What Channel is CMT on Optimum? Find Your Country Music Connection

Country Music Television (CMT) brings southern culture and entertainment to living rooms across the U.S. with a mix of chart-topping music, original series, and special events. Since launching in 1983, CMT has become a mainstay for fans of country music, lifestyle programming, and nostalgic reruns. Whether it’s hit shows like CMT Hot 20 Countdown, the unpredictable moments of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, or annual broadcasts of the CMT Music Awards, the network draws a dedicated audience that thrives on Americana.

Optimum subscribers looking for a reliable mix of music video blocks, live concerts, and down-home reality TV frequently turn to CMT. But without knowing the right channel number or how to access the network through different packages or streaming platforms, the experience can fall short. This guide provides the exact channel placement for CMT on Optimum and ensures subscribers can tune in without interruption.

Find CMT on Optimum: Channel Numbers by Region

Country music fans tuning into Optimum often ask, "What channel is CMT on Optimum?" The answer depends on your location. Optimum assigns channel numbers regionally, so CMT appears on different slots depending on where you live.

New York

Subscribers across most of New York will find CMT on Channel 69. This applies to areas including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, and Westchester. Check your area-specific guide in case of recent lineup changes.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, Optimum places CMT on Channel 69 as well, which provides consistency for customers across its northeastern service regions.

CMT High Definition (HD) is available — see the HD section below for format options by location.

Due to occasional updates in regional lineups, the most accurate way to verify the CMT channel number is by using Optimum’s interactive on-screen guide or logging into your account on their website. The guide dynamically reflects your area and subscription tier, ensuring you're seeing the current channel placement for your specific service address.

Navigate to CMT on Optimum with the On-Screen Guide

Use the Optimum Remote to Access the Channel Guide

Start by picking up the Optimum remote. Press the “Guide” button located at the center of the remote control. This brings up the interactive on-screen TV guide. From here, navigate through the channel list using the arrow keys.

Search for “CMT” Manually or by Keyword

Scrolling can be time-consuming, especially with hundreds of channels. To speed things up, press the “Menu” button and select “Search” from the options. Use the on-screen keyboard to type in “CMT”. The system will instantly display matching results, including upcoming airings and currently running shows on the Country Music Television channel.

Use Filtering Tools to Find HD or Live Options

Once CMT appears in the search results, use the available filters to narrow the list. Select “HD Only” to see high-definition broadcasts. Choose the “Live TV” option to focus on real-time programming. You can also opt to sort by “Airing Time” or “Channel Number” depending on your preference for browsing.

Identify Signature CMT Programs

Looking for specific content? Highlighting individual programs helps identify CMT listings more easily. Watch for well-known titles such as:

• CMT Crossroads – where country stars collaborate with artists from other genres in one-of-a-kind live performances.
• CMT Music Awards – the fan-voted event showcasing the year’s top music videos and artists in country music.
• Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team – a behind-the-scenes reality series that has become a staple of CMT’s schedule.

Spotting these shows in the guide confirms you're tuned in to the correct channel and gives you a snapshot of what CMT’s programming block looks like.

Explore the CMT Programming Schedule

What You’ll Typically Find on CMT

CMT delivers a mix of country music, reality TV, and syndicated classics in its daily lineup. Prime-time hours highlight long-running series and music specials, while daytime blocks cater to fans of drama and reality. Here's a look at typical programming you’ll come across during the week:

• CMT Hot 20 Countdown – A weekend staple that covers the top country music videos, artist interviews, and behind-the-scenes features.
• Yellowstone – The neo-Western drama airs during evening hours in marathon-style blocks or special event nights.
• The Golden Girls – A syndicated favorite, usually airing in midday and late-night slots.
• Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team – Reality series that follows hopefuls as they try out for the iconic squad.
• Party Down South – Features in late evening for audiences looking for unscripted Southern chaos and humor.
• My Big Redneck Vacation – Often part of weekend marathons, spotlighting unconventional family adventures.

