When is the Met Gala on TV: key dates and how to watch
The Met Gala is typically scheduled for the first Monday in May each year and is broadcast live in the United States on ABC, with live streaming on Hulu + Live TV and on ABC.com. Because the event date shifts slightly year to year, the exact calendar date and corresponding TV air date change annually, so checking the current year’s announcement is the most reliable way to plan your viewing. In this guide, you will find the standard scheduling pattern, how to tune in live, and how to locate replays and recordings for later viewing.
Evergreen viewing pattern for the Met Gala on TV
Although the Met Gala date moves each year, the broadcast pattern remains stable, which makes it straightforward to know when to watch. Understanding how the event fits into the broader fashion calendar and media schedule helps you plan reliably across years. Below is a concise overview of the typical structure.
Typical scheduling and broadcast framework
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Event date | First Monday in May (annually) | Annual scheduling pattern |
| Primary U.S. TV network | ABC (live broadcast) | Network announcement |
| Live digital streams | Hulu + Live TV, ABC.com, ABC app | Platform documentation |
| Repeats and replays | ABC stations and digital platforms in the days after | Broadcast scheduling |
| Time zone reference | Eastern Time (U.S.) | Network listings |
Use this framework to anchor your expectations each year: first Monday in May, ABC live coverage, with streaming and later replays available on the same network’s digital properties.
How to watch the Met Gala live on TV
Watching the Met Gala live ensures you experience the arrivals, main show, and immediate reactions in real time. Because the event is a major cultural moment, networks plan dedicated coverage around it. Here are the reliable ways to watch live.
- On a TV set: tune to your local ABC affiliate in the Eastern Time Zone; listings adjust automatically if you are in another U.S. time zone.
- Live streaming: activate your Hulu + Live TV credentials or use the ABC app with your cable login to watch the network stream online.
- Alternative verification: before the event, check ABC.com or your TV provider’s guide to confirm the affiliate and channel number in your specific location.
How to find the Met Gala replay and recorded coverage
If you cannot watch the Met Gala live, ABC provides several options for catching up, including on-demand streams and delayed broadcasts. These methods are dependable and widely available across U.S. regions.
- ABC app and ABC.com: full episodes and highlights available for a limited time after the live broadcast.
- Hulu + Live TV: includes the live stream and retains the recorded program in your library for replay.
- On-demand TV: many local ABC affiliates place Met Gala content in their digital catch-up windows, accessible via smart TV platforms or cable boxes.
Checking the exact date for a specific year
Because the Met Gala follows the first Monday in May, you can quickly determine the TV air date once you know the year. The straightforward approach is to identify that Monday in the corresponding month. You can also confirm via authoritative sources such as the official Met Gala website or an ABC press release for that year, which will list the precise air date and any schedule adjustments.
Met Gala overview and broadcast relationship
The Met Gala is the fundraising premiere of The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, usually held on a Monday in May, and it is televised in the United States by ABC. This long-standing partnership between the museum and the network supports extensive red carpet coverage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes segments. The consistent relationship between the event and the network makes the broadcast reliable to anticipate year after year.