Originally aired on July 13, 2023

As the 2023 Emmy nominations are announced, it is a good time to reflect on the history of the Emmy Awards, which have grown significantly since their inception in 1949. This year marks the 75th annual Emmy Awards, and top contenders include HBO Max’s “Succession” with 27 nominations, Pedro Pascal’s “The Last of Us” with 24 nominations, and Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso” as the standout comedy. However, the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike and a possible Screen Actors Guild strike have pushed the event to a later date, sparking concerns and conversations about fair pay for writers.

The History of the Emmy Awards

• The Emmy Awards were created in 1949 to honor television programs.
• Initially, tickets were available to the public for $5, but they are now exclusively offered to television Academy members and nominees.
• The first Emmy Awards featured awards for only six categories, while the 2023 edition has 16 categories.

Top Emmy Contenders for 2023

• HBO Max’s “Succession” leads the nominations with 27, followed by “The Last of Us” with 24, and “White Lotus” with 23.
• “Ted Lasso” is recognized as the biggest comedy of the year, and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is the top unscripted series.
• Jenna Ortega, from “Wednesday,” receives her first-ever Emmy nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Impact of the Writers Guild of America Strike

• The Emmy Awards, scheduled for September, will be delayed due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike.
• An anonymous studio exec’s comment about the strike’s intention to cause financial distress to union members sparks social media discussions about fair pay for writers.