HBO’s hit series, “Succession,” claimed the spotlight at this year’s Emmy Awards, bringing home the prestigious Best Drama award for the third time. The show, known for its compelling storyline and outstanding performances, also dominated the major acting categories in the drama genre. Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, and Matthew Macfadyen all took home Emmys for their exceptional work on the show.
Notably, the show’s creator, Jesse Armstrong, achieved a significant milestone by winning his fourth Emmy for Best Drama Writing. With this feat, “Succession” cements its place among other acclaimed dramas like “The Sopranos,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Game of Thrones,” which have been recognized for their farewell seasons.
In the comedy category, FX and Hulu’s “The Bear” emerged victorious, surpassing the favorite “Ted Lasso” to win the Best Comedy award for its debut season. Jeremy Allen White was also celebrated, as he won his first Emmy for Best Actor in a Comedy for his standout performance in “The Bear.”
In a historic move, Quinta Brunson became the first Black woman since 1981 to win Best Actress in a Comedy for her exceptional work on ABC’s “Abbott Elementary.” Her win is a powerful symbol of progress and inclusivity in the industry.
Netflix’s gripping limited series, “Beef,” had a triumphant night, winning the Best Limited Series award and also securing accolades for its writing and direction. The success of “Beef” further solidifies Netflix’s reputation as a dominant force in the television landscape.
Despite host Trevor Noah’s departure over a year ago, “The Daily Show” was still able to bring home the Best Talk Show award, a testament to the enduring legacy and popularity of the show.
This year’s Emmy Awards faced unprecedented challenges, with the ceremony being postponed due to screenwriter and actor strikes. The event finally took place in January, amidst a busy awards show season, leading to fierce competition from an NFL playoff game and live results from the Iowa caucuses. Unfortunately, these circumstances took a toll on the viewership, with the 2022 Emmys registering a new low in terms of audience size. Executives are now left worried about the audience turnout for this year’s ceremony and are brainstorming ways to reinvigorate interest in the event.
Overall, the 2022 Emmy Awards celebrated outstanding television achievements while navigating unique obstacles, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and sparking conversations about the future of awards ceremonies.