Stranger Things, the engaging supernatural drama that took the world by storm with its nostalgic depiction of the 1980s, has become a cultural phenomenon since its premiere on Netflix. This critically acclaimed show has captured the hearts of millions around the globe thanks to its enthralling storytelling and compelling characters. But recently, in an unexpected turn of events, Stranger Things has been omitted from the Outstanding Drama Series nominations at this year’s Emmy Awards.
In the face of confusion and disbelief from fans and critics alike, it’s important to note that the show’s absence from Emmy’s big-ticket category doesn’t reflect the show’s quality or popularity. The underlying reason is more procedural – specifically, it stems from a revision in the Television Academy’s eligibility rules and the strategic release schedule of the show.
A Game-Changing Rule and the Unfortunate Timing
In the realm of awards and recognition, changes in rules can bring about unexpected outcomes. This is precisely what happened when the Television Academy did away with the “hanging episode rule” in June of the previous year.
The Academy did away with the “hanging episode rule” in June of last year. That rule allowed for a series, including limited and anthology, that premieres current-season episodes after the May 31 eligibility deadline but before the start of nomination round-voting to submit for consideration.
The exclusion of this rule directly impacted the eligibility of Stranger Things for the Emmys. The show’s fourth season was split into two volumes for release purposes. Volume 1, comprising seven episodes, was released on Netflix just before the May 27, 2022 cutoff. The final two episodes, making up Volume 2, were unveiled later on July 1, outside the eligibility period.
The Intricate Puzzle of Eligibility
The Television Academy’s final round of Emmy voting rules compounded the challenge for Stranger Things. For a show to be considered for the prestigious Best Drama category, it must have at least six eligible episodes. While Volume 2 of Season 4 ran for four hours, the fact that it consisted of only two episodes meant it fell short of the criteria, creating an insurmountable barrier for Stranger Things.
Funny enough, Dacre Montgomery, who appeared briefly in season 4 as Billy, the deceased step-brother of Sink’s Max, was the only actor submitted for Emmy consideration — for Guest Actor in a Drama Series. But that category was considerably stacked with high-profile submissions.
Overcoming Disappointment with Craft Recognition
While it’s a blow that Stranger Things did not secure a nomination in the Drama category or see its standout actors recognized, the show still managed to garner some well-deserved attention. Season 4 of Stranger Things earned six nominations across various craft categories, a testament to the talent and hard work behind the scenes of this captivating series.
So far, Stranger Things has 12 career Emmy wins and 57 career nominations. Last year, the season 4, Vol. 1 episodes won statuettes for stunt coordination, sound editing, sound mixing, and prosthetics makeup (cheers to Vecna).
The above recognition should comfort fans dismayed by the lack of nominations in the more prominent categories. It serves as a reminder that, regardless of the intricacies of award eligibility, the impact and quality of Stranger Things remain exceptional.
Looking Ahead: More Stranger Things to Come
Despite the temporary setback, there’s good news for Stranger Things fans. The show is preparing for its fifth and final season, which presents another chance for Emmy recognition. However, due to an ongoing writers’ strike in Hollywood, production has been put on hold.
As fans eagerly await the return of their favorite characters, who will surely have matured significantly, the Stranger Things universe is expanding beyond the series’ boundaries. A stage play and animated series set in the Stranger Things universe are currently in the works, providing more avenues for fans to immerse themselves in the show’s nostalgic charm.
Stranger Things‘ journey has been a remarkable one. From its early days of cult status to its now-global popularity, the show has continually delighted fans and critics with its unique blend of nostalgia, horror, and heartfelt storytelling. Though the Emmy snub due to eligibility rules and timing was unfortunate, it’s clear that Stranger Things remains an influential force in the entertainment industry.
As we look forward to the fifth season and beyond, there’s little doubt that this beloved series will continue to captivate audiences, break boundaries, and make waves in the future.
Source: EntertainmentWeekly
