Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Emmys Move to Prime Video, Ending Seven-Decade Broadcast Run
The Emmy Awards are changing where people can watch the main show.
Starting in 2027, Prime Video will show the ceremony for six years.
The first show under the deal is planned for September 2027.
It will be streamed live around the world and will be free to watch, even without a Prime Video subscription.
The Emmys have aired on major US broadcast networks every year since 1955.
The Television Academy says having one partner for several years could make it easier to build the show over time.
Amazon hopes the deal will help more people, including younger viewers, watch the Emmys.
The articles do not say that the Creative Arts Emmys will move too.
The Television Academy and Amazon signed a six-year agreement making Prime Video the Emmys’ exclusive home from 2027 through 2032.
The 79th Primetime Emmy Awards, scheduled for September 2027, will be the first ceremony under the deal and the first not broadcast on television.
The ceremony will stream live and free worldwide; viewers will not need a Prime Video subscription.
The change ends the Emmys’ annual run on a major US broadcast network since 1955, including the rotation known as the “Wheel Deal.”
The Academy cited continuity, reach and access; Amazon said the platform could help grow viewership and attract younger audiences.
- Who
- The Television Academy and Amazon’s Prime Video.
- What
- A six-year agreement makes Prime Video the exclusive home for the Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony.
- When
- The agreement covers 2027–2032; the first ceremony is scheduled for September 2027.
- Where
- Live worldwide on Prime Video, free to viewers.
- Why
- The Academy cited continuity, reach and access; Amazon said the platform could promote nominees and help grow viewership.
Reasons supporting the move
Challenges and uncertainties
Continuity versus broadcast tradition
Reasons supporting the move
Television Academy chair Cris Abrego said a single partner over six years could let the Academy learn and build from year to year instead of restarting with a new network.
Challenges and uncertainties
The deal ends the ceremony’s long-standing broadcast run and annual rotation among ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC.
Potential growth versus uncertain audience response
Reasons supporting the move
Amazon’s Mike Hopkins said Prime Video could promote Emmy nominees throughout the year and help attract younger viewers; the Academy cited the platform’s reach and access.
Challenges and uncertainties
The articles report that awards-show audiences have declined and the Emmys now draw around 7 million viewers, but provide no evidence yet that streaming will reverse the trend.
- Agreement
- Six years, covering 2027–2032
- First ceremony
- 79th Primetime Emmy Awards, scheduled for September 2027
- Viewing access
- Free to watch; no Prime Video subscription required
- Previous arrangement
- A major US broadcast network aired the ceremony each year since 1955
- Audience figures
- More than 20 million at its peak; around 7 million now, according to one report
- Other Academy programming
- Prime Video may also stream programs such as the Television Academy Hall of Fame and Television Academy Honors
- Creative Arts Emmys
- No update was announced on their arrangements
