Emmys night controversy: Is ‘The Bear’ really a comedy?
A night of triumph and debate
The recent Emmy Awards ceremony was a night of both celebration and controversy, particularly surrounding the FX series The Bear. The show set a new record for the most comedy wins in a single year, taking home 11 trophies for its second season. This achievement surpassed its own previous record of 10 wins for its first season. However, not everyone was pleased with this categorization.
Laraine Newman’s critique
Laraine Newman, an original cast member of Saturday Night Live and mother of Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, voiced her discontent on social media. Just before the awards ceremony began, Newman posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing her frustration: “Every time I think about The Bear being in the comedy category for the Emmys I can feel an ulcer developing.”
Later that night, she added, “I think The Bear is a great show but [in my honest opinion] it’s not a comedy – not even a dark comedy.”
The comedy vs. drama debate
The debate over whether The Bear should be classified as a comedy or a drama has been ongoing, especially after its second season dominated the Emmy nominations. The season was praised for its dramatic episodes, including an intense family flashback episode titled “Fishes”, which earned Jamie Lee Curtis an Emmy for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series for her portrayal of a mother with bipolar disorder.
Emmy night surprises
The night was full of surprises, with Hacks winning the award for outstanding comedy series, a victory many pundits considered the biggest upset of the Emmys. Hannah Einbinder lost the Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series to The Bear’s Liza Colón-Zayas. However, Hacks leading lady Jean Smart took home the lead actress prize over The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri.
Despite the controversy, The Bear stars Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach won their own acting Emmys for lead actor and supporting actor, respectively.
Hosts weigh in
Emmy hosts Dan and Eugene Levy couldn’t resist addressing the ongoing debate during their monologue. They quipped, “‘The Bear is nominated for 23 Emmys tonight, making it the most-nominated comedy in history. Now, I love the show, and I know some of you will be expecting us to make a joke about whether The Bear is really a comedy — but in the true spirit of The Bear, we will not be making any jokes.”
Personal reflections
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, the categorization of The Bear as a comedy raises intriguing questions about the evolving nature of genres. The show’s blend of intense drama and occasional humor challenges traditional genre boundaries, making it a unique viewing experience. The debate itself highlights the subjective nature of comedy and drama, reminding us that the lines between these genres are often blurred.
For those who haven’t yet experienced The Bear, I highly recommend watching the trailer here to get a sense of its unique tone and storytelling approach.
The future of genre classification
The controversy surrounding The Bear‘s Emmy wins underscores a broader issue in the entertainment industry: the need for more nuanced genre classifications. As shows continue to push the boundaries of traditional genres, it becomes increasingly important for award shows to adapt and recognize these hybrid forms of storytelling.
whether The Bear is a comedy or a drama may be less important than the fact that it has resonated with audiences and critics alike. Its success at the Emmys is a testament to its quality and impact, regardless of the category it falls into.
Final thoughts
The debate over The Bear‘s classification is a reminder of the evolving landscape of television and the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse forms of storytelling. As viewers, we have the privilege of experiencing these groundbreaking shows and engaging in discussions that challenge our perceptions of genre and narrative.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit The Bear.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging perspective on the recent Emmy Awards controversy, offering personal reflections and in-depth analysis for cinema and TV series enthusiasts.