FX on Hulu’s hit series The Bear made a historic splash at the 2024 Emmy Awards by winning 11 Emmys out of 23 nominations for its second season. Despite missing out on the coveted Outstanding Comedy Series award, which went to HBO Max’s Hacks, the show still set a new record for the most comedy Emmys in a single season.
A Record-Breaking Night
The Chicago-based series, which revolves around chef Carmy Berzatto’s attempts to revamp a family-owned Italian beef restaurant, picked up an impressive number of awards this year. The show not only surpassed its own previous record of 10 Emmy wins in a season but also solidified its place as a dominant force in television.
Key Wins for ‘The Bear’
- Jeremy Allen White took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Carmy Berzatto, a young and troubled chef.
- Elon Bachrach repeated his win in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category for playing Richie Jerimovich, Carmy’s “cousin” and one of the key characters in the restaurant’s staff.
- Liza Colón-Zayas, who portrays kitchen worker Tina Marrero, secured her first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Notable Losses
While The Bear triumphed in several categories, Ayo Edebiri, who plays sous chef Sydney Adamu, lost in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category to Hacks star Jean Smart. Edebiri won that same category last year for her portrayal of Sydney, a character who brings both tension and heart to the kitchen dynamics.
‘Fishes’ Episode Wins Big
The emotional core of season two, the episode titled “Fishes,” earned Christopher Storer an Emmy for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series. The episode was a flashback to a chaotic and tense holiday dinner at the Berzatto household, which gave viewers deeper insight into the family’s struggles. The impact of “Fishes” extended beyond its directing win, as actors Jamie Lee Curtis and Jon Bernthal also secured Emmys for their guest appearances in this pivotal episode.
Creative Arts Emmys Add to the Tally
The Bear had already earned seven Emmys during the Creative Arts Emmys the previous weekend, which included Curtis and Bernthal’s wins. With four additional wins on Emmy night, the show’s grand total came to a record-breaking 11.
Comedy or Drama? The Ongoing Debate
One of the more humorous moments of the evening came when Eugene Levy, co-hosting with his son Dan Levy, playfully touched on the ongoing debate about whether The Bear truly fits into the comedy category. During their monologue, Levy joked, “I know some of you might be expecting us to make a joke about whether The Bear is really a comedy … but in the true spirit of The Bear, we will not be making any jokes.” This lighthearted moment highlighted the ongoing conversation surrounding the show’s tension-filled, emotionally charged narrative and its classification as a comedy for the Emmys.
Looking Ahead
With season three having premiered in June on Hulu, The Bear has continued to captivate audiences, although the release date for season four remains under wraps. As the series continues to evolve, its Emmy-winning momentum suggests that The Bear will remain a critical favorite and a force to be reckoned with in future award seasons.
In summary, The Bear may not have taken home the top prize for comedy series, but its 11 Emmy wins this season broke new ground and reinforced the show’s status as one of the most critically acclaimed series on television today.
