Julie Chen Moonves to Host a Warm, Family-Focused Awards Night on CBS and Paramount+

Telecast announcement and why it matters

Julie Chen Moonves will host the 28th annual Family Film and TV Awards, a televised celebration that honors movies and shows made for family audiences. The ceremony is scheduled for December 20 and will air on CBS while streaming on Paramount+. Produced by Associated Television International, the show names long-running Survivor host Jeff Probst as this year’s Icon Award recipient. Organizers describe the event as a showcase for work parents can share with kids — a break from adult-targeted awards nights and a chance to spotlight creators who aim to entertain without leaving younger viewers behind. The announcement from the producers frames the broadcast as both an awards night and a family-friendly special, mixing trophies with performances and short clips intended to appeal across ages.

Production and broadcast specifics

The telecast is produced by Associated Television International, a long-standing TV production company that handles a range of awards shows and specials. The release lists December 20 as the air date and confirms distribution by CBS and Paramount+, but it does not include a precise start time; viewers should check local listings or the networks’ schedules for the exact window. CBS will carry the program on its broadcast network, while Paramount+ will provide a streaming option for subscribers, widening access beyond the linear broadcast. Producers also noted that the show will be available to international partners in select markets through existing distribution agreements, though timing and platform names will vary by country.

Honors, highlights and the evening’s tone

Jeff Probst will receive the Icon Award in recognition of his long career in family-friendly reality television and entertainment. The award honors industry figures whose work connects across generations and has enduring appeal. Beyond Probst’s recognition, the producers say the ceremony will hand out awards across film and television categories focused on family themes, present short tribute segments, and include musical moments that fit the family-friendly remit. The program is being positioned as warm and celebratory rather than competitive or edgy — designed to offer feel-good moments for parents and kids watching together.

Where this fits in the TV landscape

Family-oriented awards like this one operate in a small but steady niche: they steer attention to projects that might get overlooked amid awards that reward highbrow drama or adult comedy. For networks and streamers, the event is a useful way to remind audiences — and advertisers — that there is money and goodwill in programming families can watch together. The Family Film and TV Awards have run for nearly three decades, and past winners have included a mix of big studio films, public-television projects, and smaller independent titles that do well with parents and children. For viewers who prioritize safe, shared viewing, the telecast offers a concentrated guide to recently released family fare.

Words from the organizers and how to watch

In a brief statement included with the announcement, Julie Chen Moonves said, “I’m honored to host a night that celebrates stories families can enjoy together.” The release also quotes a producer at Associated Television International saying the ceremony “recognizes creators whose work brings families closer and sparks conversation at home.” To watch, tune to CBS on the evening of December 20 or log into Paramount+ where the show will stream. Local station listings will confirm the exact broadcast time, and Paramount+ subscribers should see the program appear in the streamer’s schedule around the air date.

Sources

• prnewswire.com