Prime Video strikes exclusive six-year global deal for the Emmy Awards

The Emmy Awards is leaving US broadcast for the first time since it began 1949

Amazon

Prime Video has struck a six-year deal to become the exclusive global platform for the Emmy Awards, a pact that sees the TV awards ceremony leave US broadcast for the first time since it began in 1949.

The pact, which begins in 2027, also brings and end to the “wheel deal” model in the US, whereby the ceremony rotated between broadcasters ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. While Amazon did not disclose financial terms, reports suggest the deal is worth around US$15m annually.

The deal gives Prime Video exclusive global rights to the main Emmy telecast, while also expanding its role around the awards throughout the year. The streamer and Television Academy will develop additional experiences and programming aimed at driving engagement with the Emmys and television more broadly, said Amazon.

The agreement marks a significant shift for the awards, which have been broadcast by the US networks for nearly 80 years. It also gives the Television Academy a single long-term distribution partner rather than renegotiating with a different network for each rotation.

Major awards ceremonies are increasingly finding new streaming-focused distribution outlets, with YouTube last year inking a four-year deal for exclusive global rights to the Oscars starting in 2029.

“Our broadcast partners have been tremendous stewards of the Emmys for many years, helping to build them into the cultural institution they are today. Having a dedicated home with Prime Video allows us to build on that legacy with unprecedented global reach and a broader commitment to the Television Academy and our mission throughout the year,” said Television Academy chair Cris Abrego.

“Prime Video shares our deep respect for the history of the Emmys, and brings the investment, innovation, and scale to help us shape their next chapter.”