Some fans looking to watch “The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” last week were disappointed to learn that the telecast would be available exclusively as a streaming-only option, including via watch.theemmys.tv and its associated apps. It turns out there were ongoing conversations to have the ceremony air on one of the big three broadcast networks, but sadly, the potential deal fell through just weeks before daytime’s biggest night.
According to sources, in early September, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), the organization behind the Daytime Emmy Awards, was working with one of the broadcasters to give viewers at home the chance to see their favorite stars in front of the camera, and even behind the scenes, take home the daypart’s highest honor.
Allegedly, however, the unidentified network requested certain guarantees, but in the end, those guarantees were not fulfilled in time for said broadcast deal to be finalized. As a result, NATAS went ahead with plans for a streaming-only telecast.
Last year, CBS opted not to renew its broadcast agreement with NATAS after airing the awards show for a record 18th time. The deal ran from 2020-2024.
Despite the lack of a broadcast partner this year, “The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards” aired without significant issues, aside from a few complaints about glitches during sign-in or account registration.
“General Hospital” took home the most awards during last week’s broadcast, including Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, Writing for a Daytime Drama Series, Directing for a Daytime Drama Series and Costume Design/Styling. Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis), Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky Spencer) and Alley Mills (ex-Heather Webber) took home honors for acting.
Watch our interview below with Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS, who talked about combining the ceremony with the Creative Arts Emmys, with this year’s telecast celebrating both on-air talent and those behind the scenes, something Alley Mills celebrated in her acceptance speech for Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series for her role on “General Hospital.”