Miss America

Miss America (1954- )

RunningVariety show

Miss America (also known as the Miss America Pageant) is a beauty pageant that is held annually and is open to women from the United States between the ages of 17 and 24. Originating in 1921, the contest is now judged on competitors' talent performances and interviews in addition to their physical appearance. It is run by the Miss America Organization, a not-for-profit corporation based in Linwood, New Jersey, which has developed the "Miss America Scholarship Program", which awards educational scholarships to successful competitors. The stated purpose of the contest is that it "provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of unique nationwide community-based programs". Miss America travels about 20,000 miles a month, changing her location every 24 to 48 hours, touring the nation and promoting her particular platform of interest.

Streaming

Watch Now

Networks
Scheduleevery Sunday

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
2025-09-07The 2026 Miss America PageantSep 7, 2025
2021-12-16The 2022 Miss America PageantDec 16, 2021
2021-12-16The 2021 Miss America PageantDec 16, 2021
2019-12-19The 2020 Miss America CompetitionDec 19, 2019
2018-09-09The 2019 Miss America CompetitionSep 9, 2018
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Miss America premiere?

Miss America first aired on July 7, 1954.

What caused controversy for the 1954 pageant?

The crowning of Miss New Jersey, Borniece McKinney Burns, as the first African American Miss America, caused controversy.

Who hosted the 1954 Miss America Pageant?

Bert Parks hosted the 1954 Miss America Pageant.

Name one talent performed by a contestant that year?

One of the talents performed was opera singing.

Which contestant won?

Miss New Jersey, Berniece McKinney Burns, won the 1954 Miss America Pageant.

How many contestants competed?

There were 51 contestants who competed in the 1954 Miss America Pageant.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Also known as

  • Miss America Competition (United States)
  • Miss America Pageant (United States)

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Frontline
Running

Frontline

Since it began in 1983, Frontline has been airing public-affairs documentaries that explore a wide scope of the complex human experience. Frontline's goal is to extend the impact of the documentary beyond its initial broadcast by serving as a catalyst for change.

.

GenreDrama
The Block
Running

The Block

The Block is an Australian reality television show. The show sees four couples compete against each other to renovate a home in an apartment block and sell it at auction for the highest price.

Jeopardy!
Running

Jeopardy!

Jeopardy! is a classic game show -- with a twist. The answers are given first, and the contestants supply the questions. Three contestants, including the previous show's champion, compete in six categories and in three rounds (with each round's "answers" being worth more prize money).

This Old House
Running

This Old House

The mission of This Old House is to demystify the home improvement process and to celebrate the fusion of old world craftsmanship and modern technology. Each season features two renovation projects. Project One traditionally consists of eighteen or so episodes and is filmed in Massachusetts. Project Two is generally taped in a different region of the country to highlight the variety of American architectural styles and renovation issues.

GenreDIY
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
Running

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune welcomes celebrity contestants to come spin the world's most famous wheel and solve word puzzles for a chance to win up to one million dollars. All of the money won by the celebrity contestants will go to a charity of their choice.