Understanding the Disconnection Between Emmy Nominations and Viewer Preferences
In today’s entertainment landscape, where content is scattered across various streaming platforms, it can be challenging to determine what’s truly popular. While these services often keep their data private, tools like JustWatch have emerged as essential resources for viewers seeking to find where they can watch their favorite shows.
JustWatch recently released its own data on viewer behavior, offering insights into what people are looking for on the platform. This data highlights a notable contrast between the Emmy nominations and what audiences are actually interested in watching.
How JustWatch Measures Popularity
To compile its findings, JustWatch evaluated three key metrics from user activity on its site. These included the number of visitors clicking on links to specific shows, the frequency with which users searched for series, and the reviews provided by verified users. Using these criteria, the platform determined the popularity of various shows during the eligibility window for the Emmys.
The top-ranked show in this analysis was Squid Game, a Korean Netflix series that has sparked widespread discussion following the Emmy nominations. Despite being a major hit, Squid Game did not receive a single nomination this year. This omission underscores the growing gap between what the Television Academy recognizes and what viewers are actively seeking out.
The Emmy Nominations vs. Public Interest
The disconnect between Emmy recognition and public interest is further illustrated by the rankings of other shows. MobLand, a crime drama featuring Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren, ranked second on JustWatch’s list. It was followed by Dept. Q, created by Scott Frank, the mind behind The Queen’s Gambit. Both shows were excluded from the Best Drama Series category, highlighting the lack of alignment between audience preferences and the decisions made by the Television Academy.
Meanwhile, Apple TV+’s Severance, which led the field with 27 nominations, fell outside the Top 10 on JustWatch’s list, placing at No. 13. This suggests that while the show may have received critical acclaim, it didn’t resonate as strongly with the general audience.
Comedy Shows Show Stronger Alignment
On the comedy side, there appears to be a stronger correlation between audience preference and Emmy recognition. The Bear, an FX food-focused comedy, topped the charts on JustWatch after securing 13 nominations, including one for Best Comedy Series. It outperformed Hacks, which won the top comedy category in an upset victory the previous year.
Other comedy series that received high ratings on JustWatch include Abbott Elementary, What We Do in the Shadows, Only Murders in the Building, Shrinking, and Nobody Wants This. These shows were among the nominees in the Best Comedy Series category.
Interestingly, The Studio, which received the most nominations for a comedy series with 23, ranked just behind some shows that didn’t even receive a series nomination. These included Poker Face, The Four Seasons, and A Man on the Inside.
Conclusion
The data from JustWatch reveals a significant shift in how audiences engage with television content. While the Emmys continue to serve as a marker of critical and industry recognition, the popularity of certain shows suggests that public interest and mainstream appeal may not always align with formal accolades. As streaming continues to evolve, platforms like JustWatch will play an increasingly important role in guiding viewers to the content they want to watch.
