Emmy Awards to Transition to Prime Video in 2027

The Emmy Awards will move to Prime Video starting in 2027 under a six-year agreement between Amazon and the Television Academy, ending a 70-year tradition of broadcast networks airing the ceremony. This announcement was made on Tuesday, marking a significant shift to streaming services that have increasingly dominated prestigious categories at the Emmys. The awards have been broadcast on one of the four major networks since 1955, with NBC being the first to air it nationally. For the past 30 years, the Emmys have rotated among ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC in a system known as the 'Wheel Deal.' This long-term partnership is expected to provide continuity, as noted by Cris Abrego, chairman of the Television Academy, who stated, 'Continuity is a big part of what we're looking for because the rotating part of it basically meant in many ways that we were starting over every year.' The Emmys will continue to be available for free, as the Academy insisted on this condition from the outset. This move parallels the Oscars' recent agreement to stream on YouTube, although the Emmy transition will take effect immediately, while the Oscars' change will begin in 2029. Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, expressed confidence in the potential to increase viewership and attract a younger audience. He stated, 'I think we're going to be able to increase the viewership over time on this show, age it down, actually bring in a younger audience.' Abrego emphasized that the focus remains on recognizing excellence in television, regardless of the delivery method. Live events have been a priority for Amazon, which has aired NFL games and other major events for nearly a decade. The Emmy ceremony will remain in September in 2027, but there is flexibility to explore changing the date in future years, according to Abrego.