Emmy Awards 2024: Will “The Bear” (FX) Win Outstanding Comedy Series?

FX’s The Bear has clawed its way into the Emmy record books. The acclaimed second season, which aired in June 2023, scored a jaw-dropping 23 nominations – the most ever for a comedy series. This savage haul surpassed the 22 nominations that NBC’s 30 Rock nabbed back in 2009. But the all-time record of 32 nominations, held by Game of Thrones since 2016, remains out of reach…for now.

Beyond its history-making nomination tally, The Bear carved up the big-ticket acting races. Jeremy Allen White is up for Lead Comedy Actor, facing off against past champs Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso) and Bill Hader (Barry). Ayo Edebiri, the show’s breakout star, earned a Lead Comedy Actress nod. Supporting Actor pits castmates Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Lionel Boyce against each other. Liza Colón-Zayas reps the show in Supporting Actress.

The Bear received multiple directing and writing nominations as well. Christopher Storer is up for his episode “Fishes,” alongside Ramy Youssef for “Honeydew.” Joanna Calo and Storer snagged a writing nom for “Fishes” too. Nearly the entire guest star lineup received nominations, including heavy hitters Jon Bernthal, Jamie Lee Curtis, Olivia Colman, Bob Odenkirk, and Will Poulter.

With acting nominations outnumbering Game of Thrones’ record year, The Bear proves it’s far more than just a cult hit. This is a series resonating on multiple levels.

What Exactly Is The Bear and How Does It Fit Into Emmy Categories?

Categorizing The Bear is no easy task. Created by Christopher Storer, the show blends comedic moments with darker dramatic tones. It centers on Carmy (White), a gifted chef who returns home to Chicago to run his late brother’s floundering sandwich shop.

Despite its genre-bending nature, the Television Academy classified The Bear as a comedy. It faces off against more traditional comedic fare like Abbott Elementary, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Hacks, Only Murders in the Building, and What We Do in Shadows. Shows like Barry and Russian Doll have also pushed genre boundaries in recent years.

Have Viewers Embraced The Bear’s Unique Tone?

Absolutely. The Bear’s Season 3 premiere on June 22 drew 5.4 million views within four days. That marked FX’s top premiere ever on Hulu and the most-watched scripted premiere across the streaming platform.

The Bear’s first two seasons averaged around 3 million multiplatform viewers per episode. But its cultural footprint and online buzz far exceed those numbers. It’s inspired real sandwich shops, legions of fan art, and endless discussions about its unique kitchen workplace dynamics.

Does The Bear Actually Stand a Chance at Winning Emmy’s Top Comedy Prize?

With its record-setting nominations, The Bear looks poised to potentially win Outstanding Comedy Series. But the competition is fierce. Past winner Hacks and feel-good newcomer Abbott Elementary may appeal to voters seeking a more traditional comedy. Then there’s Emmy favorite Ted Lasso, which sat out last year due to timing. Barry and Curb Your Enthusiasm are also perennial contenders.

However, at 22bet.com, they are giving an 85.50% chance of The Bear winning Outstanding Comedy Series at the Emmys, with odds of 1.17/1.

We predict Outstanding Comedy Series will come down to a nail-biting showdown between The Bear and Hacks. While Jean Smart is likely to win Lead Actress for Hacks, Jeremy Allen White may pull off the Lead Actor upset. In the end, voters may spread the wealth and opt for Hacks or another safer choice for Outstanding Comedy Series. But never count out The Bear’s ability to surprise us. Tune into the Emmys on September 15 to see how this claws out!