The main 2023 MTV VMAs ceremony was scheduled for about three hours, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET, but the live broadcast actually ran closer to 3 hours and 50 minutes (about 8:00–11:51 p.m. ET).

Quick Scoop: VMAs 2023 Length

  • Scheduled runtime: 8 p.m.–11 p.m. ET (roughly 3 hours).
  • Actual broadcast: about 8 p.m.–11:51 p.m. ET, so just under 4 hours.
  • Typical format: This fits the usual “three-hour awards show that often runs long” pattern.

What about the pre-show?

  • Red carpet / pre-show started around 6:30 p.m. ET (about 90 minutes before the main show).
  • If you watched from pre-show through the end, you were in for roughly 5.5 hours total.

Why did it feel so long?

  • Packed performance lineup (Nicki Minaj hosting, plus Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Shakira’s Video Vanguard medley, and more), which extended transitions and stage resets.
  • Commentators noted that while three hours would have been plenty, stretching toward four hours made it feel like a “marathon” by the end.

So, if you’re planning a rewatch, block off about 4 hours for the main show, or around 5.5 hours if you include the pre-show. ⏱️

TL;DR:

  • Main show: advertised 3 hours, actually about 3h 50m.
  • With pre-show: roughly 5.5 hours total.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.