Latest news with #Emmy-worthy
Los Angeles Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
YouTuber Michelle Khare's latest challenge? To win an Emmy
Michelle Khare has mastered taekwondo, muscled through police academy and conquered Houdini's deadliest trick. But now comes a different kind of challenge for the popular daredevil: proving to the Hollywood establishment that Emmy-worthy content arises from YouTube. The host, known for her online reality series 'Challenge Accepted,' is part of a group of YouTube creators with massive followings, producing high-caliber content, who are vying for Primetime Emmy Awards this year. Although she won't need to enlist the help of an Olympian or train for months this time around, she's taking the challenge head-on. But while she's been on the awards campaign, Khare said her top priority is letting her videos speak for themselves. To that end, she's taken on some high-profile challenges lately, including surprising Tom Cruise at the premiere of 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.' She got in by donning a mask a la the spy franchise, whipping it off for the big reveal. And she teased the process of training to take on Cruise's infamous stunt of hanging off a plane as it's taking off. The video has garnered 769,000 views. 'My primary concern constantly is, 'Is the show we're making worth a nomination?' and it needs to be, always,' she said. Having a creator win an Emmy would be yet another milestone in YouTube's quest for global dominance. People now spend more time watching YouTube on TV screens than viewing subscription-based streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video, according to data from Nielsen. On average, there are more than 20 million videos uploaded daily to YouTube, according to the company. Google-owned YouTube's revenue last year was estimated to be $54.2 billion, which would make it the second-largest media company behind Walt Disney Co., according to a recent report from research firm MoffettNathanson. Creators self-submitted for the awards, and YouTube has been supporting their campaigns to bring awareness to their content and sway Emmy voters. The creators and YouTube are jointly contributing to the campaigns. No matter what happens when nominations are announced Tuesday, this year's push is a long time coming. Traditional studios and networks have substantial budgets dedicated to awards campaigns because the trophies and the glamour of awards season are not just superficial. A major nomination or award serves as a signal of high quality and legitimacy. That would be all the more meaningful for online creators, who have traditionally been seen as on the outskirts of Hollywood. For the individual creators and their companies, the investment in the Emmys race could lead to new or more fruitful relationships with advertisers and sponsors. The prestige recognition could also open the door for different opportunities for creators, like Lilly Singh's late-night stint or MrBeast's competition series on Prime Video. Khare said when she met with YouTube Chief Executive Neal Mohan shortly after he was appointed in 2023, he asked her what the company could do for her. Helping a creator earn an Emmy was her request, she said. 'If it's not me on July 15, if it's anybody else, if it's this year, next year, 10 years from now, I can't wait,' she said. Khare, who is hoping for a nomination in the hosted nonfiction series category, is in good company with two other YouTube shows in the running for awards this year. 'Good Mythical Morning,' a daily show hosted by YouTube personalities Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, and Sean Evans' talk show 'Hot Ones,' where celebrity guests eat progressively spicier chicken wings, are also eligible for Emmys. Last year, 'My Next Guest With David Letterman and John Mulaney,' an 'Only Murders in the Building' aftershow and 'The Daily Show' won in the respective categories these YouTubers are hoping for a spot in. 'There's a reason traditional Hollywood cares about awards,' Khare said. 'It attracts the crew who want to work on [the show]. It attracts the audience to bring viewership, and it also attracts advertisers to financially support and make the show continually sustainable, in addition to all of the other wonderful publicity things that it does to elevate us into this world against legacy television.' In a 2024 guest column for the Hollywood Reporter, Mohan wrote that YouTube creators are not just vlogging from their bedrooms. They have writers' rooms, production teams and business strategies. Mohan wrote that the Television Academy recognizing creators wouldn't 'detract from its storied history' but rather ensure the group is forward-looking. 