After Netflix’s record-breaking performance in 2021, HBO reasserted its dominance in its now annual battle with Netflix for prestige television supremacy. The paid network was led by limited series “The White Lotus,” whose five awards Monday night — coupled with a handful of technical awards at previous Creative Arts ceremonies — left it checking in with 10 total wins this season, more than any other program.
‘Ted Lasso’ became the back-to-back comedy winner for the series along with stars Jason Sudeikis and Brett Goldstein – an increasingly rare feat, if only because shows now take longer breaks more frequently. between series.
Adding previous ceremonies with Monday Night, HBO has totaled 38 Emmys this year, far ahead of second-place Netflix at 26. Apple’s “Ted”-fueled show left the streaming service with nine in total, tied with Disney+ behind Hulu, with 10 thanks largely to its fact-based limited series. (Like CNN, HBO is a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery.)
Quinta Brunson, the show’s star and producer, was also honored for writing the sitcom about teachers, a boost ahead of its second season next week.
Ralph brought energy to a TV show that probably could have used more. Hosted by Kenan Thompson of “Saturday Night Live” (and including a mini-reunion with former co-star Kel Mitchell), the ceremony bounced back at a rocky pace. Politics played a quiet role in the evening, and efforts to celebrate the breadth of television sometimes seemed to come at the expense of time spent on the awards proper.
There was, as usual, a lot of repetition, and a lot of crossed out words. The first included the seventh consecutive award for “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” and another trophy for the long-running “Saturday Night Live.” Oliver’s HBO show has owned this category, much like Jon Stewart did at his former home, “The Daily Show.”
Zendaya won her second lead actress award for HBO’s dark high school drama “Euphoria,” and Julia Garner received her third Emmy for her supporting role as Ruth in Netflix’s sinister drama “Ozark.” Jean Smart joined repeat winners of the HBO Max comedy about comedians, “Hacks.”
First-time nominees Murray Bartlett and Jennifer Coolidge were also recognized for “White Lotus,” with the latter having to defeat four of her co-stars in the generous cast. Coolidge was played during her exuberant acceptance speech, after a few recipients talked about the music. Mike White also won for writing and directing the series.
HBO was the most honored network in 2019 and 2020, tied with Netflix the previous year.
The presentation opened with a tribute to TV theme songs and a standing ovation for Oprah Winfrey, who presented the evening’s top prize.
After record ratings in 2020 with a virtual ceremony, Emmys viewership rebounded last year to around 7.4 million viewers – still low by historical standards, but a marked improvement over the previous two years. .
Linear television ratings have generally declined, and the Emmys are seen to have been impacted by the nomination of fewer high-profile shows as streaming has taken over the awards contest.
Emmys television rights rotate between the four major broadcast networks. This year’s show has moved on from its usual Sunday show as it airs on NBC, which airs “Sunday Night Football.”