The Emmys have big problems. Luckily we have solutions!

Mr. Reynolds Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 08:34 AM EST

The reason the Emmys tanked in the ratings is because ABC aired it opposite the Dallas-Green Bay game on NBC's "Sunday Night Football." SNF has become a ratings juggernaut, particularly whenever the Cowboys are playing in prime time.
Perhaps the Powers That Be (Emmy Dept.) should take a cue from NBC. In 2006, the Peacock Network requested that the Emmy telecast be moved to late August so there would be no conflict with SNF. Maybe they had the right idea and the Emmys should be shown during the last weekend of August every year.

Oreadno1 Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 02:56 PM EST

Dump anything and everything related to so-called 'reality' shows the awards, the hosts, the 'stars'), move the TV Movie/Miniseries category to the non-broadcast and DEFINITELY have NPH host! Clips from the nominees would work also. And also, if you run a poll or contest to get viewers to vote for "Most Memorable Moments' and advertise you are going to broadcast them, then do so. Otherwise you've cheated, misled, and angered viewers who are your raison d'etre, you know.

New Zealand Bones Fan Sun, Sep 28, 2008 at 06:42 PM EST

How can anyone like the hills i watch 2 minutes for it and the whole time saw 2 girls just sitting on a couch looking bored,

Philippa Sun, Sep 28, 2008 at 03:02 PM EST

They should definately let Neil Patrick Harris host. He's awesome.

Haikes Sun, Sep 28, 2008 at 07:42 AM EST

How about not using a ploy to gain viewers that requires said viewers to vote on 'TV's Most Memorable Moments' and then not even air the winners (which was Buffy's big shot to get recognized on-air since it won)?Thankfully, I didn't waste my time waiting to see the results on the show...

mjkbk Sun, Sep 28, 2008 at 12:00 AM EST

I think something else was going on with David Boreanaz. You're right, he's typically affable but also professional. Ascribing his sour look and stiffness to Lauren Conrad is really a stretch. He looked happy and relaxed during arrivals. Something else must have happened in the interim. I just hope it was nothing awful.

C. A. Bridges Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 11:33 PM EST

Lose most of the presenters, the lamest and most time-wasting part of the whole process. Instead, break the awards into sections and let the same two presenters give ALL the awards for each section: Comedy, Reality Show, Drama, etc. Use that saved time to show clips of the nominees.

Just posted a suggested schedule at cabridges.com/2008/09/how-to-save-the-emmys/

tom Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 01:59 PM EST

so your solution is to shorten it... make it more rushed and cut the miniseries movies so hbo is cut out. you're an idiot. that just eliminates needed star power. you really think tom hanks, laura linney and paul giamatti accepting awards HURT the emmys? what are you stupid? jbo beings big names to tv. just because the networks are incapable of making quality films and miniseries... doesn't mean HBO should be punished with less exposure on the emmys. the inclusion of these awards doesn't hurt a bit. it helps. that wasn't the problem with the emmys. the problem is not hbo or cable. it's the networks. maybe they should be eliminated. moron.

empo Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 03:20 PM EST

Also speaking of Neil Patrick Harris, I feel like Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog should have performed because that would have made the night more exciting.

empo Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 03:18 PM EST

Neil Patrick Harris should host the Emmys and Ricky Gervais should host the Oscars.

There, that's all settled now.

:)

MsFeasance Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 03:02 PM EST

Since the academy seems to have a serious aversion to nominating deserving science fiction shows as dramas ::cough Battlestar Galactica cough::, can they create a separate category for it? Please?

L Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 01:23 PM EST

No, Ricky Gervais should host next year.

Gin Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 08:04 AM EST

I agree with the above suggestions. They're all likely to make next year's Emmys a whole lot better than the mess it was this year. I also suggest that cable shows not be included among nominees since most people don't really watch them. If they must include cable shows, they should be lumped into their separate category and not be forced on us fans of network shows like House and Grey's Anatomy. As for the reality show hosts, what did any of us expect when they're the hosts? They turned the Emmys into a poorly-produced reality show. Even the big stars looked not so starry. I was half expecting Simon Cowell to pop in to give his critique after every performance and acceptance speech. That at least might have been entertaining.

Harley Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 08:22 PM EST

Maybe the problem is we need better Television shows. Enough with the reality & Dancing with etc.

Where are the ground breaking tv shows of this generation? where are the Hill Street Blues? St Elsewheres? Cheers? Picket Fences?
i could go on...
I VCR'd the 60th Emmys - the only thing worth watching...the memorials to see who died this year.

