In a significant shift, the Emmy Awards will be moving to Prime Video from 2027 onwards under a new six-year deal between Amazon and the Television Academy. This move marks the end of a long-standing seven-decade tradition of the ceremony being broadcast on network television.

The transition to Prime Video reflects the growing dominance of streaming services in the prestigious categories at the Emmy Awards. Since 1955, the awards show has been broadcast on one of the four major networks. However, starting next September, the Emmys will have a single, long-term home, providing continuity and the opportunity for ongoing growth and collaboration.

Notably, the Emmys will remain accessible to viewers without the need for a Prime Video subscription, aligning with the Academy’s commitment to keeping the event free for all. This move parallels the Oscars’ recent deal with YouTube, which will see the Oscars exclusively streamed on the platform starting in 2029.

With the decline in viewership across various award shows in today’s fragmented media landscape, the Emmys have seen a drop from over 20 million viewers at its peak to around seven million viewers currently. Amazon and the Television Academy are optimistic that Prime Video’s platform and extensive Emmy-related content will help attract and engage a broader audience, including younger viewers.

While the shift to streaming is significant, the focus remains on recognizing excellence in television content, regardless of the delivery platform. Amazon’s history of successfully streaming live events, combined with the Academy’s commitment to honoring outstanding programming, sets the stage for a new chapter in the Emmys’ history.

The 2027 Emmy Awards ceremony will maintain its traditional September timeframe, but future adjustments to the scheduling are not off the table, with possibilities for flexibility and exploration in collaboration with Amazon.