Finding the AMAs on Paramount Plus
The American Music Awards (AMAs) air live on ABC, and Paramount Plus carries ABC content through its partnership with the network. To watch the AMAs on Paramount Plus, you need an active subscription and access to the live TV feed, which is included in the Paramount Plus with Ads and Paramount Plus Premium plans. The live broadcast typically airs in November, though the exact date changes each year.
On the Paramount Plus app or website, look for the ABC live feed in the "Live TV" section during the broadcast window. The AMAs usually air in the evening (check ABC's schedule for the exact start time in your time zone). If you miss the live broadcast, Paramount Plus often posts full episodes or highlight clips in the days following the event, though availability depends on licensing agreements that can vary.
Key Takeaways
- Both Paramount Plus subscription tiers include access to ABC's live feed, where the AMAs broadcast.
- The AMAs air live on ABC in November each year, and you can stream the broadcast through Paramount Plus's Live TV section.
- If you cannot watch live, check the Paramount Plus app within a few days after the event for full episodes or clips.
- Your internet connection must be stable for live streaming, and you should open the app a few minutes early to avoid buffering during the opening.
Setting Up Your Paramount Plus Account for Live TV
Before the AMAs air, confirm that your Paramount Plus plan includes live TV access. Both the ad-supported and ad-free Premium tiers carry the live ABC feed. Log into your account on the Paramount Plus website or open the mobile app, then navigate to the "Live TV" tab or section. This is where all broadcast channels, including ABC, appear during their scheduled air times.
Test your connection a day or two before the event. Open the Live TV section and select ABC to make sure the stream loads without lag. If you see a message that live TV is not available in your location, contact Paramount Plus support—some regions have restrictions, though most of the continental United States has full access. On the day of the AMAs, log in at least 10 minutes before the broadcast starts to avoid login delays when traffic is heavy.
Watching on Different Devices
Paramount Plus works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast. The live TV feed is available on all of these platforms as long as your subscription is current. If you are watching on a phone or tablet, make sure your device is plugged in during the broadcast—streaming live video drains the battery quickly.
For the best picture quality, watch on a larger screen if possible. Computer and TV streams typically offer higher resolution than mobile. If you are casting from a phone to a TV using Chromecast or AirPlay, connect to a strong WiFi network; live streams are sensitive to connection drops, and switching networks mid-broadcast can interrupt playback.
What to Do If the Stream Stops or Buffers
Live streams sometimes pause or buffer, especially during popular events when many people are watching at once. If the video freezes, close the app completely and reopen it. This usually reconnects you within a few seconds. If you are on a computer, try refreshing the page instead of closing the browser.
If buffering continues, check your internet speed. Live TV requires at least 8 Mbps for smooth playback; if your connection is slower, move closer to your WiFi router or restart your modem. If the problem persists, switch to a different device or try the ABC app directly—sometimes one platform streams more reliably than another depending on your network setup.
Finding Clips and Full Episodes After the Event
Paramount Plus typically posts AMAs content within 24 to 48 hours of the live broadcast. Search for "American Music Awards" in the Paramount Plus search bar to find full episodes, highlight reels, or individual performance clips. The availability of specific content depends on music licensing and broadcast rights, so not every performance may be available on demand.
If you cannot find the full episode on Paramount Plus, check the ABC app or ABC.com—they often post the complete broadcast for free with a cable login or through their own streaming service. YouTube also carries official clips from the AMAs, though these are usually shorter highlights rather than the full show.
Checking the AMAs Schedule and Air Time
The AMAs air once per year, typically in November, but the exact date and time vary. Visit ABC.com or the official American Music Awards website to confirm the broadcast date for the current year. Paramount Plus does not always advertise upcoming live events prominently, so checking ABC's schedule directly is the most reliable way to find the correct date and time.
Set a reminder on your phone or calendar a few days before the event. This gives you time to test your Paramount Plus connection and make sure your subscription is active. If you are in a different time zone, note that the AMAs air on Eastern Time, so adjust accordingly for your local time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a specific Paramount Plus plan to watch the AMAs?
No. Both the Paramount Plus with Ads and Paramount Plus Premium plans include access to ABC's live feed. You do not need to upgrade or pay extra. Your current subscription is enough as long as it is active and in good standing.
Can I watch the AMAs on Paramount Plus if I do not have cable?
Yes. Paramount Plus streams ABC's live broadcast directly, so you do not need a cable subscription. You only need a Paramount Plus account and an internet connection.
What if the AMAs are not showing up in my Live TV section?
Live TV availability varies by region. Some areas outside the continental United States may not have access. Log out of your account, clear your app cache, and log back in. If the problem continues, contact Paramount Plus support and provide your location—they can tell you whether live TV is available in your area.
Can I rewind or pause the live broadcast?
Most live streams on Paramount Plus do not allow rewinding during the broadcast itself. Once the event ends, if a full episode is posted on demand, you can pause and rewind that version. For live viewing, you are watching in real time.
Will the full AMAs episode stay on Paramount Plus after the event?
Usually, yes, but for how long depends on licensing agreements. Most full episodes remain available for several weeks or months. Clips and highlights may stay longer. If you want to watch it later, save it to your watchlist right after it posts to make it easier to find.