The Emmy Awards are leaving broadcast television for the first time ever. Amazon Prime Video won exclusive rights to the telecast, starting next September.
What We Know: The Television Academy announced the six-year deal with Amazon. Starting next September, the telecast will stream free worldwide, with no Prime Video subscription required. Previously, the show rotated among ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC for three decades. Meanwhile, viewership fell from 16 million twenty years ago to 6.8 million on NBC this year.
What They Said: Cris Abrego, Chair of the Television Academy: “Television has never been more global, and the Emmys should be a celebration that the world can share. 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.”
What Remains Unclear: However, Abrego would not disclose how much Amazon is paying. Instead, he called it a “meaningful investment across the board.” By comparison, the four networks paid roughly $9.5 million annually, according to public filings. Additionally, next year’s show keeps its usual September date, though Abrego suggested that could change later.
What It Means: Ultimately, the Emmys become the second major awards show headed exclusively to streaming. The Oscars will move from ABC to YouTube in 2029. Furthermore, Nielsen found streaming captured 49% of U.S. TV viewing in July, compared to broadcast’s 19.5%. As a result, Amazon adds another tentpole alongside its NFL, NBA, and ACM Awards packages.
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