Amazon Prime Video Secures Historic Six-Year Global Deal to Stream Emmy Awards Starting 2027

Amazon Prime Video has finalized a landmark six-year agreement to become the exclusive global home for the Emmy Awards, beginning in 2027. This transformative deal marks a significant departure from tradition, as the prestigious ceremony will move away from its long-standing broadcast rotation on major US networks like ABC and NBC for the first time since its inception in 1949. Under the new arrangement, the awards show will be streamed live and free to audiences in more than 200 countries each September, notably removing the requirement for a paid Prime Video subscription to view the event.

The move highlights an accelerating trend in the media landscape, where high-profile live events are increasingly transitioning from traditional linear television to digital streaming platforms. By securing these rights, Amazon aims to leverage the Emmys' prestige to bolster its global reach and advertising potential. Leaders from both the Television Academy and Prime Video have emphasized that this partnership will enhance the ceremony’s accessibility, allowing millions of international viewers to engage with the celebration of television excellence in real-time without the barriers of traditional cable or regional broadcasting restrictions.

This acquisition places Amazon at the forefront of a broader industry evolution and provides Prime Video with its first major entertainment awards broadcast. It mirrors similar moves by other tech giants, such as Google, whose YouTube platform is slated to begin streaming the Oscars in 2029. As viewing habits continue to shift toward on-demand and internet-based services, the Emmys' transition to a digital-first model serves as a definitive milestone in the history of the television industry, reflecting how global audiences now consume flagship cultural events.