Greetings from Variety Awards Headquarters! Today is April 27, 2026, which means it’s 10 days until the May 7 entry deadline for programs that identify as Primetime programming by virtue of genre and were originally presented June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026. It’s also 45 days until nominations-round voting begins on June 11; 56 days until nominations-round voting ends on June 22 at 10 p.m.; and 74 days until Emmy nominations are announced on July 10. And looking far ahead, it’s 140 days until the 78th Emmy Awards on Sept. 14 on NBC.
And we’re back! As usual, AWARDS HQ will be here every week to dissect the various Emmy races, while also keeping you up to speed with what’s going on in the FYC space and more. Events have been up and running for nearly two months, starting with “Mr. Scorsese” on March 2. And of course, there are plenty of events to go as we head into the depths of FYC season — even though the campaign “houses” that have been so popular in recent years seem to be on hold this year, as budgets are slashed across the biz.
The business remains in a troubled place, and impending consolidation definitely has everyone a bit on edge. At the very least, we’re talking about how to fix Hollywood and bring production back home. But it’s going to take a lot more than just talk to turn things around. As usual, the silver lining to Emmy FYC season is we’re also talking about the best in TV and how great storytelling can still entertain, uplift and thrill. All things we need more than ever. So now, let’s get going!
SHARE YOUR BURNING EMMY OR AWARDS QUESTIONS! Leave a message on the Emmy Emergency Hotline at 323-617-9110 or email mschneider@variety.com and we will answer your question on an upcoming episode of the Awards Circuit Podcast!
EXCLUSIVE: Sarah McLachlan on the Lasting Impact of Lilith Fair: ‘Kindness and Joy Are Revolutionary Acts’Award-winning musician Sarah McLachlan shared this essay with AWARDS HQ on the legacy of Lilith Fair, and why it was important to share that story in the documentary “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery – The Untold Story,” now streaming on Hulu:
In 1997 I launched the touring music festival, Lilith Fair, along with my management and agent at the time. Back then, it was commonly accepted in the music industry that bookers wouldn’t put more than one female artist on a concert bill because the tickets wouldn’t sell. Radio DJs were also instructed not to play women artists back-to-back, for fear of losing listeners.
The Lilith Fair tour featured an all-female lineup. It was a direct challenge to that ‘industry wisdom’ – a bet my partners and I took that there was a demand for music made by women.
Nobody thought it would work. My managers, Terry McBride and Dan Fraser, had to go against my label’s wishes to launch the tour. My agent, Marty Diamond, had to face down a steady stream of ‘no’s from fearful artist reps. Potential sponsors shied away. But, in the end, the artists – who’d been out there alone, navigating the same troubled waters – understood the potential. And over the course of three summers, Lilith Fair showcased a powerhouse collection of musicians, including Sheryl Crow, Tracy Chapman, Jewel, Fiona Apple, Bonnie Raitt, Erykah Badu, Sinead O’Connor and the Indigo Girls.
Over those three years, something magical happened. Together, we created a space where women artists could connect, commiserate, and lift each other up. Instead of competing for a single performance slot, as we had been conditioned to do, we created platforms for up-and-coming talent and joined in on each other’s songs. That spirit of openness and inclusivity was echoed by the audience, creating a communal space for fans, and a welcome alternative to the male-dominated festivals of the era, like Lollapalooza, Warped Tour, and Woodstock ’99.
Lilith Fair featured a whopping 313 artists across 135 shows. It was the highest grossing tour of the year, all three summers it ran. The festival became a cultural phenomenon, helping launch the careers of artists like Missy Elliott and The Chicks and raising more than 10 million dollars for women-focused charities. It proved, unequivocally, that women were a commercial force. It also redefined what a music festival could be.
But as much as it was celebrated, Lilith Fair was also widely criticized in the press and diminished in the wider culture. The same qualities that made it a safe, joyful space for women and queer people also made it a cultural punchline. The festival’s support of Planned Parenthood and other women’s groups drew protests and bomb threats. And when we ended it, after three extraordinary, exhausting years, the industry moved away from female singer/songwriters, placing power right back into the hands of those who had always had it.
It’s taken me years to come to terms with what all of this meant. But the benefit of time and the experience of helping a team of brilliant filmmakers turn this story into a documentary have helped bring its meaning into sharper focus.
