Iliza Shlesinger, Lewis Black, and Bert Kreischer are three of the biggest names in stand-up comedy today. With their unique styles, sharp wit, and undeniable talent, they have captured the hearts and laughter of audiences around the world. However, despite their immense popularity and success, these comedians believe that stand-up comedy still does not receive the recognition it deserves. That’s why they are calling for a dedicated Emmys category for stand-up comedy.
Stand-up comedy has been a staple of entertainment for decades, providing audiences with endless laughs and thought-provoking commentary. It requires a special kind of skill to stand alone on a stage with nothing but a microphone and make people laugh. And yet, when it comes to award shows, stand-up comedians are often overlooked.
Iliza Shlesinger, who has four Netflix specials under her belt, recently spoke out about the lack of recognition for stand-up comedy. In an interview with Variety, she said, “I think it’s time for a stand-up comedy category at the Emmys. It’s a genre that’s been around for so long, and it’s just starting to get its due.” She also pointed out that stand-up comedy is a multi-billion dollar industry and deserves to be recognized as such.
Lewis Black, known for his passionate and politically charged comedy, agrees with Shlesinger. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he said, “It’s time for stand-up to have its own category at the Emmys. It’s a unique art form, and it deserves to be recognized separately from other forms of comedy.” Black also emphasized the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a stand-up special, saying, “It takes a lot of time and effort to craft a show and make it unique, and I think that should be acknowledged.”
Bert Kreischer, known for his high-energy and outrageous storytelling, also supports the idea of a dedicated Emmys category for stand-up comedy. In an interview with Deadline, he said, “Stand-up comedy is a completely different animal from other forms of comedy. It’s a one-person show, and it’s a true art form that deserves its own category at the Emmys.” Kreischer also pointed out that stand-up comedy has evolved and expanded in recent years, with more diverse voices and styles, and it’s time for the industry to recognize that.
The call for a dedicated Emmys category for stand-up comedy is not a new one. In fact, the idea has been floating around for years, with many comedians and industry professionals showing their support. However, with the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, stand-up comedy has become more accessible to a wider audience, making it the perfect time for this change to happen.
Creating a separate category for stand-up comedy at the Emmys would not only give the genre the recognition it deserves but also open up opportunities for more comedians to be recognized for their work. As of now, stand-up specials are often lumped into the variety special category, which also includes award shows, concerts, and other one-time events. This makes it difficult for stand-up comedians to compete against these other forms of entertainment.
Moreover, a dedicated category for stand-up comedy would also bring more diversity to the Emmys. Currently, the comedy categories are dominated by sitcoms and sketch shows, leaving little room for stand-up comedians to be recognized. With a separate category, more diverse voices and styles of comedy could be celebrated and awarded.
Some may argue that creating a new category would dilute the significance of the existing comedy categories. However, the Emmys have already recognized the unique art forms of variety sketch and talk shows by giving them their own categories. It’s time for stand-up comedy to receive the same recognition.
In conclusion, Iliza Shlesinger, Lewis Black, and Bert Kreischer are not just asking for a dedicated Emmys category for stand-up comedy for their own sake, but for the entire industry. Stand-up comedy is an art form that has been around for decades and has only grown in popularity and diversity. It’s time for the Emmys to catch up and give stand-up comedy the recognition it truly deserves.
