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5 Things the 2024 Emmy Nominations Tell Us About the State of TV

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5 Things the 2024 Emmy Nominations Tell Us About the State of TV

As a longtime TV critic with a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling and a keen eye for emerging trends, I have to say that this year’s Emmy nominations left me feeling a bit disillusioned. Having spent decades immersed in the world of television, I’ve seen firsthand how the landscape has shifted over the years.

Today marks the announcement of the Emmy nominees for 2023 – a process that comes six months after the previous awards ceremony in January. However, the ceremony itself was postponed from 2023 to 2024 due to Hollywood’s summer and fall-long standstill caused by actors’ and writers’ strikes. The scant TV output of last year was a consequence not only of these work stoppages but also the ongoing contraction of the streaming industry, as investors in this original content race seek returns on their substantial investments. As the media landscape continues to evolve to meet new economic realities, it’s fascinating to analyze this year’s Emmy nominations and what they reveal about the current state of television.

1. Shōgun dominated the drama series nominations—by defying the austerity logic of the post-consolidation streaming industry.

As a longtime television critic and avid viewer, I must confess that this Emmy season has been particularly exciting for me. With so many outstanding shows vying for recognition, it’s been a delight to witness the diversity and creativity in modern storytelling. But among all the contenders, FX’s “Shōgun” stands out as my personal favorite and the most deserving of accolades.

Since the late 2010s, “Shōgun” has been in development, carefully produced with exorbitant budgets from streaming’s extravagant era when even trivial genre shows received “Game of Thrones”-like financing. Shows like Apple’s infamous Jason Momoa production, “See,” were the result. Today, as cost-cutting executives prioritize franchise projects and video game adaptations with guaranteed audiences, filling their libraries with cheap reality and lifestyle programming, “Shōgun” stands out. Its commercial, critical, and awards success – following a renewal for a second season despite being conceived as a miniseries by FX – signals to Hollywood that ambitious gambits can still yield significant returns, creatively and financially. Not every show warrants eight-figure per episode budgets and extended development periods. However, those that do are worth more than a dozen generic superhero sequels. Producers are no doubt eager to create the next “Shōgun.” Here’s hoping the decision-makers are astute enough to recognize it.

5 Things the 2024 Emmy Nominations Tell Us About the State of TV

2. When it comes to prestige drama, HBO might no longer be the brand to beat.

Over the last 25 years, HBO has been a leader in TV drama with shows like “The Sopranos,” “Deadwood,” and “The Wire” paving the way for “Succession” and “Game of Thrones.” In the previous year, HBO earned four out of eight drama series nominations, with “Succession” winning most awards. However, in 2024, only “The Gilded Age,” a historical soap considered fun but not one of the best shows, represented HBO in the drama series category. HBO’s revival of “True Detective” titled “Night Country” received the most nominations (19) in the limited series category.

It’s understandable that HBO had fewer nominations this year due to external factors. Three of its drama series contenders – “The Last of Us,” “The White Lotus,” and “House of the Dragon” – did not release new seasons during the eligibility period because of writers’ and actors’ strikes. Another contender, “Succession,” wrapped up its season last May. The Emmys also neglected to recognize HBO’s exceptional adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s novel “The Sympathizer.” In my opinion, this series was just as deserving of a nomination as some of the ones that were ultimately chosen (such as “Lessons in Chemistry”).

As a long-time fan of HBO and its high-quality original programming, I have to express my concern about recent developments at Warner Bros. Discovery. Having grown up with shows like “The Sopranos,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Chernobyl” shaping my television viewing habits, it’s disheartening to see the potential shift in focus under new leadership.

3. Second-tier streamers and cable networks are falling off the radar.

In the major award categories revealed during the telecast on Wednesday, Peacock secured only one nomination – for the engaging reality competition “The Traitors”. Showtime was anticipated to receive acknowledgement for “The Curse”, Nathan Fielder’s quirky satirical thriller. However, similar to Peacock, Showtime managed just a single major nomination, recognizing Matt Bomer’s compelling performance in the miniseries “Fellow Travelers”. Paramount+, along with established cable networks AMC and Starte, were completely overlooked in the main categories. This is concerning for pay-TV platforms aiming to attract customers through high-quality programming, indicating a trend influenced by industry consolidation and dwindling revenue. Larger competitors such as Netflix, Disney, WBD, and Amazon are expanding their market shares, leaving smaller brands like Showtime and Paramount+ behind. Among the underdogs that made an impact in this year’s nominations, FX (a Disney subsidiary) and Apple TV+ stand out. The latter, backed by a parent company with deep pockets, is investing heavily in high-profile projects.

5 Things the 2024 Emmy Nominations Tell Us About the State of TV

4. Genre shows have become the freshest dramas on TV.

In today’s entertainment scene, post-“Succession,” the once-popular talky dramas with star-studded ensembles, such as “The Crown,” “The Gilded Age,” and “The Morning Show,” seem less captivating. Instead, a new wave of genre shows has emerged that offers immersive experiences, like “Shōgun,” witty narratives, such as the post-apocalyptic “Fallout” series, self-aware actions comedies, including “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” and thought-provoking sci-fi stories, like “3 Body Problem.” Although I’d still prefer to endure “The Morning Show” than watch “Ahsoka,” the Star Wars spin-off, some of the genre shows being produced are worth your time if television executives are set on catering to audiences craving spectacle over realism.

5. We could use some great new comedies.

5 Things the 2024 Emmy Nominations Tell Us About the State of TV

In numerous aspects, this year’s comedy nominations were commendable. Notably, “Reservation Dogs,” a top-tier TV show across all genres during its entire tenure which concluded last year, received recognition in both the series and lead actor categories. Similar acknowledgement went to “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” although Devery Jacobs’ deserving lead actress nomination was overlooked.

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2024-07-17 21:06

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