On the cusp of the 30th anniversary of Lilith Fair, it is now clear that the festival created real, lasting change – both in the lives of those who attended and the culture at large. In 2026, women are now at the center of the music industry. Artists like Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Olivia Rodrigo sell out arenas, and champion other women artists at their shows. They control their own careers, and their female and queer fans are free to celebrate them – and themselves – proudly.
At the same time, in the United States and around the world, women’s rights and protections are being systematically stripped away. The national conversation is dominated by cruelty, division, and fear. While we have made some progress, it is clearly not fixed – and there will always be those who wish to take it away.
Revisiting Lilith Fair in our present moment creates a tremendous sense of nostalgia and pride – for the community and positive change that we all, together, created – and a deep yearning for women who came of age in that era, myself included. But I think the emotional response we are experiencing goes deeper than that.
As Paula Cole says in the film, “Lilith Fair is a beacon of hope.” It’s an example of what can happen when women reimagine a world beyond the one that is presented to them. It’s a reminder that we can reject the idea that there’s only room for a few to succeed; that empathy and vulnerability are strengths, not weaknesses; that, sometimes, gentle acts of rebellion can grow into something much bigger.
In the face of oppression and cynicism, kindness and joy are revolutionary acts. We need them now more than ever.
EXCLUSIVE: ‘Top Chef’ Offers Free Knife Sharpening This WeekendReality contestants are always figuratively sharpening their knives. This weekend, courtesy Bravo’s “Top Chef,” you can literally sharpen your knives. The series is inviting TV Academy and guild voters to have their knives sharpened for free at the Studio City Farmers Market on May 3rd.
“Top Chef” is partnering with knife sharpening guru Dave Golombeck, who has his Sharper Edge tent at the farmers market each weekend. Guild & TV Academy members who show their membership cards on site will get free knife sharpening. And expect some surprises as well.
Details for the “Top Chef” + Sharper Edge Knife Sharpening at Studio City Farmers Market:
Date: Sunday, May 3 Market Hours: 8am-1pm Location: Ventura Place (between Radford & Laurel Canyon) Vendor: Dave Golombeck Booth is located in front of Big 5 (12059 Ventura Place)
NBCUniversal Kicks Off Emmy FYC Season with Annual LuncheonNBCUniversal continued its Emmy kickoff tradition for a fifth year, bringing a ton of stars, producers and executives to the Avra restaurant in Beverly Hills on April 22 to celebrate some of its key Emmy contenders. Above is the class photo, and below some guests (Photos by Tyler Curtis/NBCUniversal):Alan Cumming (“The Traitors”)Bobby Moynihan, Jalyn Hall, Precious Way, Tracy Morgan, “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins”Will Forte, Marco Calvani, stars, “The Four Seasons”; Tracey Wigfield, Lang Fisher, co-showrunners, “The Four Seasons”Eric Ledgin, co-creator/showrunner, “St. Denis Medical”; Kahyun Kim, David Alan Grier, Allison Tolman, Kaliko Kauahi, stars, “St. Denis Medical”
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Emmy Category Plays: Here’s Where Some of This Year’s Top Contenders Are SubmittingVariety’s awards guru Clayton Davis has been keeping a keen eye on where everyone is submitting their programs for this Emmy season, and here’s some of the intel he has uncovered. Click on the headlines below for details.
CBS’ ‘Elsbeth’ Cooks Up Emmy FYC Partnership With Pink’s Hot Dogs to Hand Out Free Food Every Thursday (EXCLUSIVE)Elsbeth Tascioni (played by Carrie Preston) wears a lot of pink on “Elsbeth” — so perhaps it’s appropriate that the hit CBS series is partnering with famed Hollywood hot dog purveyor Pink’s for an Emmy FYC promotion. Pink’s Hot Dogs will be giving out free hot dogs every Thursday (which is when “Elsbeth” airs on CBS, natch) to its first 100 customers for the next seven weeks. That means “Elsbeth” and hot dog fans can drop by Pink’s for free eats on April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28, June 4 and June 11.
Naturally, the hot dog has been dubbed “The Elsbeth” for the occasion: A 9” dog, with coleslaw, cheddar, mustard and ketchup. After the last free hot dog is passed out, the Elsbeth goes for $7.25.
