The Emmy Awards’ Global Blind Spot

The Primetime Emmy Awards’ eligibility rules are stuck in the past, ignoring the growing influence of international productions on American television. As the entertainment industry expands its reach across borders, it’s time for the Television Academy to reconsider its outdated rules and acknowledge the global nature of modern television.

The nominations for the 2026 Emmy Awards were announced yesterday morning, with some familiar names making the cut. However, one notable absence stood out: HBO Max’s hockey romance Heated Rivalry. The show won’t be eligible for any awards due to the Academy’s rules prohibiting shows financed outside of the US.

This rule seems quaint in today’s globalized media landscape, where streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have become major players in the Emmy game. Shows produced in countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK are not only competing with American productions but also influencing the very fabric of American television. Schitt’s Creek, Fleabag, and Succession have already made a significant impact on the industry, pushing boundaries and tackling topics previously considered taboo.

The likes of these global shows have challenged traditional notions of entertainment and broken down cultural barriers. Yet, the Emmy Awards seem oblivious to this shift, sticking to their outdated rules as if the world outside Los Angeles didn’t exist. This not only affects international productions but also American creators who collaborate with international talent or draw inspiration from global themes.

The consequences of this narrow-minded approach are far-reaching. The Academy’s refusal to acknowledge these changes perpetuates a zero-sum game where only US productions get recognition, reinforcing the notion that American television is superior to its international counterparts. This ignores the fact that many global shows have already begun to innovate and challenge traditional storytelling methods.

Moreover, this stance may lead to a brain drain of talented creators who feel stifled by the Academy’s restrictive rules. Why bother submitting to the Emmys if your show is unlikely to be recognized? The loss of creative talent would not only hurt the industry but also deprive audiences of fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling.

The growth of streaming services has democratized the production process, allowing creators from around the world to produce shows that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. This shift is reflected in the increasing number of international productions being nominated for Emmys, including titles like Schitt’s Creek and Fleabag.

However, despite this progress, the Academy still clings to its narrow definition of what constitutes an “American” production. By excluding shows financed outside of the US, they are essentially ignoring the reality of global television. This raises questions about the future of American television: will it continue to thrive as a standalone entity, or will it become increasingly integrated into the global media landscape?

The Emmy Awards’ refusal to acknowledge international productions may have unintended consequences for American creators who collaborate with international talent or draw inspiration from global themes. By excluding these shows, the Academy is essentially saying that they don’t belong in the conversation about the best of television.

This approach not only stifles innovation but also reinforces a narrow definition of what constitutes “American” art. It’s time for the Emmy Awards to recognize and reward creators who are pushing boundaries and challenging traditional notions of entertainment.

As the Emmy Awards continue to evolve, it’s essential that they adapt to the changing media landscape. By acknowledging the global nature of modern television, they can ensure that their awards reflect the diversity and complexity of contemporary storytelling. This may require a reevaluation of their eligibility rules, but the benefits will be worth it: a more inclusive and innovative awards ceremony that truly represents the best of American television.

The Emmy Awards’ global blind spot is not only a missed opportunity to recognize innovation in storytelling but also a reflection of the industry’s failure to adapt to changing times. It’s time for the Academy to take a step back, reassess their priorities, and acknowledge the growing influence of international productions on American television.