In a significant development, the Emmy Awards will transition to Prime Video from 2027 onwards under a new six-year deal forged between Amazon and the Television Academy. This move marks the end of a longstanding tradition where broadcast networks have been airing the ceremony for over seven decades.
The shift to streaming services, which have gained prominence in the prestigious categories at the Emmys, was confirmed in an announcement made on Tuesday. Since 1955, the awards show has been broadcast annually on one of the four major networks. The event has rotated among ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC for the past 30 years under the “Wheel Deal” arrangement.
A notable change accompanying the new deal is the establishment of a single, long-term home for the awards show starting from the upcoming September ceremony. This change aims to bring continuity and stability to the event, allowing for collaborative growth and improvement over the years.
Despite the move to Prime Video, viewers can continue to watch the Emmys for free, as the Academy insisted on maintaining this accessibility. No subscription to Prime Video will be necessary to enjoy the ceremony.
The decision to shift the Emmys to Prime Video mirrors a similar move made by the Oscars in December, which will see the Oscars exclusively streamed on YouTube starting in 2029. Unlike the Oscars agreement, the transition to Prime Video for the Emmys is effective immediately, signaling a prompt shift in the broadcasting landscape.
With a decline in viewership across various awards shows, including the Emmys, the partnership with Prime Video presents an opportunity to potentially reverse this trend. By leveraging Prime Video as a platform to showcase Emmy-nominated content, the Academy and Amazon aim to attract a broader audience, including younger viewers.
While acknowledging the significance of transitioning to streaming, the focus remains on recognizing excellence in television content, regardless of the delivery platform. The Academy emphasizes the importance of content quality over the method of delivery to viewers.
As the Emmy Awards make their debut on Prime Video in 2027, discussions are open to potentially adjust the ceremony’s timing in the future, providing flexibility for further enhancements and adaptations.