Oh, how television has changed. TV‘s biggest night, the Emmys, are leaving broadcast TV and will now air on Amazon Prime Video for the next six years, the Television Academy announced on Tuesday, October 6.
The shift to Amazon will begin in 2027, and the show will be available on Prime Video for free worldwide, even though Prime Video is a subscription service. It makes it the first permanent home for the Emmys in years, as the show has historically operated under what’s called the “Wheel Deal,” rotating between CBS, NBC, Fox, and ABC each year. The 2026 ceremony aired on NBC, hosted by Mariska Hargitay.
It’s a major shift for the awards show, which has seen ratings dwindle, including a 10 percent drop this year compared to 2025, with just 6.8 million viewers. But it also follows in the footsteps of the Oscars jumping to YouTube after long airing on ABC.
“Television has never been more global, and the Emmys should be a celebration that the world can share,” said Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy. “Now Prime Video audiences in more than 200 countries will be able to experience the Emmys live with no subscription required. Our broadcast partners have been tremendous stewards of the Emmys for many years, helping to build them into the cultural institution they are today. 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. 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.”
“For nearly eight decades the Emmys have recognized the best storytelling and talent in television, and we’re honored that Prime Video will be trusted as the global home for this celebration over the next six years,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “Streaming the Emmys free on Prime Video is another way we’re delivering the best in entertainment to our customers worldwide, and we look forward to collaborating with the Television Academy on this iconic event.”
The shift for the Emmys also follows a recent major change at the Television Academy. The TV Academy and NATAS recently merged, bringing together two rival bodies that had a frosty relationship for years and ultimately bringing the Primetime Emmys and the Daytime Emmys under one roof.
For Amazon Prime Video, this adds to the Thursday Night Football deal with the NFL, which also airs for free with ads, and Amazon has also made other concerts available on streaming behind the paywall.
Though past Amazon shows like “Fleabag” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” have been strong Emmy contenders, this year the streamer did not have a nomination among the three major categories of Outstanding Comedy, Drama, or Limited Series.
