YouTube Stars Make the Case for Why Their Shows Are Emmy-Worthy: “That’s the Future”

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YouTube is increasingly challenging studios and live streamers in terms of audience attraction, and it’s now aiming to take on their awards as well.

Last Sunday night, I found myself at YouTube’s Emmy consideration event in the bustling city of West Hollywood. It was an incredible gathering, featuring the one and only Sean Evans from Hot Ones, the dynamic duo Rhett & Link from Good Mythical Morning, and the amazing Michelle Khare from Challenge Accepted. Together, we celebrated YouTube’s Emmy contenders and the profound influence of creator-led programming on our digital entertainment landscape.

Evans, who’s vying for an exceptional talk series, pointed out that he perceived “Hot Ones” being labeled as “late night” by the media, but in essence, he believes that “late night” is a term associated with spaces where celebrities can be more casual and edgy. He acknowledged that his show certainly fits this description. Furthermore, he suggested that when you consider its cultural impact, its guest list, viewership, and ratings, “Hot Ones” actually stands up quite well against shows that have traditionally defined the late-night genre for a long time.

The long-running program known for grilling celebrities with challenging questions as they eat progressively hotter chicken wings is celebrating its 10th anniversary. With its influence and relevance still expanding, the show’s host confidently stated about the Emmy category, “I won’t shy away from saying it; we truly deserve to compete in that arena, and we’ll have to wait and see what transpires. However, considering the pace of change, if it doesn’t happen this year or next, it will eventually, as the innovative formats and shows are moving towards YouTube – that’s where the future lies.

He playfully commented about the conventionally selected talk show hosts, “Aren’t most of these men conducting these interviews while munching on the world’s hottest wings? I seem to be the only one, and that must add some unique flavor to it.

During the segment of their show called “Good Mythical Morning,” which has been nominated for outstanding short form comedy, drama or variety series, Link Neal admitted that over the years they’ve been diligently constructing their platform and fostering a strong bond with their viewers. He didn’t claim they were pioneers shaping the future of entertainment. Instead, he explained they’ve merely been adapting to their audience and identifying what resonates, discovering that this audience interaction has led to cultural change. This kind of development in the entertainment industry, Link believes, is worthy of recognition by the Emmys.

Rhett McLaughlin stated, “I believe it’s high time for us to gain recognition because we have managed to resonate with the culture much like conventional entertainment has been doing for a considerable length of time. We’re not aiming to displace what’s already happening, but rather to be welcomed to the event.” He emphasized that although some creators may doubt the value of awards and traditional Hollywood entities, “we have faith in the Academy” and in something more substantial than just an algorithm to guide viewers’ choices.

Our time is precious, and we often find ourselves swamped. Add YouTube to the mix, and choosing what to watch becomes a challenge, right? I empathize with that feeling. It’s like, where do you even start? Now, imagine adding another platform with more content than any other platform combined. That’s a lot to think about, isn’t it? However, despite the potential overwhelming nature of this new platform, I believe that the Academy has the power to bring a unique and authentic connection to the forefront. This could serve as a model for the entire industry, demonstrating that they are recognizing content that truly stands out and resonates.” – McLaughlin mused. “In essence, while I understand the potential for being overwhelmed, I believe that this new platform, with its genuine connections, can be a game-changer in the industry.

In regards to the phrase “Challenge Accepted“, Khare views her team not just as hosts of a nonfiction series or special, but as documentary filmmakers who are always trying to outdo themselves. When she thinks about creating award-winning content, she considers herself alongside her peers in this category, those who fit the bill but also push boundaries. And she is certain that we are doing exactly that.

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2025-05-19 21:54