The Emmy Award presentation is leaving network television as TV audiences appear to lose interest.
The Television Academy announced on Tuesday that its annual award ceremony will air on Amazon Prime for the foreseeable future.
“In a historic first, the Television Academy and Prime Video today announced a landmark six-year agreement establishing Prime Video as the exclusive global home of the Emmy Awards, ushering in a bold, innovative vision to propel the cultural icon into its next chapter,” the academy said in a statement announcing the switch.
Ratings for last month’s presentation hosted by Mariska Hargitay were down nearly 10% from 2025. Not even a pre-taped appearance by Taylor Swift — who attended the Monday Night Football game airing opposite the ceremony — drew viewers to NBC’s presentation of the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.
The move to Amazon Prime comes at the end of the Television Academy’s “Wheel Deal” rotation that formerly allowed the major TV networks to take turns hosting the show.
Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego framed the transition as a way for the ceremony to reach more households.
“Television has never been more global, and the Emmys should be a celebration that the world can share,” according to Abrego. “Now Prime Video audiences in more than 200 countries will be able to experience the Emmys live with no subscription required.”
NBC said 6.7 million viewers tuned in to watch the 78th primetime Emmy Awards. Viewers saw the HBO medical drama “The Pitt” win 25 awards, followed by that cable network’s comedy “Hacks,” which took home 24 trophies. Apple TV also scored big with “Pluribus” and “Widow’s Bay” being honored in multiple categories.
With News Wire Services