As a dedicated gamer and avid follower of pop culture, I was truly disheartened when I learned that Netflix’s original comedy series “Survival of the Thickest” had been overlooked in this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards nominations due to a clerical error. I’ve watched Michelle Buteau and her talented cast bring this unique show to life, and their exclusion from the Emmys stings not just because of the potential recognition they missed out on, but also because of what this representation means for underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry.
When glancing over the extensive Emmy Award nominees list for 2024, you’ll notice the absence of Netflix’s original comedy series Survival of the Thickest‘s cast and crew. Despite being eligible due to its July 2023 release on the streaming platform, an unintentional error led to the show missing the submission deadline.
As a devoted fan of “Survival of the Thickest,” I must admit that the news of the show’s second season commencing filming recently left me thrilled and eagerly anticipating what’s to come. Michelle Buteau, one of its brilliant stars, along with two of her costars, shared this exciting update in a playful video that instantly brightened up my day.
According to what I’ve read in The Hollywood Reporter, there was an issue with Netflix’s Emmy submission process that resulted in “Survival of the Thickest” being left out of the nomination contention. Netflix acknowledged this as a “clerical mistake” in their report, but they made every effort to rectify it. Unfortunately, the Television Academy has rigorous rules, and unfortunately for us fans, they couldn’t make an exception and let our beloved show be considered after the deadline.
On the Emmy error surrounding her show, Buteau said the following:
I’m so proud of myself, the cast, the crew, and I’m gutted that nobody will receive the proper shine they should. It’s not even about winning the Emmy. It’s about everybody recognizing how hard we’ve worked and how special this community is that we managed to put together in this crazy industry in a very inopportune time. I’m not in this business to feel relaxed. I know it’s crazy, but it’s about being recognized and respected. People on the show, we are all minorities, and we all have felt forgotten. Don’t forget us. We matter.
It’s understandable for her to be disappointed about missing the nomination deadline due to an error that could have been prevented. In the grand scheme of things, the significance of not receiving a nomination may seem questionable. However, securing a nomination, particularly for an emerging talent, can lead to numerous opportunities. For instance, a female writer or director of color being recognized can create a ripple effect. It’s not just about winning the award; it extends beyond that. Being acknowledged in any creative department, such as hair and makeup or wardrobe, can be a transformative experience.
If you’re pondering, “Might the show have been nominated regardless?,” that misses the mark entirely. True, “Survival of the Thickest” is a less-known comedy contender next to Emmy frontrunners like “Abbott Elementary,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “Hacks,” and “The Bear.” However, this discussion isn’t about Emmys or potential victories. It’s about ensuring that those who put effort into creating the show have a fair shot at recognition.
As a dedicated gamer and avid fan of Netflix’s original programming, I can’t help but feel thrilled when I hear the comedy VP, Tracey Pakosta, expressing her unwavering support for Michelle Buteau and “Survival of the Thickest.” According to her first-person account in The Hollywood Reporter, she and Netflix are firmly behind this series and believe wholeheartedly in Michelle’s talent. They are committed to amplifying stories that center on women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community, as evident in their diverse slate of content. As a viewer, it’s truly inspiring to see a streaming platform prioritize representation and inclusivity in such a meaningful way.
It’s hoped that Netflix won’t repeat their error regarding “Survival of the Thickest” season 2 and other worthy series during the Emmy nomination process next year. If the second season is released in 2025, it might miss the eligibility window anyway. However, the show’s creatives merit recognition, so it should be submitted for consideration.
As someone who has witnessed numerous debacles unfold in my lifetime, I wholeheartedly agree with Buteau’s poignant words. His quote serves as a stark reminder of the significance of the ongoing conversation we are having today. It carries a powerful message that resonates deeply within me and highlights the importance of learning from past mistakes to build a better future. Let us continue this important dialogue, not just for ourselves but also for generations to come.
I always dreamed of working on a show that was a Black show, that was a queer show, where all the directors were female. Women are amazing — period, point blank, end of discussion — and it’s so important to give people opportunities that they deserve and are very hard for them to get.
What Michelle said!
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2024-07-17 17:33