Outstanding Variety Sketch Series: A New Category With A lot of Potential
Annika Fagerholm ‘19/ Emertainment Monthly Contributor
Drunk History, another Comedy Central creation, is the underdog of this year’s nominees. The show features a new comedian every week recounting a piece of American history, which is later reenacted. The show’s unique basis as well as incorporation of a variety of well known comedians sets it apart from the other programs.
Satirical IFC television series Portlandia has succeeded in providing its audience with clever sketches and witty social critiques since 2011. Audiences have received Portlandia extremely well. The show stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, actors who effortlessly work together to create charming sketches full of an array of funny characters.
Comedy Central’s Inside Amy Schumer has arguably created the most buzz this year due to the leading lady’s more than successful year in entertainment. The July release of Schumer’s film, Trainwreck, drew attention to this comedian and her uniquely raunchy sense of humor. Although the show premiered in 2013, Schumer’s rising popularity has drawn in a massive amount of viewers.
And last but not least, NBC’s Saturday Night Live has consistently entertained viewers across the country for the past forty years, earning a total of thirty-six Primetime Emmys. There is no doubt that SNL is the favorite to win due to its notoriety as well as its outstanding cast of actors and writers.
The emergence of these excellent variety sketch shows in recent years has created the demand for a whole new Emmys category that showcases comedians doing excellent work in their field, possibly inspiring future programs that will indulge and captivate their audiences.