I’ve been questioning the reason behind this award for years. With nearly every talk show (or series, in this case) being near identical clones of one another (in terms of format), I don’t see the reason why there is an award for it?
The talk show format, in its current iteration, is dying.
Yes, I said it. Why? Well, the only types of shows that can have 50+ years of concurrent airtime with no changes (at all, really) are soap operas. Reality shows, which is what talk shows practically are, have long outlived its original purpose.
Back in the 1960’s when Johnny Carson and Dick Cavett were the kings of “Late Night”, the way to see celebrities as their “normal selves” was through Carson and Cavett’s talk shows. There was no social media, internet, podcasts, YouTube channels, etc. that could give us glimpses into the lives of our favorite singers, actors, writers, comedians, etc.
Yet, even saying that we saw glimpses of a celebrity’s “normal self” with those shows is not true. Now, I have never been on a talk show (shocking, I know), but from what I have seen, it must be extremely uncomfortable. That is why I quoted “normal selves” a few sentences ago.
The very nature of the talk show is inheritably awkward. Wearing hard-to-put-on dresses, suites, tuxedos, makeup, and jewelry all the while talking about your personal life on camera for millions of people to see is awkward and uncomfortable. Plain and simple.
Plus, who in their right mind would actually reveal “truly personal” information on a talk show? Despite that being the talk show host’s sole objective.
Now, I’m not saying it is the hosts fault, but that’s what makes their shows entertaining. It can be inspiring and emotional hearing about and relating to the struggles of one’s celebrity hero.
Yet, back to my question: Why is this a category? As I said, a talk show is a reality show. And you don’t see an award being handed out for 90 Day Fiancée, Keeping up with the Kardashians, or The Bachelor.
Plus, only John Oliver (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver) has transformed his “talk show” platform into something more. Ditching guest interviews, he has focused solely on informational monologues. Thus, his show has turned more into an educational/comedy show, rather than a traditional “talk show”.
That is why he has won this award for the past 6 years straight.
However, I’m not saying that talk shows should just ditch their “talk” aspect. They should just do it in a more creative, guest-oriented format.
Conan O’Brien changed his show’s format just before he retired, removing that silly “host desk” and replacing it with a roundtable of couches and comfy chairs. I think the only time I’ve seen a celebrity actually comfortable and relaxed was during his later episodes. Plus, he has always been a master of incorporating his sketch and improve comedy bits into his nightly show, unlike other “Late Night” hosts.
Paired with his natural wit and comedic talent, Conan’s last season should have won this categories 2021 Emmy over John Oliver.
It is a true travesty that one of the greatest ever “Late Night” comedians will never win this award.
Anyway, I would bet money on John Oliver winning this award again. As for a “Darkhorse”, I’d say Trevor Noah. He’s definitely the funniest out of the rest of the nominees, and his show is not revolved around “awkward quest interviews” either.
That doesn’t mean he will win it, though. This is John Oliver’s award. Even if it shouldn’t be an award.
Images Source: Featured Image: (Television Academy YouTube) (2022 EMMY® AWARDS NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT – YouTube)
