FX, Max, ABC
Do not adjust your devices. The Emmys are happening for the second time this calendar year. This time, it’s the real 2024 Emmys, as opposed to the 2023 Emmys that were actually held this January, postponed from last fall due to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
“Veep” star Tony Hale and “Abbott Elementary” star Sheryl Lee Ralph, both Emmy winners themselves, announced the nominations Wednesday. The comedy categories are packed to the gills: reigning winner “The Bear” faces off against “Hacks” and “Abbott Elementary.” (Cue the perennial debate over whether “The Bear” is or is not a comedy, and why 30-minute shows need not be automatically slotted into the comedy awards.)
Advertisem*nt
Meanwhile, the drama series field is pretty wide open after years of dominance from HBO’s “Succession,” which ended in 2023. This year’s drama series nominees are all over the map, from critical favorite “Shōgun” to the divisive “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” to the underwhelming final season of “The Crown.”
On the limited series side, contenders comprise a mix of the new and buzzy (“Baby Reindeer”), new versions of old material (“Ripley”) and new installments of existing anthology series (“True Detective: Night Country” and “Fargo”).
As always, there’s a lot to discuss. Below, HuffPost’s culture team breaks down the snubs and surprises of the Emmy nominations and what we’ll be keeping an eye on at the ceremony, which airs Sept. 15 on ABC.
Stay tuned as we update this post through the afternoon.
GOOD: Love To See All These Nominations For 'Shōgun'
Apple TV+
'Palm Royale' Is Extremely Mid — And It Got So Many Emmy Nominations
I kinda figured the culture would all come to understand that this extremely mid series starring Kristen Wiig as a 1960s wannabe country club all-star was all vibes and pastels. “Diarra from Detroit” could have taken each of the comedy nominations for “Palm Royale.” But the status quo stays status quo’ing.
Getty Images
GOOD: ‘The Traitors’ Season 2 Dominates The Reality TV Competition Categories
I couldn’t believe Season 2 of “The Traitors” topped my expectations. These nominations are well-deserved. Phaedra Parks was the hero of the season for her epic run as a traitor in that Scotland castle. Her showmance with CT Tamburello kept us on her toes. Tamburello and Trishelle Cannatella ended up winning the season, but Parks dominated with her quips and facial expressions and fashionable looks that I had to Google the winner to even remember. Alan Cumming was perfect once again as host. And I cannot wait until Season 3!
Advertisem*nt
Getty Images
SNUB: ‘Real Housewives Salt Lake City’ Had The Best Housewives Scene In Years
“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” should have nabbed at least one nomination. They could have been nominated for Outstanding Casting for A Reality Program for its work in casting Monica Garcia, a newcomer to the group who ended up entrenched in controversy by the season’s end. RHOSLC also could have been nominated for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program for that epic episode where it’s finally revealed that Garcia actually wasn’t trying to be a friend of theirs at all. That dinner table scene where Heather Gay says so dramatically, “receipts, proof, timeline, screenshots”? Incredible cinematic delivery. The cast of "Salt Lake City" deserves their respect!
,
Netflix
Why The Weakest Season Of 'The Crown' Probably Got So Many Emmy Nominations
You can tell Emmys voters weren’t really sure what to do with the drama series categories now that the “Succession” era is over. On one level, you could say it’s because there was a thinner field this year — but more accurately, how the Emmy voters refuse to expand their viewing beyond a handful of shows. Case in point: Why so many nominations for the weakest season of “The Crown”? — Marina
If they were wondering what to know what to do with the drama series categories, they could have just plopped “The Bear” right there and maybe given actual comedy series like “Diarra from Detroit” a fair shot. “Interview with the Vampire” is another one (technically a horror series, but they don’t even have a horror category). Or even “Justified: City Primeval,” which is a surprisingly great addition to the already sublime “Justified” franchise that certainly deserved nominations in the drama series categories. I have to wonder why certain shows are left out of contender conversations, giving the impression that there are no other quality dramatic series when that’s actually just not true. — Candice
,
,
Prime Video
Why In The World Did This Mediocre Show Get So Many Emmy Nominations?
