International Courant
Anybody bored by this yr’s Emmy winners simply hasn’t been paying consideration. This was a revolution. The concept that “Shōgun” may enter the drama race after which break the historical past books with 18 wins was astounding — and positive did not appear attainable even a yr in the past. The truth that “Hacks,” in its third season, may upset “The Bear” — even because the incumbent nonetheless smashed the document for many wins for a comedy in a single yr — has modified the steadiness of energy in that race.
After which there was maybe the most important shift of the evening: “The Traitors” ending the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” streak in actuality competitors collection. That is a discipline the place “The Superb Race” gained 10, “Drag Race” gained 5 and “The Voice” has 4 — so there wasn’t a lot motion within the class. “The Traitors” has not less than busted issues up, making for a extra dynamic enjoying discipline.
Davids slaying Goliaths? Why, right here you go: “Fargo” star Lamorne Morris beat Robert Downey Jr. (“The Sympathizer”), whereas “The Bear”‘s Liza Colón-Zayas took down Meryl Streep (“Solely Murders within the Constructing”) and Carol Burnett (“Palm Royale”).
This was most definitely an Emmys to recollect. FX bested HBO and Netflix for the primary time, touchdown the yr’s victory amongst programming outfits. The Cinderella story of Richard Gadd and “Child Reindeer,” which earned six trophies. And “Gradual Horses” author Will Smith gained the drama writing Emmy with the road of the evening: “Regardless of my title, I are available peace.”
And in possibly essentially the most heartening information of all, viewership was up 54% from January’s delayed 2023 present. It was nonetheless a moderately small 6.87 million viewers, however not less than the quantity is not off course. And with most awards-show followers ready to observe clips on social media the subsequent day, any uptick in viewership is a large accomplishment.
It is a reminder that there’s nonetheless a considerable viewers invested of their favourite leisure programming. And it is an encouraging signal for subsequent yr, as there’s some new life to the competitors. With “Shōgun” not returning, the drama race shifts as soon as once more — and a spotlight can be again on new seasons of heavy hitters like “Home of the Dragon,” “Severance” and “Squid Recreation.” Additionally on deck for 2025 — it is only a query of when — are “The Final of Us” and “The White Lotus.” Exhibits on the rise embrace “Gradual Horses,” which can be much more of a pressure subsequent yr.
After which what if … FX takes the bait and strikes “The Bear” Season 3 to drama? With “Hacks” rising victorious this week, such a transfer may be advantageous. In any case, “Hacks” can be again within the laffer discipline subsequent yr, and FX will nonetheless have the ultimate season of “What We Do within the Shadows” within the operating for a comedy collection nom. Different returning nominees embrace “Solely Murders within the Constructing” and one other season of “Abbott Elementary.”
Each the drama and comedy races may have room for brand new entrants, given the tip of the road for “The Crown,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Reservation Canine.” However with a crunch of latest and returning exhibits lastly making their method to TV this fall (the results of so many being delayed as a result of Hollywood strikes), the competitors can be fierce.
Will the unscripted and selection fields expertise an analogous disruption? If historical past is any indication, “The Traitors” will possible take pleasure in a number of years on the high earlier than one other upstart takes its crown.
The true query for subsequent yr is what the TV Academy intends to do with the discuss collection and scripted selection collection classes. The thought of scripted selection — with simply “Final Week Tonight With John Oliver” and “Saturday Night time Dwell” — simply would not work. And but, provided that this season marks the fiftieth anniversary of “SNL,” there can be renewed curiosity within the late-night sketch present. The place does it go, and the place ought to it compete? And if “Final Week Tonight” heads again to the discuss race, will the opposite exhibits stage a revolt? Loads of intriguing questions forward. However for now, viva la Emmy revolución!
