A reader recently posed an intriguing question about the TV show “The Bear,” expressing confusion over its classification as a comedy. The reader noted that the show often feels more sad than funny and wondered how it ended up being labeled as a comedy rather than a drama.
The answer lies in the studio’s decision to submit “The Bear” as a comedy for awards consideration. This choice highlights the complexities viewers face when trying to categorize shows that blend elements of both comedy and drama. Terms like “dramedy” or “dramatic comedy” have been used for years to describe such hybrid series.
When it comes to awards, the Television Academy has specific rules. For a series to be considered a comedy, the majority of the running time of at least six episodes must be primarily comedic. Similarly, for a drama, the majority of the running time must be primarily dramatic. The Academy also reserves the right to review category placements through its Industry Panel.
However, as Clayton Davis pointed out in Variety, the lines between comedy and drama have become increasingly blurred. Many shows now straddle both genres, making it difficult to categorize them neatly. This ambiguity is further complicated by strategic decisions made by studios and performers to enter categories where they believe they have the best chance of winning.
Alan Sepinwall of Rolling Stone has commented on the futility of trying to sort shows into rigid categories. He suggests that viewers should focus on following shows they find interesting, regardless of their official classification.
In other news, a third season of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” is in the works, with production reportedly starting this month. However, new episodes are not expected to air until 2025.
A reader also inquired about a short-lived TV Western from the late 1960s or early 1970s called “Cade’s County,” starring Glenn Ford as Sheriff Sam Cade. The show originally aired in 1971-72 on CBS and featured Edgar Buchanan, known for his role as Uncle Joe on “Petticoat Junction,” as one of Cade’s deputies. Episodes of “Cade’s County” can be found on YouTube, and Prime Video offers “Sam Cade,” a movie assembled from TV episodes.
Another reader asked about the status of “Treadstone,” a series on Peacock that left many storylines unresolved. Unfortunately, “Treadstone” will not be returning for a second season. The show was an attempt by USA Network to expand the Jason Bourne universe but failed to garner sufficient ratings. As a result, USA Network has shifted its focus away from scripted programs in favor of reality shows and limited series.
Returning to the main topic, the classification of “The Bear” as a comedy raises interesting questions about how we define genres in an era where many shows defy traditional boundaries. The decision to label “The Bear” as a comedy may seem puzzling to some viewers, but it underscores the fluidity and subjectivity involved in categorizing modern television.
Ultimately, the debate over whether “The Bear” is a comedy or a drama may be less important than the show’s ability to engage and resonate with its audience. As viewers, we might do well to follow Alan Sepinwall’s advice and focus on the quality and appeal of the shows we watch, rather than getting bogged down in genre classifications.
Source: Tribune News Service, Variety, Rolling Stone