'In order to maintain its relevance and emerge a leader in the digital age of entertainment, the Emmys should celebrate all kinds of content, especially the creators whose storytelling is pushing culture forward,' he wrote. A 2025 report from the Television Academy released in February shows the members skew older. About 50% of the body reported their age, and of that group, roughly 68% are age 41 or older. Much of the challenge in these creators' quests to get nominated for or win an Emmy Award is making sure voters are familiar with their YouTube content. Although they each attract millions of viewers, Hollywood's more old-school folks might not have come across their videos before the awards push began. Khare, who said she had always wanted to work in television, started off interning at legacy studios before she took on a role as a video producer for BuzzFeed in its heyday. She said her experience making YouTube videos for the media company was like going to 'paid graduate school for content creation.' At the same time, she was 'moonlighting' as a professional cyclist, she said. Creating 'Challenge Accepted,' where she often undertakes incredible physical tasks, was a marriage of her love for video content and athletics. And the extreme stunts she's able to pull off make her particularly adept at getting attention online. Training like an Olympic boxer, for example. Or learning how to take hits like a superhero stunt performer. Beyond what creators are doing and contributing to the campaigns themselves, YouTube is supporting the push for Emmys, most visibly by hosting its first formal For Your Consideration, or FYC, event in coordination with the Television Academy. More than a decade ago, Bernie Su won an Emmy for a YouTube series he worked on. As far as he's aware, his 2013 win marked the first time 'the word YouTube has ever appeared on the trophy,' Su said. He went on to win two more Emmys, one for another YouTube series and one for a Twitch series. The category for his YouTube wins, recognizing creative achievement in interactive media for an original interactive program, is judged by panels of industry professionals, rather than by popular vote. But Su said his road to win the Emmys looked very different than the creators in the race today. YouTube wasn't even aware he and his team were submitting their series for Emmy consideration in 2013, he said. Still, Su said he's rooting for Khare and the other creators in the running this year, especially since he's seen firsthand how an Emmy Award helps to legitimize digital-native work. 'My parents are very much all about the three Emmy wins when they talk about their son,' he said. 'Not about anything else. It starts there. That's the nexus of the work that I do.' YouTube declined to share how much money the company has spent to support the campaigns this year. Angela Courtin, a YouTube executive who's helming the awards push, said the company is relying on 'existing commitments' like billboard space and activations at film festivals to highlight the Emmy contenders. 'When they decided that they wanted to be seen among their peers equally, then it became our responsibility and our opportunity, as well as our privilege, to collaborate with them to do so,' Courtin said. 'At the end of the day, the award sits on their mantle, not ours. It will never be in my office.' Offering this kind of support to creators serves YouTube too. Beyond the benefits of recognition as a serious player in the traditional television world, and the potential boost in advertising dollars flowing to the company, YouTube putting both monetary and figurative weight behind creators is a worthwhile investment, said Jeremy Goldman, senior director of briefings at eMarketer. After all, YouTube doesn't want to lose more of its talent roster to Instagram Reels and TikTok. 'YouTube creators can take their ideas elsewhere,' Goldman said. 'The more you support them, the more likely they are to go to YouTube for future endeavors, which has been very valuable for YouTube, because it's basically people creating [intellectual property].' Brian Flanagan, the president of Mythical, the studio founded by YouTubers Rhett and Link, said seeking awards recognition is not about ego but about acknowledging the many people behind 'Good Mythical Morning' and the other shows Mythical makes that draw audiences in the millions. 