In a recent announcement, it was revealed that the Emmy Awards will make a significant move to Prime Video from 2027 onwards. This exclusive six-year partnership between Amazon and the Television Academy marks the end of a seventy-year tradition of the ceremony being broadcast on network television.
The shift to streaming services signifies a trend towards digital platforms dominating prestigious award categories at events like the Emmys. Unlike its longstanding history of airing on network television since 1955, the awards show will now have a single, long-term home on Prime Video starting with the ceremony in September next year.
The decision for this partnership was driven by a desire for continuity and growth. Cris Abrego, the chairman of the Television Academy, emphasized the importance of building a collaborative relationship with one partner over six years, rather than the previous annual rotation among ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC known as the “Wheel Deal.”
Notably, the Emmy Awards will remain accessible to all viewers without the need for a Prime Video subscription. This move mirrors a similar shift made by the Oscars to YouTube in 2029, emphasizing the evolving landscape of how award ceremonies are broadcast.
Acknowledging the decline in viewership across award shows, the Academy and Amazon are optimistic that Prime Video’s reach and diverse content offerings could help revitalize interest in the Emmys. With a focus on promoting Emmy-nominated shows to a wider audience, Prime Video aims to attract younger viewers and increase overall viewership for the awards show.
While the transition to streaming marks a significant change, Abrego highlighted that the essence of the Emmy Awards lies in honoring excellence in television content, regardless of the platform it is delivered on. The move to Prime Video opens up new possibilities for engaging with audiences and showcasing outstanding television productions.
Looking ahead, the Emmy Awards will continue to be held in September in 2027, with potential flexibility for adjusting the timing of the ceremony in future years. This partnership with Prime Video signals a new era for the Emmys, aligning with the evolving landscape of entertainment consumption and digital distribution channels.