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Abbott Elementary’s 7 Emmy nominations are a win for network TV

By Sabrina Reed

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY - “Open House” – It’s Open House night at Abbott Elementary, and while Janine prepares to meet her struggling student’s mother, the rest of the faculty uses the time to relax. Gregory is taken aback when he learns how Ava got the principal job, and later, Barbara’s daughter’s visit creates a commotion in more ways than one when “Abbott Elementary” returns TUESDAY, MARCH 22 (9:00-9:30 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Scott Everett White)QUINTA BRUNSON
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY - “Open House” – It’s Open House night at Abbott Elementary, and while Janine prepares to meet her struggling student’s mother, the rest of the faculty uses the time to relax. Gregory is taken aback when he learns how Ava got the principal job, and later, Barbara’s daughter’s visit creates a commotion in more ways than one when “Abbott Elementary” returns TUESDAY, MARCH 22 (9:00-9:30 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Scott Everett White)QUINTA BRUNSON /
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Of all the nomination announcements made by the Television Academy for the 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards, only one scripted network program received recognition in the top categories. That’s Abbott Elementary, the ABC comedy series created by and starring Quinta Brunson. The rest of the scripted nominations went to cable and streaming shows.

In an era in which network television is routinely being declared dead despite the popularity of big franchises on four out of the five networks, Abbott Elementary‘s seven nominations are an indicator that there’s still artistic vitality in these waters. And no, you don’t have to be a first responder drama or blow up on streaming after your season airs in order to pull in a viable audience.

To be clear, this comedy would have flourished whether it was on broadcast or streaming. Brunson’s work as a writer and actress as well as the stand out performances by the cast would have ensured this undoubtedly. However, it’s important that Abbott Elementary is a network show which means it’s one of the most accessible programs on television. The Big 5 reaches all ages even if all ages aren’t tuning into these programs.

Abbott Elementary’s Emmy nominations are a win for network TV

As Brunson noted in an interview with Deadline, she wanted her show to be on network television for this very reason:

"I was very interested in it being on network TV, specifically ABC, because I just think that ABC represents family viewing. I think that streaming and everything is fine, but I do think streaming Netflix or Hulu, or even HBO Max is not necessarily geared toward the family viewer. I think they have been trying to crack that for a while.What do shows look like for people who are both 55 and 25 to watch together at the same time? And I just don’t think that streaming has really captured that yet. And I think people still look to network for those kinds of shows. And I knew that Abbott was a show like that. I knew that it was meant to be seen by many different people. And I wanted that for it."

Network TV is the great uniter. Primetime programming runs from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m from week-to-week. Viewers can anticipate new episodes that they’ll be buzzing about until the next one drops, you don’t have to pay additional fees, and there aren’t any pay walls. All you need is a television and a TV antenna. It’s the best way to broadcast to the most people at once.

The streaming era has convinced many TV lovers that cutting the cord is the way to go. And it is for viewers tired of navigating network television and cable while also juggling their streaming accounts. But, Abbott Elementary‘s popularity and the recognition the show has received from critics and the Television Academy is a reminder that streaming isn’t the only place quality television can be found. It’s just simply where the focus has been turned.

If more programming like Abbott Elementary finds an audience on network TV, and it’s given the recognition that it’s due, then the conversation and the spotlight will once more be shined on scripted network shows. Besides, this idea of the ‘death of network TV’ is getting old especially when series like This is Us, Black-ish,The Good Place, and more have garnered recognition as well.

So don’t read network TV its last rites just yet. There’s more work to be done there. Art is happening; it’s just not always recognized but, thankfully, the work and craft put into Abbott Elementary is being honored. As it should be.

Full list of Emmy nominations for Abbott Elementary and cast:

  • Outstanding Comedy series
  • Quinta Brunson, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy series
  • Janelle James, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy series
  • Sheryl Lee Ralph, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy series
  • Tyler James Williams, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy series
  • Outstanding Writing for a Comedy series
  • Outstanding Casting for a Comedy series

Next. The Biggest snubs from the 74th Emmy Nominations. dark

The 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards will air Monday, Sept. 12 on NBC.

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