'GMM' is eligible in the category honoring short-form comedy, drama or variety series. Recent winners include 'Carpool Karaoke: The Series' and 'I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson.' Mythical is also acutely aware of the business implications of a major award nomination or win. 'If you want to seek premium advertising, top-flight guests and other trappings of the best of the best of Hollywood television, it could really be a distinguishing mark, and we'd be excited to have that stamp on us,' Flanagan said. Evans, who is vying for recognition in the talk series category with the likes of Jon Stewart, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert, told The Times in June that he feels 'Hot Ones' should be in the mix with these traditional television mainstays. 'I didn't know that we'd be a part of the conversation, never dreamed of it,' he said. 'But now that we are, I'll say with my full chest that we belong.' Khare would also be entering a storied category with legendary past winners like Anthony Bourdain and David Letterman. That prospect, perhaps unsurprisingly given her record of daunting feats, doesn't intimidate her. The list of past winners in this category and other television stars who have inspired Khare's work are mostly men. 'I would love to inspire young women to go out and be great too,' she said. Despite the tough odds of securing not only a nomination but shooting for a win in a competitive field, Khare remains optimistic about her chances. 'Conan O'Brien, I'm coming for you,' she quipped.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why Kathy Bates' Matlock reboot deserves to crash the Emmys 2025
Forget everything you think you know about Matlock. The 2024 reboot is not just a nostalgic cash grab. It is a whip-smart, socially aware courtroom drama starring Kathy freaking Bates as Madeline Matlock, a sharp-tongued, steel-spined legal juggernaut who is out here giving Gen Z and Boomers alike a masterclass in justice. Why Kathy Bates' Matlock reboot deserves to crash the Emmys 2025 | Credit: Prime Video Not your grandpa's Matlock, this one bites back The show retools the vintage CBS drama with more sass, sharper commentary, and that unmistakable Bates brilliance. And yes, she absolutely eats every scene. While award shows tend to ghost network procedurals, Matlock makes a fierce case for why that outdated Emmy snobbery needs to go. Kathy Bates is not just acting, she's educating Let us be real. Kathy Bates could read a grocery list and still have us in tears. But in Matlock, she is doing way more than delivering closing arguments. She is tackling ageism, corporate corruption, and the flaws in the American legal system, all while wearing sensible shoes and zero patience for nonsense. Kathy Bates could read a grocery list and still have us in tears. | Credit: Prime Video TV editors like Debra Birnbaum believe Bates' performance might finally force Emmy voters to rethink their procedural bias, and honestly, it is about time. This is not just another role. It is an Emmy-worthy statement about power, purpose, and experience. A courtroom drama that slaps in 2025? Yes, please. Procedural dramas usually get dismissed as formulaic background noise, but Matlock brings sophistication and soul. Every case feels current, layered, and surprisingly emotional. The show's writing team has cracked the code: stay true to the original but wrap it in today's moral chaos. From toxic CEOs to broken institutions, Matlock gets its hands dirty in all the right ways, and keeps viewers hooked without the usual bells and whistles of streaming budgets. | Credit: Prime Video From toxic CEOs to broken institutions, Matlock gets its hands dirty in all the right ways, and keeps viewers hooked without the usual bells and whistles of streaming budgets. Between its sharp writing, diverse supporting cast, and Kathy Bates dominating like a courtroom Beyoncé, Matlock is not just Emmy-worthy, it is Emmy necessary. If voters want to prove they are paying attention to powerful television beyond the streaming bubble, they better say 'yes, Your Honour.'
Pink Villa
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Steve Carell, Stephen Graham or Colin Farrell: Who Will Win Emmy for Best Actor in Lead Role?
