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 PageantSept. 7, 2025
2021-12-16The 2022 Miss America PageantDez. 16, 2021
2021-12-16The 2021 Miss America PageantDez. 16, 2021
2019-12-19The 2020 Miss America CompetitionDez. 19, 2019
2018-09-09The 2019 Miss America CompetitionSept. 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.
Ancient Aliens
Running

Ancient Aliens

Ancient Aliens explores the controversial theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth for millions of years. From the age of the dinosaurs to ancient Egypt, from early cave drawings to continued mass sightings in the US, each episode in this hit History series gives historic depth to the questions, speculations, provocative controversies, first-hand accounts and grounded theories surrounding this age old debate. Did intelligent beings from outer space visit Earth thousands of years ago?

WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Running

WWE Friday Night SmackDown

Featuring a star-studded cast of WWE Superstars, SmackDown Live delivers a shot of adrenaline to viewers and bring fans over-the-top action, feats of athleticism beyond the reach of mortal men, and WWE's special brand of drama.

RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars
Running

RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars

A twist on the mega-hit RuPaul's Drag Race as queens from previous seasons are pitted against each other in a wig-to-wig drag battle royale to determine which of these All Stars will claim the ultimate title and be declared Queen amongst queens

Brilliant Minds
Running

Brilliant Minds

Inspired by the extraordinary life and work of world-famous author and physician Oliver Sacks, Brilliant Minds follows a revolutionary, larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns as they explore the last great frontier - the human mind - while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.

Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage
Running

Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage

Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage follows Georgie and Mandy as they raise their young family in Texas while navigating the challenges of adulthood, parenting and marriage.