Virtual ceremony hits new low marks despite praise

Los Angeles:

The TV Emmys fell to yet another lower audience level, despite technical challenges producers overcame to host an innovative and well-received “remote” ceremony, ABC confirmed Monday.

The 72nd Emmys, broadcast from an empty Los Angeles theater with dozens of nominees and winners beaming through video call due to the coronavirus pandemic, were watched by 6.1 million viewers on average.

Continuing a trend seen in nearly all major prices, that figure has declined from 6.9 million last year – itself down from the previous record high of 10.2 million the year before.

The ceremony was dominated by three shows – Watchmen limited series ended with 11 awards, “Succession” won the first drama prize, and Schitt Creek performed a remarkable sweep of the comedy trophies.

Trying to put the stats on a positive spin, ABC noted that the Emmys face a busy sporting schedule, with most of the big professional leagues back in action after months of lockdown.

“First airing opposite NBC’s ‘Sunday Night Football’ and the NBA Playoffs on TNT,” the Emmys drew the channel’s “largest audience in the 3-hour period since April,” said ABC in a statement to AFP.

Social media engagement with the show was on the rise last year, he added.

Ceremony — anchored by on-site host Jimmy Kimmel, and featuring prizes presented to the winners by presenters dressed in tuxedo hazmat suits – drew rave reviews from the Hollywood press.

Variety praised the “surprising triumph of production” and Deadline called it an “awards show for the ages.”

Viewers who watch the Emmys – television’s answer to the Oscars – have halved since 2014, as the fragmented audience increasingly shuns awards.

The ceremony rotates between the four major American networks.

(Except for the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)