The Emmy Awards will be available to stream in the UK under a new Prime Video deal. The star-studded ceremony, which celebrates the best in television, will have a new “dedicated home” on the platform and be available to audiences in more than 200 countries from 2027.
Six-year deal with the Television Academy
The six-year agreement between Amazon Prime Video and the Television Academy marks a major shift for US broadcast networks, which historically operated on a “wheel deal” system that rotated telecast distribution rights between ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC.
The announcement on Tuesday did not disclose details of the deal, but did state that viewers will not have to pay a subscription to stream the ceremony.
Global celebration without a subscription
Cris Abrego, chairman of the Television Academy, said: “Television has never been more global, and the Emmys should be a celebration that the world can share.
“Now Prime Video audiences in more than 200 countries will be able to experience the Emmys live with no subscription required.
“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.
“Amazon shares our deep respect for the history of the Emmys and brings the investment, innovation and scale to help us shape their next chapter.”
Shift in awards broadcasting
It comes nearly a year after it was announced that the Oscars will be streamed on YouTube starting in 2029, leaving ABC. The US TV network has streamed the awards since 1976 and will continue to broadcast the event until 2028, which will mark the 100th Academy Awards.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said: “For nearly eight decades, the Emmys have recognised the best storytelling and talent in television, and we’re honoured that Prime Video will be trusted as the global home for this celebration over the next six years.
“Streaming the Emmys free on Prime Video is another way we’re delivering the best in entertainment to our customers worldwide, and we look forward to collaborating with the Television Academy on this iconic event.”
Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery merger
The announcement came as Paramount completed its 110 billion-dollar (£83 billion) takeover of Warner Bros Discovery to create a new Hollywood giant called Skydance. The deal brings together two of the world’s biggest film studios, as well as streaming services and television networks including CBS and HBO Max, with popular titles such as Harry Potter, Top Gun and The Godfather brought under the same group.
The mega merger will significantly reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape, while in the UK, Skydance will control assets including Channel 5 and TNT Sports.