The “Elsbeth” FYC campaign comes as CBS opted to move the show to the comedy categories this year. The Eye network made the move in recognition of the show’s hefty dose of humor.
“In terms of the category shift, I don’t think we changed what we were doing,” said executive producer Jonathan Tolins. “I think over time we just saw it more clearly. The satirical elements, the rhythm of the show, and the sparkling performances of our cast and guest stars have always had a comedic bent. Yes, every episode includes a murder investigation, but the crime is more likely to involve a paper shredder, a hot tub, or a giant nutcracker head than a gun. That particular ‘Elsbeth’ tone makes calling it a comedy feel right.”
‘Pluribus,’ ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live,’ ‘The Pitt,’ ‘Heated Rivalry’ Among This Year’s Peabody Award WinnersNo Emmy? No problem for “Heated Rivalry,” which isn’t eligible for the Primetime Emmys this year but is still cleaning up with programming awards. The Canadian show — which hails from Canada’s Crave streamer and airs on HBO Max in the U.S. — just picked up a Peabody Award, a week after it was also selected for the Television Academy Honors.
The show joins Emmy winners “The Pitt,” “Adolescence” and more as among the 34 winners chosen by the Peabody Awards jury to win this year’s prizes. That includes programs selected in the fields of entertainment, documentary, news, podcast/radio, arts, children’s and youth, immersive and interactive media, and public service programming.
HBO Max won six total Peabodys, the most of any outlet, followed by Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, PBS and Al Jazeera English, which each received two. (Hulu also received two — but one through Onyx Collective and the other through FX.)
Amy Poehler will be honored with the Peabody career achievement award, Sterlin Harjo will be given the Peabody trailblazer award, James L. Brooks will be honored with the Peabody industry icon award and PBS Kids will be recognized with the Peabody institutional award.
The 86th annual Peabody Awards winners will be recognized with a ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 31. Liz Kelly and ROK Productions will produce.
Read the list of this year’s Peabody Award winners here.
AWARDS CIRCUIT PODCAST: ‘Half Man’ Creator/Star Richard Gadd on His Physical Transformation, Taking a Beat After His Back-to-Back Series and His Hot Take on Tuna and Peanut ButterAfter “Baby Reindeer” wrapped production in 2023, Richard Gadd didn’t take a beat. Virtually the next day, he started on his follow-up, the gripping new HBO limited series “Half Man.”
Now, as he spoke to Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, Gadd said he has finally come up for air. “Half Man,” which premieres Friday, is locked. And now, suddenly, he has time to digest the whirlwind of success he has just experienced.
“I’m still processing everything,” said Gadd, who won two Emmys for Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” (lead actor and writing for a limited or anthology series) in 2024. “I haven’t taken a moment. I have a feeling I promised myself a holiday. I very rarely take holidays, but I promised myself a holiday soon, and then when I take that holiday, it might all hit me. ‘Baby Reindeer,’ ‘Half Man,’ all of it. It might just all hit me. I wonder what to do with myself. Because I’ve always got a purpose to get up in the morning, and all of a sudden I might not have one!”
Gadd spoke to the podcast about his last five years in the spotlight — including his first appearance in Variety; why the title change on “Half Man” (originally called “Lions”); what convinced him to star in “Half Man”; and where the idea for the series came from. He also answers the Awards Circuit Ten Questions, sharing his super hot take on tuna and peanut butter. Listen at the link here!
TEN Qs WITH RICHARD GADD: 1. Childhood nickname: “Gadd. Everyone just called me by my second name.” 2. Something you loved as a kid but can’t believe you were into it now: “Dressing like a goth.” 3. Go-to Karaoke or sing-in-the-shower song: “Billy Idol, ‘Rebel Yell.'” 4. Give me an alternate title for your show: “Brothers.” 5. What’s your secret talent?: “I can do really weird shapes with my tongue.” 6. Favorite ice cream flavor: “Lemon sorbet.” 7. The one item you couldn’t live without: “Oranges. I absolutely love a good orange.” 8. What TV show in all of history do you wish you were a cast member of?: “Mad Men.” 9. Fictional character you most relate to: “David Brent.” 10. Your favorite personal hot take: “Tuna with peanut butter. It tastes amazing.”
