In a significant shift, the Emmy Awards will be broadcast on Prime Video from 2027 onwards as part of a six-year deal between Amazon and the Television Academy. This move marks the end of a long-standing tradition where the ceremony was aired on broadcast networks for over seven decades.
The agreement, revealed on Tuesday, reflects the growing influence of streaming services in dominating the prestigious categories at the Emmys. Since 1955, the awards show has been a fixture on one of the four major broadcast networks. This change will bring about a new era of continuity, as the Emmys will have a single home for the next six years starting from the awards in September.
Unlike the Oscars’ deal with YouTube, which will start in 2029, the Emmy’s shift to Prime Video is effective immediately. The move aims to address the declining viewership trend seen in most awards shows, with the Emmys currently drawing around seven million viewers, down from over 20 million at its peak.
Prime Video’s extensive library of Emmy-nominated content, including award-winning shows like “Widow’s Bay” and “The Studio,” positions the platform to potentially attract a larger and younger audience to the Emmy Awards. The partnership with Amazon provides an opportunity to promote Emmy nominees throughout the year, fostering increased viewership and engagement with the ceremony.
While acknowledging the significance of transitioning to streaming, the focus remains on recognizing excellence in television content, regardless of the delivery platform. Amazon’s commitment to live events, alongside its on-demand offerings, underscores its dedication to providing diverse entertainment experiences for viewers.
The Emmy Awards will maintain its traditional September schedule in 2027, with the flexibility to explore date changes in the future, as indicated by Television Academy chairman, Cris Abrego. This new chapter in Emmy history marks a pivotal moment in embracing the evolving landscape of television content distribution.