After years of watching shows be misidentified as one thing or another at the Emmys, the academy took a stand in cracking down on the exact definitions of comedy, drama and mini-series. As such, it is now rule that any series over 30 minutes is not a comedy… unless of course the academy grants such a thing, like it now has for Shameless, Glee, and Jane the Virgin.
From Variety:
[A] nine-member panel, which includes five industry leaders appointed by the academy chairman and four appointees by the board of governors, ruled that Showtime’s “Shameless,” CW’s “Jane the Virgin” and Fox’s “Glee” can be considered comedies, despite their length. A two-thirds vote of the panel was required to reach each decision.
At this time, it remains unknown if Netflix’s Orange is the New Black is being considering a comedy as well. Considering that one leans more toward the funny side of things, it seems possible. But, for now, we know there will be at least three hour-long series competing for the title of top comedy during this year’s awards season.
Source: Variety
