Hosts Playfully Tease ‘The Bear’ as TV Villains and ‘SNL’ Shine

At the recent Emmy Awards ceremony, the show “Shogun” made headlines by entering the night with a remarkable achievement. Having already collected 14 Creative Arts Emmys, it set a new record for the most wins in a single season. With hopes of further enhancing its trophy count during the broadcast, the event also featured noteworthy moments, including unexpected reunions and heartfelt tributes to beloved TV parents.

The evening was hosted by the father-son duo of Eugene and Dan Levy, known for their award-winning roles in “Schitt’s Creek.” The pair brought warmth and humor to the stage, gently poking fun at the idea of honoring “movie stars on streaming services.” Their playful self-deprecation set a lighthearted tone for the event.

When addressing the best comedy series contender “The Bear,” Eugene Levy remarked on the show’s unique take on humor. “Now, I love the show, I love the show, and I know some of you will be expecting us to make a joke about whether ‘The Bear’ is really a comedy — but in the true spirit of ‘The Bear,’ we will not be making any jokes,” he quipped. Their chemistry was palpable, especially during a comedic mishap where they found themselves in different sections of the audience, leading to some amusing confusion.

One of the highlights of the night was a mini-reunion of “Saturday Night Live” stars, including Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Seth Meyers, and Bowen Yang, who gathered to present the award for best writing for a variety special. In a lighthearted jab, the trio mocked the show’s creator Lorne Michaels, humorously noting his multitude of Emmy nominations without a win. Rudolph joked that he had been “robbed,” while Yang encouraged him with a cheeky “keep winning.” Ultimately, Meyers corrected their playful banter by reminding everyone that Michaels has indeed won numerous Emmys.

This reunion served as a warm-up for the iconic sketch show’s upcoming 50th anniversary, with plans for a grand live primetime special in February 2025. “Saturday Night Live” has long been a launchpad for some of the biggest names in comedy.

The spotlight then shifted to a group of actors known for their unforgettable villain roles, including Antony Starr from “The Boys,” Giancarlo Esposito from “Breaking Bad,” and Kathy Bates of “Misery.” Esposito spoke on the critical role villains play in storytelling, stating, “Without villains or antagonists, there wouldn’t be much of a story.” Bates humorously added about her time after “Misery,” sharing a relatable struggle with dating following her portrayal of a disturbed kidnapper.

Continuing the theme of character representation, the evening honored iconic TV dads. Comedians George Lopez, Damon Wayans, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, all of whom have portrayed memorable fathers on television, came together to present the award for best lead actor in a comedy series. They entered the stage via a mancave set, with Lopez and Wayans expressing their gratitude toward their TV wives, only for Ferguson to poke fun at them for not acknowledging his own on-screen family dynamic.

The tributes to parents didn’t stop there. Later in the evening, Meredith Baxter, known for her role as the matriarch on “Family Ties,” Connie Britton from “Friday Night Lights,” and Susan Kelechi Watson of “This Is Us” presented the award for best writing in a comedy series. During their heartfelt comments, Baxter remarked, “We have come a long way since we couldn’t leave the kitchen,” highlighting the evolving portrayal of mothers on television. Watson added, “TV moms are no longer one-dimensional; it’s OK to ask for as much as a TV dad.”

This year’s Emmy Awards showcased not just the winners, but also celebrated the rich tapestry of characters that have shaped television storytelling.

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