Why the Emmys’ Reality Categories Continue to Be the Toughest to Break Into
variety.comMichael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeThe Emmy category for competition series should conceivably be the most dynamic one out there.
Ditto for the structured and unstructured reality categories. Yet there’s a surprisingly stagnant nature to them.Part of that is just the nature of ongoing reality TV.
Shows that were hits 20 years ago… are still hits. Unlike scripted series, which mostly have short shelf lives (with exceptions, such as animated series and procedurals that can shift cast in and out), competition and reality shows are refreshing themselves virtually every season — and as a result, can conceivably go on forever.But that’s why they’re not budging from the Emmy race.
The competition race has had just four winners across 19 years, since it got its own category in 2003: CBS’ “The Amazing Race” (10 times), VH1’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (four times), NBC’s “The Voice” (four times) and Bravo’s “Top Chef ” (once). “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is currently on a streak and is very likely heading to its fifth win.
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