Starting in 2027, the Emmy Awards will be exclusively available on Prime Video for the next six years under a new deal with Amazon and the Television Academy. This marks the end of a long tradition of the ceremony airing on broadcast networks for over seven decades.
The shift to streaming platforms reflects the growing influence of streaming services in the world of prestigious award ceremonies like the Emmys. Since 1955, the awards show has been broadcast on one of the four major networks, with NBC being the first to air it nationwide and most recently hosting it. Known as the “Wheel Deal,” the ceremony has rotated between ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC for the past 30 years.
A significant change in the upcoming Emmy Awards will be the establishment of a single long-term home, starting with the awards in September next year. This move aims to provide continuity and stability, allowing for growth and improvement over the years.
Despite the transition to Prime Video, viewers can still enjoy the Emmys for free, as the Academy insisted on maintaining accessibility to all without requiring a subscription to the streaming service.
In comparison to the Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globes, the Emmys have experienced a decline in viewership over the years, with current numbers hovering around seven million viewers, down from a peak of over 20 million. Amazon and the Television Academy believe that Prime Video’s platform can potentially attract more viewers, especially with a focus on showcasing Emmy-nominated content available on the streaming service.
Prime Video’s head, Mike Hopkins, expressed optimism about increasing viewership, attracting a younger audience, and promoting Emmy nominees throughout the year. The move to streaming is seen as significant, but the emphasis remains on recognizing excellence in television content, regardless of the delivery platform.
Live events on Amazon have become more common, with a range of sports and major events already being streamed on the platform. The Emmy Awards’ move to Prime Video signifies a broader trend towards live and on-demand content.
While the ceremony will continue to take place in September 2027, there is flexibility to potentially change the timing in the future as discussions with Amazon have left the door open for adjustments as needed.