In a monumental shift, the Emmy Awards will find a new home on Prime Video starting from 2027, as announced in a groundbreaking six-year agreement between Amazon and the Television Academy. This move marks the end of a long-standing tradition where broadcast networks have aired the prestigious ceremony for over seven decades.
Since 1955, the Emmy Awards have been broadcast annually on one of the four major networks. However, the recent deal signifies a transition to streaming services, reflecting the dominance of such platforms in the award show landscape. The shift to a single, long-term partnership with Prime Video starting from the upcoming September awards is expected to bring about significant changes.
The Chairman of the Television Academy, Cris Abrego, emphasized the importance of continuity in the new partnership, highlighting the opportunity for sustained growth and collaboration over the six-year period. Notably, one of the key aspects of the deal is that the Emmys will remain accessible to viewers without the need for a Prime Video subscription.
In a parallel development, the Oscars recently announced a similar move to YouTube, ending their lengthy association with broadcast networks. Unlike the Oscars’ transition set to commence in 2029, the Emmy Awards’ move to Prime Video takes immediate effect, underlining a sense of urgency in the transition process.
The decision to shift the Emmy Awards to Prime Video comes amidst a broader trend of declining viewership across award shows. Despite the decline, the Academy and Amazon expressed optimism about the potential for Prime Video to attract a wider audience and rejuvenate interest in the Emmys. Notably, recent Emmy-winning shows such as “Widow’s Bay” and “The Studio” are available for viewing on Prime Video, hinting at the platform’s potential to engage viewers with award-winning content.
While acknowledging the significance of the shift to streaming, Abrego emphasized that the essence of the awards lies in recognizing excellence, regardless of the delivery platform. The move to Prime Video aligns with Amazon’s focus on offering a mix of live and on-demand content, with the Emmys set to benefit from the platform’s emphasis on live events.
Looking ahead, the Emmy Awards are scheduled to continue in September 2027, but the possibility of adjusting the timing in future years remains open for exploration. Abrego highlighted the flexibility of the agreement, signaling a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances in the evolving media landscape.