Emmys 2024: A deep dive into the most-watched nominees
The Emmys, the pinnacle of television accolades, are not merely a measure of popularity. However, a fresh analysis of the most-watched shows and stars nominated this year offers a fascinating glimpse into the commercial success of the contenders.
Drama series: The heavyweights
Leading the pack in the drama category is the video game adaptation Fallout, a colossal hit for Prime Video, with Walton Goggins shining in the drama categories. Following closely are The Crown on Netflix and Shogun on Hulu/FX.
Top three drama series by viewing hours:
- Fallout (Season 1) – 162.1 million hours
- The Crown (Season 6) – 100.1 million hours
- Shogun (Season 1) – 99.7 million hours
Comedy series: Laughter reigns supreme
In the comedy realm, The Bear takes the top spot, with Jeremy Allen White leading the charge. Only Murders in the Building, starring Selena Gomez, and Abbott Elementary also make significant impressions.
Top three comedy series by viewing hours:
- The Bear (Season 2) – 97.6 million hours
- Only Murders in the Building (Season 3) – 84.4 million hours
- Abbott Elementary (Season 3) – 59.8 million hours
Limited or anthology series: Captivating narratives
The limited or anthology series category showcases gripping storytelling with True Detective: Night Country leading the way, followed by Baby Reindeer and Lessons in Chemistry.
Top three limited or anthology series by viewing hours:
- True Detective: Night Country – 66.7 million hours
- Baby Reindeer – 61.2 million hours
- Lessons in Chemistry – 35.4 million hours
Actors in drama series: The stars who shine the brightest
Walton Goggins, with his role in Fallout, tops the list of most-watched actors in drama series. Gary Oldman and Idris Elba also make notable appearances with their performances in Slow Horses and Hijack, respectively.
Top three actors in drama series by viewing hours:
- Walton Goggins – 363.9 million hours
- Gary Oldman – 283.6 million hours
- Idris Elba – 279.8 million hours
Actresses in drama series: Leading ladies
Jennifer Aniston, with her role in The Morning Show, dominates the list of most-watched actresses in drama series. Imelda Staunton and Reese Witherspoon also feature prominently.
Top three actresses in drama series by viewing hours:
- Jennifer Aniston – 1,725.4 million hours
- Imelda Staunton – 247.6 million hours
- Reese Witherspoon – 192.8 million hours
Actors in comedy series: The kings of comedy
Jeremy Allen White, with his role in The Bear, leads the list of most-watched actors in comedy series. Steve Martin and Martin Short, both from Only Murders in the Building, also make significant contributions.
Top three actors in comedy series by viewing hours:
- Jeremy Allen White – 499.7 million hours
- Steve Martin – 195.4 million hours
- Martin Short – 169.4 million hours
Actresses in comedy series: Queens of humor
Selena Gomez, with her role in Only Murders in the Building, tops the list of most-watched actresses in comedy series. Ayo Edebiri and Jean Smart also make notable appearances with their performances in The Bear and Hacks, respectively.
Top three actresses in comedy series by viewing hours:
- Selena Gomez – 164.8 million hours
- Ayo Edebiri – 158.4 million hours
- Jean Smart – 45.4 million hours
The broader picture
Nielsen’s analysis of the most-watched Emmy contenders spans streaming, broadcast, and cable TV in the U.S. This data provides a unique perspective on which shows and stars are capturing the most viewer attention, offering valuable insights for marketers and fans alike.
The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony will air live on Sunday, Sept. 15, starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. This year’s event promises to be a celebration of the best in television, with a lineup of nominees that reflects both critical acclaim and viewer engagement.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of television, the Emmys offer a perfect opportunity to explore the shows and stars that have captivated audiences over the past year. Whether you’re a fan of drama, comedy, or limited series, there’s something for everyone in this year’s nominations.