We need to talk about the disproportionate amount of nominations for a middling show like “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” Like, was it really necessary to nominate virtually all of the guest stars? I’m most happy for lead actress nominee Maya Erskine, who I thought was genuinely good — if only her character were better served by the show and had more to do. — Marina
OK, I will say I liked “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” I thought it was entertaining. But not enough to understand why it got all of these nominations. Glover is a good actor but not an action star, in my opinion. And though I thought Erskine had a pretty solid performance here, I’m really trying to figure out what I missed for this show to get so much love. — Taryn
Lol, I don’t think you missed anything, Taryn! — Marina
I did not finish this series. I kinda saw where it was going and respectfully declined. — Candice
Cracks knuckles! I saw the first two episodes of the series at a screening and was like, “I think the show has some potential!” It wasn’t terrible, but I wasn’t begging to see what happens next either. Weeks later, I finally sat down to watch the rest of the episodes. It’s a miracle that I kept watching it till the very end. It doesn’t deserve all these nominations, but my guess is that the Television Academy just has an obsession with Donald Glover, no matter how mid the content is.
Here’s where I’ll give the show a little merit: some of the missions Glover and Erskine’s characters had to complete were pretty compelling to watch. I didn’t think I’d buy them as action stars, but I was surprisingly into it. I genuinely like seeing Erskine on-screen; there were even moments, I am hesitant to admit, where Glover looked sexy with his shirt off.
But here’s where things quickly fell apart for me: I didn’t buy them as even a forced couple that happened to kinda fall for each other. Their arguments throughout episodes 3 and beyond started to feel so belabored that I wanted to fast forward those scenes. They were painful to watch. There were SO many guest stars in the series which was both fun and frustrating to see. Alexander Skarsgård is in the opening scene; Sarah Paulson, John Turturro and Michaela Coel pop in later on. I love them all, but I also couldn’t help but wonder what made them decide to spend their time on … this.
For the season to end on a cliffhanger was just the most cheap thing I’ve seen in a long time. (It reminded me of how the TV adaptation of “Kindred” stopped before the novel ends. Terrible series that I have never been so happy to see get canceled.) "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" owes me some money for sitting through this half-baked mess. I wanted to write a review of the series when it debuted but never found the time. Perhaps because I didn’t want to spend another second thinking about the series. Loads of people loved it, and it’s getting a second season. But what’s weird is that Glover nor Erskine will star in it — so again, I ask, what was the point of that ending? See, now I’m enraged all over again. — Erin
Advertisem*nt
Getty Images
The Documentary Nominees Tell You A Lot About the Bleak State of Documentaries
First of all, they’re mostly fluff celebrity portraits — including ones on Steve Martin, Jim Henson, Albert Brooks and how the “We are the World” song was recorded with a bunch of A-list musicians — that are extremely uninspired. Then there’s the problematic “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.” What remains is a small batch of nominees that exist a bit outside that, like “Telemarketers,” “Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.” and “Stamped from the Beginning,” which also got far less critical attention. So, I don’t know what to do with that. But I am supremely bored.
Max
SURPRISE: 'The Other Two'
Blink and you might have missed it, but “The Other Two” earned a single writing nomination for what I think is one of the best sitcom episodes I’ve seen within the last year: “Brooke Hosts a Night of Undeniable Good.” It is an embodiment of what the now-canceled series always mastered; underlining that absolute morality is a myth. And it folds this inside an incredibly sharp Hollywood satire.
,
Netflix
SURPRISE: 'Girls5Eva'
I didn’t see a whole lot of serious awards campaigning for this delightfully kooky comedy, but I am happy to see it earn two more Emmy nominations — for both writing and original music and lyrics — since making the move from Peaco*ck to Netflix. I just wish Renée Elise Goldsberry, who plays the over-the-top and deeply self-centered Wickie Roy, also got a nod. — Candice
I started watching this show finally in the spring. So fun. I can’t wait to catch up to this most recent season. — Erin
Advertisem*nt
Saima Khalid/Peaco*ck
SNUB: 'We Are Lady Parts'
Another omission that, like “Diarra from Detroit,” I’m not particularly surprised about — and for basically the same reason. Creator Nina Manzoor’s wonderfully human story about a fictional Muslim female punk band in the U.K. is so singular and well-written, especially in its second season, that it’s so glaring for it to continue to be ignored like this.
