The popular Emmy Awards will be showcased on Prime Video starting in 2027 under a new six-year contract between Amazon and the Television Academy, marking the end of a long era where broadcast networks aired the ceremony for over seventy years.
The recently announced agreement signifies a shift towards streaming services, which have become dominant in the prestigious Emmy categories. Traditionally, the awards show has been broadcast on one of the four major networks every year since 1955. This rotation between ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, known as the “Wheel Deal,” has been a staple for the past three decades.
A significant change with the new deal is the establishment of a long-term partnership, providing continuity and the opportunity for growth. Cris Abrego, chairman of the Television Academy, emphasized the importance of having a single partner over six years to foster learning and evolution in the Emmy Awards process.
Notably, the Emmys will remain accessible to all viewers without requiring a Prime Video subscription, consistent with the Academy’s commitment to free viewing. This move mirrors the Oscars’ recent deal to stream exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029, although the Emmy transition to Prime Video is effective immediately.
In response to declining viewership trends across awards shows, including the Emmys, the collaboration with Prime Video aims to revitalize interest and potentially attract a younger audience. Amazon’s vast platform offers ample opportunities to promote Emmy-nominated content and engage viewers throughout the year.
While acknowledging the significance of transitioning to a streaming platform, Abrego emphasized that content quality remains the paramount focus for the Television Academy. The goal is to recognize excellence regardless of the medium through which it is delivered.
The Emmy Awards’ shift to Prime Video aligns with Amazon’s growing emphasis on live events, complementing its existing portfolio of sports and entertainment offerings. The move signifies a strategic partnership that could reshape the future landscape of award show broadcasting.
Looking ahead, the ceremony is set to continue in September 2027, but flexibility exists to potentially explore date changes in the future. Abrego highlighted the openness to adapt and evolve in collaboration with Amazon, underscoring a commitment to innovation in the Emmy Awards presentation.