The Real Winners and Losers of the Emmys With the ‘Hacks’ Creators!
Sep 16, 2024
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Lucas Shaw, an esteemed Bloomberg journalist, joins 'Hacks' creators Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, and Paul W. Downs to unpack the latest Emmys. They discuss the surprising successes and setbacks of the night, including 'Hacks' remarkable win for Outstanding Comedy Series. The team shares their emotional moments at the ceremony and reflects on the current state of comedy in TV. Insights into their creative process and the challenges facing new comedy voices in the industry add depth to the conversation, making for an engaging listen.
The recent Emmys highlighted a shift towards recognizing innovative storytelling, with 'Hacks' winning Best Comedy despite fierce competition from established shows.
The podcast underscores concerns about the narrowing pipeline for new comedic talent, emphasizing the need for network support to foster diverse voices.
Deep dives
Emmy Highlights and Surprises
The recent Emmy awards showcased notable winners and surprises that captured viewers' attention. Shows like 'Shogun,' 'The Bear,' and 'Baby Reindeer' excelled, drawing attention primarily for their unique narratives and original storytelling, even in the absence of celebrity cast members. 'Hacks' made headlines with its unexpected victory for Best Comedy, despite stiff competition from 'The Bear,' which had previously set records for Emmy wins in the comedy category. This year's results reflect a shift towards recognizing innovative programming that defies traditional expectations within Hollywood.
Food and Entertainment at the Emmys
Food served at Emmy-related after-parties became a point of discussion, as attendees shared their dining experiences during the events. Highlights included Asian cuisine and Detroit-style pizza at Disney and a delicious seafood offering at HBO that stood out from past gala fare. Netflix featured the popular In-N-Out food truck, which while appreciated, had become somewhat customary among attendees, prompting some to express a desire for more variety. The overall dining landscape at the Emmys provided an enjoyable backdrop to the night’s festivities, offering insights into how food can play a role in the industry's networking events.
Winners and Losers in the Television Landscape
The discussion on Emmy winners and losers highlighted the sharp contrasts across various networks, with FX's John Landgraf emerging prominently as a key figure in the success of modern television. FX garnered the highest number of wins, demonstrating a remarkable uptick in critical acclaim and recognition for their programming. In contrast, Amazon's lack of victories this year prompted scrutiny regarding their approach to content creation, as the streaming service fell short despite numerous nominations. The competitive dynamics suggest that while some networks thrive through innovative content, others struggle to gain traction in an increasingly saturated market.
Challenges and Opportunities for Comedy
The podcast delves into the evolving landscape of comedy on television, where creators express growing concerns about the narrowing pipeline for new comedic talent. Writers from successful shows like 'Hacks' articulated how a contraction in the comedy sector limits opportunities for emerging voices, posing challenges for the industry’s future. They stressed the significance of supporting comedies within network programming, as decreasing investment in the genre threatens innovation and diversity. Additionally, they noted that recent award wins may serve as a pivotal moment to push networks to recommit to developing rich comedic narratives moving forward.
Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to recap last night’s Emmys and nominate the under-discussed winners and losers from TV’s biggest night (02:21). Later, ‘Hacks’ creators Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, and Paul W. Downs call in to talk about their big win for Outstanding Comedy Series, how they pitched the show to HBO, and the state of the comedy genre (15:58).
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