Emmy Awards moving to Prime Video in 2027

The Emmys are leaving broadcast television. The Television Academy and Amazon announced Tuesday a six-year agreement that will put the ceremony on Prime Video starting with the 79th Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2027.

It's the first time the show has aired anywhere but a broadcast network since 1955. For the last three decades it rotated among ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC in what was known as the "Wheel Deal." Now it has a single home.

Cris Abrego, chairman of the Television Academy, told The Associated Press that the continuity is a major draw. "With one partner over six years, we can really learn together and build from year to year together," he said.

The show will still be free. No Prime Video subscription required. That was a condition the Academy set from the start.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, told the AP the date is the same for 2027, but it could move later. "We're on the clock, we gotta get rolling," he said.

The move mirrors the Oscars' deal with YouTube announced in December. But that one doesn't start until 2029. This one kicks in immediately.

Viewership for award shows has been dropping for years. The Emmys once pulled more than 20 million viewers. Now it's around 7 million. Both sides think Prime Video can reverse that, partly by promoting nominated shows to its audience year-round.

Hopkins said the goal is to "age it down, actually bring in a younger audience." Abrego added that Prime Video's role as a television hub was a big factor. "They really support all television," he said.

One perennial problem remains: the NFL. The Emmys in September often get crushed by football. This year's show was trounced by the first Monday Night Football game of the season. Abrego acknowledged they could explore moving the date down the road.

• Cris Abrego
• Emmys
• Mike Hopkins
• Prime Video
• streaming
• Television Academy