Emmy Awards to Stream Exclusively on Amazon Prime Video Starting 2027

The Emmy Awards, a longstanding staple of broadcast television, are making a historic shift to streaming. Starting in 2027, Amazon’s Prime Video will serve as the exclusive global home for the Emmys for a six-year period. This move marks a significant departure from the traditional “Wheel Deal” system, where telecast distribution rights rotated among ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC.

The deal, announced by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, underscores the growing influence of streaming platforms in the entertainment industry. Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, emphasized the global reach of the Emmys, stating, “Television has never been more global, and the Emmys should be a celebration that the world can share.” Prime Video audiences in over 200 countries will be able to watch the Emmys live without needing a subscription.

The shift to streaming follows a broader trend in the industry. The Oscars, Hollywood’s top awards show, will move to YouTube starting in 2029, and Netflix secured rights to the SAG-AFTRA’s Actor Awards in 2024. These deals highlight streaming’s dominance, with Nielsen reporting that 49% of U.S. television viewing in July occurred on streaming platforms, compared to 19.5% on broadcast networks.

The most recent Emmys telecast drew 6.8 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, and other digital platforms, a roughly 10% decline from the 7.59 million viewers in 2025. Amazon and the Television Academy aim to transform the Emmys into a year-round cultural event, with Prime Video offering new experiences and entry points for TV fans. Abrego noted that Amazon brings the investment, innovation, and scale to shape the next chapter of the Emmys.