LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Emmy Awards are climbing back from record low ratings, signaling a shift in the television landscape. About 7.42 million viewers tuned in for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by Nate Bargatze, according to Nielsen data. This is a marked improvement over previous years and the most-watched Emmys since 2021.
Big winners included shows like “The Studio” and “The Pitt,” with Stephen Colbert receiving a warm welcome from the audience at the Peacock Theater. This year’s ratings were up 8% compared to last year’s 6.87 million viewers, and a remarkable 70% higher than the all-time low of 4.3 million in January 2024, following Hollywood strikes.
Historically, the Emmy Awards have faced stiff competition, especially from the NFL, which draws in massive audiences. In 2020, during the pandemic, Emmys attracted only 6.1 million viewers, but rebounded to 7.4 million in 2021 thanks to lead-in programming from an NFL game.
Even with a significant lead-in, this year’s telecast had to contend with a major football game on NBC, highlighting a consistent challenge for the Emmys: competing with sports for viewers. In contrast, award shows like the Oscars and Grammys tend to pull in greater numbers.
The Emmys show has struggled to keep pace with the viewership of comparable award shows. Recent statistics show that while 6 in 10 U.S. adults have watched some form of an awards show or clips in the past year, the Emmys still lag behind in overall engagement.
As television continues to evolve, audience preferences shift. While shows that once drew millions, like “Seinfeld” and “ER,” have faded, the entertainment landscape now boasts diverse options. Recent remarks by Bargatze satirized this trend, acknowledging that many viewers might prefer football or popular dramas like “Yellowstone” over the Emmy-winning shows.
In 2018, the Emmys reached over 10 million viewers, and in 2000, nearly 22 million people tuned in. Those levels may never return, but the interest in award shows remains, reflecting a persistent, albeit changed, engagement with televised events.
For further insights, check the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which highlights ongoing audience interest in award shows.
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Television, Nate Bargatze, Emmy Awards, Stephen Colbert, Mikey Day, General news, California, Entertainment, U.S. news, U.S. News