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After Hours showcases a mix of musical styles including synth-pop, electropop, new wave, synthwave, contemporary R&B, and dream pop. Lyrically, the album delves into themes of loneliness, self-loathing, heartbreak, and escapism. It presents a more introspective side of The Weeknd, contrasting where he typically focused on the nightlife and its excesses. The Weeknd himself noted that the album captures his thoughts and emotions experienced late at night, portraying vulnerability and emotional turmoil.

The artwork and promotional material for After Hours have been described as psychedelic, heavily influenced by films such as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), Joker (2019), and Uncut Gems (2019), the latter featuring The Weeknd in a cameo. His signature red suit during the promotional phase was indicative of a new visual identity, representing the dark themes of the album. The album art direction was managed by the Tammi brothers, while La Mar Taylor, The Weeknd's friend and creative director, contributed significantly to the overall aesthetic, which visually narrates a story throughout the music videos and promotional content.

After Hours was supported by a robust promotional campaign including live performances, teasers, and a short film. The album's lead singles 'Heartless' and 'Blinding Lights' were released in November 2019, with visually striking music videos accompanying them. The Weeknd performed during the Super Bowl LV halftime show on February 7, 2021, significantly elevating the album's profile. Additionally, multiple singles were released to contemporary radio stations post-album release, and a deluxe edition of the album was later unveiled, which included additional remixes and features.

After Hours received generally positive reviews from critics, praised for its artistic depth and musical experimentation. It achieved an 80/100 score on Metacritic, signaling generally favorable reviews, and was listed as one of the best albums of 2020 by multiple outlets, including Billboard and Complex. Furthermore, the album was nominated for various industry awards and won multiple accolades, including Favorite Album – Soul/R&B at the 2020 American Music Awards. Critics noted it as The Weeknd's best work to date, highlighting its emotional resonance and sonic coherence.

After Hours debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart with 444,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, marking it as the Weeknd's fourth number-one album in the United States. It had the biggest first-week album sales of 2020 for a time and went on to earn triple platinum certification by the RIAA by December 2022. The album topped charts in 20 countries, including Canada and the UK, where it was a massive commercial success, indicating The Weeknd's strong global presence in the music industry.

Despite the album's critical acclaim, The Weeknd received no nominations for the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, which he publicly denounced as 'corrupt'. His criticisms highlighted a perceived bias in the nomination process, possibly influenced by his Super Bowl LV performance announcement, which coincided with the nomination period. In response to backlash, Harvey Mason Jr., the interim president of the Recording Academy, acknowledged the disappointment felt by the artist and stated that the voting concluded before The Weeknd's Super Bowl announcement, clarifying that it did not affect the nomination process.

The Weeknd made significant waves in the live performance arena while promoting After Hours. He debuted his new single 'Heartless' on December 5, 2019, during a performance on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert', with 'Blinding Lights' following suit the next day on the same show. These early performances were met with critical acclaim, with many drawing comparisons to iconic performances by artists like Michael Jackson and Prince. His 'Saturday Night Live' appearance on March 7, 2020, further showcased his diverse talents, featuring a comedic track while also performing 'Blinding Lights' and an unreleased song, 'Scared to Live'. Throughout 2020, The Weeknd continued to perform songs from the album during high-profile televised events, including the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards and the American Music Awards, where his artistic vision and elaborate sets drew much attention.

The Weeknd first hinted at his upcoming album during a performance in November 2018, expressing that 'Chapter VI was coming soon'. Further teasers followed in January 2019 with the statement 'No more daytime music', indicating a return to darker themes reminiscent of his earlier work. After a period of anticipation, he officially announced the title 'After Hours' on February 13, 2020, and revealed its artwork and release date shortly thereafter. The album dropped on March 20, 2020, following the release of two singles, 'Heartless' and 'Blinding Lights', in late 2019, effectively setting the stage for a notable return to the music scene. Leading up to the release, The Weeknd engaged fans through social media, building excitement and anticipation for the album's themes of loneliness and self-exploration. Additionally, the album was dedicated to a late fan, Lance, shortly before its official release, adding a personal touch to its debut.

The aesthetic surrounding After Hours drew heavily from a mix of cinematic influences, with The Weeknd himself citing a variety of films that shaped the album's artistic vision. Among these are 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' (1998), 'Joker' (2019), and 'Uncut Gems' (2019), with particular emphasis on themes of existential despair and chaotic nightlife. The album's visual storytelling is interwoven through its music videos and promotional materials, creating a cohesive narrative that explores the complexities of human emotion, enhanced by The Weeknd's often surreal visuals. During this era, he notably adopted a red suit as part of his persona, signifying a desire to fuse personal and artistic expression into something strikingly memorable.

Critics have offered varied perspectives on After Hours, particularly highlighting its departure from the more pop-centric sound of The Weeknd’s earlier works like Starboy. This album is seen as a deeper exploration of personal themes such as heartbreak, self-loathing, and regret, delivered through a mix of modern and retro sounds influenced by synth-pop and new wave styles. As noted by critics, the album transcends simple genre categorization, instead presenting a complex narrative that feels both expansive and intimately personal. Many reviews recognized this shift in lyrical depth and sonic experimentation, with The Weeknd emerging as a more relatable yet still enigmatic figure in contemporary music. The album's production, featuring collaborations with notable producers like Max Martin and Metro Boomin, has been celebrated for its lush soundscapes that complement The Weeknd's signature falsetto and haunting lyrical content.

The deluxe edition of After Hours, released on March 30, 2020, offers fans additional depth with the inclusion of three new tracks alongside reimagined versions of earlier songs. Tracks like 'Nothing Compares' and 'Missed You' provide fresh lyrical and auditory experiences, complementing the existing narrative established in the standard edition. Furthermore, it features a remix of 'Save Your Tears' featuring Ariana Grande, which gained massive popularity and even topped charts in several countries. This deluxe version, which includes a total of 18 songs, illustrates The Weeknd's commitment to expanding the album's themes and auditory palette and was met with significant acclaim from fans and critics alike.