Emmys Leave Broadcast TV: Amazon Prime Video Lands Awards for Six Years

The Emmys will leave broadcast television and air on Amazon Prime Video for the next six years, the Television Academy announced on Tuesday, October 6. The shift begins in 2027, and the ceremony will stream free worldwide — no subscription required — despite Prime Video's paywall model.

The move ends the awards show's long-running "Wheel Deal," the rotation that cycled the telecast annually among CBS, NBC, Fox and ABC. The 2026 ceremony aired on NBC, hosted by Mariska Hargitay. Prime Video now becomes the first permanent home for the Emmys in years.

Why is the Television Academy moving?

Ratings tell part of the story. The Emmys drew just 6.8 million viewers this year, a 10 percent drop compared to 2025. The Academy also sees global reach as the prize. Prime Video is available in more than 200 countries.

"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."

Abrego added that the deal offers "unprecedented global reach and a broader commitment to the Television Academy and our mission throughout the year," noting that Amazon "brings the investment, innovation and scale to help us shape their next chapter."

What does Amazon get out of it?

For Amazon, the Emmys join a growing roster of live marquee events. The company already streams Thursday Night Football under its NFL deal, also free with ads, and has put other concerts on the service behind the paywall.

"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."

The irony is hard to miss: the streamer now hosts television's biggest night, yet this year it failed to land a single nomination among the three major categories — Outstanding Comedy, Drama or Limited Series. Past Amazon titles like "Fleabag" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" were once strong Emmy contenders.

Who else has made this jump?

The Emmys follow the Oscars, which moved to YouTube after years on ABC. Both moves mark a broader migration of prestige award shows from linear broadcast to streaming platforms chasing live-event audiences.

The Television Academy itself is also in transition. The body recently merged with NATAS, uniting two rival organizations whose relationship had been frosty for years and bringing the Primetime Emmys and the Daytime Emmys under one roof.

The first Prime Video Emmys telecast in 2027 will test whether a free global stream can reverse a decade of declining audiences for the awards — and whether Amazon can turn television's oldest trophy night into a worldwide live event.