Amazon Prime Video has secured exclusive global rights to stream the Emmy Awards under a six-year agreement, concluding the ceremony’s tenure on traditional US broadcast television.
Beginning in 2027, the new contract replaces a longstanding rotation among major networks such as ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. The ceremony will now stream live for free worldwide each September, requiring no Prime Video subscription.
Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. The BBC has reached out to Amazon and the Emmys for comment.
This shift highlights the broader transition of live events to digital platforms as viewer habits evolve. Similarly, the Oscars are set to move to YouTube live globally starting in 2029.
Mike Proulx, research director at Forrester, noted that the previous setup was out of sync with modern television.
“The shows driving the industry forward largely originate on streaming platforms, yet the awards themselves were tethered to broadcast television,” Proulx said. “This is why a leading streaming service like Prime Video makes sense for the Emmy’s next chapter.”
Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, stated that the deal grants the ceremony “unprecedented global reach,” allowing audiences in over 200 countries to watch live.
“Television has never been more global, and the Emmys should be a celebration that the world can share,” Abrego said in a statement issued by Amazon.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said the platform is honored to serve as the “global home” for the ceremony, adding that streaming the show for free delivers “the best entertainment to our customers worldwide.”
The agreement marks a milestone for Amazon, providing Prime Video with its first major entertainment broadcast after establishing a live presence centered on sports, including NFL Thursday Night Football, NBA, and UEFA Champions League fixtures.
Amazon’s latest earnings highlighted strong gains in live viewership, including record ratings for its inaugural NBA season, which peaked at 6.5 million viewers for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The Emmys deal positions Amazon directly alongside Google, whose video platform YouTube holds the upcoming Oscar rights.
YouTube relies primarily on an ad-supported model, whereas Amazon is leveraging free live access to draw massive global audiences into its wider ecosystem.
Like its live sporting events, the free broadcast will allow Amazon to build a substantial global advertising footprint.
Moving exclusively to Prime Video is significant for the Emmys, ending a rotation across major legacy broadcast networks that has been in place since 1955 and marking the first time the gala will leave traditional broadcast television entirely.
First held in 1949, the Emmys honor achievements in acting, writing, and production, serving as a primary showcase for the global television industry.
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