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, produced by Michael Schneider, is your one-stop listen for lively conversations about the best in film and television. Each week “Awards Circuit” features interviews with top film and TV talent and creatives; discussions and debates about awards races and industry headlines; and much more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or anywhere you download podcasts. New episodes post weekly.
‘Heated Rivalry,’ ‘South Park’ Among This Year’s Television Academy Honors RecipientsFor a show that’s not eligible for an Emmy, “Heated Rivalry” sure is getting a lot of attention in this week’s AWARDS HQ! Just like the Peabody, the Television Academy has still found a way to award the breakthrough Crave series — seen here in the U.S. on HBO Max. “Heated Rivalry” has been named one of six TV series set to be recognized at the 19th annual Television Academy Honors, which single out “exceptional television programs and their producers who have harnessed the extraordinary power of television to advance social change.
Other shows named this year include Netflix’s “Adolescence,” which earned eight Emmys in 2025 (including outstanding limited or anthology series), Comedy Central’s “South Park” (which has won five Emmys over its long run) and FX’s “Dying for Sex” (which earned nine Emmy noms last year, but was shut out of wins).
Also to be recognized are the Apple TV documentary “Deaf President Now!,” which received two Emmy nominations in 2025 (including outstanding documentary or nonfiction special) and HBO Max’s “Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television.”
VARIETY COVER STORY: ‘Hacks’ Ends With Tears, the Louvre and a Hysterical Lesbian Episode — Cementing Its Legacy as One of the Best Comedies in TV HistoryCovering “Hacks” from the beginning — and then of course appearing in Season 4 and even helping facilitate a crossover with “The Amazing Race” in Season 5! — has been an incredible journey. And it ends here with a final season for the ages. “Hacks” will be remembered as one of the legendary TV comedies of all time. And I got to watch the final day of US shooting for the series in Las Vegas, which is how I opened my Variety cover on “Hacks’” final journey! (Photographs by Sami Drasin)
Prime Video Toasts Its Emmy Contenders at Beverly Hills’ FunkeDiego Calva (“The Night Manager”), Riz Ahmed (“Bait”) and Hero Fiennes Tiffen (“Young Sherlock”) attend Prime Video’s Toast to Emmys Season on April 23 at Funke. Variety was a partner, and produced a fun video series with the guests, set to come soon! (Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages)
Colin Hanks, Jennifer Candy-Sullivan and Chris Candy (“John Candy: I Like Me”) attend Prime Video’s Toast to Emmys Season (Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages)
Calva, Amazon’s Sue Kroll and Peter Friedlander, and a photobombing Eric Kripke (“The Boys”) (Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages)
Friedlander with Jake Szymanski and Nicholas Hatton (“Jury Duty: Company Retreat”) (LeStudio Photography)
Octavia Spencer, Seth MacFarlane, Josh Charles, Simon Helberg, Jason Ritter and More Set for Variety’s Highly Anticipated FYC TV FestVariety FYC TV Fest returns May 6 in Los Angeles, bringing together Emmy contenders and the creative forces behind some of this season’s most talked-about series for a day of lively, genre-spanning conversations.
This year’s lineup includes Octavia Spencer, Seth MacFarlane, Josh Charles, Colin Hanks, Constance Zimmer and Billy Magnussen, among others. The event will be attended by an audience of TV Academy and guild voters.
The day kicks off on a comedic note with a conversation around Fox’s “Best Medicine” featuring star Josh Charles, who also serves as an executive producer, alongside executive producer Ben Silverman and Liz Tuccillo, showrunner and executive producer. This panel will be moderated by Variety TV critic Alison Herman.
Next up, drama, with a panel featuring the creators of AMC’s “Audacity,” bringing together showrunner, writer and executive producer Jonathan Glatzer, executive producer Gina Mingacci and cast members Billy Magnussen and Simon Helberg. The session will be moderated by Michael Schneider, Variety executive editor, TV.
Go behind the scenes of Peacock’s breakout comedy series “Ted,” as Variety sits down with the show’s creator / writer / director / executive producer Seth MacFarlane, alongside actor Alanna Ubach for a candid conversation on shaping the show’s characters and irreverent tone. The session will be moderated by Schneider.
