Shameless is long overdue for more awards recognition and perhaps switching from the drama category to comedy will do the trick in securing some wins. That may be what the Showtime series is hoping for as they have reportedly received approval to qualify for the comedy categories for the 2014 Primetime Emmy Awards.
TVLine shared the update, stating that Shameless producers received the OK from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to move the hour-long scripted series from the drama category to comedy for the consideration of the Academy. The network's announcement states:
“[Shameless] is a category-bending show, with dark humor and dramatic tones, and the producers felt that a submission in the comedy category fit the feel and tone of the show best,”
As TVLine notes, this shift from drama to comedy might give Shameless star Emmy Rossum a better shot at a nomination for her outstanding performance of Fiona Gallagher.
I'm on the fence about this. On one hand, I think Shameless is a drama first and a comedy second. As funny as it can be, much of its tone relies on the conflict of the Gallaghers, a working class family living in Chicago and constantly facing a variety of challenges, many related to their lack of steady income and questionable morals. It's a drama. But certainly wouldn't argue that the show isn't regularly funny. Humor is a big part of what makes Shameless such a must-watch, especially in its willingness to take a joke that extra step.
The above said, I also think Shameless deserves a lot more recognition than it already gets (mainly guest starring nominations for the excellent Joan Cusack), so it's hard to argue against this category move if it means we'll see more nominations for this show, particularly for Rossum but also for the series if it can manage to earn a place among the Outstanding Comedy Series nominees. At the very least, I feel far less annoyed by this category decision than I did when Downton Abbey was classified as a miniseries, despite not being a miniseries.
Shameless is currently wrapping up its fourth season, which has proven to be its most dramatic yet, due largely to some major health issues for William H. Macy's character Frank and some serious legal problems for Fiona. Showtime has already renewed the show for Season 5.
Here's a look at next Sunday night's episode, which is the second to last of the season...
Shameless airs Sunday at 9:00 p.m. ET on Showtime.
And the 2014 Emmy Nominations will be announced on July 10, 2014. Hopefully see more of Shameless on the list!
