The Emmy Awards will transition to Prime Video from 2027 onwards under a new six-year deal formed between Amazon and the Television Academy, marking the conclusion of a 70-year era of broadcast networks airing the prestigious event.
This agreement, disclosed on Tuesday, signifies a move towards streaming services that have been increasingly dominant in the Emmy Awards’ esteemed categories. Since 1955, the awards show has traditionally been broadcast on one of the four major networks. Initially aired nationally by NBC and most recently hosted by NBC, the ceremony has rotated among ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC for the past 30 years under the “Wheel Deal” arrangement.
A notable change with the upcoming awards in September is the establishment of a single, long-term home for the event. Cris Abrego, chairman of the Television Academy, expressed the significance of continuity in the partnership, highlighting the opportunity for mutual learning and progress over the six-year period.
Despite the transition to Prime Video, the Emmys will remain accessible to viewers at no cost, adhering to the Academy’s prerequisite for free viewing. This move mirrors the Oscars’ recent shift to YouTube, announced in 2025 and commencing in 2029, in departing from traditional broadcast network platforms.
The decline in viewership for awards shows in an increasingly fragmented media landscape has been evident, with the Emmys trailing behind the Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globes in recent years despite the critical acclaim received by the honored shows. The partnership with Prime Video offers potential for a viewership boost, with the platform showcasing Emmy-nominated content, including recent winners like “Widow’s Bay” and “The Studio.”
Amazon’s Mike Hopkins emphasized the opportunity to attract a younger audience and enhance viewership through targeted promotions of Emmy nominees throughout the year. While acknowledging the significance of the streaming shift, Abrego reiterated the Academy’s commitment to recognizing excellence in television content regardless of the delivery platform.
Live events on Amazon have become increasingly common, with a focus on a hybrid model of live and on-demand content. Prime Video’s prioritization of live programming aligns with its strategy to engage viewers through a diverse range of sports and entertainment offerings.
The Emmy Awards will maintain their September slot in 2027, with flexibility to potentially adjust the timing in subsequent years. Abrego noted the possibility of exploring date changes in collaboration with Amazon as the partnership evolves.