For generations, the Emmy Awards have celebrated television’s biggest stars on television itself.
Now, TV’s biggest night is making a move to streaming.
Beginning in 2027, the Primetime Emmy Awards will air on Prime Video under a six-year agreement between Amazon and the Television Academy, bringing an end to the ceremony’s long-running home on America’s broadcast networks.
The deal marks the first time the Emmys will be carried primarily by a streaming platform since the awards became a television fixture decades ago.
‘Wheel deal’ no more
For the last three decades, the Emmys rotated among ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC in what became known throughout the industry as the “wheel deal.” Each year, a different broadcaster took its turn hosting television’s biggest celebration.
That arrangement officially ended with the 2026 ceremony.
Instead of moving from network to network, the Emmys will now have a single home through 2033, giving the Television Academy a long-term partner for the first time in years.
Television Academy chairman Cris Abrego said the organisation was looking for stability and the opportunity to build the show over several years rather than effectively resetting every season.
No subscription needed
One of the biggest questions surrounding the move was whether viewers would have to pay to watch.
According to the Television Academy and Amazon, the answer is no.
The Emmy Awards will continue to be available free of charge, even after moving to Prime Video. The agreement also includes coverage of the Creative Arts Emmys.
Following the audience
The move reflects a broader transformation happening across the entertainment industry.
Streaming platforms now dominate many of the categories honoured by the Emmy Awards, while traditional awards shows continue searching for ways to attract larger audiences.
The Emmy telecast, which once drew more than 20 million viewers, now averages closer to 7 million viewers.
Amazon and the Television Academy believe the new partnership offers an opportunity to expand the show’s reach and experiment with new ways of presenting television’s biggest night.
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