Why ‘The Mandalorian’s’ Drama Series Emmy Nom Surprised Its Streamer

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeAdult Swim’s “Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal,” FX’s “Archer” and NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” are among this year’s first batch of Emmy victors, as the Television Academy announced juried award winners on Tuesday.The juried categories included nods for choreography, interactive programming and motion design, which will be handed out on Thursday, Sept.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterEmma Roberts and her Belletrist TV banner have signed a first-look TV deal with Hulu.The deal will focus on literary adaptations, as Belletrist was originally founded by Roberts and Karah Preiss as a book club.

Nellie Andreeva, Denise Petski Daniel Kyri, who has been heavily recurring on Chicago Fire since Season 7 as rookie firefighter Darren Ritter, has been promoted to series regular for the upcoming ninth season.Kyri has appeared almost every episode of Chicago Fire since he made his debut in the second episode of Season 7 for a total of 36 episodes to date.“Very excited Daniel is going to be a series regular this year, said series co-creator/executive producer Derek Haas.

Robert Downey, Jr. is helping to develop a new drama series based on Michael Crichton’s sci-fi novel Sphere.The Avengers star and his producer wife Susan Downey have joined forces with Westworld writer and executive producer Denise The, among others, for the HBO project.Adapted by The, Sphere will take viewers on a deep dive into the ocean to examine a newly-discovered alien spacecraft.The 1987 book was previously turned into a film starring Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, and Samuel L. Jackson.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeAs the 72nd Emmys goes virtual, so will the media that covers it.

Denise Petski Senior Managing EditorHBO is developing drama series Sphere based on Michael Crichton’s novel of the same name, from Westworld executive producer/writer Denise Thé, Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan’s Kilter Films (Westworld), Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey’s Team Downey and Warner Bros.

Nellie Andreeva Co-Editor-in-Chief, TVEXCLUSIVE: Martin Lawrence and Snoop Dogg are teaming up to star in Game, a political drama set in Washington, D.C. The duo co-wrote the story for the project, which reunites Bad Boys star Lawrence with the feature franchise’s producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeHas variety sketch peaked? This year’s Emmy category got caught in the rule change that limited the number of nominations in proportion to the number of contenders submitted — and with just 14 entries, that meant only three ballot slots.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeWhat are we going to do about the variety talk series category? The Television Academy implemented a plan this year to limit or expand a category’s nominations depending on how many contenders were submitted — with the exception of comedy and drama series, which will always get eight slots.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeWith less than a month to go before the Primetime Emmys, the telecast’s producers are still building the show and figuring out how to make it as live — and safe — as possible.

So often it’s only after an extraordinary moment or experience that we realize how extraordinary it actually was. You wish you could go back in time and tell your brain, “Remember this.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeMiss Monster is popping up at iconic spots all over Los Angeles in support of Fox’s “The Masked Singer,” while also promoting a pandemic-appropriate message: Wear a mask.Staring Aug. 20, the “Masked Singer” activation features the show’s “Miss Monster” character at the Santa Monica Pier and taking over the famous Randy’s Donuts sign.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeSometimes, the laugh’s on us. Last year, at the start of Emmy campaign season, most pundits believed it would be a race to the finish between Amazon Prime Video’s “The Marvelous Mrs.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeThe Television Academy has finished updating 2020’s Emmy nomination roster, and three overachievers stand out from the pack: Kerry Washington, Daniel Levy and Will Ferrell, all of whom earned four nods this year.Close behind them, Jason Bateman, Jimmy Kimmel, Issa Rae, Maya Rudolph and RuPaul each have three nominations.The TV Academy released the updated numbers after vetting producer credits for all Emmy-nominated narrative programming (comedy and

Whitney Friedlander One of the best examples of how Hollywood is moving toward being a place for more inclusive storytelling might be this year’s limited series Emmy race.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeTyler Perry and his Perry Foundation will be honored by the Television Academy as the recipient of this year’s Governors Award, which will be handed out during the Primetime Emmys televised event on Sunday, Sept. 20.Perry is the first individual to receive the Governors Award since 2014; last year, the Academy opted not to give out the honor at all.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeNot only has the COVID-19 pandemic upended the entertainment business (and, well, all businesses for that matter), it also put a sudden dent in what had been a more straight-ahead race to Emmy glory this year. A year ago, “Succession” Season 2 launched right in the middle of voting, and quickly turned into a phenomenon.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeThe most unusual of years for the Emmy Awards will include the most unusual of tasks: This year, everyone nominated for a Creative Arts Emmy has been asked to pre-tape an acceptance speech.In a letter to nominees, the Television Academy has asked all of the contenders to record an acceptance speech as if they have just won for the categories in which they are nominated.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeThe lead drama actress category may wind up being one of the most exciting competitions in this year’s Emmy race. Part of that comes from the unexpected surprise of Zendaya’s nomination for “Euphoria.” Although it was a possibility, the fact that Television Academy voters — who often seem late to the party (and still are with certain overlooked stars) — know enough about the young star to recognize her in the HBO drama’s freshman year is heartening.