Television Academy Merges Variety Series Emmy Categories Amid Declining Submissions

The Television Academy's Board of Governors has voted to merge the Outstanding Scripted Variety Series and Outstanding Talk Series categories into a single category, Outstanding Variety Series, effective immediately. This decision comes in response to a significant decline in submissions for both categories, with only 13 submissions in the Outstanding Talk Series category last year. The merger marks a return to the format used prior to 2015, when the categories were split.

TV Academy Merges Talk and Scripted Variety Emmy Categories into One ‘Area’ Competition, Which Could Lead to Multiple WinnersTV Academy Merges Scripted Variety and Talk Series Emmys Categories, Creates Pathway to Multiple WinnersEmmys Merging Late-Night Categories, Again: New Rules Could Also Lead To Unusual Possibility Of Multiple Winners

Under the new structure, the Academy will track the number of nominations based on submissions from both scripted variety and talk series. For instance, if the categories had been merged last year, there would have been five nominees: three from talk series and two from scripted variety. The Academy has also reclassified the Outstanding Variety Series category as an “area award,” allowing for multiple winners. Nominees will be judged individually, with any nominee achieving a 90% approval rating from Emmy voters receiving an award. If no nominee meets this threshold, the one with the highest approval rating will win.

TV Academy Merges Scripted Variety and Talk Series Emmys Categories, Creates Pathway to Multiple WinnersTV Academy Merges Talk and Scripted Variety Emmy Categories into One ‘Area’ Competition, Which Could Lead to Multiple WinnersEmmys Merging Late-Night Categories, Again: New Rules Could Also Lead To Unusual Possibility Of Multiple Winners

The decision to merge the categories is not without precedent. The categories were previously combined until 2015, when they were split due to complaints about fairness in competition between different types of shows. The decline in submissions has prompted the Academy to reconsider this structure, especially as the landscape of late-night television continues to evolve, with shows like "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" ending and fewer new sketch shows emerging.

Emmys Merging Late-Night Categories, Again: New Rules Could Also Lead To Unusual Possibility Of Multiple Winners

The Academy has indicated that if both formats receive at least 20 submissions in a given year, the categories will automatically split again without requiring a board vote. This provision reflects the Academy's acknowledgment of the fluctuating nature of television programming. The rise of video podcasts and creator-driven content on platforms like YouTube may also influence future submissions and the potential for a resurgence in variety programming.

Emmys Merging Late-Night Categories, Again: New Rules Could Also Lead To Unusual Possibility Of Multiple Winners

Despite the Academy's efforts to address concerns from producers and talent, there remains skepticism about the effectiveness of the new system. Critics argue that the 90% approval threshold is a high bar to clear, even for popular shows. Additionally, the ongoing decline in submissions raises questions about the viability of the variety genre in the current television landscape.

TV Academy Merges Talk and Scripted Variety Emmy Categories into One ‘Area’ Competition, Which Could Lead to Multiple Winners

The Television Academy stated, “The changes reflect our commitment to adapt to the evolving television landscape while ensuring that all nominees are evaluated fairly.” The organization emphasized that the new rules aim to provide a more equitable platform for all variety shows.

Emmys Merging Late-Night Categories, Again: New Rules Could Also Lead To Unusual Possibility Of Multiple Winners

• “In an area award, nominees are judged individually on their own merits.” — Television Academy

Emmys Merging Late-Night Categories, Again: New Rules Could Also Lead To Unusual Possibility Of Multiple Winners

The merger of the Outstanding Scripted Variety Series and Outstanding Talk Series categories into the Outstanding Variety Series category represents a significant shift in the Emmy Awards, aiming to address the challenges posed by declining submissions while maintaining fairness in recognition of diverse programming.

TV Academy Merges Talk and Scripted Variety Emmy Categories into One ‘Area’ Competition, Which Could Lead to Multiple Winners