How to Know What’s Airing Right Now

The fastest way to check what's broadcasting on CMT this moment is through the Optimum TV guide. Press the "Guide" button on your Optimum remote and navigate to the CMT channel listed in your region. The interface shows a live feed of current programs, airtimes, and synopses in real time.

Alternatively, for access when away from home, use the Optimum TV app or visit their streaming platform. Both sources offer up-to-date listings synchronized with your subscription package.

Reliable Sources for Schedule Updates

For regularly updated programming information, go directly to verified platforms:

• CMT's official schedule page – Provides a full 7-day view of upcoming programs, organized by date and time zone.
• Optimum's TV Listings – Customizes listings based on your ZIP code and subscription level, helping you plan recordings or reminders.

Both platforms publish updates based on live scheduling changes or special programming events like awards shows and new series premieres.

Experience the Clarity: Watching CMT in HD on Optimum

Access to CMT in High Definition

Optimum offers CMT in HD as part of its high-definition lineup, delivering crisper visuals and fuller sound whenever available. Viewers subscribed to Optimum's digital packages can usually access the HD feed alongside the standard definition broadcast.

Included in Most Digital Packages

Customers subscribing to tiers such as Core TV and above generally receive HD versions of major entertainment channels, including CMT. There's no need for an additional subscription—if your plan includes CMT, the HD variant most likely comes with it.

Regional HD Channel Numbers

CMT HD does not share a nationwide channel number across Optimum service areas. Here's where to find it in select regions:

• New York (Brooklyn, the Bronx, Long Island): Channel 841
• Connecticut (Fairfield County): Channel 841
• New Jersey (Hudson, Morris, Passaic lines): Channel 841

In regions where 800s are designated for HD content, CMT HD will typically be placed there. Checking the on-screen guide will confirm the exact number for your ZIP code.

Why Choose HD for CMT Programming?

HD transformation doesn’t just polish the picture—it elevates the viewing atmosphere. For country music shows, higher resolution means richer color palettes, sharper stage visuals, and refined graphics overlays during performances. It brings you into the concert, not just in front of it.

Reality programs like "CMT Hot 20 Countdown" or specials like the "CMT Music Awards" benefit from multi-camera HD setups, adding more immersive detail to camera sweeps and backstage cuts. Even reruns of series like "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team" gain new visual depth in HD, amplifying energy and motion clarity especially during choreographed routines.

Which Optimum TV Packages Include CMT?

Country Music Television (CMT) doesn't appear in every Optimum package by default, and its availability depends on the tier you've selected. Before flipping through the guide or diving into the on-demand menu, it's worth checking where CMT sits in Optimum's channel lineup based on your subscription level and location.

Included in Select Core and Value Packages

CMT is typically part of the Core and Value TV packages offered by Optimum. Entry-level options like the Basic package, however, don’t usually provide access to CMT. Customers on lower-tier plans often find that upgrading just one level opens up access to a variety of digital cable networks, including CMT.

• The Core TV plan, with over 220 channels, usually features CMT as standard.
• Value TV, a mid-tier option, also includes CMT in most markets.
• Basic TV plans, typically limited to local and public channels, do not include CMT.

Premium Packages Offer CMT and More

Subscribers with Premier TV or other premium-level plans don’t need to search — CMT is already built in. In addition to CMT, these high-tier packages bring in other music-focused networks like MTV Classic, BET Soul, and VH1, as well as expansive sports and movie selections.

• Premier TV includes over 340 channels, combining mainstream entertainment, news, music, and premium movie networks.
• Certain plans labeled as “Double Play” or “Triple Play” bundles may also include CMT depending on customized channel selections.
• Additional music genre channels—such as Fuse, REVOLT, and Music Choice—are often bundled within these tiers.

