A system (and method) automatically extends a scheduled recording of a live event past its scheduled end time. The system include includes a content interface to receive program content. The system also includes a user interface to permit a user to schedule a user-selected program content for recording. The user-selected program content has a scheduled start time and a scheduled end time. A program content analyzer may detect a pattern in the user-selected program content. A recording unit may record the user-selected program content and automatically extend the recording past the scheduled end time based on whether the pattern is detected.