Emmy Awards Viewership Sees a Positive Shift
For the first time in three years, the Emmy Awards have experienced an increase in viewership, marking a significant turnaround. The ceremony, aired on ABC, attracted an audience of 6.9 million viewers on Sunday night, a notable rise compared to the strike-delayed event in January, which garnered just over 4 million viewers. This boost in ratings aligns with a broader trend seen in other prestigious award shows, such as the Oscars and the Grammys, which have also enjoyed viewership growth in recent years. Importantly, this increase halts a concerning decline that had brought the Emmys perilously close to the low ratings typically associated with the Tony Awards.
Despite the uptick in viewership, the Emmys have still seen a considerable erosion of their audience over the years. As recently as 2018, the event routinely attracted more than 10 million viewers. Several factors contributed to the improved ratings for this year’s ceremony. The January event faced stiff competition, airing simultaneously with an N.F.L. playoff game, and came at the tail end of a hectic stretch of awards season, which included the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards. In contrast, Sunday’s ceremony returned to its traditional mid-September time slot, allowing viewers to reconnect with the event they have come to expect.
The Emmys have long been critiqued for their tendency towards predictability, with voters frequently honoring the same shows each year, such as “Schitt’s Creek,” “The White Lotus,” “Ted Lasso,” and “Succession.” However, this year’s telecast introduced an element of surprise, showcasing numerous upsets in the winners’ circle. “The Bear” triumphed with four Emmy wins, yet in a surprising turn, “Hacks” claimed the title of best comedy. Additionally, “Shogun” was awarded best drama, alongside unexpected victories for programs like “Slow Horses” and “The Morning Show.” The limited series category saw “Baby Reindeer” take home the top honor, while notable shows such as “True Detective,” “Fargo,” and “Ripley” also celebrated wins during the evening.
Reviews for the telecast, hosted by the charming father-son duo of Eugene and Dan Levy, were mixed. The Los Angeles Times described the event as “casually interesting,” while Variety deemed it “humdrum,” and Rolling Stone referred to it as “blah.” Despite the mixed critical reception, the ceremony’s ability to engage a larger audience signals a potential revitalization for the Emmys in future years.
