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"TV Shows 'The Bear' and 'Shogun' Win Many Emmys"
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This image released by FX shows Eita Okuno as Saeki Nobutatsu, from left, Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko, Hiromoto Ida as Kiyama Ukon Sadanaga in a scene from "Shogun." (Katie Yu/FX via AP)

"TV Shows 'The Bear' and 'Shogun' Win Many Emmys"

July 17th, 2024

The recent Emmy nominations heralded a significant moment for two series, "The Bear" and "Shogun," both achieving an impressive number of nods. "The Bear," a story about a beleaguered sandwich shop's transformation into a top-notch restaurant, garnered 23 nominations, including recognitions for best comedy series and several of its actors. "Shogun," an adaptation of James Clavell's novel set in 17th-century Japan, led with 25 nominations, excelling in drama categories. FX Networks experienced a remarkable year, with "The Bear" and "Shogun" contributing to its 93 total nominations, rivaling HBO's 91. The latter's "True Detective: Night Country," a successor to the original series, shone brightly with 19 nods and made history with Indigenous actor nominations. Among the other highlights were returning Emmy favorites and multiple Oscar winners receiving nominations across various categories, including Robert Downey Jr., Gary Oldman, and Meryl Streep. Additionally, "Only Murders in the Building" exceeded previous nominations with 21, with its cast recognized for their performances. Streaming giant Netflix came out on top with 107 nominations, reflecting the strong impact of online platforms on television excellence. "The Crown" and "Hacks" celebrated their acclaimed returns to the Emmy scene with 19 and 16 nominations, respectively. Notably, “Abbott Elementary” stood out as a beacon of diversity and represented the significant contribution of traditional broadcast networks to the Emmy landscape. With an exciting mix of new achievements and seasoned talents, this year's Emmys highlight an ever-evolving industry. The ceremony is set to take place on September 15, returning to its traditional schedule and venue.
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💭 Discussion Questions


1
. How do the Emmy nominations for 'The Bear' and 'Shogun' reflect a change or continuity in the type of content that is being recognized by the Emmy Awards?
2
. In what ways has the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix influenced the competition and dynamics of the Emmy nominations?
3
. What does the mention of 'Abbott Elementary' as a beacon of diversity suggest about the importance of representation in television, and how might this impact future programming decisions by traditional broadcast networks?

📖 Vocabulary


🌐 Cultural context


The Emmy Awards are a prestigious annual ceremony honoring excellence in U.S. television. "The Bear," "Shogun," and other mentioned series compete for recognition in comedy or drama. Networks like HBO, FX, and streaming services like Netflix are significant in this cultural landscape.

🧠 Further reading


Streaming television
Streaming television is revolutionizing how we consume media by delivering shows and films through the internet, which is quite different from traditional models like broadcast, cable, and satellite TV. Streaming offers a variety of content as on-demand services, accessible anywhere with an internet connection. Initially, experts doubted the feasibility of streaming due to bandwidth limitations. In the past, digital television signals required about 200 Mbit/s, far exceeding what standard telephone lines could provide. By the 2000s, technological advancements had reduced the necessary bandwidth, and streaming became feasible. Two key technological innovations paved the way for streaming services: MPEG video compression, which allowed for more efficient data storage and transmission, and ADSL, which provided faster internet connections to consumers. These set the stage for the development and growth of streaming platforms. The first live event streamed online was a baseball game in 1995, and from there, the industry evolved rapidly. Originally, streaming media used a different protocol (UDP) than the predominant internet protocol (HTTP). But in 2007, a new method emerged that used HTTP, and this adaptive streaming greatly improved the viewing experience by adjusting video quality in real-time based on the user's internet speed. Major companies like Microsoft and Netflix quickly developed their own streaming technologies, and in 2009, Apple released its own version, further establishing streaming as a dominant force in television viewing.

List of comedy television series
Globally, the genre of humor is as diverse as its audience, and every nation crafts its own brand of comedy for television. In this sweeping range of wit and whimsy, some countries have made a notable mark. For instance, Argentina, with its rich cultural tapestry, has given rise to a distinctive brand of comedy, encapsulating the nation's unique sense of humor. Similarly, Australia and Belgium have contributed their comedic voice to the global stage, each reflecting their particular cultural nuances. Moving to South America, countries like Brazil and Chile have created their own comedic narratives that resonate with local audiences, while in Europe, Bosnia and Herzina has offered "Viza za budućnost" as part of its comedic repertoire. Canada, known for its polite demeanor, also doesn’t shy away from tickling the funny bone, offering its own comedic series that portray the lighter side of Canadian life. In Asia, China is not just an economic giant but also a contender in the comedic scene, with shows like "Miracle Star" and "Number One Surprise" that blend traditional elements with modern comedy. The vibrant country of Colombia boasts a long history of laughter on television, beginning with timeless shows from the 1970s such as "Sabados Felices," continuing to innovate with recent series like "The Unremarkable Juanquini" and "The Road to Love." This reflects a wealth of comedic talent and an audience’s love for humor that spans generations. Euador, too, offers an array of comedies with "Enchufe. Tv" and "La novela del Cholito," engaging viewers through TV storylines that mirror everyday life with a comedic twist. As we traverse the globe, we encounter Croatia's contribution with shows like "Odmori se, zaslužio si," along with the Carribean's vibrant "Hello World Jamaica." Each region contributes its own flavor to the mix. Not to be left behind, Mexico integrates its rich cultural

Representation of African Americans in media
The portrayal of African Americans in various forms of media has been a longstanding issue of contention in mainstream American society, fraught with misrepresentations and biases. Historically, African Americans have been significantly underrepresented on prime-time television. For instance, studies have revealed that between 1955 and 1986, African American characters comprised only 6 percent of roles, in stark contrast to the predominantly white television landscape. However, the tide seems to be changing, as a 2018 study by the Department of Social Sciences at UCLA indicated. Statistics showed that African Americans, who account for less than 13 percent of the U.S. population, can now be seen occupying 17 percent of the roles on broadcast scripted shows. This shift points towards a greater presence of African Americans in television media. The importance of local news media should not be underestimated, for it serves as a main conduit for information that influences public opinions on civil rights and minority communities, as well as shaping a more comprehensive and inclusive worldview. The debate rages on about the impact of ownership diversity on content diversity, suggesting that having African Americans in media ownership positions may be vital for ensuring their fair and accurate representation. One notable example of historical misrepresentation is found in the children's book "Little Black Sambo" from 1899. The story centers around a South Indian boy who cleverly avoids being devoured by tigers by giving up his colorful attire, leading to the tigers' comical transformation into butter. Despite its portrayal of Sambo as a simple child incapable of adulthood—a depiction indicative of deep-seated stereotyping—the narrative was initially regarded as harmless entertainment. Today, however, it stands as a stark reminder of the persistent and problematic stereotypes that have wended their way through American cultural narratives.