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Are the Emmys losing relevance in the current era of streaming TV Shows and Programs?

Toma Parkyns

The Emmys are one of the most renowned award ceremonies in the entertainment industry, celebrating exceptional talent across various categories in television programming. However, with the advent of streaming services, the relevance of the Emmys has come into question. As a user of social networking sites, I believe that the Emmys are still essential, but they need to adapt to the changing times and address certain issues to remain relevant in the current era of streaming TV shows and programs.

Firstly, streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu have produced some of the most well-written and critically acclaimed series, with both high production values and gripping narratives. These streaming services have utilized the freedom of non-linear storytelling and provided audiences with a much more diverse range of characters and stories. However, the Emmys have been criticized for overlooking such series and favoring traditional network television shows. Shows like Friends, Big Bang Theory, and Two and a Half Men were nominated consistently in the past, despite not pushing the boundaries of storytelling and being a predominantly male-dominated cast. The Emmys need to recognize the quality of content created by streaming services, and award shows such as the Golden Globes have already started to do this. By doing so, the Emmys can become more reflective of the current TV landscape and more inclusive towards a wider range of shows.

Secondly, the Emmys need to address diversity and inclusion issues that have plagued the awards show for a long time. Historically, the Emmys have been criticized for being sexist, racist, and not inclusive. In recent years, the awards show has made some strides in recognizing more diverse storytelling. For example, the show celebrated the first non-white woman to win an Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama Series in 2015. Although this was a significant moment, it took the Emmys nearly 67 years to recognize a non-white woman in this category. The Emmys need to address these shortcomings and actively work towards rectifying them, ensuring better representation and showcasing a more diverse range of voices and stories.

Finally, the Emmys' viewership and relevance have decreased in recent years, with the show losing over a million viewers in 2020. The declining relevance is due to a lack of innovation in the awards show format. The viewership experience has been the same for years, with tiresome presenters, redundant skits, and lengthy speeches. The Emmys have been hesitant to experiment with their format, delving deeper into the idea of engaging and exciting viewers instead of following a predictable formula. They need to create new and inventive ways to engage with younger audiences, who are more interested in TikTok dances, Instagram quizzes, and other interactive content. A social media component could be incorporated into the awards, providing audiences with real-time reactions and fostering a more engaging viewing experience.

In conclusion, while the Emmys' relevance has been called into question, I believe that this is still a vital awards show that celebrates excellence in television performance and production. However, the Emmys need to face their shortcomings in a changing TV landscape and adapt to remain relevant. The Emmys have to take into account the rise of streaming shows, address diversity and inclusion issues, and innovate the show's format. These changes will showcase an inclusive and dynamic celebration of television that actively engages with its audience.