What Can You Expect from the Emmys and How to Watch?

The Emmys, the pinnacle of television accolades, will showcase a diverse array of talent and shows this year, with notable contenders like *Adolescence*, *The White Lotus*, and *Severance* vying for top honours. Among the highlights is Owen Cooper, the 15-year-old star of *Adolescence*, who could become the youngest male actor to win an Emmy. This year's ceremony promises excitement, with a blend of established names and new talent, all set to unfold at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

Owen Cooper could become the youngest male Emmy winner.
Nate Bargatze is hosting, bringing a family-friendly comedic style.
Major contenders include *The White Lotus*, *Andor*, and *Severance*.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert faces a unique moment after its cancellation.
Live coverage available on the BBC News website for UK viewers.

Overview of the 2023 Emmys

The Emmy Awards celebrate excellence in television, and this year's ceremony will be held on Sunday evening at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, with the show kicking off at 17:00 PT / 20:00 ET, which is 01:00 BST on Monday for UK viewers. The event will feature a host of nominees across various categories, including comedy, drama, and limited series.

Host for the Evening

US comedian Nate Bargatze will take the helm as this year's host. Known for his clean, observational humour, Bargatze is a rising star in the American comedy scene. He gained significant attention after selling more tickets than any other stand-up comedian in the US last year. While he may not yet be a household name in the UK, his popularity is undeniable.

Bargatze's approach to hosting is unique; he has introduced a playful twist by pledging to donate $100,000 to charity, with the amount decreasing if acceptance speeches exceed the time limit. This innovative idea adds an interesting dynamic to the evening, challenging winners to be concise in their gratitude.

Major Categories and Contenders

The Emmys feature numerous categories, but the most prestigious is traditionally the Outstanding Drama category. This year, the field is competitive, especially following the absence of last year's winner, *Shogun*, which has yet to begin production on its next season. The contenders include:

*The White Lotus* - A satirical take on wealth and privilege.
*Andor* - A captivating Star Wars spin-off.
*Severance* - A thought-provoking dystopian narrative.
*The Last of Us* - A gripping adaptation of the popular video game.
*Slow Horses* - An espionage drama with critical acclaim.
*The Pitt* - A medical series that has garnered attention.
*The Diplomat* - A political thriller that has captivated viewers.

Comedy Categories

The comedy categories feature two previous winners, *The Bear* and *Hacks*, both of which are popular in their respective niches. They face stiff competition from:

*Abbott Elementary* - A school-based comedy that has received rave reviews.
*Nobody Wants This* - A romantic comedy with a fresh perspective.
*Only Murders in the Building* - A mystery series blending crime and comedy.
*What We Do in the Shadows* - A unique vampire mockumentary.
*Shrinking* - A therapy-themed comedy that explores human connection.
*The Studio* - A Hollywood satire that critiques the industry.

Limited and Anthology Series

The limited and anthology series category is particularly notable this year, with *Adolescence* leading the charge. This series has made headlines not just for its compelling narrative about the impact of smartphones on teenagers, but also for its innovative one-take filming style. It will compete against:

*Black Mirror* - Known for its dark take on modern society.
*The Penguin* - A Batman spin-off that explores new avenues.
*Dying for Sex* - An unconventional comedy dealing with serious themes.
*Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story* - A gripping true-crime adaptation.

Young Talent and Historic Wins

At just 15, Owen Cooper is in a position to make history at the Emmys. If he wins, he will not only become the youngest male winner in his category, best supporting actor in a limited series, but also the youngest male winner in any acting category overall. The youngest winner in Emmy history remains Roxana Zal, who won at the age of 14 in 1984.

Cooper's nomination brings attention to the trend of young actors making significant impacts in television. Other notable teenage winners throughout Emmy history include Kristy McNichol and Scott Jacoby, while young nominees have included the likes of Frankie Muniz and Millie Bobby Brown.

Variety Talk Series Controversy

This year’s variety talk series category has garnered additional interest due to the recent cancellation of *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, a decision that has sparked debates about the underlying reasons. CBS announced the cancellation in July, citing financial constraints, yet many industry observers have suggested that political pressures could also be a factor.

In support of Colbert, fellow talk show hosts have rallied, encouraging viewers to vote for him at the Emmys. A billboard in West Hollywood, paid for by Jimmy Kimmel, boldly declared, "I'm voting for Stephen," highlighting the camaraderie and solidarity among late-night hosts in the face of industry challenges.

Viewing Options for UK Audiences

UK viewers can follow the Emmys live on the BBC News website, which will provide comprehensive coverage of both the red carpet and the ceremony itself. The event begins at 01:00 BST on Monday, and while no British broadcaster is showing the ceremony live, the online coverage will keep fans updated on all the major developments.

Previous Winners and Key Highlights

Prior to the main event, many awards have already been announced during the Creative Arts Emmys, which took place over two nights. These events are crucial in recognising the technical and behind-the-scenes achievements that contribute to the success of television shows. For a full list of winners from those nights, viewers can check the Emmy's official announcements.

Conclusion

The Emmys promise to be an exciting celebration of television excellence this year, with a mix of fresh faces and established talent. With the competition fierce across all categories, audiences will be keen to see who takes home the coveted awards. As the industry continues to evolve, the Emmys will reflect the changing landscape of television and the stories that resonate with viewers. Who do you think will win big this year?

#Emmys2023 #TelevisionAwards #OwenCooper

FAQs

What are the Emmys?

The Emmys are prestigious awards that honour excellence in the television industry, recognising outstanding achievements in various categories such as drama, comedy, and limited series.

When will the Emmys take place in 2023?

The 2023 Emmy Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday evening, starting at 17:00 PT / 20:00 ET, which translates to 01:00 BST on Monday for UK viewers.

Who is hosting the Emmys this year?

This year’s host is Nate Bargatze, a well-known American comedian recognised for his clean, observational humour and impressive ticket sales in the previous year.

What shows are nominated for the Outstanding Drama category?

Key nominees for Outstanding Drama include *The White Lotus*, *Andor*, *Severance*, *The Last of Us*, and *Slow Horses*, among others.

How can UK viewers watch the Emmys?

UK viewers can follow the Emmys live on the BBC News website, which will provide coverage of the red carpet and the ceremony itself, starting at 01:00 BST.