Rob Grizzly Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 06:48 PM EST

I'm telling ya- Do the Oscar and combine drama and comedy together. Less repeat nominees, more interesting match-ups, and harder decisions. The better the competition, the more exciting the program.

Jessica S Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 05:36 PM EST

I agree with many of these suggestions-especially NPH as host. As long as he sings!

For everyone who has been opposed to a "people's choice" category for fear that crappy mainstream shows would win: Buffy actually won something this year! In celebration of the 60th anniversary there was a poll choosing the best moments in both comedy and drama. Buffy's speech to Dawn in "The Gift" won for drama (and was supposed to have been recognized during the telecast) based soley on fan participation. I think that this gives credence to a viewer voted award. Maybe then amazing shows like BSG, Friday Night Lights, and Bones would have a shot at Emmy night glory.

Jakeem Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 05:19 PM EST

And exactly how many EW and Rolling Stone covers has David Boreanaz been on lately? Last time I looked, L.C. had one of each this summer. When you're hot, you're hot!

raven Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 05:19 PM EST

i totally agree that neil patrick harris would be a good emmy host. i think what he said about his bit getting cut was probably better then whatever crap they wrote for him anyway!! and if not him then get ricky gervais!! he was great!!

btw, why did you have to put the horrifying image of heidi montag doing a lucy impersonation in my head? ick!!

Death to Reality TV Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 04:44 PM EST

I respectfully disagree, phillyphilly; David had EVERY right to punch that plastic-faced troll right in the face! And NPH should've done the same to that hairless ferret Howie Mandel; seriously, who the F at that age STILL calls himself "Howie"?

GotohellProbst Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 04:40 PM EST

For the next Emmys, they should begin it by publicly executing whoever's idea it was to have those four loathsome tools plus Heidi Klum host/ruin this year's show...at least the ratings will be at their highest ;)...

DanOregon Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 03:54 PM EST

The Emmys have traditionally tweaked their awards to reflect what types of shows are on television, that said, it wouldn't be a bad idea to move the movie and miniseries awards to creative arts (and air that show on E or TVG) and air clips of the winning performance during the walk-up to the stage.

Mells Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 03:26 PM EST

dma69 - I totally agree, poor David! I think he may have also been upset by being introduced as from "The Bones". He's very proud of the show I can't imagine that made him any happier on top of being paired with that talentless harpy.

Belle Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 03:23 PM EST

I would either eliminate the reality category or move it to the non-televised version. At least ELIMINATE the award for Host in its entirety!! No way move the writing & directing to the Creative awards especially since last year we had to go through a writer's strike. Those writers deserve to be seen. Gary Shandling was pretty funny as host one year. Jerry Seinfeld? Ellen! Viewer's Choice would be a smart move. Just imagine, Buffy, Angel, Gilmore Girls, Homicide Life on the Street, the Wire all could have been give some sort of recogintion if not from their peers(who seem to be asleep at the wheel) but by their fans.

dma69 Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 03:08 PM EST

Can you blame David Boreanaz for looking uncomfortable being paired with a talentless bimbo? He deserves an Emmy just for putting up with the charade.

Kim Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 02:56 PM EST

Hosting a reality show is not the same as being ON a reality show -- hosts are often actually hired for skills (though many are obviously questionable, and 5 working together is overkill). Talk show hosts get awards, let the reality hosts keep theirs. And I have no problem with reality shows getting Emmys -- they're a dominant force in the medium and take a lot of creativity to put together.

I do agree about the TV movies, though. Seems like too small a market to put on the main broadcast. Some of those roles have less screen time than the "Guest Star" awards that also get given out in the earlier ceremony.

Laura Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 02:39 PM EST

I never understand why they don't show more clips of the shows nominated - isn't part of the purpose of the Emmy's to promote the medium and attract viewers? I hadn't seen a sizable chunk of the shows nominated, and after watching the Emmy's I had absolutely no better sense of why I should. A little snippet can entice me - I want to be enticed!! And I find it incredibly annoying that they spent endless time on one category - the reality show host - and sped through almost every other category. Lastly, less singing and dancing and more respect for the awardees - let them talk for second before cutting them off.

Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 02:30 PM EST

The Emmy's are usually fun to watch. None of this "how to fix" the Emmy's would even be a question if they would have had a seasoned host like Conan or Stewart. I don't agree with mixing in reality with the Emmy's. I think scripted shows only should be included. Take out the reality stuff and leave the miniseries/tv movie portion.

