Typical timing and broadcast windows
The American Music Awards (AMA) is an annual music awards show produced by Dick Clark Productions. The ceremony usually begins in late November and is scheduled as a primetime TV event. In the United States, it commonly airs live in the Eastern and Central time zones, with a typical evening start around 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT on ABC. Exact start times vary by year, so it is best to check the current season announcement for the official time and channel in your region.
Annual scheduling and date patterns
The AMA is traditionally held in November, often the Sunday after Thanksgiving or in mid-November, aligning with the peak of the award season. Because it follows a predictable seasonal pattern, the awards are considered a reliable annual event, even though the precise date and start time shift slightly from year to year based on network planning and sports programming conflicts.
How the start time varies by year
Each year’s start time is set by the network airing the show and is influenced by lead-in programming, sports events, and local time zone considerations. Historically, ABC has scheduled the AMA in the 8:00–9:00 PM ET window for the live broadcast. Because pre-show, red carpet, and special segments may air earlier, the official live ceremony start and end times can differ. Always verify the current year’s listing to know when to tune in.
How to watch and check times in your timezone
To watch the AMA, viewers can use a live TV stream or antenna for ABC in their local market. Because the listed time is usually in Eastern or Central time, viewers in other zones should adjust accordingly: Pacific Time viewers typically subtract three hours from the Eastern start. Check the network’s official schedule, your local listings, or trusted TV apps for the exact time and channel in your location.
Notable broadcast windows by U.S. time zone
| U.S. Time Zone | Typical Live Start | Typical Live End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 8:00 PM | 11:00–11:30 PM | Common reference for network schedule |
| Central (CT) | 7:00 PM | 10:00–10:30 PM | Often a popular local window in midwestern markets |
| Mountain (MT) | 6:00 PM | 9:00–9:30 PM | Mountain viewers should verify local listings |
| Pacific (PT) | 5:00 PM | 8:00–8:30 PM | West Coast primetime consideration |
Pre-show, red carpet, and post-show timing
Network and digital pre-shows usually begin 60–90 minutes before the live awards segment, featuring red carpet coverage, interviews, and predictions. The main ceremony runs approximately two to three hours, including musical performances and acceptance speeches. After the live broadcast, recap and analysis programming may extend the total viewing window by another 30–60 minutes, depending on the channel and platform.
Digital and streaming options
Beyond traditional TV, the AMA is often streamed on platforms such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and network apps. Start times on these services align with the live broadcast, but streaming apps may include on-demand access to red carpet content and performances shortly after airing. If you are cord-cutting, verify that your streaming provider carries the network airing the awards in your region.
International timing considerations
For viewers outside the United States, the AMA is typically broadcast in evening or late-night windows based on local prime-time scheduling. In some countries, the show is delayed by several hours or aired on partner networks the following day. Check your local network’s schedule and streaming availability for precise timing in your region.
Relationship to other awards seasons
The AMA is one of several major televised awards events each year, positioned as an early highlight alongside the VMAs and ahead of more genre-focused ceremonies. Because it occurs before the Grammys and major film awards, many artists use the AMA to build momentum into later campaigns. Its November timing places it at the start of the consolidated award season rather than the holiday or year-end window reserved for other televised honors.