Emmys to Stream Exclusively on Amazon Prime Video Starting 2027
The Emmy Awards are making a historic shift from traditional broadcast television to streaming, announcing a six-year deal with Amazon Prime Video as their new home starting in 2027. The Television Academy revealed this change on October 6, marking the first time the Emmys will have a permanent streaming home after decades of rotating among CBS, NBC, Fox, and ABC under the so-called “Wheel Deal.”
The 2027 Emmys will be available for free worldwide on Prime Video, despite the platform typically being a subscription service. This move comes as the awards show faces declining ratings, including a 10 percent drop in 2026 compared to the previous year, with just 6.8 million viewers tuning in. The shift mirrors the Oscars' recent move to YouTube after decades on ABC.
Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, said the change reflects the global nature of television today. “The Emmys should be a celebration that the world can share,” Abrego stated, emphasizing the show’s newfound accessibility. Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, echoed this sentiment, calling the deal an honor and noting that streaming the Emmys for free aligns with Amazon’s mission to deliver entertainment worldwide.
The transition also follows the recent merger of the Television Academy and NATAS, uniting the Primetime and Daytime Emmys under one organization. For Amazon, this deal adds to its growing slate of free, ad-supported streaming content, including Thursday Night Football and various concerts. While Amazon’s original shows like “Fleabag” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” have been Emmy contenders, this year saw the streamer without a nomination in the major categories of Outstanding Comedy, Drama, or Limited Series.