Television Academy strikes landmark streaming deal, ending the awards show’s traditional rotation among major broadcast networks
The Emmy Awards are set for a major transformation as the prestigious television ceremony will move exclusively to Amazon Prime Video under a new six-year agreement.
Beginning next year, the Emmys will leave their longstanding arrangement with traditional broadcast networks and stream exclusively on Prime Video, marking a significant shift in the awards show’s distribution model.
The agreement between the Television Academy and Prime Video is intended to provide greater continuity and allow the ceremony to develop a consistent creative and commercial strategy over multiple years.
Television Academy chair Cris Abrego told The Hollywood Reporter that the deal represents an opportunity to rethink the traditional model rather than simply renew an existing arrangement.
Abrego said continuity was an important factor behind the decision. The Emmys had traditionally rotated among the four major US broadcast networks, meaning the Academy effectively had to begin a new partnership each year.
According to Abrego, the rotating arrangement involved repeatedly establishing new creative teams, appointing producers and developing brand partnerships, creating challenges for long-term planning.
Before reaching an agreement with Prime Video, Abrego said he held discussions with broadcast networks but remained unconvinced that the traditional model offered the continuity he was seeking.
His discussions with Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, ultimately changed that assessment.
Abrego said Hopkins understood the Academy’s vision for the Emmys and recognised the value of maintaining one long-term partner.
The six-year agreement will allow the Television Academy and Prime Video to work together from one ceremony to the next, using lessons from each year to build and refine the event.
The move reflects the continuing evolution of major entertainment awards shows as streaming platforms increasingly become central to the distribution of high-profile television programming.