The Miss Universe pageant has always been a global spectacle—glittering gowns, world-class performances, and fierce competition. But the 2025 Miss Universe edition has elevated the drama to new heights. What was once a beauty pageant once linked with Donald Trump has now transformed into a surprising stage of feminist defiance, behind-the-scenes political tension, and headline-making withdrawals, making it one of the most anticipated broadcasts of the year.
WATCH: MISS UNIVERSE 2025 ANYWHERE
Set in vibrant Thailand, the 74th Miss Universe brings together delegates from more than 120 countries, all culminating in a grand finale that U.S. audiences will be able to watch on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 8:00 p.m. ET, despite the live event taking place locally at 8 a.m. on Nov. 21.
Below is your complete guide to how, when, and where to watch this year’s unforgettable competition.
Watch the 2025 Miss Universe Finale Anywhere
Final Broadcast:
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
⏰ 8:00 p.m. ET
Telemundo (Spanish-language broadcast)
Gamepass: Watch Free Anywhere
This timing reflects the 12-hour difference between Thailand and the American East Coast, giving fans in the U.S. the chance to watch the pageant in prime time.
What’s Happening in Thailand?
While the glittering final is just one night, pageant delegates have been in Thailand since Nov. 2, participating in:
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Cultural tours through Bangkok and Pattaya City
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Photoshoots and media engagements
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Wardrobe fittings, stage rehearsals, and preliminary events
This year’s buildup has been unusually eventful, marked by walk-outs, social media disputes, and a shake-up within the judging committee, creating momentum long before coronation day.
Who Is Hosting Miss Universe 2025?
The 2025 pageant brings together an exciting mix of international and previous-title-holder hosts.
English-Language Hosts
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Steve Byrne – American comedian leading the show
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Dayanara Torres – Puerto Rican actress & Miss Universe 1993
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R’Bonney Gabriel – Miss Universe 2022, offering commentary
Spanish-Language Hosts
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Carlos Adyan
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Danilo Carrera
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Jessica Carrillo
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Jacqueline Bracamonte
This balanced panel brings humor, experience, and cultural diversity to the broadcast.
Judging Panel Turmoil: What Happened?
The 2025 judging panel has been at the center of international headlines after multiple high-profile resignations.
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On Nov. 18, judge Omar Harfouch publicly withdrew, citing “confusion and concern” over reports of an “impromptu jury” involved in selecting the Top 30 from 136 participants.
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Hours later, former French soccer star Claude Makélélé also stepped down due to personal reasons.
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The next day, Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, president of the Miss Universe selection committee, removed herself from the event.
With controversy swirling, the Miss Universe Organization quickly appointed replacements:
Newly Announced Judges
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Natalie Glebova – Miss Universe 2005
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Miniyothabo Francisca Baloyi – Zimbabwean colonel
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Louie Heredia – Filipino singer
Additional Main Competition Judges
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Andrea Meza – Miss Universe 2020
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Nok Chalida – Miss Thailand 1998
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Ismael Cala – Author and international speaker
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Sharon Fonseca – Model and influencer
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Saina Nehwal – Indian Olympic badminton bronze medalist
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Romero Britto – Brazilian artist
These changes have added a new layer of global scrutiny and intrigue to the 2025 event.
A Reigning Queen Returns
The stage will shine a little brighter when Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, the reigning Miss Universe, makes her farewell walk. Her 2024 win was historic—the first-ever victory for Denmark, inspiring smaller nations and first-time finalists everywhere. She will crown her successor and close a landmark year in pageantry.
A Season Already Filled With Drama
Fans haven’t even reached the finale yet, and the season has already delivered:
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A walk-out after a dispute between a host and Miss Mexico
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Multiple contestants leaving the stage in solidarity
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New York Times reporting on judge resignations and behind-the-scenes tension
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Online debates over fairness, transparency, and the future of the pageant
It’s the most intense lead-up since the infamous 2015 Steve Harvey crowning mistake, and viewership is expected to surge.
