Emmys 2024: 'Hacks' Shocks as 'The Bear' Falls Short – The Night Filled with Humor, Politics, and Unforgettable Wins!

New Hosts Bring a Breath of Fresh Air

The 76th Annual Emmy Awards graced Hollywood with a star-studded event that kept audiences both entertained and slightly surprised. This year, the coveted awards show saw the comedic duo Dan and Eugene Levy taking the stage for the first time as hosts. Their fresh approach set a lighthearted tone that resonated throughout the evening.

The Levy father-son duo opened the ceremony with a teasing monologue that immediately engaged the audience. They managed to sprinkle in some gentle jabs, notably at the expense of The Bear, which sparked a significant online debate regarding its genre classification as a comedy or drama. In a clever nod to the show, Eugene Levy quipped, “In the true spirit of The Bear, we will not be making any jokes,” which went over well with the audience.

Dan Levy added his own humorous critique, this time aimed at the Television Academy, saying, “They finally found a show that’s been creatively thriving for years and said, ‘Hey, look what we discovered,’” referencing Reservation Dogs and its long-overdue recognition.

A Touch of Political Commentary

While it might not have been overtly political, several presenters took the opportunity to weigh in on current issues. Candice Bergen brought out a line that humorously referenced JD Vance's past comments about “childless cat ladies,” saying, “Look how far we’ve come since more than 30 years ago!” It was a nostalgic callback to the days when former Vice President Dan Quayle criticized her character on Murphy Brown for being a single mother.

Selena Gomez joined the humor parade, joking with her Only Murders in the Building co-stars, “What an honor to work with two guys who are this far away from being childless cat ladies.” The light-hearted comments underscored a significant cultural shift regarding stereotypes and expectations in the entertainment industry.

As The West Wing cast reunited to present an award, Allison Janney made light of the creative demands of 25 years ago, asserting that the "political landscape" has shifted dramatically but the importance of voting remains unchanged. Liza Colón-Zayas, honored for her performance in The Bear, implored viewers to "vote for your rights," reinforcing the theme of civic engagement prevalent throughout the night.

Record-Breaking Wins – Who Took Home the Gold?

In a captivating twist, Hacks emerged victorious by winning the award for Outstanding Comedy Series, edging out the formidable The Bear, which still pulled in four wins, including Jeremy Allen White's back-to-back victory for Outstanding Lead Actor. Overall, The Bear made headlines by breaking the record for the most wins in one season for a comedy, achieving a total of 11 awards across the board.

On the drama circuit, Shōgun stole the spotlight with a historic total of 18 Emmy wins, including Outstanding Drama Series, with Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai capturing the leading actor and actress accolades. Meanwhile, Baby Reindeer, another delightful surprise of the night, snatched the award for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, and its creator, Richard Gadd, took home wins for both writing and acting.

With vibrant red carpet moments, unexpected humorous critiques, and a celebration of both political engagement and artistic achievements, this year's Emmy Awards proved once again to be an unforgettable night for television. Fans are left eager for what’s next in the ongoing saga of award-winning television.