Tonight marks the arrival of the most anticipated and exclusive fashion event of the year: the 2024 Met Gala. Formally known as the Costume Institute Benefit, this glamorous affair at the Metropolitan Museum of Art consistently delivers breathtaking red carpet moments and headline-grabbing outfits. If you’re eager to witness the spectacle and wonder how to immerse yourself in the Met Gala magic from the comfort of your home, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through all the official and accessible ways to watch the Met Gala 2024 live online.
When and Where is the Met Gala 2024?
Staying true to tradition, the Met Gala unfolds annually on the first Monday in May. This year, mark your calendars for Monday, May 6, 2024. For those tuning in to the red carpet coverage Live from E!, broadcasting commences at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET and will continue until 6:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. ET. As always, the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City sets the stage for this high-fashion evening.
Official Met Gala 2024 Livestream on Vogue
For the most comprehensive and official coverage, Vogue stands as your premier destination. Being owned by Condé Nast, a key sponsor of the Met Gala, Vogue offers an exclusive free livestream directly on their website, Vogue.com. Beyond their website, Vogue extends its digital reach, broadcasting the livestream across platforms like TikTok (@voguemagazine) and YouTube (Vogue).
This year’s Vogue livestream boasts a star-studded hosting lineup, featuring actors Gwendoline Christie and La La Anthony, alongside model Ashley Graham. Adding to the insightful commentary, Emma Chamberlain returns as Vogue’s special correspondent, promising engaging interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses. For the definitive Met Gala experience, head to Vogue’s digital platforms and witness the red carpet unfold live.
Watch Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet on E! and Streaming Services
If you’re seeking traditional television coverage, E! is your go-to channel. E!’s Live from E! talk show dedicates its broadcast to the Met Gala red carpet, offering celebrity interviews, fashion analysis, and real-time reactions to the most daring and dazzling looks.
Even without cable, accessing E!’s Met Gala coverage online is straightforward through various live TV streaming services that include the network in their channel lineups. These services often provide free trials, allowing you to watch the Met Gala red carpet online without immediate cost. Here are some top streaming options:
Stream via DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers a robust way to watch E!’s Met Gala coverage online. Their Entertainment package, which includes E! along with over 75 other channels, starts at $69.99 per month after a five-day free trial. This package encompasses a wide array of networks, including ABC, CNN, Discovery, Disney Channel, MSNBC, and Nickelodeon, making it a comprehensive entertainment solution beyond just the Met Gala.
Alt text: DirecTV Stream logo with text “get free trial at DirecTV Stream” linking to their free trial page.
Stream via fuboTV
fuboTV is another excellent streaming service to catch the Met Gala red carpet. Known for its extensive channel selection, fuboTV includes E! and offers a seven-day free trial. This trial period allows you to stream E!’s Met Gala coverage, complete with celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes content, without initial charges. fuboTV is particularly appealing for those seeking comprehensive coverage and a wide range of channels beyond just event-specific viewing.
Alt text: fuboTV logo with text “get free trial at fubotv” linking to their free trial offer.
Stream via Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV provides another avenue to access E! for Met Gala viewing, and currently offers a three-day free trial for new subscribers. Priced at $76.99 monthly after the trial, this plan is especially attractive as it bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ along with over 95 live channels. This package is ideal for households seeking a broad entertainment spectrum, including access to local network shows on channels like ABC alongside the Met Gala coverage.
Alt text: Hulu + Live TV logo with text “get free trial at hulu + live tv” directing users to sign up for a free trial.
Stream via Sling TV
Sling TV is recognized as a budget-friendly cord-cutting solution, and its Sling Blue tier includes E!. Currently, Sling TV is offering a promotion of $10 off the first month, bringing the initial monthly cost down to $35 (and then $45 per month thereafter). Sling Blue provides access to channels like E!, FOX, TBS, and CNN, totaling 46 popular networks. Sling TV’s app allows for versatile viewing across phones, laptops, tablets, and connected TVs.
Alt text: Sling TV logo with text “get sling tv subscription” promoting their subscription service for watching the Met Gala.
Who are the Met Gala 2024 Hosts and Co-Chairs?
Every year, Anna Wintour, Vogue’s editor-in-chief and the driving force behind the Met Gala since the 1990s, selects celebrity co-chairs to host the event. For 2024, she has chosen an impressive lineup: global music sensation Bad Bunny, actress and fashion icon Zendaya, Hollywood heartthrob Chris Hemsworth (a first-time attendee), and multi-talented Jennifer Lopez. Honorary chairs include Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. Adding to the star power, Emma Chamberlain reprises her role as a special correspondent for Vogue.
Decoding the Met Gala 2024 Theme: “The Garden of Time”
This year’s Met Gala theme is “The Garden of Time,” drawing inspiration from the 1962 short story of the same name by J.G. Ballard. This theme serves as the thematic backbone for the Costume Institute’s new exhibition, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, which will be open to the public at the museum from May 10 to September 2.
Curated by Andrew Bolton, Costume Institute chief curator, the exhibition will showcase approximately 250 pieces spanning four centuries. The exhibition and theme explore themes of nature’s iconography as a metaphor for fashion’s fragility and fleeting nature, examining cycles of rebirth and renewal. Expect to see interpretations of floral motifs, time-sensitive designs, and potentially melancholic or ethereal aesthetics on the red carpet.
Anticipated Guest List for Met Gala 2024
While the official guest list remains tightly under wraps until the event, numerous stars are expected to grace the Met steps. Anticipated first-time attendees include rising stars like Lily Gladstone and Ayo Edebiri. Rumors also suggest appearances from Met Gala regulars such as Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Kendall Jenner, Uma Thurman, Cara Delevingne, Sarah Paulson, Barry Keoghan, and Olivia Rodrigo.
Designer presence is also a highlight, with Stella McCartney, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and Tom Ford among those expected. And, keeping with tradition, the Kardashian-Jenner clan is widely expected to attend. Fashion and music enthusiasts are also holding out hope for appearances from style icons like Harry Styles and Beyoncé, though their attendance remains unconfirmed.
What Makes the Met Gala So Special?
The Met Gala is more than just a red carpet spectacle; it’s primarily an annual fundraising event that marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s highly anticipated fashion exhibition. Unlike award shows, the Met Gala is a benefit event, incredibly prestigious and exclusive. Invitations are personally curated by Anna Wintour, and even those who make the cut must purchase tickets, priced at around $30,000 per individual ticket or up to $300,000 for a table. Often, luxury fashion brands sponsor celebrities’ attendance, leveraging the event for brand visibility.
Alt text: “The Complete Stories of J.G. Ballard” book cover, featuring text about the author and collection title, next to a link to purchase the book on Amazon.
This year’s Costume Institute exhibition, as mentioned, takes its cue from J.G. Ballard’s short story, “The Garden of Time,” found within his Complete Stories. This extensive collection delves into Ballard’s imaginative and often surreal narratives. While reading the source material isn’t essential to enjoy the Met Gala, understanding its inspiration adds depth to appreciating the anticipated fashion interpretations.
Whether you choose to stream Vogue’s official coverage or tune in via E! through a streaming service like DirecTV Stream or fuboTV (utilizing their free trials!), ensure you don’t miss out on the dazzling spectacle of the Met Gala 2024. Get ready to witness fashion history in the making!
