Nowadays, it appears the world of awards shows is in flux. The Golden Globes happened this year after controversy forced them away in 2022. There are concerns about declining viewership with the Oscars each year, as the Academy attempts to revive things with new ideas that aren’t always well-received. And now, one of the biggest changes is the new home of the SAG Awards, leaving the confines of cable TV (where it was on TBS and TNT) and is now heading to streaming on Netflix. Well, after a quick stop on YouTube.
According to the folks at SAG-AFTRA (via Variety), the Screen Actors Guild Awards, aka the SAG Awards, is moving from TBS and TNT to Netflix beginning in 2024. This is huge news, as Netflix has never hosted a live event such as this and it further cements streaming services as a major force in the film and TV industry. However, before the SAG Awards ceremony will be live on Netflix, the show will first debut, this year, on Netflix’s own YouTube channel, which is a, uh, less than ideal situation, no doubt.
“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new partnership with Netflix, and we look forward to expanding the global audience for our show,” said SAG-AFTRA national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “As the only televised awards program exclusively honoring the performances of actors whose work is admired by millions of fans, the SAG Awards are a unique and cherished part of the entertainment universe.”
Bela Bajaria, Netflix head of global TV added, “The SAG Awards are beloved by the creative community and viewers alike, and now even more fans around the world will be able to celebrate these talented actors. As we begin to explore live streaming on Netflix, we look forward to partnering with SAG-AFTRA to elevate and expand this special ceremony as a global live event in 2024 and the years to come.”
Again, this is yet another sign that times are changing for awards shows. With struggling ratings, these shows are just desperate to get viewers. Now, with a move to Netlfix, perhaps the SAG Awards will appeal to a larger audience. This year’s awards will be handed out on Netflix’s YouTube channel on February 26.