,
John Johnson/Max
GOOD: Larry David, 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'
Just need a place to put Larry David’s extremely on-brand statements in response to the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series and his nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor In a Comedy Series, which you should read with the “Curb” music playing in your head: "It warms my heart to see that misanthropy is finally being recognized as an art form." "This is a sad day for actors everywhere. See? Anyone can do it!"
“Curb” has really varied from season to season (I admit I haven’t watched every single season), but this final season perfectly stuck the landing. *chef’s kiss* — Marina
I started watching this show years after it premiered. It’s so good that I caught up to every episode within a few months. I am always here for comedy that is challenging and doesn’t buckle to anyone’s sensibilities. From calling out the tediousness of group chats to confronting cancel culture head-on in its final season, I often wonder about what other daring sitcoms can possibly help fill its big shoes. But I’m very happy to see all the Emmy love here. — Candice
Apple TV+
SURPRISE: Idris Elba for “Hijack”
I watched all seven episodes of this show’s first season in one sitting. It had everything I need from an action-packed series: thrill, suspense, strategy, a love story and Idris Elba. Elba being the most important element there. I’ve always said the British-born actor thrives on-screen the most when he’s the ass-kicking hero on a mission. He’s been nominated a handful of times, but never walked away with an award. Though the competition in the Best Actor in a Drama series category is tight, I really wouldn’t be mad if they gave it to Elba.
Advertisem*nt
,
Netflix
'Baby Reindeer' Overcame Controversy and Earned Well-Deserved Nominations
With exactly zero promotion leading up to its Netflix premiere in April, “Baby Reindeer” has continued to astound me for the last several months. I had no idea what to expect from the series, but it is the single most difficult and stunning series I watched this year so far. The way many people have prioritized discussions about true crime exploitation over the quality, filmmaking and themes of the series — from flawed protagonists and sexuality and gender and rape — says a lot about how audiences are unwilling to grapple with multiple truths. And that’s desperately needed if we’re going to continue to evaluate art fairly. The performances, led by the terrific Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning, now both Emmy nominees, is just the icing on the cake. — Candice
I couldn’t have said this better, Candice. The way the conversation unfolded after the series was released was so odd to me. But I’m so happy to see the series get some well-deserved nominations. — Erin
,
,
Vanessa Clifton/BET+
Snub: 'Diarra From Detroit'
I honestly wasn’t expecting this to be acknowledged. That’s not to suggest that the show isn’t good (it’s great, actually). I just don’t think that voters are interested in BET+ series like this one. And typically, they really don't go for more than one Black female-led show at a time. Right now, that honor goes to Quinta Brunson and “Abbott Elementary.” That’s an awful reality, though. And while I think the BET+ platform leaves a lot to be desired, they really revved up their awards campaigning this year. So, I was hoping that “Diarra from Detroit” might have a chance. But, alas, the status quo reigns again. — Candice
I couldn’t have said it better, Candice. It’s an unfortunate reality, though, especially because they clearly know the platform and those like it are producing great content. “The Ms. Pat Show,” which is also on BET+, has deservedly earned a nomination each year since 2022. But I think the Television Academy snubbing shows like “Diarra From Detroit,” “Raising Kanan,” and “The Chi” and how reflective that is of how “diverse” they actually strive to be. Some things just aren’t that surprising. — Taryn
It’s so unfortunate. And every year I come into these awards season moments expecting better. And then my balloon is so quickly popped every time. Taryn, you just mentioned some of my favorite TV series of the last year, too. “The Ms. Pat Show” is taking an old sitcom format (live audience and all!) and making it feel fresh and new again. And whew, there’s a scene in the finale of the most recent episode that I have not stopped thinking about since I watched. But back to “Diarra From Detroit” for a second: I was kind of hoping Phylicia Rashad might get a guest actor nom for her role in the show. I had never seen her portray someone like her character in this show. So, so good and surprising. — Erin
