Comedy or Drama? Laraine Newman Sparks Debate Over "The Bear’s" Emmy Classification

Laraine Newman, a renowned figure in the entertainment industry, famous for her work on “Saturday Night Live” and as the mother of actress Hannah Einbinder, star of the series “Hacks,” has stirred controversy with her comments regarding the nomination of “The Bear” in the comedy category at the Emmy Awards. Her statements, which were later removed from social media, have reignited debate about how series are categorized for awards shows.

Newman’s illustrious career in comedy, along with her daughter’s own nomination in the same category as “The Bear,” adds an extra layer of intrigue to this debate. Her opinions on the nature of comedy and the selection criteria for the Emmy Awards make her a key voice in the ongoing discussion.

Criticism of “The Bear” as a Comedy

Newman hasn’t held back in her critique of the inclusion of “The Bear” in the Emmy’s comedy category. In her own words, “Every time I think of ‘The Bear’ being in the comedy category for the Emmys, I can feel an ulcer developing.” “The Bear,” a show that follows a young chef who inherits his brother’s restaurant, has been praised by both critics and audiences, but its classification as a comedy has sparked controversy due to its generally dramatic tone.

Newman expressed her disagreement with this categorization in no uncertain terms: “I think ‘The Bear’ is a great series, but in my humble opinion, it’s not a comedy, not even a black comedy.” Her stance is rooted in the idea that while the show may have humorous moments, its central narrative revolves around themes like family trauma and personal growth, which align more with the drama genre.

Supporting Laraine Newman’s Stance and the Debate Over “Category Fraud”

Newman’s statements have resonated with critics and fans alike, many of whom also questioned “The Bear’s” place in the comedy category. This debate isn’t new, as the series faced similar controversy during last year’s Emmys, where it received ten nominations.

The ongoing discussion about how shows are categorized for the Emmys has given rise to the term “category fraud,” which refers to the practice of submitting a show to a category it doesn’t fully belong to in order to boost its chances of winning. While some find this tactic questionable, it highlights the growing complexity of classifying modern TV shows, many of which blend genres and defy traditional storytelling conventions.

Newman’s Praise for Liza Colón-Zayas and the Call for a “Dramedy” Category

It’s important to note that Newman’s critique of “The Bear” as a comedy doesn’t extend to the performances of its cast, especially Liza Colón-Zayas, who won the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Newman has acknowledged Colón-Zayas’ talent, stating that she “regrets” her initial comments and believes that the actress is “wonderful in that role.”

However, Newman stands by her opinion that it’s unfair for other nominees to compete against a series that, in her view, doesn’t belong in the same category. She has even suggested creating a new category for “dramedies,” acknowledging the difficulty of classifying shows that mix dramatic and comedic elements.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Controversy

The uproar caused by Laraine Newman’s comments on “The Bear” invites us to reflect on the criteria used to classify shows at the Emmys and the evolving nature of television genres. The growing popularity of series that defy traditional conventions, such as “The Bear” and “Hacks,” underscores the need to update categories or create new ones that reflect the diversity and complexity of modern productions.