The future of the Emmys: A new era for television’s biggest night

The changing landscape of television

As we approach the end of the Television Academy’s current deal with the four major broadcast networks, it’s time to consider the long-term future of the Emmys. The agreement, which keeps the telecast rotating among ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox through 2026, was struck in 2018. Back then, the television industry was already facing significant changes, but the landscape has evolved even more dramatically since.

In 2018, Netflix was the primary streaming player, and services like Disney+, Max, and Apple TV+ were still on the horizon. Fast forward to today, and the streaming wars are in full swing, with each platform vying for viewers’ attention and dollars. This shift has profound implications for how major TV events like the Emmys are broadcast and consumed.

The impact of streaming on traditional networks

The traditional broadcast networks are feeling the pressure. Recently, Disney announced further downsizing of its legacy networks, CBS is rumored to be cutting back on budgets for specials, and Fox has also undergone cutbacks. These moves reflect a broader trend of declining investment in linear TV properties as companies pivot towards streaming.

Given this context, it’s likely that any new deal for the Emmys will involve the conglomerates rather than the broadcast networks. For instance, this year’s Primetime Emmys telecast on ABC won’t be available on Hulu until the next day. By 2026, we can expect all major TV event licenses to be streaming-first deals, with platforms like Disney+, Hulu, NBC/Peacock, and CBS/Paramount+ taking center stage.

The pros and cons of a single Emmy home

One possibility is that a single company could take full control of the Emmys, similar to how the Oscars are exclusively broadcast on ABC, the Grammys on CBS, and the Golden Globes on CBS. This approach has its advantages and disadvantages.

On the plus side, having a single home for the Emmys could create more motivation to produce a high-quality, ratings-grabbing event. The company holding the rights would have a vested interest in promoting and investing in the show, potentially leading to a more spectacular and engaging telecast.

However, history shows that this approach can have drawbacks. From 1966 to 1986, the Emmys rotated between ABC, NBC, and CBS. Then, Fox secured exclusive rights, but the move resulted in lower ratings. Eventually, the TV Academy returned to a rotating model, recognizing that spreading the telecast among multiple networks made more sense for TV’s biggest night.

A bold new idea: The Emmy simulcast

But what if we thought even bigger? Instead of rotating the Emmys among different networks or giving it to a single company, why not make the Primetime Emmys a TV and streaming “roadblock”? In other words, broadcast the ceremony live on every major outlet simultaneously.

Imagine the Emmys being available everywhere, like a State of the Union address or a “Stand Up to Cancer” charity broadcast. This approach could revolutionize how the Emmys are experienced and consumed.

Currently, the TV Academy receives about $8 million a year for its license fee, split among the four networks. If every broadcaster, conglomerate, and streamer contributed a share, the TV Academy could potentially earn more, while individual outlets would bear less of the financial burden.

Most importantly, an Emmy simulcast would reach a much larger audience. It would be a moment for the television industry to showcase its best to a broad pool of viewers, reminding them why they love this medium. Viewership would likely surge, and the playing field would be leveled, as every outlet would air the same ceremony.

The time for change is now

Why wait until 2026? The television industry is already undergoing rapid transformation, and the Emmys should evolve with it. A Mega Emmy simulcast could start as early as next year, breaking the traditional mold and setting a new standard for how major TV events are broadcast.

The clock is ticking, and the future of the Emmys is ripe for innovation. By embracing a bold new approach, the Television Academy can ensure that TV’s biggest night remains relevant and captivating for years to come.

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