In response to declining viewership of Hollywood award shows, CBS has announced that it will include pre-taped segments in its Emmys broadcast on September 13 (originally scheduled for September 20, but scooched to make way for an NFL broadcast. Awesome.)
It sounds like live broadcasts for awards for directing and writing are out, as are the announcements for some supporting actor and actress awards. Instead, the acceptance speeches will be taped, then played in the theatre. THRILL as presenter after presenter sweeps bejeweled hands in the direction of various screens! In all, eight will get the axe, all to save fifteen minutes of broadcast time.
According to CBS, the purge took place to boost sagging ratings and “maintain(s) the integrity of the Emmy brand.” Wait, so… people aren’t taking advantage of the rare opportunity to see a live broadcast with lots of stars, and so the answer is to… shove more taped fun at ‘em? Because people will sit for a four-hour broadcast, but not a four hour and fifteen minute one?
Maybe that’s not exactly the reason behind those hideous ratings. The Oscars haven’t been turning in stellar numbers lately, either.
Maybe we’re tired of craptastic, formulaic sitcoms with weak male characters and insulting female ones?
Maybe it’s because some of us are sick of being told that the absolute center of the universe is Manhattan, and in an emergency weather situation, that center shifts temporarily to LA?
Maybe we’re utterly freaked out by the fact that Billy Mays commercials still shine forth?
Maybe we’re tired of political activism masked behind crime dramas and sitcoms, and are further sick of said politics crammed down the airways during self-satisfied industry celebrations?
Maybe we just want a good half hour or so in front of the screen to unwind after a long day at work. Just something solid and entertaining, smart and respectful.
That’s all.
