+ and other streaming services that include Paramount+, like YouTube TV. ExpressVPN is also easy to use on all major devices and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Watch Kennedy Center Honors in HD >>

Quick Guide: How To Watch The Kennedy Center Honors With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its consistently fast streaming speeds and reliable US servers. Plus, it has a 30-day refund period.
  2. Connect to a server. Servers near your location will provide the best speeds since your data travels a shorter distance.
  3. Start streaming. Go to your preferred platform, like Paramount+ or YouTube TV, and safely watch The 47th Kennedy Center Honors online.
Be advised. The VPNs mentioned below adhere to strict no-logging policies to safeguard your online privacy. How you choose to use these VPNs is your responsibility. We encourage you to follow all applicable laws and T&Cs. The vpnMentor team and I do not condone any copyright infringement.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Watching The Kennedy Center Honors in 2024

  • Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    The fastest VPN for uninterrupted live streaming of The Kennedy Center Honors anywhere.
    70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
  • CyberGhost VPN
    CyberGhost
    Special Paramount+ optimized servers for reliable access to The Kennedy Center Honors.
  • Private Internet Access
    Private Internet Access
    Connect unlimited devices to stream Paramount+ on all your devices simultaneously.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How To Watch The Kennedy Center Honors From Anywhere: The Ultimate Guide

The 47th Kennedy Center Honors event, airing on December 8th, is exclusive to Paramount+. This means you need a Paramount+ subscription to watch the event.

A premium VPN with servers in the US can safely access Paramount+ from anywhere. This makes watching the Kennedy Center Honors for free possible since Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial. However, you must sign up and create an account. Still, you won't be charged if you cancel your subscription before the trial ends.

1. Download a VPN

Choose a VPN with many servers throughout the US for reliable access to The Kennedy Center Honors. Make sure the VPN is compatible with your favorite streaming devices. ExpressVPN has native apps for the most popular operating systems, including Firestick, Android, and Apple TVs. Plus, its speeds are unmatched, so you won't have to worry about buffering issues.

Screenshot showing the ExpressVPN website landing pageFollow the prompts to create your login credentials

2. Connect to a Server

Install the VPN app and connect to a US server to get a US IP address to watch HD streaming of the upcoming Kennedy Center Honors from anywhere. Choosing a server closest to you will provide the best speeds. ExpressVPN's Smart Location feature automatically connects you to the best server for your network.

Screenshot showing the app interface of ExpressVPN connected to the USA New Jersey 3 server.Press the power button after selecting the server to connect

3. Go to the Paramount+ Website

Once the Paramount+ website is loaded, you must choose between Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and Paramount+ Essential to sign up. The cheaper plan is ad-supported, so choose accordingly. You'll also have to select if you want to get charged monthly or annually.

4. Start Streaming The Kennedy Center Honors

Although the event will be held on December 8th, it will be broadcast on CBS on December 23rd. The 47th Kennedy Center Honors will only be available for live streaming to users with Paramount+ SHOWTIME. Paramount+ Essential users can watch it for free as an on-demand show the next day.

You can also watch The 47th Kennedy Center Honors event on the Paramount+ app for mobile devices. To download it safely on your smartphone, get the best VPN with full-featured Android and iOS apps.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Where Can I Watch The Kennedy Center Honors Online?

The Kennedy Center Honors traditionally airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+. The upcoming event will only air in the US, and you will need a subscription to watch it online. You can subscribe to Paramount+ via its official website or add it as a channel on online TV services like YouTube TV, etc.

Country Streaming Platform Free Trial
United States CBS (live broadcast) None
Paramount+ 7 days
YouTube TV 7 days
FuboTV 7 days
Hulu + Live TV 7 days
DirecTV Stream 5 days

Previous The Kennedy Center Honors events were available as short clips for free on the Kennedy Center’s official website and might be again for 2024. These clips are also available for streaming outside the US on the Kennedy Center’s official YouTube channel.

Best VPNs to Watch The Kennedy Center Honors From Anywhere in 2024

A reliable VPN with servers in the US can access The Kennedy Center Honors from anywhere without interruptions. Premium VPNs also safeguard your online data with military-grade encryption. Below are the fastest VPNs for watching the upcoming event on Paramount+ in HD without buffering.

