It’s official: Emmy awards are quitting traditional TV to stream exclusively

An Emmy statue is seen on the red carpet ahead of the 74th Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California on September 12, 2022. — AFP pic

First Published: Wednesday, 07 Oct 2026 8:54 AM MYT

LOS ANGELES, Oct 7 — The Emmy Awards that celebrate the best in television are the latest entertainment industry gala to ink a streaming deal, and will leave broadcast for Amazon Prime starting next year.

The Television Academy on Tuesday announced the new six-year deal that will make the awards show available for streaming worldwide without a paywall on the Amazon platform.

The 79th edition of the Emmys next September will see it become the first of the major EGOT awards – Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Tonys – to exclusively stream.

The Oscars will move to YouTube starting with the 2029 ceremony, after fulfilling the last two years of its contract with the network ABC.

The Emmys’ transition to streaming is a reflection of broader industry trends, with networks vying for continued relevance as streaming proves a dominant force.

But the head of the Television Academy said the decision also offered a way to broaden viewership.

“Television has never been more global, and the Emmys should be a celebration that the world can share,” academy chair Cris Abrego said in a statement.

“Now Prime Video audiences in more than 200 countries will be able to experience the Emmys live with no subscription required.”

At this year’s awards gala, quirky horror series “Widow’s Bay” cleaned up, setting a new record for the most Emmys won by a comedy in a single year, as gritty hospital show “The Pitt” won again for best drama. — AFP