Package Differences Across New York and Connecticut

Optimum tailors plan structures by region. Subscribers in New York and Connecticut sometimes discover that the same-named plan in a neighboring state differs in available channels. CMT access can therefore shift depending on ZIP code and local franchise agreements. For example, a Core TV package in Long Island may include CMT by default, while a customer in Norwalk, CT might have to request a package upgrade to receive it.

Why Upgrading Unlocks More Than Just CMT

For anyone interested in music television, upgrading does more than grant access to CMT. It expands the entertainment universe: more concert specials, behind-the-scenes artist features, country-themed movies, and crossover reality programming. Beyond music, upgrading enhances access to comedy, lifestyle, kids’ programming, and on-demand specials — making the value stretch across every genre.

How to Add CMT to Your Optimum Subscription

Not seeing CMT in your current Optimum lineup? You can upgrade your subscription and start watching country hits, original series, and music-focused content within minutes. Here's how to do it efficiently.

Add CMT by Calling Optimum Customer Support

The fastest way to add CMT to your channel package is by calling Optimum customer service. Speak directly with a representative who can verify if your current package supports CMT or help you switch to one that does. Find out what options align with your budget and viewing preferences in real time.

• Call Optimum customer service at [Insert Number] to add channels.
• Mention that you want to add CMT to your subscription.
• Ask about promotional offers or bundling discounts that include CMT.

Use the Optimum Website or Mobile App

Prefer to make changes yourself? The Optimum customer portal works seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices. Both the Optimum website and the MyOptimum app let you manage your TV package in a few taps.

• Log in to your account at optimum.net or open the MyOptimum app.
• Navigate to the 'TV' or 'Manage Services' section.
• Browse available channel packages and locate one that includes CMT.
• Confirm your selection and follow prompts to complete the upgrade.

Once confirmed, your CMT access typically activates within minutes, though in some cases it may take up to an hour depending on your equipment and account status.

Fees and Bundling Considerations

CMT does not come standard in every Optimum package. It's usually included in the Preferred or Premier tiers, depending on your region. Adding CMT might require moving up to a higher package level or choosing a specific entertainment bundle. Expect a price difference—most mid-tier to premium upgrades can range between $10–$30 more per month depending on the features included. Review all package details to know exactly what you're paying for.

Want to confirm your current plan level first? Check your latest bill or log in to your Optimum account for full package details.

Troubleshooting: Why CMT Might Be Missing from Your Lineup

Looking for CMT on your Optimum channel guide and coming up empty? Several technical or account-based factors can cause the channel to disappear from your lineup. Here's where to start digging.

Check for Channel Movement or Renumbering

Optimum occasionally reorganizes its channel listings to accommodate new networks or improve regional consistency. In this case, CMT may have been assigned a new channel number. This kind of update often coincides with monthly billing cycles or broader lineup changes, especially after mergers or contract negotiations.

• Open the on-screen Optimum guide and search for "CMT" by name rather than relying on the number.
• Visit Optimum’s official channel lineup tool online and enter your ZIP code to view the most current arrangement.
• If you use a printed channel guide, verify the last update date—an older guide won’t reflect recent shifts.

Account Location and Regional Package Differences

Channel availability on Optimum can vary depending on your location. For instance, subscribers in Connecticut may not have access to the same tier as those in New York, even if they’re on similarly priced packages.

Optimum structures regional packages based on market agreements and local broadcasting rights. Because of this, CMT may be included in the Core package in one region and require the Preferred or Ultimate tier in another. To verify your package details:

• Log in to your Optimum customer portal.
• Navigate to the TV section and select “Channel Lineup.”
• Cross-reference your subscribed package against what’s available in your ZIP code.

Technical Glitches: Decoder Box or Signal Issues

If the channel should be available based on your subscription and region, hardware or signal reception could be the culprit. Cable boxes that haven’t been updated or properly reset after recent area upgrades may fail to load the full guide.

• Unplug your decoder box, wait 60 seconds, and then reconnect — this forces a system refresh.
• Perform a manual channel scan using your remote’s options menu.
• Check that all connections from the wall outlet to the box and from the box to the TV are secure.