Lowest Price Server Network US Server Locations Device Connections Refund Period
🥇ExpressVPN $4.99/month 3,000 servers in 105 countries 24 8 30 days
🥈CyberGhost $2.03/month 11,690 servers in 100 countries 11 7 45 days
🥉PIA $2.03/month 29,650 servers in 91 countries 53 Unlimited 30 days

1. ExpressVPN — Impressive Speeds to Watch The Kennedy Center Honors in HD From Anywhere

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we tested for streaming on Paramount+. This is due to its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is optimized to move data quicker and uses fewer lines of code. This also makes it a battery-efficient option for watching the upcoming Kennedy Center Honors on your smartphone or tablet. We only experienced a 5% drop in speed testing servers in New York.

All its apps across different operating systems are almost identical and easy to use — you can connect up to 8 devices at the same time. It also has a smartDNS feature called Mediastreamer. This feature allows you to stream Paramount+ content on devices like consoles or older smart TVs that don’t usually support VPNs.

The only downside is that it's a bit pricey, with the cheapest plan starting at $4.99/month. However, ExpressVPN offers regular discounts and deals throughout the year, making it more affordable. I got 82% off plus 3 extra months for free with its long-term plan. You can also try it risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN Offer December 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 82% off! Don't miss out!
ExpressVPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • One of the fastest VPNs
  • Works with top streaming sites
  • A proven no-logs policy
  • Limited customization
  • Smart Location isn't always the fastest

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers To Easily Access Paramount+ Safely

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

CyberGhost has a dedicated Paramount+ servers to reliably access The Kennedy Center Honors from anywhere on supported platforms. It also has fast speeds on nearby servers (a 7% drop), only slightly slower than ExpressVPN. We tested its streaming-optimized servers for YouTube TV, Hulu, and other platforms that allow you to watch Paramount+ content, and they worked flawlessly.

One small con with CyberGhost is that its monthly plans are expensive and short refund periods. However, it more than makes up for this by offering an extended 45-money-back guarantee on long-term plans, which are affordable at just $2.03/month. I tested its refund policy via 24/7 live chat and got my money paid to my PayPal within 5 days.

December 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 84% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.
CyberGhost VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Secure access to streaming
  • Military-level security
  • Designed for ease of use
  • Slower long-distance servers
  • Doesn't work in China

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Unlimited Connections to Stream Live Events On All Your Devices

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.

With PIA, your entire household can safely access Paramount+ and watch different content since there's no device limit. During our tests, we streamed on 8 different devices simultaneously, including a Windows Laptop, several smartphones, and an iPad, without a drop in performance. Plus, you can also lower the encryption level when choosing the OpenVPN protocol for better streaming speed. However, WireGuard reduced our download rates the least.

PIA’s app offers many customization options, which may be overwhelming for beginners. However, all settings are pre-configured to start securely streaming The Kennedy Center Honors immediately. With its money-back guarantee, you can test PIA risk-free for 30 days.

December 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 83% off!
Private Internet Access Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Many servers to choose from
  • Customizable security settings
  • Solid choice for torrenting
  • Hit-or-miss customer support
  • Tricky to navigate

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Watching The Kennedy Center Honors Online

To shortlist the best VPNs for watching The Kennedy Center Honors, we first checked that each VPN has multiple servers throughout the US. After that, we tested their speeds, streaming capabilities, and whether they really work with Paramount+. We also made sure to review their privacy policies so that none of your data gets collected and shared.

Check out our methodology page to learn more about our VPN testing procedure. It details the criteria we use to rank and rate a VPN, which you can use to test these VPNs yourself.

FAQs on Watching The Kennedy Center Honors

Can I watch the Annual Kennedy Center Honors for free?

Yes, there is a way to watch The Kennedy Center Honors 2024 free online. Clips from the event will likely be made available on the Kennedy Center’s YouTube channel and official website, which you can watch for free. You can also watch the event for free with Paramanout+' 7-day free trial. However, you'll have to sign up.

Is The Kennedy Center Honors available on-demand after the live broadcast?

Yes, The Kennedy Center Honors remains available on-demand through Paramount+ after the initial broadcast. The availability window may vary, but recent ceremonies usually stay accessible for several months. However, remember that on-demand services are only available in the US. A VPN might be needed to safely access The Kennedy Center Honors from anywhere.

Do I need a cable subscription to watch The Kennedy Center Honors online?

No, you don't need a traditional cable subscription to watch The Kennedy Center Honors. You can stream the ceremony through standalone services like Paramount+ or internet TV providers like YouTube TV. These platforms don't require cable subscriptions and offer various ways to watch both live and on-demand across multiple devices.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching The Kennedy Center Honors From Anywhere…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Sheharyar is a passionate tech-writer who believes in the digital freedom and online privacy of all. He regularly tests and analyzes different VPNs to give accurate and up-to-date user-guides and comparisons.

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