Additional highlights include a conversation with filmmaker Andy Muschietti, director and executive producer, and Barbara Muschietti, executive producer of HBO’s “IT: Welcome to the Derry.” The pair will discuss expanding the “IT” film universe into a broader serialized drama for television, in a panel moderated by Jazz Tangcay, Variety’s senior artisans editor.
Our session with the supporting stars of CBS’ “Matlock” will feature conversations with actress Skye P. Marshall and actor Jason Ritter, as the duo unpacks the show’s character dynamics and what’s driving the series’ momentum. The “Matlock” panel will be moderated by Emily Longeretta, Variety’s director of features.
The panel “Doc Dreams Live: Beyond the Persona” will feature Colin Hanks, director and producer (Prime Video’s “John Candy: I Like Me”); Andrew Renzi, director (Netflix’s “aka Charlie Sheen”) and Isabel Castro, director (Netflix’s “Selena y Los Dinos”). The conversation will unpack public figures, navigating legacy and revealing the human story behind the headlines.
Later in the day, the creative minds behind FX’s limited series “Love Story” will pull back the curtain on one of the season’s most intricately crafted episodes. Director Gillian Robespierre, writer Juli Weiner, music supervisor Jen Malone, costume designer Rudy Mance and actress Constance Zimmer will break down the storytelling, design, and performance choices that brought the episode “Pulling off a Secret Wedding” to life, in a conversation moderated by Tangcay.
Executive producers Octavia Spencer (Orit Entertainment), Matt Robins (October Films) and Christina Douglas (Momentum Content) will guide through their creation of Investigation Discovery’s true-crime documentary series “Lost Women of Alaska,” moderated by Tangcay.
Watch My Show: ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen,’ ‘Ironheart’ Producers Tackle Our Showrunner SurveyWe’ve asked showrunners on first-year (or one-time-only) programs to fill out our irreverent ‘Watch My Show’ survey and its seven questions. Here’s this week’s batch.
Haley Z Boston, “Something Very Bad is Going to Happen” (Netflix)
1. Sum up your show’s pitch in one sentence. “Something Very Bad is Going to Happen” is a psychological horror show about the fear of marrying the wrong person.
2. What’s an alternate title for your show? “Everything is Going to be Okay?????”
3. What do we need to know before tuning in? Several people have told me the show made them reconsider their relationship, and some even broke up with their significant other. So – look into your partner’s eyes before you watch (five minutes of uninterrupted eye-contact, perhaps), and prepare yourselves to ask the question – did I choose the right person? It’s fun to be challenged. Enjoy!
4. Give us an equation for your show. “Carrie” plus “The White Lotus” plus a lot of blood plus “Rosemary’s Baby” plus existential relationship dread plus “Midsommar” minus sunlight plus snow plus “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” with a dash of “Drag Me to Hell.”
5. What’s the best thing someone said about your show? I got an Instagram DM from a stranger that said something like, ‘you’re a sick freak, shame on you, how dare you create something like that.’ Huge compliment.
6. If you could work on any other series in TV, what would it be? Anything Damon Lindelof does. I love “The Leftovers” and “Watchmen” and I want to know how it’s possible to create something so singular, poetic, complex, and with a perfect ending.
7. Finish this sentence: “If you like _______, you’ll love our show.” If you like ‘oh thank god I’m single,’ , you’ll love our show.Chinaka Hodge, “Ironheart” (Disney+)
1. Sum up your show’s pitch in one sentence. Dominique Thorne stars as a 15-year-old super genius from Chicago, Illinois, who builds her own Tony Stark-style suit to defend her block and the world – in that order.
2. What’s an alternate title for your show? “Black Girl Genius.”
3. What do we need to know before tuning in? You don’t need to have seen any other Marvel movies, but it’s helpful if you’ve seen “Wakanda Forever” (Black Panther 2).
4. Give us an equation for your show. “Ironman” x “A Different World” x “RuPaul’s Drag Race”
5. What’s the best thing someone said about your show? I’ve met 10-year-old kids from Oakland, Chicago and Guangzhou who have all said they’re inspired to be scientists after watching. And Lil Rel said it’s his favorite show.
6. If you could work on any other series in TV, what would it be? “Paradise” by Dan Fogelman or “Abbott Elementary.” I’d also love to work with Donald Glover and Jordan Peele. And also, “X-Files.”
