Experts slugfest: What a ‘Shōgun’ Emmys category change would mean
What would benefit from a “Shōgun”-less limited field? And what would be hurt by a “Shōgun”-filled drama field? Gold Derby editors and Experts Christopher Rosen and Joyce Eng are here to discuss the FX series’ possible category shift, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith’s” return without the Mr. and Mrs. Smith we know (probably) and more.
Speculation has crescendoed in the past week about “Shōgun” moving from limited to drama, capped off by the report that Hiroyuki Sanada has inked a new deal to reprise his role as Toranaga in a possible second season. FX has not confirmed or denied, but the pieces are coming together for a renewal. [Editor’s note: Since this episode was recorded, “Shōgun” is back on the limited page on the Disney FYC site as of publication time.] If it does go drama, the show would easily become the Best Drama Series favorite, which means we could have a second year in a row of three shows dominating the three genres with “Shōgun” in drama, “The Bear” in comedy and “Baby Reindeer” in limited. Is that a good thing? And what would be bumped to make room for “Shōgun” and its actors?
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It could be “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” which was renewed for a second season on Tuesday — but Donald Glover and Maya Erskine are reportedly not returning. The idea of a new Mr. and Mrs. Smith every season in the same universe is intriguing and would also validate its drama categorization (drama is also where its overflow of guest stars can make hay since limited does not have guest categories). But the spy series wasn’t the biggest hit when it dropped its entire season in February, so how vulnerable is it if “Shōgun” comes into the mix?
Elsewhere, we discuss Jessica Lange‘s HBO hail Mary entry, “The Bear’s” and Only Murders in the Building’s” return dates, the inaugural Gotham TV Awards nominations and more.
Email your questions to slugfests@goldderby.com.
Timestamps:
Intro and “Shōgun’s” in drama? (0:00)
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” renewal (25:54)
Jessica Lange’s last-minute contender (31:18)
“Hacks” Episodes 5 and 6 — spoilers, obviously (39:16)
Listener questions (54:14)
