The Studio and Emmy Awards: A History of Stinginess with Showbiz Shows

The Apple TV+ show, The Studio, is gaining a lot of attention this year for its witty take on the film industry, but its main character, Matt Remick, played by Seth Rogen, would probably be the last person to notice. As head of Continental Studios, Matt constantly struggles to balance his love for cinema with the demands of modern-day shareholders. The show is filled with inside jokes and industry jargon, making it a hit among Hollywood insiders and potentially a strong contender in the comedy categories at the Emmys.

Although making a show about Hollywood might seem like a surefire way to win awards, the history of industry-centered TV shows like The Studio is actually quite limited. Dating back to the early days of TV comedy, I Love Lucy and The Dick Van Dyke Show laid the foundation for Hollywood-themed shows. These shows, set against the backdrop of show business, often revolved around characters who were still striving for success rather than already on top.

Fast forward to the ’90s, and HBO’s The Larry Sanders Show took a satirical look behind the scenes of a fictional show, paving the way for future Hollywood comedies like Curb Your Enthusiasm and 30 Rock, which eventually claimed the top comedy Emmy award. Surprisingly, the recent series Hacks became the first comedy to win the top Emmy award while being based in Hollywood.

Looking back, it’s clear that TV shows centered around the entertainment industry have not only provided laughs but have also delved into the darker aspects of Hollywood. Despite a few dramas like Barry and The Newsroom trying to capture the industry’s complexity, comedies continue to dominate the conversation when it comes to TV shows about show business. So, while The Studio might just be the latest in a long line of Hollywood-themed TV shows, its clever take on the industry could earn it a spot among Emmy favorites.