When you ask what time the AMAs are over, the simplest answer is: the broadcast usually concludes between 10:00 and 11:00 PM ET on the live air date, depending on the network window, pre‑show length, and whether winners have been compressed into later blocks. In practice, the televised ceremony can start as early as 7:00 PM ET with the red carpet, followed by the main show from about 8:00 to 10:00 PM ET, while postshow interviews and voting deadlines extend beyond the final performance. Below is a practical breakdown of the standard schedule, the variables that shift the end time, and how to track the official timing each year so you can plan around the AMAs with confidence.
Typical AMA Time Structure
Across most years, the American Music Awards follow a consistent arc that helps fans and advertisers anticipate when the show will wrap. While exact start times can vary by network and by decisions around pre‑show content, the sequence below captures the reliable pattern.
Red Carpet and Early Coverage (Starts ~6:00–7:00 PM ET)
Live coverage often begins with arrivals and interviews, giving viewers and online audiences the first taste of the event. This window feeds into the main broadcast and sets the narrative tone, but it is not always counted in the official air time.
Main Show Block (Live ~8:00–10:00 PM ET)
Performances, acceptance speeches, and key segments are compacted into a roughly two‑hour core, though winners can shift the pacing. When the broadcast follows a traditional network schedule, the official show window targets an 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET runtime, with rare extensions only in exceptional years.
Postshow and Wrap‑Up (10:00–11:00 PM ET)
After the last performance, interviews with artists and quick recaps of major wins extend the viewing experience. These segments rarely push the finish past 11:00 PM ET in recent cycles, unless the network explicitly markets a longer awards presentation.
Variables That Change the End Time
Even with a reliable template, several factors can move the end time earlier or later. Knowing what influences the schedule helps you interpret announcements and set reminders accurately.
Network Scheduling and Lead‑Ins
ABC and, historically, other partners may preserve specific programming blocks for affiliates. If the AMAs butt up against a sports event or a major series finale, the network can decide to trim or extend segments to protect downstream lineups.
Voting Windows and Competitive Cycles
When voting closes near the show or winners are particularly competitive, producers often consolidate recognition moments. Conversely, a wide margin can allow for more speeches, elevating the completion time slightly.
Breaking News or Special Events
Although the AMAs are planned far in advance, extraordinary circumstances can prompt schedule changes. In rare cases, a major news event has caused re‑booking of segments, which can compress or stretch the ceremony.
Pre‑Show Length and Red‑Carpet Production
A longer red carpet or added digital pre‑show content can encroach on the main block. Networks sometimes split live coverage into early and late segments to maintain higher ratings without officially altering the listed start time.
Practical Impact on Viewers and Advertisers
For fans, advertisers, and partners, understanding when the AMAs typically end informs planning for live viewing, social engagement, and media buying. You can align your expectations by focusing on the announced start time and factoring in the variables above.
- Standard finish time: between 10:00 and 11:00 PM ET on the live date.
- Typical start time: red carpet often begins around 6:00–7:00 PM ET; main show usually runs 8:00–10:00 PM ET.
- Key variables: network decisions, voting timelines, breaking news, extended pre‑show segments.
How to Confirm the Finish Time Each Year
Because schedules can shift, it is wise to check the official announcement as the air date approaches. Reliable sources include the network’s press release, the AMAs’ social channels, and trusted TV listings that incorporate time zone and regional differences.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Ceremony Core | Approximately 8:00–10:00 PM ET for main performances and major awards | Network schedule patterns |
| Common Finish Window | 10:00–11:00 PM ET, depending on pre‑show and postshow length | Historical broadcast timelines |
| Primary Variables | Network pre‑emptions, voting windows, breaking news, extended red carpet | Production and scheduling disclosures |
| Check Method | Official network release and AMA social channels 48–72 hours prior | Network and AMA public communications |
Regional and International Considerations
Time zones can make the end time feel different depending on where you watch. If you are outside the Eastern Time Zone, subtract or add hours accordingly. International broadcasters may delay or edit the live feed, so local listings matter more than the U.S. ET finish time.
Planning Around the AMAs in the Long Term
Because the AMAs follow a broadly predictable pattern, you can treat the 10:00–11:00 PM ET finish as a reliable baseline for most years. Build flexibility into your schedule for the variables above, and use official announcements to lock in the exact timing as the date nears. This approach works whether you are coordinating live viewing, planning ad buys, or mapping content around the awards.
Summary and Takeaway
To directly answer what time the AMAs are over: under typical conditions, the televised ceremony finishes between 10:00 and 11:00 PM ET, with the core awards block ending near 10:00 PM ET and postshow segments stretching to about 11:00 PM ET. Factors like network scheduling, competitive voting, and pre‑show length can shift this slightly. By confirming the official start time and accounting for these variables, you can reliably plan for when the AMAs will conclude.