An unprecedented number of women-led and created television shows have been nominated in the category of Outstanding Comedy Series.
Four out of the seven comedy series nominated are from female creators or executive producers, a significant feat that indicates creative opportunities and recognition for women in television comedy are expanding and improving.
Fleabag, the British series created and written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who also stars as the narrator and lead, is one of the shows up for Outstanding Comedy Series this year. The first season premiered back in 2016 and the show has continued to receive critical acclaim throughout its second season.
Grab the night by its nipples, Phoebe! #Emmys2019 #Fleabag pic.twitter.com/qLFn6gmKp6
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) September 22, 2019
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel created by Amy Sherman-Palladino (the woman behind Gilmore Girls) and starring Rachel Brosnahan, is also in the running for Outstanding Comedy Series. Sherman-Palladino made Emmy history last year, with wins for both comedy writing and directing, becoming the first woman to achieve that double.
Russian Doll created by Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland and Amy Poehler and starring Lyonne, is another of the female created shows up for the comedy nomination.
Natasha Lyonne is here. The star and co-creator of #RussianDoll is nominated for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series tonight. https://t.co/8q3PAWZVLX pic.twitter.com/1VjXo7M3Aa
— IndieWire (@IndieWire) September 22, 2019
Veep, the American political satire series is also in the mix for Outstanding Comedy Series, with Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the show’s star and executive producer. Louis- Dreyfus received her seventh Emmy nomination for playing Selina Meyers in Veep this year. If she wins, she will make history as the having received the most overall acting wins for the same role at the Emmys.
Queen of the #Emmys. #Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@OfficialJLD) has arrived at the #Emmys2019. Here’s how she can make history tonight: https://t.co/hkVEdoQLAI pic.twitter.com/oBGTdwBbjx
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 22, 2019
The Good Place, starring Kristen Bell has also been nominated.
Kristen Bell no purple carpet do #Emmys. pic.twitter.com/v9DOkbtnaf
— Séries TV Show BR (@SeriesTWBZ) September 23, 2019
According to new research from the Centre for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University, it appears that comedy is the place where women are thriving in the television industry.
In 2018-2019, women made up 32 percent of the creators of comedy shows on broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. This compares to just 22 percent for dramas. In the same period, 42 percent of comedy producers were female compared to 38 percent for dramas.
At the time of publication, the Emmys is airing live. Phoebe Waller-Bridge has been announced winner in the category of Writing – Comedy Series for Fleabag.
