Emmys Move to Prime Video in $120M Deal
The 6-year agreement will make the ceremony available for free in over 240 countries, ending a 31-year rotation between American broadcast networks
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The shift to Amazon will begin in 2027.
The 79th Primetime Emmy Awards will air on Prime Video in September 2027.
The Emmys will be available for free on Prime Video in over 240 countries.
Story published. The 6-year agreement will make the ceremony available for free in over 240 countries, ending a 31-year rotation between American broadcast networks
The Emmy Awards have signed a 6-year deal with Amazon's Prime Video to stream the ceremony globally for free, ending a 31-year rotation between American broadcast networks. The deal is worth between $20M-$25M per year, with a total value of over $120M.
The previous broadcast wheel deal, which rotated between NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox, had been in place since 1995. Under this deal, the broadcast networks paid between $8M-$10M per year to air the Emmy Awards in the U.S.
The new deal gives Prime Video the right to stream the annual television ceremony globally, including the Creative Arts Emmys. The Emmy Awards will keep its traditional early September timing, with a specific date to be revealed later.
According to Cris Abrego, chairman of the Television Academy, access was a key factor in the decision. “Access was non-negotiable,” he said. “Our priority was continuity. As much as [the wheel] served the Academy, it was difficult to help grow the Emmys while constantly rotating.”
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that Amazon wants to create a “global event” on Prime Video. He believes that the deal will allow the Emmys to reach a younger audience and increase viewership.
## Why it matters The move to Prime Video marks a significant shift for the Emmy Awards, as it leaves behind the traditional broadcast model. The deal's global nature and free streaming option are expected to increase the ceremony's reach and appeal to a wider audience. With the rise of streaming services, the Emmy Awards' move to Prime Video is seen as a strategic decision to stay relevant and adapt to changing viewer habits.
The deal's financial terms are also notable, with the TV Academy securing a significant increase in revenue compared to the previous broadcast deal. The partnership is expected to bring in a new era of growth and innovation for the Emmy Awards, with Amazon investing in the ceremony's production and marketing.