7. Finish this sentence: “If you like _______, you’ll love our show.” If you like grounded sci-fi with a lot of heart and a little snark, you’ll love our show.
ON THE CIRCUIT: ‘Shrinking,’ ‘Skyscraper Live,’ ‘Scrubs,’ ‘Landman’ and MoreVariety partnered with Apple TV to bring the “Shrinking” cast and creatives together for a special FYC event in honor of Season 3. Joining us at the Paramount Theater in Los Angeles, Variety’s Emily Longeretta moderated a panel featuring Creator/Writer/Director Bill Lawrence, Creator/Actor/Executive Producer Jason Segel, Actors Harrison Ford, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell and Ted McGinley.
Also at the event: Guest Stars Sherry Cola, Devin Kawaoka, Isabella Gomez and Rachel Stubington, as well as Casting Directors Brett Benner, CSA and Debby Romano, CSA, Director of Photography John Brawley, ACS, Production Designer Cabot McMullen, Department Head of Hair George Guzman, Costume Designer Allyson B. Fanger, Department Head of Make-Up Linda Choi, Editor Sarah Lucky, Supervising Sound Editors Bobby Mackston and Miriam Cole, and Re-Recording Mixer Earl Martin were also in attendance. (Photo Credits: Anna Webber and Michael Buckner, Variety)
A few more pics: But there’s been a lot going on… here are a few more highlights:On Sunday, April 20, I moderated a pabel with free solo climber Alex Honnold to discuss his live-streamed ascent of one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers in Taipei, Taiwan on Netflix’s “Skyscraper Live.” The event, which included a climbing demo by Honnold, took place at Sender One climbing gym in Westwood. (Photo Courtesy of Thomas Lynch for Netflix.)I moderated a “Scrubs” finale FYC panel at the TV Academy on April 14 with EPs/stars Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, and EP Aseem Batra. (Photo: Frank Micelotta)Apple has launched a fan, consumer and Emmy voter activation that took over Westfield Century City last weekend, and will be back April 30 to May 3. The popup “Think Apple TV” features special exhibits for series such as “Imperfect Women,” “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” “The Morning Show,” “Pluribus,” “Shrinking,” “Slow Horses,” “Stick” and “Your Friends & Neighbors.” (Photo courtesy Apple TV)Variety‘s Jenny Maas, moderated a “Paradise” paenel featuring Thomas Doherty, Shailene Woodley, Sterling K. Brown and Julianne Nicholson at SAG-AFTRA Foundation Robin Williams Center on March 24 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)Variety‘s Jazz Tangcay moderated HBO’s “IT: Welcome to Derry” FYC event at the Academy Museum on April 6. Here she is with Andy Muschietti, Daryl Sawchuk, Barbara Muschietti, Paul Denham Austerberry, Chris Chalk, Luis M. Sequeira, Stephen Rider and Taylour Paige. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for HBO)Jazz also chatted up Riz Ahmed at BAFTA’s screening of Prime Video’s ‘Bait’ at the London West Hollywood on April 24. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for BAFTA)Jeff Probst and Variety‘s Emily Longeretta pose onstage at a “Survivor 50” panel (including award presentation to Probst) during the 14th SCAD TVfest on February 4 in Atlanta. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for SCAD)On April 16, Paramount+’s “Landman” stars Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Demi Moore, Sam Elliott, Michelle Randolph, Jacob Lofland and Paulina Chávez joined Television Academy members for a special FYC screening and Q&A at the Television Academy Saban Center in Los Angeles. (Photos: Todd Williamson for Paramount+)Rachel Sennott, True Whitaker, Josh Hutcherson, Jordan Firstman, Leighton Meester and Christina Flannery attend HBO’s “I Love LA” FYC Panel at Pacific Design Center on April 19. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for HBO)Netflix hosted an FYC event with Charlie Sheen and director Andrew Renzi to discuss their docu-series “aka Charlie Sheen” at The London. (Photo courtesy Netflix)Hulu’s second-annual “Get Real House” announced major news in Hulu, ABC and Freeform’s unscripted TV portfolio — and Variety covered it all:
For the first time, Variety is introducing TV Week, a dynamic, invite-only slate of events designed exclusively for TV Academy voters and guild members during the height of Emmy season.
