Following years of confusion as to what constitutes a comedy and drama on television, the Emmys made clear just what counts as what. According to the Television Academy, a comedy is any series of 30 minutes or less while a drama is anything over that time… but are the likes of Glee and Jane the Virgin really dramas? No, and that’s what the petition process was supposed to resolve. However, while those two shows – along with Shameless – were given an allowance to compete among Louie and Parks and Rec, it now appears Orange Is the New Black will not see the same.
From Variety:
The TV Academy has denied Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black” petition to be considered a comedy in this year’s Emmy race… The show will have to compete as a drama, as will its actors, writers and directors.
What is the qualification for drama anyway? Is there a crying quota? A drops of blood per frame ratio? If Shameless gets to be a comedy, how can Orange Is the New Black not count as the same? Glee and Jane the Virgin being comedies makes sense, Shameless does not. Also, if we’re getting technical, Louie stopped being a comedy a long time ago. It’s much more a 30-minute drama these days, so why isn’t it being forced to compete with the likes of Game of Thrones (beyond the fact that it would never win)?
With the new changes, the Emmys hoped it would improve its confusing nomination process this year. Instead, all it did was make things worse than they’ve ever been.
Source: Variety
