Why ‘The Bear’ Redefines Comedy and Drama in TV Storytelling

Updated on: October 12, 2024 9:27 am GMT

As the dust settled on the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, a burning question echoed throughout the evening: What exactly defines a comedy? This year’s ceremony, held on September 18, saw FX/Hulu’s wildly popular series “The Bear” clinch an impressive 11 awards, yet its win for Outstanding Comedy Series raised eyebrows among viewers and critics alike. Would it be more fitting for the culinary drama to compete in the drama category instead?

The Bear vs. Traditional Comedy Standards

“The Bear,” a series centered around the tumultuous life of a Chicago chef, captivates its audience with moments of intense drama and poignant comedy. However, the show’s blend of genres has sparked a debate over its rightful classification as a comedy. During last night’s performance, “Hacks” emerged as the night’s big winner, taking home both Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Jean Smart.

The tension between different forms of comedy was palpable at the Emmys, as Eugene Levy, co-host of the evening, addressed the elephant in the room. He quipped about the debate surrounding “The Bear,” stating, “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.”

How The Bear Shifted the Comedy Landscape

While “The Bear” has certainly resonated with audiences—boasting a staggering 11 wins out of 23 nominations—its style diverges from typical sitcoms. The show blends humor and harsh realities, embodying a more complex narrative structure compared to classics like “Abbott Elementary” or “Only Murders in the Building.”

• Show Overview:
  • Network: FX/Hulu
  • Setting: A bustling Chicago restaurant
  • Themes: Family, trauma, and culinary passion
• Awards Received:
  • Total Nominations: 23
  • Total Wins: 11

Josh Senior, the executive producer of “The Bear,” stated, “I think the show is true to life. Sometimes it’s funny, and sometimes it’s real.” This sentiment reflects a growing trend among shows that blend genres, leaving many to question where the lines between comedy and drama truly lie.

Changing Definitions within the Television Academy

The Television Academy has evolved its guidelines for categorizing shows over the years. Historically, a show’s runtime played a significant role in determining whether it was classified as a comedy or drama. However, this became outdated. In 2021, the Academy eliminated runtime as a factor, allowing for more nuanced classifications.

As part of industry discussions leading up to the awards, there were attempts to reclassify “The Bear” as a drama, a move that ultimately did not materialize. “Networks and strategists have been attempting to trigger a TV Academy review of The Bear to shift it to the drama series race,” reported Variety earlier this year. Despite efforts, “The Bear” remained squarely in the comedy category, resulting in its noteworthy wins.

The Audience Reaction

Many fans expressed a mix of surprise and disappointment as “The Bear” racked up awards. Social media platforms were abuzz with viewers questioning the show’s placement in the comedy category. While some viewers appreciate the show’s brilliance, others argue it doesn’t align with traditional comedic narratives.

Comparison with Other Comedy Shows

As “The Bear” continued to win accolades, several established comedies like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “The Other Two” languished in obscurity when it came to receiving similar recognition. The juxtaposition between the two styles of storytelling highlights the shifting landscape of comedic television.

With comedy evolving drastically in recent years, the definition of the genre appears to be broadening. Shows that once would have easily fit into a comedy category now blend elements of both drama and humor, leaving viewers to reflect on their interpretations.

Conclusion: A New Era of Comedy?

As the Emmy Awards concluded, the conversation about humor and drama in television is far from over. “The Bear” may have taken home a significant number of awards, signaling a potential shift in audience expectations and Academy standards. The definition of what constitutes a comedy is increasingly complex, encapsulating a range of experiences that resonate with today’s viewers.

It’s still unclear if “The Bear” will keep being a comedy. Its recent wins at the Emmys show that TV shows don’t always fit neatly into one category. This shows how TV is changing, mixing laughter and sadness in surprising ways.