Steve Carell, Stephen Graham, and Colin Farrell have owned the screens with their performances in recent movies and TV shows. The Office star portrays the role of Randall Garrett in the HBO movie Mountainhead. While the critics applauded and called the actor's performance Emmy-worthy, it is not going to be easy for the actor to bag the prize. Carell will be competing against the ace actors Stephen Graham and Colin Farrell. Graham's Adolescence changed the course of digital content that is viewed on the streaming platforms. The Netflix show went on to break multiple records, as the audience praised the performances of the cast, especially the actor who portrayed the role of Eddie Miller. Moreover, the series' cinematography went on to be the talk of the town, as the episodes were shot in one single take. Additionally, Farrell, too, is one of the top contenders in the Emmys race. The actor's standout performance in the critically acclaimed show could make him take home the prize from under the other two actors' noses. Who is leading the Emmy race amongst the top contenders? The TV editors, Michael Schneider and Emily Longoretta, sat down with Variety to break down the top performances of the year and revealed their prediction of who could win the Emmy Award. Speaking about The Penguin actor, Longoretta revealed, 'It's hard to beat out Colin Farrell.' She further revealed, 'But the new 'Baby Reindeer,' [we have] Stephen Graham for 'Adolescence.' He's the co-creator of the show and the star. He co-wrote every episode.' Moreover, the editors also spoke about Renée Zellweger contending for the Emmy award, considering her Bridget Jones role in the latest installment was too good to be ignored. Schneider stated to the media portal, 'She has personified that character for years, and that's a beloved piece of IP.' He continued, 'In the rest of the world, it was a movie movie; it was in theaters… but here in America, it was on Peacock.' The Rest of the Contenders: Giamatti, Gyllenhaal, and More Apart from Steve Carell, Stephen Graham and Colin Farrell, other contenders in the race for the Emmy Awards include Paul Giamatti, Brian Tyree Henry, Cooper Koch and/or Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Jake Gyllenhaal. In the female category, the Jerry Maguire star is up against Cristin Milioti, Cate Blanchett, Rashida Jones, Amanda Seyfried, Michelle Williams and Ellen Pompeo. Speaking about Pompeo's performance and contendership for the prestigious award, Michael Schneider revealed, 'She's been in our homes for years.' The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards are set to raise their curtains on September 15, 2025.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ginny & Georgia Season 3 called out for obvious age jump; fans can't ignore Austin's sudden glow-up: 'That's not a 9-year-old'
Ginny & Georgia Season 3 dropped on Netflix on June 5, and fans were excited to jump back into the drama-filled lives of Georgia, Ginny, and little Austin. The new season starts exactly where Season 2 left off, with Georgia being arrested for murder in front of her kids. But while the new season is being praised for its in-depth storyline and character development, one glaring mistake has garnered significant backlash. Fans noticed that in season 3, Austin suddenly looks way older, and the show doesn't mention any time jump at all. Austin's growth spurt is hard to ignore in Ginny & Georgia season 3 Austin is supposed to be nine years old in the story, but Diesel La Torraca, the actor who plays him, is now 14 in real life. Since there's no time skip in the show, his sudden transformation is pretty obvious on screen. Diesel even acknowledged this in interviews, saying the team used tricks like slouching, lowering his voice, and standing on apple boxes to make him look younger. Still, viewers could instantly tell that the young kid from previous seasons is now clearly a teen. Fans are having a field day with the age jump. The casting mismatch didn't go unnoticed. Fans quickly took to social media to react to the change, and many of the posts have been hilariously spot-on. Some fans joked that Austin now looks old enough to have kids of his own, while others compared the situation to sitcoms where characters age overnight. One user wrote, "I can finally say that #GinnyandGeorgia s3 is SO good. The work Brianne Howey is doing is Emmy-worthy. Felix Mallard is another standout. Show has leveled UP. Loved it start to finish (but we have to time jump eventually because Austin is about to be a 5th-grade senior citizen)". I can finally say that #GinnyandGeorgia s3 is SO good. The work Brianne Howey is doing is Emmy worthy. Felix Mallard another standout. Show has leveled UP. Loved it start to finish (but we gotta time jump eventually because Austin is about to be a 5th grade senior citizen). Another added, "Ginny and Georgia season 3 is kind of killing me. Like, who thought it would be a good idea to have a show take place in the same year but span over 3 seasons?" Austin's voice is actually killing me. Like, that's a middle schooler, not a 9-year-old." ginny and georgia season 3 is kinda