Subscription Video On Demand's (SVOD) noticeable influence on 2016 Emmy Awards
The Emmy Awards are to television as the Oscars are to movies. The first Emmy Awards ceremony was held in 1949, solely focused on TV shows in the Los Angeles area. One year later, the awards expanded to encompass shows throughout the entire nation.
Television shows that are nominated range from comedies to dramas to limited series. Typically it’s the Big Three networks that lead the pack with nominations. Since subscription video on demand services (SVOD) have blossomed on the scene with their own made-for-TV programs, the networks have met their match in competition for award-winning television. The networks have had to seriously step up their game to create popular programs.
Perhaps one of the most interesting facets of the awards is who is nominated and who gets snubbed. In this blog, we’ll recap those that were lucky to be nominated, those that were snubbed and trends for the 2016 Emmys.
Nominees
“It’s an honor just to be nominated.” Most actors and actresses tout this line to reporters on the red carpet before the awards begin. While the ultimate goal is winning, a nomination is exciting, and validating. For the sake of the length of this article, we’ll focus on just comedy and drama series. As far as drama series go, Better Call Saul, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Homeland, House of Cards, Mr. Robot and The Americans will battle it out. Comedy series black-ish, Master of None, Modern Family, Silicon Valley, Transparent, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and VEEP will also go head-to-head.
The Hollywood Reporter is predicting a win for Game of Thrones and VEEP. What do you think?
Snubs
As far as snubs go, it’s more shocking as to who was shut out, rather than which shows were shut out. The Hollywood Reporter recapped the most shocking snubs for those in the industry. Most notably missing from the “Supporting Actress in a Drama Series” category is Uzo Aduba from Orange is the New Black. Golden Globe winner, Christian Slater, was shut out of the “Supporting Actor in a Drama Series” for his work in Mr. Robot.
Jim Parsons, who plays nerdy genius, Sheldon, in The Big Bang Theory, was shut out of the “Lead Actor in a Comedy Series” category this year. Another previous Emmy Winner, Eric Stonestreet, was snubbed from the “Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series” this year for his work in Modern Family. Most notably, The Daily Show was snubbed for the first time in 16 years. Jon Stewart leaving might have had something to do with that.
Trends
If you take a look at the full list of Emmy nominees, you might have trouble establishing a trend. That’s because this year’s nominees represent a mix of new favorites, like Master of None, and shows heading to retirement, like Downton Abbey. The Big Three – ABC, NBC and CBS are experiencing fewer nominations with the addition of competing programs via subscription video on demand services (SVOD). Popular SVOD service, Netflix surpassed each of the broadcast networks nominations.
As you can see, SVOD services are producing more than quality television, they’re producing award-winning television with award-winning actors. As this year’s Emmy Awards draws closer, more attention will focus on the competing programs and actors. Jimmy Kimmel will host the awards on September 18 on ABC.
Which programs are you hoping to win awards?