LOS ANGELES, CA — Despite a concerted effort to gain increased recognition from Hollywood, several high-profile digital creators have been notably absent from this year's Emmy nominations, which were announced on Wednesday. Among those excluded are the widely acclaimed YouTube shows "Hot Ones," "Chicken Shop Date," and "Good Mythical Morning," which had been strong contenders in various categories.

The Emmy Nomination Landscape

"Hot Ones," a unique and innovative celebrity interview series renowned for its format of engaging guests in increasingly spicy hot wings challenges, was a prominent contender for the outstanding talk series category, according to Variety. Despite its substantial following and distinctive approach, the show did not secure a nomination. Chris Schonberger, the creator of "Hot Ones" and general manager of First We Feast, expressed his sentiments in an email: “The only problem I have with the nominees is that Jon Stewart hasn’t faced the wings of death yet. It’s time, Jon! Otherwise, nothing but respect. We’ll be back next year!” Schonberger’s comment underscores both the show's ambition and the disappointment surrounding its missed opportunity.

Similarly, "Chicken Shop Date," a celebrity interview show hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg, and "Good Mythical Morning," a popular morning talk and variety show hosted by Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, were also contenders for the outstanding short form comedy, drama, or variety series category. Regrettably, both shows did not receive the recognition they were pursuing.

Industry Reactions and Aspirations

Representatives for the aforementioned YouTube shows did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This silence mirrors a broader sentiment among digital creators who have been striving for mainstream acknowledgment. The digital content landscape has seen a marked increase in creators seeking recognition on traditional platforms, with the Emmys serving as a major focal point for these efforts.

Digital creators have achieved notable success in the past. For instance, Rachel Bloom, who began her career on YouTube, has achieved considerable acclaim with "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" and made significant inroads into traditional entertainment. However, recent years have witnessed an intensified effort by content creators to secure mainstream recognition, with many seeking to extend their influence beyond digital platforms.

In June, Sean Evans, host of "Hot Ones," and Rhett and Link, hosts of "Good Mythical Morning," discussed their Emmy aspirations with The Hollywood Reporter. Evans, reflecting on his experiences, remarked, “I’m a traditionalist. I grew up on Letterman and Conan and Jimmy and those kinds of shows. To compete against those institutions, I think would be the most important distinction we’ve ever had.” This sentiment highlights the ongoing desire among digital creators to achieve parity with traditional entertainment institutions.

Red Carpet and Social Media Influence

Amelia Dimoldenberg, host of "Chicken Shop Date," has gained significant prominence through her red carpet interviews, which garnered substantial social media traction in 2023. Her increasing popularity led to her selection as a “social media ambassador and red carpet correspondent” for the 2024 Academy Awards. This role reflects the growing crossover between digital and traditional media, yet it also underscores the continued challenges faced by digital creators in securing formal recognition through prestigious awards like the Emmys.

YouTube’s Position and Advocacy

YouTube has not made formal submissions for the Emmys on behalf of its creators. However, in February, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan advocated for the recognition of digital creators in his blog post. Mohan argued that creators should be acknowledged as production studios in their own right, recognizing their substantial contributions to redefining the entertainment industry with innovative storytelling. In a column published in The Hollywood Reporter in May, Mohan addressed the Emmys directly, asserting that broadening the Primetime Emmys to include digital creators would enhance the Television Academy's legacy by embracing modern culture and bridging the gap to the next generation of viewers.

Contentious Opinions and Historical Context

Despite these assertions, some YouTube creators have expressed frustration with Mohan’s statement that "it’s time a creator won an Emmy." Longtime YouTubers have pointed out that creators have been nominated and have won Emmys before. Notably, Hank Green, co-creator of "The Lizzie Bennet Diaries," which won an Emmy in 2013 as the first web series to receive such an honor, took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight this discrepancy. Green's response, “Should I tell him?” reflects a broader sentiment among digital creators regarding the need for greater acknowledgment of their achievements.

Conclusion

The exclusion of popular YouTube shows from this year's Emmy nominations underscores the ongoing challenge of integrating digital content creators into the traditional awards framework. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the quest for recognition by digital creators remains a dynamic and evolving narrative. The Emmys, as a prestigious platform, faces the challenge of balancing its traditional roots with the burgeoning influence of digital media, reflecting broader shifts in the entertainment landscape.