The Bear Breaks An Emmy Comedy Record, But Why Are Critics Upset?

The nominees for the 76th Emmy Awards have been announced, and 'The Bear' has emerged as a frontrunner, leading the comedy category with a banging total of 23 nominations. This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record of 22 nominations set by '30 Rock' in 2009, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Emmys.

Historic Achievement in Emmy Nominations

'The Bear' received nominations across a broad spectrum of categories, highlighting both its creative and technical excellence. The show, which garnered attention for its second season premiering in June 2023, earned significantly more nominations compared to its first season, which had 13. Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach all landed nominations. Additionally, the show secured nods in technical categories such as sound mixing and picture editing.

Comparison with Other Shows

In the drama category, 'Shōgun' topped the list with 25 nominations, while HBO's 'Game of Thrones' retains the record with 32 nominations from 2016. This year, notable shows like 'Succession' and 'Ted Lasso' were absent, creating space for 'The Crown,' 'The Morning Show,' and 'Only Murders in the Building' to shine.

Sheryl Lee Ralph received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy for her role in 'Abbott Elementary,' a category she previously won in 2022. Andrew Scott and Bob Odenkirk also earned nominations, with Odenkirk recognized for his guest role on 'The Bear' alongside fellow guest stars Jon Bernthal and Will Poulter.

The Emmy Categorization Debate

The record-setting status of 'The Bear' has sparked renewed debate over how shows are categorized at the Emmys. Some industry insiders have questioned whether 'The Bear,' with its themes of toxic workplaces, addiction, and mental illness, fits the comedy mold. 

This controversy is not new. The rise of Peak TV has blurred the lines between comedy and drama, with shows like 'Atlanta' and 'Succession' challenging traditional genre classifications. Netflix’s 'Orange Is The New Black' was nominated as a comedy one year and as a drama the next, reflecting the shifting landscape of television genres.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its record-breaking nominations, 'The Bear' faces potential hurdles. Emmy voters will be casting their votes in August, just as the show's third season, which has received mixed reviews and a lower audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, hits the screens. 

Near Misses and Close Contenders

Other comedies have come close to breaking the '30 Rock' record in recent years. 'Ted Lasso' earned 21 nominations, just one shy of tying the record. 'Saturday Night Live,' classified as a sketch variety series rather than a recurring comedy series, also earned 22 nominations in 2017. These near misses highlight the competitive nature of the Emmys and the high bar set by 'The Bear' with its 23 nominations.

'The Bear's' record-breaking Emmy nominations represent a landmark moment in television history. As the industry continues to evolve, so too do the definitions and expectations of what constitutes a comedy. Whether 'The Bear' will translate its nominations into wins remains to be seen, but its achievement has already left an indelible mark on the Emmy landscape.