The latest Emmys, marking the 75th edition this January, went above and beyond in celebrating television’s rich history. The evening was packed with cast reunions from beloved classic series such as “Cheers,” “The Sopranos,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” and “All in the Family.” Yet, the latest edition boldly responded, “Hold my applause.”
Throughout the night, shows like “Shogun,” “Baby Reindeer,” and “The Bear” picked up awards amid reunions of iconic programs like “Saturday Night Live” and “Happy Days.” The ceremony also featured thematic tributes to TV dads and moms.
The evening’s hosts, the father-and-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, brought their characteristic warmth and humor to the stage. Known for their winning roles on the 2020 Emmys’ darling “Schitt’s Creek,” they gently mocked themselves and the distinction between TV and streaming movie stars. Even their jabs at contenders like “The Bear,” a non-traditional comedy, were delivered with a light touch.
At one point, the pair’s attempt to navigate their way through the audience led to some humorous confusion, with Eugene Levy humorously lamenting, “I can’t see the prompter!”
John Oliver, whose show “Last Week Tonight” clinched the award for outstanding scripted variety series, delivered a heartfelt and slightly bizarre speech. He concluded his thanks with an emotional tribute to his family’s recently deceased dog, defying the orchestra’s cue to leave the stage. “This is for all dogs. All dogs, you are all very good girls and boys,” he declared, to the audience’s delight.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, “The West Wing” saw cast members Martin Sheen, Dulé Hill, Richard Schiff, Janel Moloney, and Allison Janney gather to present the award for best drama. The reunion included a nod to creator Aaron Sorkin’s imaginative storytelling, which, as Schiff pointed out, would have seemed far-fetched if compared to today’s real-world headlines.
The award for best director of a drama series saw Jane Lynch and Brendan Hunt engage in playful banter, surrounded by Olympians and a Paralympian who descended upon the stage, adding a touch of athletic grandeur to the proceedings.
A mini-reunion of “Saturday Night Live” alumni—Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Seth Meyers, and Bowen Yang—presented the award for best writing for a variety special, using the moment to humorously roast creator Lorne Michaels, who they claimed had frequently missed out on Emmy wins, a claim Meyers corrected by noting Michaels’ 21 wins.
Television’s most notorious villains, including Antony Starr from “The Boys,” Giancarlo Esposito of “Breaking Bad,” and Kathy Bates of “Misery,” came together to highlight the critical roles they play in storytelling, sharing humorous anecdotes about the unique challenges their villainous portrayals bring.
TV’s celebrated dads, George Lopez, Damon Wayans, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, presented the lead actor in a comedy series award with a skit emphasizing their familial TV roles and Ferguson’s unique perspective from “Modern Family.”
Meredith Baxter, Connie Britton, and Susan Kelechi Watson later honored TV moms, presenting the best writing for a comedy series award and discussing how modern TV moms have evolved into complex, well-rounded characters.
The 50th anniversary of “Happy Days” was marked by a reunion of Ron Howard and Henry Winkler. The duo reminisced about their time on the show, with Winkler’s trademark “Aaaayy!” momentarily lighting up the stage, though he declined to sing the theme song, playfully citing a need for practice.
The ceremony also paid homage to TV law enforcement and legal dramas, with Jimmy Smits, Niecy Nash-Betts, and Don Johnson representing the police side, while Viola Davis, Gina Torres, and Christine Baranski represented the lawyers. Each group reflected on the broad human experiences and societal impacts depicted through their roles.
All in all, the 75th Emmys masterfully balanced acknowledgment of TV’s storied past with the celebration of its vibrant present, delivering memorable moments filled with nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt tributes.
