For the first time in its history, the Emmy Awards could be leaving broadcast television. Popcorn Wire has learned that Amazon is currently in talks with the Television Academy to secure the rights to air the prestigious annual ceremony. This potential deal, which would commence next year, represents a landmark moment for the Emmys, signaling a major evolution in how audiences will experience one of TV's biggest nights.
The discussions come as the long-standing 'broadcast wheel' — a system where ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC rotated hosting duties for the Emmys every four years — has concluded. This established arrangement, which began in 1995, had seen the ceremony consistently aired on major networks. However, in recent years, declining viewership and a shift in the awards landscape have prompted the Television Academy to explore new avenues.
According to a report from Deadline, which confirmed the news initially broken by Variety, the Television Academy, under the leadership of chairman Cris Abrego, has been actively seeking a new broadcast partner. While various options, including a potential simulcast approach involving both traditional networks and streamers, were considered, it appears a dedicated streaming deal is now the frontrunner.
The move reflects a broader trend within the awards circuit. Other major ceremonies have already made the leap to streaming platforms. The Academy Awards recently struck a deal with YouTube, moving away from its long-standing home on Disney-owned networks. Similarly, the Actors Awards (formerly the SAG Awards) and the Academy of Country Music Awards have also transitioned to streaming, recognizing the changing viewing habits of audiences.
Traditional broadcast networks have reportedly shown waning enthusiasm for hosting the Emmys, partly due to the diminishing number of awards they win compared to streaming services and cable channels. While Amazon itself only secured five Emmys this year, largely for its critically acclaimed series Spider-Noir, the overall shift in content creation and recognition has favored platforms beyond the traditional broadcast model.
This potential partnership with Amazon would not only bring the Emmys to a global streaming audience but also underscore the growing dominance of digital platforms in the entertainment industry. It marks a pivotal moment for an awards show that once regularly drew over 20 million viewers, but has seen its ratings dwindle to single digits since 2019. Should the deal materialize, it will usher in a new era for the Emmys, firmly placing it within the evolving landscape of digital-first entertainment.