Next week, the inaugural slate of events will cut through the noise of the crowded FYC landscape, delivering thoughtfully curated programming that spotlights the creative voices shaping television today.
Variety’s TV Week will bring together top talent across directing, writing, acting, and producing for a series of intimate, high-impact experiences. Each event is designed to foster meaningful conversation, elevate standout work, and create memorable moments that resonate with key decision-makers.
The week kicks off with High Tea: Celebrating Female Directors, an elegant afternoon gathering paired with a forum-style discussion honoring this year’s Emmy-contending female directors. The event will shine a spotlight on the visionary women behind some of television’s most compelling storytelling.
Next, TV FYC Fest returns, convening leading creators, actors and artisans for engaging, genre-focused panels moderated by Variety editors. These conversations will dive into the creative processes and cultural impact behind the year’s most talked-about series.
Midweek, A Night in the Writers’ Room offers a rare glimpse into the craft of television writing, bringing together top writers for an evening of candid discussion about the ideas, challenges, and collaboration that fuel today’s standout shows.
“With TV Week, we continue to leverage our unique position at the center of the entertainment industry to connect talent, artisans, and voters in ways that are both impactful and resonant,” said Donna Pennestri, Associate Publisher, Variety. “We’re excited to not only celebrate excellence in television, but also drive meaningful engagement during the season’s most exciting moments.”
Stay tuned for more event details and programming announcements to come.
Award-winning musician Sarah McLachlan shared this essay with AWARDS HQ on the legacy of Lilith Fair, and why it was important to share that story in the documentary “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery – The Untold Story,” now streaming on Hulu:
Reality contestants are always figuratively sharpening their knives. This weekend, courtesy Bravo’s “Top Chef,” you can literally sharpen your knives. The series is inviting TV Academy and guild voters to have their knives sharpened for free at the Studio City Farmers Market on May 3rd.
NBCUniversal continued its Emmy kickoff tradition for a fifth year, bringing a ton of stars, producers and executives to the Avra restaurant in Beverly Hills on April 22 to celebrate some of its key Emmy contenders. Above is the class photo, and below some guests (Photos by Tyler Curtis/NBCUniversal):
Alan Cumming (“The Traitors”)
Bobby Moynihan, Jalyn Hall, Precious Way, Tracy Morgan, “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins”
Will Forte, Marco Calvani, stars, “The Four Seasons”; Tracey Wigfield, Lang Fisher, co-showrunners, “The Four Seasons”
Eric Ledgin, co-creator/showrunner, “St. Denis Medical”; Kahyun Kim, David Alan Grier, Allison Tolman, Kaliko Kauahi, stars, “St. Denis Medical”
Variety’s awards guru Clayton Davis has been keeping a keen eye on where everyone is submitting their programs for this Emmy season, and here’s some of the intel he has uncovered. Click on the headlines below for details.
Elsbeth Tascioni (played by Carrie Preston) wears a lot of pink on “Elsbeth” — so perhaps it’s appropriate that the hit CBS series is partnering with famed Hollywood hot dog purveyor Pink’s for an Emmy FYC promotion. Pink’s Hot Dogs will be giving out free hot dogs every Thursday (which is when “Elsbeth” airs on CBS, natch) to its first 100 customers for the next seven weeks. That means “Elsbeth” and hot dog fans can drop by Pink’s for free eats on April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28, June 4 and June 11.
No Emmy? No problem for “Heated Rivalry,” which isn’t eligible for the Primetime Emmys this year but is still cleaning up with programming awards. The Canadian show — which hails from Canada’s Crave streamer and airs on HBO Max in the U.S. — just picked up a Peabody Award, a week after it was also selected for the Television Academy Honors.
After “Baby Reindeer” wrapped production in 2023, Richard Gadd didn’t take a beat. Virtually the next day, he started on his follow-up, the gripping new HBO limited series “Half Man.”
For a show that’s not eligible for an Emmy, “Heated Rivalry” sure is getting a lot of attention in this week’s AWARDS HQ! Just like the Peabody, the Television Academy has still found a way to award the breakthrough Crave series — seen here in the U.S. on HBO Max. “Heated Rivalry” has been named one of six TV series set to be recognized at the 19th annual Television Academy Honors, which single out “exceptional television programs and their producers who have harnessed the extraordinary power of television to advance social change.
