The Emmy Awards are trading broadcast for streaming. The Television Academy signed a six-year deal that moves the ceremony to Prime Video beginning in 2027, ending a run on network television that stretches all the way back to 1955. The show spent the last three decades rotating between ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, and that era is now officially over.
The best part for viewers? You won’t need a Prime Video subscription to watch. Amazon is keeping the ceremony free, and the company says it wants to grow and rejuvenate the audience over the life of the deal. That audience could use a boost, since viewership has slipped from over 20 million at its peak to around 7 million.
Academy chairman Cris Abrego explained the logic behind the long-term commitment, noting that switching networks every year meant starting over annually, while one partner over six years allows both sides to learn and build together. The 79th Primetime Emmy Awards are set for September 2027. So, will you be watching now that it’s free and one click away?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.