The 2024 Emmys ended with a bang as the HBO series Hacks shocked the TV world, taking home the award for best comedy series. While The Bear was expected to be this years front-runner, Hacks took home the award, its third of the night, also winning for best writing and best actress, which went to Jean Smart.
During his acceptance speech, series co-creator, Paul W. Downs asked the industry to not only support shows where its lead is over 60 but create more shows where they are also front and center as well.
“When we pitched this show about two women, one of who was over 60, we didn’t know if we would sell and we have to thank everyone that helped make this show,” said Downs. “About 20 percent of our population is over 60 and only three percent of those characters on television are 60 and I would like to see more of them because while I’m a great young supporting character, I would love to be a great old lead.”
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While the series has taken home Emmys in the best, this marks the first for Best Comedy. The other nominees up for the award included ABC’s Abbott Elementary, FX’s The Bear, Reservation Dogs and What We Do In The Shadows, Hulu’s Only Murders In The Buildings, HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and Apple’s Palm Royale.
As the speech was winding down, co-creator Lucia Aniello finished by asking viewers to continue to support comedy as well as the comedians performing at places large and small.
“Comedy is so important to us but we think it can bridge divide when you laugh at someone, so please support comedy and support your local comedians,” said Aniello.
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