Covering “Hacks” from the beginning — and then of course appearing in Season 4 and even helping facilitate a crossover with “The Amazing Race” in Season 5! — has been an incredible journey. And it ends here with a final season for the ages. “Hacks” will be remembered as one of the legendary TV comedies of all time. And I got to watch the final day of US shooting for the series in Las Vegas, which is how I opened my Variety cover on “Hacks’” final journey! (Photographs by Sami Drasin)
Diego Calva (“The Night Manager”), Riz Ahmed (“Bait”) and Hero Fiennes Tiffen (“Young Sherlock”) attend Prime Video’s Toast to Emmys Season on April 23 at Funke. Variety was a partner, and produced a fun video series with the guests, set to come soon! (Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages)
Variety FYC TV Fest returns May 6 in Los Angeles, bringing together Emmy contenders and the creative forces behind some of this season’s most talked-about series for a day of lively, genre-spanning conversations.
We’ve asked showrunners on first-year (or one-time-only) programs to fill out our irreverent ‘Watch My Show’ survey and its seven questions. Here’s this week’s batch.
Chinaka Hodge, “Ironheart” (Disney+)
Variety partnered with Apple TV to bring the “Shrinking” cast and creatives together for a special FYC event in honor of Season 3. Joining us at the Paramount Theater in Los Angeles, Variety’s Emily Longeretta moderated a panel featuring Creator/Writer/Director Bill Lawrence, Creator/Actor/Executive Producer Jason Segel, Actors Harrison Ford, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell and Ted McGinley.
On Sunday, April 20, I moderated a pabel with free solo climber Alex Honnold to discuss his live-streamed ascent of one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers in Taipei, Taiwan on Netflix’s “Skyscraper Live.” The event, which included a climbing demo by Honnold, took place at Sender One climbing gym in Westwood. (Photo Courtesy of Thomas Lynch for Netflix.)I moderated a “Scrubs” finale FYC panel at the TV Academy on April 14 with EPs/stars Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, and EP Aseem Batra. (Photo: Frank Micelotta)
Apple has launched a fan, consumer and Emmy voter activation that took over Westfield Century City last weekend, and will be back April 30 to May 3. The popup “Think Apple TV” features special exhibits for series such as “Imperfect Women,” “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” “The Morning Show,” “Pluribus,” “Shrinking,” “Slow Horses,” “Stick” and “Your Friends & Neighbors.” (Photo courtesy Apple TV)
Variety‘s Jenny Maas, moderated a “Paradise” paenel featuring Thomas Doherty, Shailene Woodley, Sterling K. Brown and Julianne Nicholson at SAG-AFTRA Foundation Robin Williams Center on March 24 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Variety‘s Jazz Tangcay moderated HBO’s “IT: Welcome to Derry” FYC event at the Academy Museum on April 6. Here she is with Andy Muschietti, Daryl Sawchuk, Barbara Muschietti, Paul Denham Austerberry, Chris Chalk, Luis M. Sequeira, Stephen Rider and Taylour Paige. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for HBO)
Jazz also chatted up Riz Ahmed at BAFTA’s screening of Prime Video’s ‘Bait’ at the London West Hollywood on April 24. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for BAFTA)
Jeff Probst and Variety‘s Emily Longeretta pose onstage at a “Survivor 50” panel (including award presentation to Probst) during the 14th SCAD TVfest on February 4 in Atlanta. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for SCAD)
On April 16, Paramount+’s “Landman” stars Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Demi Moore, Sam Elliott, Michelle Randolph, Jacob Lofland and Paulina Chávez joined Television Academy members for a special FYC screening and Q&A at the Television Academy Saban Center in Los Angeles. (Photos: Todd Williamson for Paramount+)
Rachel Sennott, True Whitaker, Josh Hutcherson, Jordan Firstman, Leighton Meester and Christina Flannery attend HBO’s “I Love LA” FYC Panel at Pacific Design Center on April 19. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for HBO)
Netflix hosted an FYC event with Charlie Sheen and director Andrew Renzi to discuss their docu-series “aka Charlie Sheen” at The London. (Photo courtesy Netflix)
Hulu’s second-annual “Get Real House” announced major news in Hulu, ABC and Freeform’s unscripted TV portfolio — and Variety covered it all: