Emmy Awards 2026: The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards have once again put the spotlight on television and streaming content, but one question often comes up when international OTT shows are discussed – why do the Emmys honour OTT shows while several other global award events still treat streaming separately?

Streaming has changed the way audiences consume entertainment, and the Emmys have also adapted to this shift. However, not every OTT show automatically qualifies for the US-based Primetime Emmy Awards. There are specific rules related to where a show is released, when it premieres, and whether it has the required US connection.

INTERNATIONAL EMMY AWARDS VS PRIMETIME EMMYS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

The International Emmy Awards recognise television programming produced outside the United States and are organised by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (IATAS). OTT and streaming-backed projects from platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video and Apple TV+ have featured in the International Emmy competition.

However, streaming content is not exclusive to the International Emmys. Eligible OTT shows can also compete at the Primetime Emmys if they meet the US Television Academy’s eligibility requirements. The key difference is therefore not OTT versus television, but the distinction between US-focused Primetime Emmy eligibility and the International Emmys’ focus on television produced outside the United States.

WHY DO THE EMMYS RECOGNISE OTT AND STREAMING SHOWS?

As audiences have moved from cable and broadcast networks to streaming platforms, the definition of television has also changed.

The Television Academy has therefore allowed eligible streaming programmes to compete under its Emmy categories, instead of creating a completely separate award system for OTT content. This gives streaming shows a chance to compete directly with traditional television series when they meet the required rules.

With OTT becoming a major part of the entertainment industry, the Emmys have effectively treated streaming as another way of distributing television content. However, this does not mean that every OTT show automatically qualifies for the Primetime Emmys.

HOW DO OTT SHOWS QUALIFY FOR THE EMMY AWARDS?

For the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, OTT programmes are considered under the same broad television framework as traditional broadcast shows, provided they meet the Television Academy’s eligibility requirements.

A streaming service or programme must be available to more than 50% of the US national market and should be accessible to the general public through a digital platform such as Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+ or Prime Video. For this year’s Emmys, eligible content needed to premiere between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026.

Scripted programmes also need to meet episode requirements. Formats such as drama, comedy, variety, short-form and reality shows generally need at least six episodes to have premiered nationally during the eligibility period.

There are also restrictions around theatrical releases. A programme that has had a theatrical release before its digital premiere can become ineligible for the Emmy competition. Similarly, projects placed on certain theatrical viewing platforms can lose their eligibility.

WHY ISN’T HEATED RIVALRY ELIGIBLE FOR THE 2026 EMMYS?

One of the biggest talking points this year is the absence of Heated Rivalry, starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams. Despite becoming one of the most talked-about shows among younger viewers, the ice hockey romance did not make it to the Emmy Awards 2026 nominations.

The reason is linked to its production structure. Heated Rivalry is a fully financed Canadian production and does not have the US financial or broadcast involvement required for the domestic Primetime Emmys.

This has also led to comparisons with Schitt’s Creek, another Canadian production that performed extremely well at the Emmys. However, Schitt’s Creek had US financial and broadcast connections, which helped it meet the eligibility requirements.

Heated Rivalry is instead expected to compete at the International Emmy Awards, which are scheduled to take place in New York in November.