How Kaley Cuoco Managed to Leap from Sitcom Stardom to ‘Flight Attendant’ Emmy Frontrunner

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeThe loophole that allowed docs to somehow compete in both Oscars and Emmys was always a bit bizarre. It couldn’t happen in scripted, where the rules have been ironclad: If you were released theatrically first, you’re a movie; if you’re on television, you’re, well, TV.In documentary, though, it’s often TV outlets such as HBO, PBS or Nat Geo commissioning and funding the projects to air on their networks — making them, arguably, TV projects.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeThe Television Academy first expanded the short form categories in 2016, buoyed by the promise of original fare from Maker Studios, Fullscreen, AwesomenessTV, YouTube Red, Adult Swim and others. Maker and Fullscreen basically don’t exist anymore, and the excitement of the short form races has perhaps further cooled after the Quibi debacle.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeIt was one of Ted Danson’s daughters who gave him perhaps the best perspective on his “Cheers” role, Sam Malone. “He was the reformed alcoholic in a bar,” Danson says of his ironic character.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeGreetings from Variety Awards Headquarters! Today is June 14, 2021, which means it’s 3 days until nomination-round voting starts on June 17; 11 days until the Daytime Emmys telecast on June 25; 14 days until nomination-round voting ends on June 28; 29 days until nominations are announced on July 13; 66 days until final-round voting starts on Aug. 19; and 97 days until the Primetime Emmys telecast on Sept.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeThe anthology Emmy category only lasted a year, but a variation of “outstanding dramatic program,” which mostly recognized individual episodes of anthologies such as “Hallmark Hall of Fame,” continued until the 1970s.Now, we’re in a new age of anthologies, spurred by filmmakers eager to tell their stories in episodic fashion (yes, I know, I grit my teeth every time another director claims they’re actually making a series of movies, or one 10-hour film,

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeJon & Vinny’s is offering pizza with extra chess this weekend. As part of Netflix’s For Your Consideration campaign for its limited series “The Queen’s Gambit,” the streamer has partnered with the popular local pizza chain to hand out custom pizza boxes promoting the show’s awards hopes.As part of the campaign, the Jon & Vinny’s green and white cardboard pizza boxes have been redesigned into chess boards.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large“SNL” has undergone plenty of cast changes in its nearly five decades on the air. Nonetheless, its evolution always conjures questions about the fate of the show, especially if executive producer Lorne Michaels ever retires.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large“Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical” began life as a video by user Emily Jacobsen, who performed an ode to Remy the rat from the animated Disney film. Soon, other TikTok users joined in — most notably, Daniel Mertzlufft, who gave Jacobson’s song the full Alan Menken treatment, complete with orchestra score and 20 vocalists.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large“NBA on TNT” helped give the WarnerMedia-owned network a big lift over its competitors at this year’s 42nd Annual Sports Emmys. Announced late Tuesday, this year TNT won the most Sports Emmys of any single outlet, with 7 — followed closely by ESPN, which earned six.If corporate entities are combined, then the ESPN triumvirate of ESPN, ESPN Plus and ESPN Deportes actually landed the most wins, with five.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargePublic broadcaster KCET once again led all local TV stations in nominations for the Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards, announced on Tuesday by the Television Academy. KCET landed 23 nods this year overall, up from 20 last year.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeCBS is sticking with “The Talk” talent to host this year’s Daytime Emmy Awards, but with a twist: This year, Sheryl Underwood will handle solo duties. The Eye network announced on Tuesday that Underwood will host the 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, which airs on Friday, June 25 at 8 p.m.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeGreetings from Variety Awards Headquarters! Today is June 7, 2021, which means it’s 10 days until nomination-round voting starts on June 17; 18 days until the Daytime Emmys telecast on June 25; 21 days until nomination-round voting ends on June 28; 36 days until nominations are announced on July 13; 73 days until final-round voting starts on Aug. 19; and 104 days until the Primetime Emmys telecast on Sept. 19.The first weekend of June was truly an FYC

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargePeacock has unveiled a “Girls5eva” Emmy FYC plan that includes sending a karaoke bus around the streets of Los Angeles and West Hollywood, and also taking over the marquees of two landmark music venues.The customized, open-air double-decker “Girls5eva” karaoke bus, part of what creator Meredith Scardino helped dub the “5 Your Emmy Consideration” campaign, will embark next weekend, from Friday, June 11, to Sunday, June 13, noon to 8 p.m.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeChuck Lorre and Bill Lawrence have known each other casually through the years, whether it be bumping into each other on the Warner Bros. lot or at an awards show.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large“Superstore” had a good run, ending this year after six seasons (113 episodes). And yet, it frustrates me to no end that the comedy never quite got the attention, or entered the pop culture zeitgeist, the way it warranted.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeGuadagnino created the series as an exploration of teens and self-identity, particularly when it comes with the fluidity of gender. And young stars Jack Dylan Grazer and Jordan Kristine Seamón do a terrific job of portraying what it’s like to be figuring out exactly who they, indeed, are.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeThose sweatpants you’ve been wearing the past 14 months are comfy, no doubt about it. But it may be time to dust off that formal wear — or at least see if it still fits.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeMore than 20 years ago, when Dick Wolf first expanded the “Law & Order” universe to include “Law & Order: SVU,” he compared the brand extension to Campbell’s Soup: If you like one flavor, you’ll likely be willing to try and enjoy another. Cut to 2021: This fall, Wolf boasts an unprecedented nine series in primetime, including three “Chicago” dramas and three “Law & Order” entries on NBC, and three different “FBI” shows on CBS.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeMacchio first reprised his signature role as “The Karate Kid,” the now all-grown-up Daniel LaRusso, when “Cobra Kai” debuted on YouTube in 2018. Critics embraced the show and its smart take on what happened to Daniel and his former rival, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) — as did fans of the original 1980s franchise.