Still Not Seeing CMT? Contact Optimum

When all else stalls, reaching out to Optimum’s support will move things forward. Technicians can check backend issues—like account misconfigurations, package mismatches, or signal delivery failures—that customer troubleshooting can’t resolve.

• Call customer care at 1-866-200-7273.
• Use the live chat function on the Optimum support site.
• Or visit a nearby Optimum store for in-person help.

Before contacting support, have your account number, service address, and package name ready. This information speeds up diagnostic steps and ensures you get accurate assistance.

Unlocking Entertainment: Watching CMT On-Demand with Optimum

Optimum's On-Demand service puts a wide range of CMT programming right at your fingertips. Whether you're in the mood for a dose of country music nostalgia, exclusive artist interviews, or reruns of beloved southern-themed dramas, the CMT On-Demand library offers flexible viewing without following a rigid schedule.

What’s Available On-Demand from CMT?

The catalog regularly includes:

• Reality Series – Past seasons of shows like Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team and Party Down South.
• Music Specials – Exclusive concerts, tribute performances, and highlights from annual events such as the CMT Music Awards.
• Original Dramas and Documentaries – Previously aired episodes of shows like Sun Records or behind-the-scenes artist features.

Accessing the On-Demand Menu with Optimum

Navigating to CMT’s on-demand content doesn't take more than a few steps. Using your Optimum remote:

• Press the ‘iO’ or 'Menu' button if available on your remote control.
• Select ‘On-Demand’ or look for ‘TV On-Demand’.
• Browse by Network or use the Search function to locate CMT.
• Click through the available titles and choose from full episodes, clips, or special features.

CMT content is typically grouped under the ‘Entertainment’ or ‘Music’ category, depending on the show genre.

Why Use On-Demand? Flexibility That Fits Your Lifestyle

Watching CMT On-Demand allows full control over your viewing schedule. There's no need to rush home to catch premieres or set up recordings. Want to binge-watch concert performances or revisit past award shows after hours? Just navigate to the CMT section and play at will.

This feature integrates seamlessly with Optimum’s DVR system, offering a fallback if you forget to set a recording. New episodes and specials are updated regularly, so there's always something worth exploring.

Stream CMT Anywhere with the Optimum TV App

Stuck in traffic on I-95 or riding the LIRR? The Optimum TV app lets you keep up with CMT whether you're commuting through Brooklyn or relaxing in Stamford. Access live broadcasts or binge on-demand shows like Youth & Consequences, Nashville, or CMT Crossroads with just a few taps. Here's how to get started.

Installing the Optimum TV App

The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices. Skip the search—here are the direct steps:

• Open the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Search for Optimum TV.
• Tap Download or Install.
• Wait for the installation to complete, then launch the app.

Once the app opens, it's time to log in.

Login and Watch CMT Live or On Demand

Log in using the same credentials you use for your Optimum online account. After logging in, navigate to the live TV section. You'll find CMT available for live streaming if your package includes it. Prefer something on your own schedule? Visit the on-demand library and explore a rotating selection of CMT favorites.

Requirements for Streaming CMT on the App

To ensure consistent performance, make sure you have:

• A valid Optimum subscription with CMT included.
• Optimum ID and password for login.
• Stable internet connection—Wi-Fi works best, but a strong 4G or 5G signal will suffice.

The app automatically adjusts video quality based on internet speed, so you won't miss a beat during a power ballad or dramatic plot twist.

Perfect for Viewers in Transit

Whether you're in a Metro-North seat watching Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team or winding down in a hotel room in Hartford, the app transforms your tablet or phone into a live CMT portal. Stream during a lunch break, on the move, or from a second screen while the kids monopolize the living room TV.

With the Optimum TV app, there's no need to miss a single moment of country music news, high-stakes reality shows, or late-night reruns. CMT travels with you.