Emmy Nomination Controversy: Is “The Bear” Really a Comedy?

While “The Bear” has garnered widespread acclaim and numerous award nominations, its classification as a comedy at the upcoming Emmy Awards has sparked debate among viewers and critics alike.

The FX series, which tells the story of a young chef taking over his family’s sandwich shop following his brother’s suicide, received a record-breaking 23 Emmy nominations for a comedy series. Lead actors Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach were all recognized in the nominations.

The announcement of “The Bear” being placed in the comedy category has caused a stir on social media. Many fans and critics have expressed confusion and disagreement, describing the show as dramatic, intense, and even traumatic at times. Scenes depicting family trauma and dysfunction are frequently cited as being far removed from traditional comedic elements.

Ray Richmond, a seasoned TV critic, supports the show’s critical acclaim but questions its categorization. “I’ve been a big fan of the show since Day 1. It’s one of the great shows on TV; all of the awards attention is justified,” Richmond said. “The quibble is with the categorization of the awards, not with the quality of the show. And, I mean, it’s not a comedy.”

Despite the controversy, “The Bear” has already received accolades in the comedy category. It won the Golden Globe for best television series, musical or comedy, and secured 13 nominations at the 2023 Emmys, winning 10 of them.

The process of categorizing shows for awards is complex and influenced by networks, streaming services, and their “for your consideration” campaigns targeting awards voting groups. These behind-the-scenes negotiations play a significant role in determining which shows are placed in specific categories.

Highlighting the oddity of its categorization, “The Bear” broke the record for most Emmy nominations for a comedy series, previously held by “30 Rock,” a quintessential sitcom with a clear comedic premise. Richmond describes “The Bear” as “very intense” and well-acted, but not comedic in any traditional sense. “The only comedy, if one could call it that, in the first two seasons of ‘The Bear’ is very dark, very black, very ironic and not really comedic in any traditional sense,” he said.

While “The Bear” is poised to be a strong contender in this year’s Emmy Awards, its classification as a comedy remains contentious. Whether or not it fits the traditional mold of a comedy, the show’s quality and impact on viewers are indisputable.