How to Watch Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took Over the World — CNN’s 40th Anniversary Docuseries
On July 13, 1985, some of the world’s biggest music stars united for Live Aid, a groundbreaking benefit concert to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. To mark the 40th anniversary of this historic event, CNN premieres the docuseries Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took Over the World on Sunday, July 13, 9 p.m. ET/PT.
About the Docuseries
This original four-episode series goes behind the scenes to explore how Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats) and Midge Ure organized the legendary concert, which raised over $127 million and captivated an estimated 1.5 billion viewers worldwide.
Featuring exclusive interviews with stars like Bono, Lionel Richie, Patti LaBelle, Sting, Phil Collins and more, the series also includes archival footage from iconic performances by Tina Turner with Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan with the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, and reunions of bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.
Legendary Lineup Highlights
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Pretenders
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Santana
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Madonna
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Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
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Neil Young
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Eric Clapton
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David Bowie
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Elton John
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The Who
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Paul McCartney
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Run-D.M.C.
See More ...
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Black Sabbath
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Judas Priest
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Hall & Oates
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REO Speedwagon
How to Watch Online
Premiere Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Episodes: 4 (weekly, concluding August 3)
Streaming Options Without Cable
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HBO Max: Includes live CNN streaming; available as an add-on on Prime Video, DirecTV, Hulu, and Disney+
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DirecTV: Free 5-day trial; starts at $59.99 for the first month
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Fubo: Seven-day free trial; starts at $64.99 for the first month
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Hulu + Live TV: Three-day free trial; starts at $82.99 monthly (includes Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+)
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Sling TV: Blue plan on sale for $23 first month; includes CNN and other channels
For Cable Subscribers
If you have a traditional cable subscription, you can stream the docuseries on CNN.com by logging in with your TV provider credentials such as DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, Verizon, Xfinity, and others.
Celebrate the legacy of one of the most monumental music events in history — Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took Over the World — streaming soon on CNN and available through multiple platforms for easy access.
