Streaming Era for the Emmy Awards
Starting in 2027, the Emmy Awards will make a significant shift to streaming, as Amazon’s Prime Video is set to become its exclusive global platform. This agreement will span six years, marking a new chapter in how the prestigious awards are presented to audiences worldwide.
Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, emphasized the importance of accessibility in a global television landscape: “Television has never been more global, and the Emmys should be a celebration that the world can share. Now Prime Video audiences in more than 200 countries will be able to experience the Emmys live with no subscription required.”
Historically, the Emmys were broadcast on major television networks via a rotational scheme known as the “Wheel Deal,” which involved ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. The shift towards a streaming service aligns with broader industry trends as both the television and film award shows explore new distribution avenues.
This transition follows a similar move by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which announced that the Oscars would switch to YouTube in 2029 after decades of airing on ABC. According to Nielsen’s July report, streaming has surged, accounting for 49% of all television viewing in the U.S., compared to just 19.5% for traditional broadcast networks.
The latest Emmy telecast experienced a decrease in viewership, attracting 6.8 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, and other digital platforms, a decline from the previous year’s 7.59 million on CBS. This trend highlights the shifting preferences of audiences increasingly leaning towards on-demand content.
As per the joint announcement from Amazon and the Television Academy, the new partnership aims to transform the Emmys into “a year-round cultural celebration.” Prime Video plans to introduce various interactive features and innovative approaches to engage viewers with the awards beyond the main ceremony.
Abrego reiterated the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Amazon shares our deep respect for the history of the Emmys and brings the investment, innovation, and scale to help us shape their next chapter.”
