The 74th Primetime Emmy’s have come and gone. Did the highest awards in television live up to expectations or was it a massive dud? 

Well nobody got slapped in the face, so obviously a massive improvement from the Oscars. Actor and comedian Kenan Thompson hosted the awards. He entertained the audience with dances, jokes (including a very funny one about Leonardo DiCaprio, and reunited with his Kenan & Kel and Good Burger co-star, Kel Mitchell.  Kenan was also a winner during the night as SNL won Best Variety Sketch Series 

Succession and Ted Lasso claimed the awards for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Comedy Series respectively, the second win for both shows. The White Lotus claimed the Best Limited Series award. Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls won Outstanding Competition Program, Lizzo gave a moving speech where she thanked the women who starred in the show and recalled never seeing people like her on TV. 

History was made in acting awards. Lee Jung-jae became the first Asian man to win Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in Squid Game. Zendaya became the youngest two time winner and the first two time black winner for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as a teenage addict in Euphoria. Jason Sudekis (Ted Lasso) and Jean Smart (Hacks) took home Best Actor in a Comedy Series and Best Actress in a Comedy Series respectively. Michael Keaton took home the Best Actor in a Limited Series and Amanda Seyfried won Best Actress in the same category for her role as the controversial Elizabth Holmes in The Dropout.

Sheryl Lee Ralph finally took home gold as Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as a kind but stern kindergarten teacher in Abbott Elementary. Ralph gave a tearjerker of a speech following the win. Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso) took home Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The Best Supporting Actor and Actress for Drama went to Michael Macfayden (Succession) and Julie Garner (Ozark). The White Lotus claimed both supporting role awards for Limited Series with Murray Bartlet and Jennifer Coolidge (who gave perhaps one of the most entertaining speeches ever)

Quinta Brunson, creator and main star of Abbott Elementary won Best Writing for a Comedy Series. Brunson’s been praised for bringing a fresh perspective to network TV in a time where cable competes with streaming. Succession and White Lotus claimed awards for Best Writing in Drama and Limited Series. Jerrod Carmichael won Best Writing for a Variety Special for his very personal comedy special Rothaniel. 

The Emmy’s only real negative moment was Jimmy Kimmel laying on the stage as Quinta Brunson was giving her acceptance speech. Many of Brunson’s Abbott Elementary co-stars and others criticized Kimmel for being “obnoxious”  and “immature”. Some claim that he drew attention away from Brunson’s historic win. Kimmel apologized for his behavior to Brunson when she appeared on his show later in the week. 

Many of these shows are heading to their next seasons immediately following these awards so expect many returns next year. We may also see other shows and stars get nominated. Antony Starr’s long overdue for an Emmy for The Boys and Reservation Dogs is becoming a top comedy. Regardless, it’s truly an era of some amazing television.