The Emmy Awards will leave broadcast television for Amazon Prime Video starting in 2027, the Television Academy announced on Tuesday. Under a six-year exclusive global streaming deal, Prime Video will air the annual awards show in more than 240 countries and territories, available for free to all audiences, including nonsubscribers.
The agreement marks the end of a decades-long tradition where broadcast networks ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox rotated hosting duties for the Emmys. The rotating "wheel deal" system, in place since at least 1994, has now been replaced by a permanent streaming partnership with Prime Video. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Prime Video will begin streaming the Emmys starting with the 2027 ceremony, replacing NBC’s broadcast of the 2026 awards on September 14. The move reflects broader shifts in media consumption as audiences increasingly shift from traditional broadcast and cable TV toward streaming platforms. Recent years have seen streaming services secure rights to major live events, including the Oscars (moving to YouTube in 2029) and the SAG Awards (exclusively on Netflix since 2023).
Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego stated in a press release that the decision aims to expand the Emmys’ global reach and align with the evolving media landscape. "Television has never been more global, and the Emmys should be a celebration that the world can share," Abrego said. "Having a dedicated home with Prime Video allows us to build on that legacy with unprecedented global reach and a broader commitment to the Television Academy and our mission throughout the year."
Mike Hopkins, Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, emphasized the platform’s commitment to promoting the awards internationally. "Our ambition here is to make this a global event that celebrates the biggest stars on television around the world," Hopkins said in an interview. "This is a six-year deal, and we hope it’ll be much longer than that."
The Television Academy cited challenges with the rotating broadcast system, including difficulties in maintaining consistent relationships with advertisers, talent, and viewers. "We were essentially starting over every year with the creative process, with the production process and with building new relationships with sponsors," Abrego noted. "There were a lot of challenges."