HBO’s drama series “Succession” was the big winner at the 2024 Emmy Awards, sweeping the drama categories and solidifying its status as one of the defining shows of the streaming era. Meanwhile, Hulu’s acclaimed comedy “The Bear” scored a major upset, beating out favorites like “Hacks” and “Only Murders in the Building” for Outstanding Comedy Series.
‘Succession’ Cements Its Legacy With Drama Series Win
“Succession” took home the Outstanding Drama Series trophy for the second time in 2024, along with wins for Outstanding Lead Actor (Jeremy Strong), Supporting Actor (Kieran Culkin), Supporting Actress (J. Smith-Cameron), Directing, and Writing [1]. The show’s creative team, including creator Jesse Armstrong, producer Adam McKay, and star Brian Cox, delivered gracious and funny speeches while accepting their awards [2].
The success of “Succession” is the culmination of HBO’s recent hot streak, as the premium cable network has churned out critically-acclaimed shows like “Euphoria,” “The White Lotus,” and “Barry” [3]. While Netflix and other streaming services pose stiff competition, HBO has maintained its reputation for prestige programming.
Many critics praised “Succession’s” timely themes of power dynamics and family betrayal as key to its appeal, calling the show “perfectly matched to the times we live in” [4]. The series is widely expected to return for a fourth season, though HBO has yet to make an official renewal announcement [5].
| Show | Wins |
|---|---|
| Succession | 5 |
| The Bear | 3 |
| Abbott Elementary | 2 |
‘The Bear’ Shocks With Comedy Series Upset
In a surprise result, “The Bear” on FX/Hulu took home the Outstanding Comedy Series award over favorites like “Hacks,” “Only Murders In The Building,” and “Ted Lasso.” Star Jeremy Allen White also won for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his intense performance as a chef struggling to run his family’s restaurant [6].
The show’s creative team seemed shocked and overjoyed by their victories. Accepting the writing award, creator Christopher Storer praised his collaborators, while White thanked his supporters and co-workers during his speech [7]. Critics were enthusiastic about “The Bear’s” unique blend of kitchen drama and comedy [8].
Though only eight episodes long, “The Bear” made an outsized cultural impact with its behind-the-scenes look at the high-stress restaurant industry. The show’s future is unclear, though the Emmys success may convince Hulu to order another season [9].
Other Notable Winners & Moments
- Quinta Brunson took home Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary,” the first Black woman to win that award solo [10]
- Lizzo and host Kenan Thompson kicked off the show with a high-energy musical number [11]
- Christina Applegate earned a standing ovation while accepting her award for “Dead to Me,” her first public appearance since disclosing her MS diagnosis [12]
- Elton John made a surprise remote appearance to praise “Stranger Things” [13]
- Jennifer Coolidge gave a hilariously rambling speech for “The White Lotus” [14]
The ceremony struck a balance between recognizing beloved shows that recently ended like “Ozark,” “Better Call Saul,” and “This Is Us” while also celebrating relative newcomers like “Squid Game,” highlighting the Emmys’ role as a snapshot of an evolving TV landscape [15].
What’s Next After The 2024 Emmys?
The 2024 Emmys set the stage for a changing of the guard in prestige TV, as newer streaming shows make their mark while stalwarts like “Succession” cement their legacy status. HBO reestablished its dominance, but faces threats from upstarts like Apple TV+ and Paramount+ [16].
Critical favorites lead the pack for 2025, including “Succession” season four, the next installments of anthology series like “The White Lotus,” and potential new seasons of breakouts like “The Bear” and “Abbott Elementary” if renewals come through. The Emmys will continue to serve as a barometer of the best shows on television during this time of unprecedented choice [17].
One certainty after this year’s show – TV still has the power to surprise, delight, and connect viewers. As Jennifer Coolidge said while accepting her Emmy, “I just want you all to know out there that even if you don’t think you have a special skill or talent…just stick with it” [18]. In that spirit, more groundbreaking television surely awaits.
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