killing me like who thought it would be a good idea to have a show take place in the same year but span over 3 seasons. austin's voice is actually killing me like thats a middle schooler not a 9 year old 😭😭 A third frustrated fan mentioned, "Netflix needs to just start cancelling shows if they're going to take literal years to start filming a new season, lmfaoooo. The time jump from season 2 to 3 of Ginny & Georgia was literally supposed to be like 3 days. Austin went from a 9-year-old to a 15-year-old in a WEEKEND?" netflix needs to just start cancelling shows if they're gonna take literal years to start filming a new season lmfaoooo the time jump from season 2 to 3 of ginny & georgia was literally supposed to be like 3 days, austin went from a 9 year old to a 15 year old in a WEEKEND? "Help, I can't watch season 3 of Ginny and Georgia because of the obvious puberty Austin is going through. He's trying to talk in a high-pitched voice, but it's not working," a fourth fan highlighted. Help i can't watch season 3 of ginny and georgia cause of the obvious puberty austin is going through 😭😂 hes trying to talk in a high pitched voice but it's not working Diesel La Torraca didn't shy away from the chatter about his glow-up. He posted a playful TikTok with co-star Connor Laidman, poking fun at how much both of them had grown since their last scenes. 'Y'all think I grew up,' he joked in the caption, showing just how noticeable the changes were for both Austin and Zach. About Ginny and Georgia The series first launched in 2021 and centres on Georgia, a young mom trying to start over with her two kids in the quiet town of Wellsbury, Massachusetts. The main cast includes Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, Diesel La Torraca, Felix Mallard, Sara Waisglass, Scott Porter, and Raymond Ablack. Season 3 took longer than expected to arrive. Although Season 2 wrapped filming in early 2022, the next chapter was delayed due to the writers' and actors' strikes. Production didn't resume until much later, making the return feel even more overdue for longtime fans.
Toronto Star
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
‘Star Wars' goes symphonic and the return of a cosy mystery: what the Star's Culture team is loving right now
TV: 'Poker Face' Maybe it's because I'm old enough to remember watching 'Columbo' with my parents, but I welcome the return of 'Poker Face,' Rian Johnson's delightful — dare I say cosy? — comedy-mystery series (Citytv+, CBC Gem). With her weathered-cherub voice and ginger Troll mane, Natasha Lyonne remains a hoot as Charlie Cale, the human lie detector, and the twisty episodes so far satisfy. Season 2's opener features an Emmy-worthy turn by Cynthia Erivo as multiple siblings who think they're entitled to an inheritance from their horrible mother. The show promises even more high-profile guest stars. I can't wait. —Doug Brod Comedy: Katherine Ryan As Canadians are wont to do, comedian Katherine Ryan made her name by leaving her home country. The 41-year-old Sarnia native honed her standup act in England and appeared in TV series there, both as a host and an actor, before creating her London-set, semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy 'The Duchess.' Now Ryan, who expertly taps her life with her Canadian husband and three British-born kids for laughs, is back in Toronto for two shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (190 Princes' Blvd.) on Saturday. Limited tickets were still available at press time. —Debra Yeo Concert: 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert' Hearing John Williams's iconic score for 'Star Wars' performed live by a full symphony orchestra is an otherworldly experience — and a must for any fan of the film saga. From next Thursday to Sunday, Toronto audiences will have that opportunity when the Toronto Symphony Orchestra presents four screenings of 'The Empire Strikes Back' (the series' fifth — and best — episode) in concert at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St.). Australian composer and conductor Nicholas Buc will lead the TSO in his debut with the orchestra. —Joshua Chong ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Album: billy woods, 'Golliwog' In 2023, billy woods established himself as one of underground hip hop's most compelling storytellers with 'Maps,' a remarkably original (and occasionally hilarious) concept album that offered a glimpse into the chaotic misadventures of a middle-aged rapper on tour. On his new album, 'Golliwog,' woods takes a left turn into horrorcore, weaving dense lyricism into a sinister tapestry of sound — woozy string samples, staggering beats, occasional screams of terror — assembled by an all-star roster of producers. ' The English language is violence, I hotwired it / I got a hold of the master's tools and got dialed in,' woods raps on opener 'Jumpscare,' setting the stage for a brilliant and bleak journey into the heart of darkness, and an exploration of the revolutionary, post-colonial school of thought that might offer an escape route. —Richie Assaly On 'Golliwog,' rapper billy woods dips into horrorcore. Alexander Richter
