Oh, how television has changed. TV’s biggest night, the Emmys, is leaving broadcast TV and will now air on Amazon Prime Video for the next six years, the Television Academy announced Tuesday, Oct. 6.
The transition to Amazon will begin in 2027, and the show will be available for free on Prime Video worldwide, even though Prime Video is a subscription service. It has become the first permanent home for the Emmys over the years, as the show historically operated under a “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 change for the awards show, which has seen ratings decline, 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 moving to YouTube after long airing on ABC.
Television Academy President Chris Abrego said, “Television has never been more global, and the Emmys should be a celebration the world can share.” “Now Prime Video viewers in more than 200 countries will be able to experience the live Emmys without a subscription. Our broadcast partners have been tremendous stewards of the Emmys for many years, helping to make them the cultural institutions they are today. Having a dedicated home with Prime Video allows us to build on that legacy with unprecedented global reach and a broad commitment to the Television Academy and our mission throughout the year. Amazon shares our deep respect for the history of the Emmys and is committed to helping us shape Brings investment, innovation and scale.
“For nearly eight decades the Emmys have recognized the best storytelling and talent in television, and we are honored that Prime Video will be trusted as the global home for this celebration for the next six years,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “Streaming the Emmys for free on Prime Video is another way we are providing the best entertainment to our customers around the world, and we look forward to collaborating with the Television Academy on this prestigious event.”
The change for the Emmys also follows a recent major shakeup at the Television Academy. The TV Academy and NATAS recently merged, bringing together two rival bodies that had had a poor relationship for years and finally bringing the Primetime Emmys and Daytime Emmys under one roof.
As for Amazon Prime Video, it is included in the Thursday Night Football deal with the NFL, which airs for free with commercials, and Amazon has also made other music programs available on streaming behind a paywall.
While past Amazon shows like “Fleabag” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” have been strong Emmy contenders, this year the streamer did not receive a nomination in the three major categories of outstanding comedy, drama or limited series.