The Emmy Awards are officially leaving traditional broadcast television behind.
Prime Video has struck a six-year deal with the Television Academy to become the exclusive global home of TV’s biggest awards ceremony, beginning in September 2027.
It marks a major break with tradition. For decades, the Primetime Emmys have rotated between ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC under the long-running “Wheel Deal.” That arrangement has now come to an end.
There is one important twist for viewers: despite the move to Prime Video, a subscription will not be required. The ceremony will stream live and free across more than 240 countries and territories.
Television Academy chairman Cris Abrego said of the switch:
“Television has never been more global, and the Emmys should be a celebration that the world can share.”
The financial terms have not officially been disclosed, although Variety reports that the agreement is worth around $15 million per year, potentially putting the six-year package near $90 million.
The move also lands as Hollywood’s biggest awards shows rethink where audiences watch them. Netflix already carries the Actor Awards, while the Oscars are set to move from ABC to YouTube in 2029.
The BBC notes that the change follows shifting viewing habits, while Prime Video says its agreement will extend beyond the annual ceremony with year-round promotion of Emmy-nominated programming.
The first Prime Video-hosted Emmys will stream in September 2027.