Has Comedy Finally Become Funny Again?
When it comes to the comedy series, a question arises about how Television Academy members may vote. Should the top prize go to the best show of the eight nominees or the funniest show? Should a series’ humor — or lack thereof — impact an Emmy pick?
Last season’s best comedy winner (and this year’s frontrunner) was light on humor but that didn’t stop FX/Hulu’s The Bear from picking up numerous comedy trophies at the Emmys and elsewhere. Its debut season in June 2022 led January’s strike-postponed Emmys, scoring trophies for stars Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, and creator Christopher Storer. The show’s second season won three Golden Globes, a PGA Award, and three SAG Awards.
Hollywood may have firmly decided that The Bear is a comedy, even if it pushes the genre classification to its limits. Its second season upped the ante on the stresses of running a restaurant, particularly in the standout episode “Fishes.” The episode plays out like a suburban August: Osage County, showcasing tensions and tempers running high in a chaotic Christmas feast preparation.
The episode is a tour de force amid a critically acclaimed second season, beloved by audiences and awards voters. With its dark competition, The Bear stands out as the most dramatic of the comedy nominees, distinguishing itself in a funnier comedy landscape.
Returning comedies this year include ABC’s Abbott Elementary and FX/Hulu’s What We Do in the Shadows. HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and Hacks provide tough competition with their pedigree and sharp writing.
Also in the running are Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building and Netflix’s Girls5eva. Apple TV+ features Palm Royale and Loot, led by Saturday Night Live alumni. Other contenders include Reservation Dogs, The Righteous Gemstones, Ghosts, The Gentlemen, and I’m a Virgo.
This story first appeared in a June standalone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.