Some of the most compelling and influential television shows of 2024 were honored at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards last Sunday. The event aired on ABC and was hosted by “Schitt’s Creek”’s very own father-son duo, Eugene and Dan Levy.
The hit Japanese historical drama “Shōgun” swept the drama category, winning 18 Emmys in total, and ultimately brought home the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. Continuing to dominate even into the night, Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada won Emmys in the Outstanding Lead Actress and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series categories respectively, becoming the first Japanese actors to do so.
Although the third season of “The Bear” was largely anticipated to win Outstanding Comedy Series, “Hacks” took the Emmy and its lead actress, Jean Smart, secured her title as 2024’s Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. Still, “The Bear” made history by winning 11 Emmys, setting a new record for most Emmy wins within a single comedy season. Both Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach took home their second consecutive Emmys in their corresponding lead and supporting acting categories. Liza Colón-Zayas received the award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series, making her the first Latina in this category to achieve the honor.
In the limited series category, “Baby Reindeer” won big, earning six Emmys in all and nabbing the win for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. Its creator, executive producer, and lead actor, Richard Gadd, secured a win for Outstanding Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series. Gadd’s co-star, Jessica Gunning, also won her first Emmy in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series category.
Breaking RuPaul’s eight-year-long victory streak, Alan Cumming of Peacock’s “The Traitors” took home the Emmy for Outstanding Host of a Reality or Reality Competition Program. The second season of “The Traitors” itself won Outstanding Reality Competition Program, causing multiple members of the cast of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” to walk out in an awkward and controversial moment.
Despite his earlier professions about retiring for good, Jon Stewart returned to host “The Daily Show” this year, allowing him to take the Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series. John Oliver’s “Last Week Tonight” retained its success in the Outstanding Scripted Variety Series category, once again taking the Emmy over “Saturday Night Live.” Unfortunately, during his acceptance speech, Oliver was played off just as he was discussing the recent passing of his beloved family dog, resulting in an uncomfortably public squabble with the producers backstage.
The 2024 Emmys were certainly entertaining, if not surprising, in their picks for this year’s best comedy, drama, and reality programs. As new shows are picked up and current series are renewed, it is difficult to predict what is in store for the 2025 Emmys. Perhaps a newly-established show will become a frontrunner or an old program will revitalize itself and secure an unexpected win. Whatever the circumstances, I know one thing for certain — I, along with a big bowl of microwave popcorn, will be seated just as I was last Sunday, excited and awaiting the action.
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