Best Comedy Writing Emmy odds: ‘The Bear’ and ‘Hacks’ will battle it out
One of the most obscure, unconventional categories at the 2024 Emmys is the lineup for Best Comedy Writing. For years, this race has defied trends and veered off of expectations, resulting in some of the most creative nominees. This year includes two frontrunner series (“The Bear” and “Hacks”), three shows that were snubbed for their last seasons (“Abbott Elementary,” “What We Do In The Shadows” and “Girls5Eva”) and a returning program once again on its solo nomination (“The Other Two”). Let’s take a closer look at all the submissions and the writers nominated in this category to determine who will emerge victorious.
Here are Gold Derby’s current Best Comedy Writing Emmy 2024 racetrack odds:
1. “The Bear” (“Fishes” by Christopher Storer & Joanna Calo) — 17/5 odds
2. “Hacks” (“Bulletproof” by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs & Jen Statsky) — 4/1 odds
3. “Abbott Elementary” (“Career Day” by Quinta Brunson) — 5/1 odds
4. “What We Do In The Shadows” (“Pride Parade” by Jake Bender & Zach Dunn) — 6/1 odds
5. “Girls5Eva” (“Orlando” by Meredith Scardino & Sam Means) — 13/2 odds
6. “The Other Two” (“Brooke Hosts a Night of Undeniable Good” by Chris Kelly & Sarah Schneider) — 7/1 odds
It is no surprise that the top two comedies in terms of total nominations are also leading the combined odds, starting with the defending champion “The Bear” with arguably its most watercooler episode ever, “Fishes.” The star-studded flashback hour intricately examines the Berzatto family dynamics during a Christmas dinner and balances the ferocity with intimate character moments and relationship tensions that lead up to an explosive ending as the siblings tiptoe around their mother’s volatile behavior. The continuing undeniable buzz around Season 2 of “The Bear” and particularly this episode, along with its Emmy sweep the last ceremony, shoots it up to first place.
But right behind is the Season 3 finale of “Hacks,” which also won this category in 2021 for its pilot. This episode is best summed up as Ava (Hannah Einbinder) beating her boss Deborah (Jean Smart) at her own game. The finale balances numerous dramatic tones dealing with themes of betrayal, blackmail and generational beliefs about handling misogyny in the industry, while adding its unique comedic layers. What makes this episode memorable is the fight scene between Smart and Einbinder after Deborah lies to Ava about a job at her upcoming late night show, leading to an intense argument about their relationship and the narcissism of who Deborah is. Couple that with the ending where Ava blackmails Deborah for the head writer position and it leaves the show on a high note with the anticipation of more in the fourth season.
“Abbott Elementary” won this race two years ago also for its pilot, which is why it was a head-scratcher when it was snubbed the year after, but it returns now for its Season 3 premiere “Career Day.” The two-parter takes place within a span of five months where Janine (Quinta Brunson) is offered a job working for the school district system as a representative and centers around the school’s first career day where she once again revisits her feelings for Gregory (Tyler James Williams). The double-length premiere stays true to form with the mockumentary sitcom format and provides hilarious one-liners from all main characters giving it third-place odds.
Another show that was left off last year for writing was “What We Do In The Shadows,” which had a major comeback, including gaining its first acting nomination for Matt Berry in Best Comedy Actor. This eccentric episode “Pride Parade” revolves around the vampires helping their neighbor organize such an event to appeal towards the gay community as he runs for comptroller, and Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) swaps bodies with her spiritual doll ghost self so it can lose her virginity. Those storylines build up to a uproarious hysterical payoff when they all connect victoriously towards the end. The final writing nominee that is up for Best Comedy Series gives this a fourth-place ranking.
The last two nominees, though both having been cited before, are where we get to the true outliers that make this category so unpredictable. Starting with “Girls5Eva” which holds fifth place, “Orlando” follows the girl group to the titular city to perform at a birthday party, while reconnecting with old friends and flames. Both writers, who have previously penned for “The Daily Show” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” maintain that absurd comedy style in this episode with a joke per minute between all the individual ladies’ storylines before performing the song together with the host.
Finally, there is “The Other Two” which shocked many last year for its lone nomination in this category for its final third season. It returns again in the same fashion, just three episodes later, due to the eligibility period where it aired after last year’s May 31 deadline. This showcase features all the central characters setting extremely high standards for themselves, and excessive, desperate attempts to achieve success and positive reception, while mentally competing with others and humorously making impulsive and regrettable decisions. Its sole nomination gives it sixth-place odds, but is the second consecutive bid for the show’s creators.
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