Emmy Awards Experience Viewership Increase After Years of Decline

Emmy Awards Sees Viewership Increase for the First Time in Three Years

After a prolonged period of declining ratings, the Emmy Awards have finally experienced a resurgence in viewership. This year, the event attracted an audience of 6.9 million on ABC on Sunday night, marking a significant rise compared to the strike-delayed ceremony held in January, which saw a dismal turnout of just over 4 million viewers. This upward trend aligns with a broader recovery in ratings for other prestigious award shows, such as the Oscars and Grammys, both of which have reported increased viewership in recent years. The Emmys, in particular, was at risk of falling to alarmingly low numbers akin to those of the Tony Awards.

Despite this recent boost, the Emmy Awards have faced a substantial decline in audience numbers over the years. For instance, back in 2018, the ceremony consistently attracted over 10 million viewers, highlighting the scale of the loss.

Several factors contributed to the improved ratings this time around. The January ceremony coincided with an N.F.L. playoff game, which undoubtedly diverted attention away from the Emmys. Additionally, it followed a relentless series of award shows that included the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards. In contrast, this year’s show returned to its traditional mid-September slot, a time frame that audiences have come to associate with the Emmys.

The Emmy Awards have often been criticized for their predictability, with voters frequently honoring the same series year after year. In recent ceremonies, shows like Schitt’s Creek, The White Lotus, Ted Lasso, and Succession have dominated the awards. However, this year’s event broke that mold with several surprising outcomes. For instance, The Bear clinched four Emmys, yet the award for best comedy went unexpectedly to Hacks. In a twist, Shogun received the title of best drama, while other surprises included wins for Slow Horses and The Morning Show. In the limited series category, Baby Reindeer took home the top honor, but True Detective, Fargo, and Ripley also enjoyed recognition.

The telecast, hosted by the father-and-son duo of Eugene and Dan Levy, garnered mixed reviews. The Los Angeles Times described the event as “casually interesting”, whereas Variety labeled it “humdrum”, and Rolling Stone simply referred to it as “blah”.