Reservation Dogs Is the Best Comedy, but It Won’t Win the Emmy

Reservation Dogs Is the Best Comedy, but It Won't Win the Emmy

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  • Reservation Dog’s Emmy Competition

As a critic who’s spent years immersed in the world of television, I’ve seen shows come and go, some making waves, others fading into obscurity. But every now and then, a show comes along that truly captures my heart and challenges the status quo. That show, my friends, is “Reservation Dogs.


Every year, the Emmys set themselves apart from their older sibling, the Oscars, by hosting a more non-contentious, presumably secure awards event. Regrettably, during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, the most undervalued comedy show is not receiving the recognition it merits. Instead, it’s being disregarded in favor of safer, commercially viable options and comedies that challenge the norms of traditional humor.

The series titled “Reservation Dogs” focuses on a gang of Indigenous teenagers living in Oklahoma, who pass their days engaging in criminal activities with the ultimate goal of amassing funds to escape their community. What sets this show apart is its predominantly Native American cast and creative team, consisting entirely of Indigenous writers and directors. This comedy offers a fresh perspective on everyday life, often overlooked in traditional comedy settings. With its independent charm, it stands out among more buzzworthy comedy contenders, suggesting that the Emmys may not yet fully acknowledge its unique narrative and themes, reflecting the evolving trends and priorities within television.

Why Is It a Shame That Reservation Dogs’ Emmy Hopes Seem Low?

Reservation Dogs Is the Best Comedy, but It Won't Win the EmmyReservation Dogs Is the Best Comedy, but It Won't Win the EmmyReservation Dogs Is the Best Comedy, but It Won't Win the EmmyReservation Dogs Is the Best Comedy, but It Won't Win the Emmy

Reservation Dogs, over the past few years, has been somewhat overshadowed among comedies. Unlike shows like The Bear and Only Murders in the Building, it doesn’t have the acclaim that typically comes with prestige or big-name stars. Considering these two shows are arguably its main rivals, this suggests a dearth of comedic variety on TV this year and sheds light on what’s capturing voters’ attention. The more mixed third season of The Bear and the ongoing success of Only Murders in the Building, unfortunately, have kept Reservation Dogs from receiving Emmy recognition, which is surprising given its unique comedic appeal on television.

In my opinion, what I’ve found incredibly captivating about Reservation Dogs over its three-season journey is not just its unique take on comedy that television has been yearning for, but rather the exceptional way it weaves humor with poignant community-focused narratives. Similar to shows like Bojack Horseman, both Reservation Dogs and The Bear delve into the complexities of specific communities by intertwining comedy with somber drama. While both series share a subdued tone at times, The Bear more closely adheres to the common trope of emotionally troubled characters that television often gravitates towards.

Reservation Dogs embraces an offbeat, somber humor to delve into the complex themes of Indigenous sorrow and ambition, much like Wind River or more recently, Killers of the Flower Moon. Regrettably, a series that courageously stands out from the norm has been informally categorized as an under-the-radar, cult favorite, which may not resonate with mainstream audiences, despite its resemblance to the acclaimed works of producer Taika Waititi.

Reservation Dog’s Emmy Competition

Reservation Dogs Is the Best Comedy, but It Won't Win the EmmyReservation Dogs Is the Best Comedy, but It Won't Win the EmmyReservation Dogs Is the Best Comedy, but It Won't Win the EmmyReservation Dogs Is the Best Comedy, but It Won't Win the Emmy

This year, it appears that the most formidable competition could very well be “The Bear,” having shattered records with an impressive 23 nominations, outdoing the comedy record previously held by “30 Rock.” “The Bear” seems poised to make waves at this year’s Emmys as a unique contender for the comedy category. A series that pushes boundaries and challenges where comedy meets drama, “Reservation Dogs” has been somewhat overlooked in favor of a show that takes bold creative risks, particularly in its third season. Thus, it could be argued that the originality of “The Bear” should not be construed as a loss for traditional comedy, as it is far from lacking in innovation itself.

“Another highly appreciated series is ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ which made a strong debut and hasn’t lost momentum since then. This captivating show has already confirmed a fifth season, with four seasons released over a span of four years.

The character of television is evolving, and episodes are turning into a waiting game, but “Only Murders in the Building” seems like a series that could disregard extended season breaks and narrate its tale with all the fervor of a peak-performance duo starring Steve Martin and Martin Short. Similarly, “Abbott Elementary” holds an edge due to its rapid production speed compared to many other shows.

It’s understandable that some might find it unsurprising if Reservation Dogs gets overlooked, given its unique narrative and exploration of lesser-known American territories compared to a more mainstream hit like Jeremy Allen White’s anxious kitchen drama. However, the Emmys have consistently proven themselves as a prestigious awards show, even if they don’t recognize every outstanding TV series. The golden age of television may not be entirely over yet, and sometimes shows that don’t conform to current trends might get overlooked. But make no mistake, Reservation Dogs is a remarkable series that you can watch on Hulu, regardless of its placement in the spotlight.

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2024-09-15 07:01