The Super Bowl typically ends in the late evening on the first Sunday in February, shortly after the trophy presentation and national anthem. Exact end times vary by year based on the start time, halftime length, and any postgame ceremonies.
Below you will find a schedule overview, key time segments, and answers to common questions about when the game and broadcast wrap up.
Event Timeline at a Glance
| Segment | Typical Start | Typical Duration | Typical Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kickoff | 6:30 p.m. ET (varies) | 3 hours 15 minutes | ~9:45 p.m. ET |
| Halftime Show | ~8:20 p.m. ET | 12–15 minutes | ~8:35 p.m. ET |
| Championship Trophy Presentation | ~9:20 p.m. ET | 5–7 minutes | ~9:27 p.m. ET |
| National Anthem & Exit | ~9:27 p.m. ET | 3–5 minutes | ~9:32 p.m. ET |
Kickoff and Opening Possessions
The game itself begins with kickoff, usually in the mid- to late afternoon in the host city. The opening possessions set the tone, but the broadcast schedule is planned around the expectation of a roughly three-hour window before the final play.
Networks buffer this window with pregame analysis, live arrivals, and fan features, which can push the effective start earlier for viewers at home.
Halftime Show and its Effect on Timing
Planned Performance Slot
The halftime show is scheduled for about 12 to 15 minutes, occurring near the 8:20 p.m. ET mark in most years. This block is tightly choreographed to preserve the overall broadcast timeline.
Impact on Total Runtime
By keeping halftime concise and predictable, the Super Bowl maintains a consistent finish window around 9:45 p.m. ET, even when the game runs over schedule due to overtime.
Overtime and Extended Game Scenarios
Standard Regulation End
If the score is tied after four quarters, the game moves into overtime, which adds at least 15 minutes but can extend much longer depending on scoring.
Post-Overtime Procedures
After the decisive score, teams exit the field, and the broadcast transitions to on-site interviews and cutaways, which can delay the official end by several minutes.
Global Broadcast and Lead-Out Programming
International feeds follow the same in-game timeline but may include region-specific commercials and commentary, slightly shifting local end times. In the U.S., most scheduled lead-out programs aim to start shortly after the national anthem concludes.
Planning Around the Final Whistle
- Note the expected 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff and plan to watch the championship moments between 9:20 and 9:30 p.m. ET.
- Expect the broadcast to wrap by 10:00 p.m. ET in most years, with rare extensions during overtime.
- Check local listings for any pregame or postgame deviations that may shift your viewing window.
- Set reminders for the trophy presentation and national anthem if you want to catch the ceremonial close live.
FAQ
Reader questions
What time does the Super Bowl end on the live broadcast in the Eastern Time zone?
The live broadcast in the Eastern Time zone typically finishes around 9:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., depending on overtime and postgame segments.
Does the halftime show length change the end time significantly?
Halftime averages 12–15 minutes and is built into the main timeline, so variations within that range usually do not shift the overall end time noticeably.
Can overtime push the final whistle past 10:30 p.m. ET?
Yes, if multiple overtimes occur, the game can extend well past 10:30 p.m. ET, especially with extended replays and player interviews.
Why do local start times sometimes differ from the listed 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff?
Local markets may air prerecorded opens or adjust for time zones, but the national Eastern feed is the reference for most schedule discussions.