Louis C.K. Entering Dramatic Emmy Race with Horace and Pete

horace pete

Comedian, producer, director and actor Louis C.K. will be submitting his semi-comedic and more often dramatic web series Horace and Pete for Emmy consideration in various dramatic categories, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Relying on “well placed sources” THR says the series is looking to compete with other comedic/dramatic series like Mr. Robot, Better Call Saul, Game of Thrones and Orange is the New Black. Several of the top contenders in the Emmy race this past year came from non-traditional networks and digital platforms like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, and even cable channels not traditionally known for their original programming.

C.K. and co-sar Steve Buscemi are being submitted as lead dramatic actors with series co-stars Alan Alda, Steven Wright, Jessica Lange, Edie Falco and comedian Kurt Metzger being submitted for supporting dramatic actor consideration, THR reports.

Why drama instead of comedy? Well aside from the fact that the series does tend to lean more toward the dramatic with comedic moments, there are also the Emmy rules to contend with. In 2015, in the face of the increase in programming that blurs the line between the two, Emmy clarified that only half hour series were eligible for comedy designation. Hour long series would be classified as dramatic. While Horace and Pete episodes can drift in length with one episode hitting about 30 minutes and some almost reaching feature-length, there would be no question that the series is hour-long as opposed to a half hour series.

The first episode of Horace and Pete suddenly appeared on Louis CK’s website on January 30th with no fanfare, or even announcement outside of CK’s subscriber email. Those who purchased episode one were rewarded with strong writing and tremendous performances from some real Hollywood royalty, most notably, Alan Alda, Steve Buscemi, Jessica Lange and Edie Falco.

This could break new ground for programming, extending the possibility of mainstream primetime recognition for web series without a major platform or provider. It’s only been a few years since web-only providers like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu have been up for award consideration. 2013 was he first year that web-only platforms had shows up for Emmy awards, and Netflix got the first such win that very same year, with an Emmy for David Fincher for directing House of Cards. In 2015 Amazon took home two Primetime Emmys, with Netflix taking 1. LouisCK.net has already won one Emmy, for Outstanding Variety Special, for his hour comedy special, Louis C.K.: Live At The Comedy Store. 

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