Emmys 2015: ‘Orange Is the New Black’ denied entry into comedy category
Apparently, comedy is not going to be the new drama at the 2015 Emmy Awards. While we saw the likes of “Shameless,” “Glee,” and “Jane the Virgin” get approved by a committee to submit in the comedy category, the same fate was not allowed for Netflix’s super-hit “Orange Is the New Black.” After submitting previously as a comedy, it will now be entered as a drama. Are we surprised by this? Not really, since the whole purpose of the recent rule changes was to ensure that categories were a little more stringent.
In a statement today, Netflix’s head Ted Sarandos made it very clear that he was still confident in the show, no matter where it is submitted: “Orange is the New Black is a truly pioneering series and an iconoclast which has always defied genre or easy categorization … While we’re disappointed in the committee’s decision, we believe thatOrange represents the best of television in either category.”
Should the show still be confident? Yes and no. The overall drama field is solid this year, mostly because you have “The Affair,” “The Good Wife,” “Better Call Saul” (which we’re assuming will be a drama), and “Game of Thrones” as strong contenders. Then, you also have another Netflix series in “House of Cards,” the commercial smash “Empire,” an improved “Homeland,” “Mad Men” in its final season, and sleeper shows like “The Americans” making a play. “Orange Is the New Black” could sneak in there at some point, but it will be tricky for them.
One thing that is particularly interesting here is that it will actually be season 2 of the series that is in consideration this year. Due to Emmy cutoff dates, season 3 will premiere after eligibility ends, and it will be eligible for the 2016 show.
The only issue we have with all of this is that “Shameless” really shouldn’t have been allowed entry, either. “Glee” isn’t going to win anything, but both it and “Jane the Virgin” are genuine comedies that should be in the spot.
Surprised by the decision, or do you think it is the right one? Let us know in the comments now, and head over here to acquire some other TV news on everything we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Netflix.)