The Emmy's Comedy Problem

I realize the Emmys were six days ago. And I realize that awards don't really matter (although, to paraphrase Ron Swanson, it would be pretty swell if they went to the right people). But there are some things I just need to get out of my system.

The Emmys have a huge, unbelievably awful comedy blindspot. There are dozens of hilarious, clever, quirky, heartwarming shows out there. We are at an unprecedented level of quality comedy. Yet many of them are not getting the recognition they deserve. Listen, I am infinitely glad Louis CK was awarded for his work on Louie. That show is amazing. Every episode is its own indie short film of amazingly well-crafted dark comedy. And he has some stellar guest stars to boot. I'm equally as glad that Girls was nominated in various categories. Same goes for many other shows and performances. Those are things the Emmys got right. But this Modern Family business has got to stop.

Yes, Modern Family is a funny show. It regularly gets laughs out of me. It is its own brand of layered humor, and never feels the need to condescend. And I'm so glad that it is a good show that families can enjoy together. It's better than a lot of other sitcoms out there. But in the wide spectrum of quality comedy, it falls somewhere in the middle. There are shows so far beyond Modern Family. We are now entering the show's fourth season. And I honestly can't name a single character that has developed whatsoever. Normally this would be an overly critical and elitist comment to make about a network comedy. But when I can rattle off a list of programs that believably develop their characters/plot while still making me laugh so hard I cry (or just make me cry in general), then that critique doesn't seem so harsh. Heck, even Friends had better character/plot development while still remaining funny and heartfelt. And that is what makes a show like Friends a classic.

The people voting at the Emmy's are really missing out on some quality humor out there. And amazing performances as well. Even Julia Louis-Dreyfus winning best actress for Veep (on which she is amazing and hilarious, don't get me wrong) felt like voters gave it to her because of her name and body of work rather than the performance itself. I adore JLD, especially on Veep. And I'm not upset she won. But that Emmy belonged to Amy Poehler and to argue otherwise is a real shame.

Basically filling up an entire supporting category with actors from Modern Family, year after year, is just plain excessive. This year there was amazing supporting work done by Danny Pudi, Donald Glover, Nick Offerman, Adam Driver, Damon Wayans, Jr, Gary Walsh, and yes Max Greenfield and Bill Hader. All performances that could garner a nomination without backlash or disappointment. These people and the shows they work on deserve to be recognized so much more than the stale and stagnant Modern Family.

Modern Family's past Emmy's, particularly for its first season, were well deserved. But now it's just getting ridiculous. This show has gotten enough validation. Lets give another comedy and its cast the attention it deserves. Not that the Emmys, or really any award ceremony, matters very much. But please. I'm begging you.