,
,
FX
These 'The Bear' Actors Were Finally Recognized With Emmy Nominations
To me, “The Bear” has always been an ensemble show. Don’t get me wrong: I love Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who each won Emmys for the show’s first season. But it’s nice to see the Emmys spread the wealth and also nominate Lionel Boyce and Liza Colón-Zayas, who are excellent. — Marina
I loved seeing these two get nods for the second season. Marcus’ (Boyce) Season 2 arc was the most compelling, in my opinion, and I just genuinely enjoy the energy Colón-Zayas brings to Tina. These are the show’s two most grounded characters and a large part of that is because of how Boyce and Colón-Zayas portray them. I’m also a big fan of Boyce’s trajectory since Odd Future’s “Loiter Squad.” Every time he’s on my screen I say, “Look at Lionel,” like a proud auntie. — Taryn
I think Boyce has more potential than what this season showed us, but I do enjoy him on-screen. And Colón-Zayas has never not given a great performance. Thrilled to see her among the nominees. — Candice
Advertisem*nt
Shane Brown/FX
SURPRISE: 'Reservation Dogs' Finally Gets An Emmy Nomination
Finally, some recognition for “Reservation Dogs” in its final season! One of the best and one-of-a-kind shows on TV, perennially not nominated by the Emmys. I was so worried it would end its run with zero Emmy nominations. I am so glad I am wrong about that. I was also delighted to see D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai get recognized in lead actor — though it’s strange that he’s the only actor from the show with a nomination.
,
FX
No, ‘Interview With The Vampire’ Is Not Eligible This Year
Funny thing is, awards committees said it wasn’t eligible last year too (or had some other BS logic around the snub, if I recall). Erin, you and I have both talked about how the show has garnered a lot more attention from audiences now in Season 2, which should have made a lot more people look at Season 1 — though, the awards committees don’t often reflect the opinion of general audiences. I always think that awards voters are biased against horror TV and films. Add to that, “Interview with the Vampire” is led by a Black actor (Jacob Anderson) and is unapologetically queer. I think this particular snub says a lot about a long history of what the academy sees as quality and “prestige TV.” — Candice
AGREE. It’s really a shame, too — because the show is so, so good and unlike anything else on television. I will never understand why the Television Academy seems to enjoy being behind on TV series like this. I also call BS on the eligibility rules! Apparently, the shows in certain categories have to air a certain number of episodes within the eligibility window. But it’s not that way for all the categories??? BS. The other thing is, and I mean I can get on a soapbox (and I probably will later on in this blog) about this, how dramas led by Black actors are seemingly never considered for Emmys! It has also been fascinating to see so many more people get on board for the show in its second season. The more the merrier if it keeps giving us more seasons of this incredible series. — Erin
Would like to see that soapbox. — Candice
,
Gilles Mingasson/Disney
Sheryl Lee Ralph Made These Emmy Nom Announcements So Fun — And Funny
I laughed through the whole Emmy nominations whenever Sheryl Lee Ralph was reading off the names. You could tell who she absolutely adored as she called off their nomination. Her co-star Quinta Brunson obviously got an extra oomph to her name, as did the legendary Jean Smart. Ralph had a whole swagger to her performance here, and well, I just continue to love her for it. — Erin
Anytime Sheryl Lee Ralph presents or hosts anything, you know it’s going to be great. The energy she brought to the morning was just perfect. I loved her genuine enthusiasm, and her side comments, like: “Jean Smart, I love her!” And I love that she got to celebrate her own Emmy nomination in the moment (though I wish they presented the supporting categories on air). — Marina
I love whenever Sheryl steps foot on a stage because I know we’re going to get a one-woman Broadway performance every time. And it’s great because she doesn’t even know how to turn it off; that’s just genuinely her. The nomination announcements would’ve been so bland if not for auntie Sheryl. Her energy is truly everything. And, yes, Marina! It was such a treat to watch her live reaction to her Emmy nomination. — Taryn
Advertisem*nt
So, First, Let's Get Into The Nominations
Advertisem*nt
Advertisem*nt