Nick Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 02:24 PM EST

I love the Emmys. Everything would have been fine with this year's show had it not been for the 5 stooges. They set the whole tone for the show and it was doomed right after creepy Howie Mandel opened his mouth. Everyone who was there as well as the viewers were uncomfortable.

annie Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 02:17 PM EST

I like the mini series/TV movie awards included on Emmy night. They work hard on these and they deserve to be televised. I'm also fine with the length of time the Emmy's usually run as long as it's a decent show. This show just happened to be poorly managed with inept hosts. I love Neil Patrick Harris and his one line was fantastic and so appropriate...go Neil! But I don't think he could host a whole show. Would love to see Conan host again.

Brian Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 02:03 PM EST

I thought that that was the girl won Heidi Klum's reality show. Man, I have no idea who that chick is.

Boreanaz should have presented with his playmate wife Jaime Bergman!!

John W Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:53 PM EST

Why not cancel the telecast altogether? Just hand out the awards off camera. The Emmy awards are stupid anyway. The fact that so many great shows have not been nominated (Buffy, Gilmore Girls, The Wire, Friday Night Light, Etc.) just makes the Emmy's appear that much more outdated and useless.

Cat Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:50 PM EST

All EW's suggestions rock. I'm still for Conan O'Brien as host, however, complete with him dropping himself in all the nominated shows in the opener. I especially agree with the idea of no tributes--the Laugh In Tribute stunk, and it was long to boot! Show the actual clips, not aging stars in a replica of the set on the stage!

Arsenio Billingham Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:46 PM EST

A People's Choice Award is a BAD idea. While shows like B-Star G and Friday Night Lights might be popular with a more discerning audience, I can't help but think that the winners every year would be mass-appeal fare like "Two and a Half Men" and "CSI".

aps Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:36 PM EST

Re: Boreanaz. I agree. He maybe could've handled himself a little better if it wasn't nerves. He seemed more stiff than perturbed anyway.

Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:36 PM EST

Speaking of Bones what happened to the Pop Watch recaps? They need to be brought back ASAP...

aps Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:34 PM EST

Boreanaz is the man. Felt so bad for him.
NPH would be a good host, maybe better than Gervais. Maybe not as funny, but a better host. I think NPH has a better host demeanor than Ricky. Gervais would no doubt provide a lot of laughs, but it, may too, drag after a bit. (I'm a fan of his, really.)
People's choice would never happen. And I'm not really sure it should to be honest. But the main point of it is that the award would go to a show that probably doesn't deserve it.
I think reality has a place at the awards. The reality shows honored were well produced. I'm a fan of TV, the emmy's and some reality TV shows. I'm ready for some variety in the award though. Really, The amazing race can't be that far and above every other reality show for 6 years running. I watched it for about two seasons and had enough (same with Survivor). Not that there isn't a lot of the same basic premise in the shows every year, but...it's time to look at a show other than AR.

phillyphilly Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:30 PM EST

JIM KIRK, I have to agree that 'Bones' only doubles 'The Hills' ratings. However, David wasn't just an extra on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. He was a main character for 3 seasons. Then, David had his own show with the spin-off 'Angel'. 'Bones' is eh. Has ok ratings, but the writing is terrible, now.

Anyway, whether David was insulted by having to present with a reality star or not, he should have handled it like a professional. You're paired with a partner. Deal with it and make the best of it. Plain and simple. Overall, I don't think he had a problem with LC. I think he was more nervous than anything. He's never presented at The Emmy's before. He presented at the Creative Emmys, but that's not the same. I don't know if I like how you're making David out to be stuck up and thinking he's better than anyone, because I don't see him as that kind of person.

Stef Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

Why is NPH listed as the best potential Emmy host ever here, but not a choice on the poll question on the main page? He beats all the poll suggestions.

KLF Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:25 PM EST

I agree with showing the clips that the actors and series are nominated for. Didn't they used to do this? No one could tell anything with the 1 second blur that flashed when mentioning the nominees.

Strepsi Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:25 PM EST

YES to killing the Miniseries/Movie category. It would shave a whole hour. And not because of HBO-envy. The whole reason that set of awards is so prominent, is that the miniseries used to be the only place on TV to see real (movie)STARS! Now with nearly every drama headed by an Oscar-nominated actress, we have enough stars on TV shows -- and we want to see MORE of what they are up to Emmy night!

Omo's mom Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:23 PM EST

That is what the Golden Globe and Oscars are for. Many of us have not even seen the mini series/TV movie and don't care (regardless of big stars). I want to root for my faves!

Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:22 PM EST

David Boreanaz *hugs him* not only did he have to present with a talentless bimbo but he had to put up with her being rude as well. 12yrs on TV drama, David should be shown more respect!

loola234 Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:08 PM EST

Sort of on the fence about the movie/mini-series being relagated to the pre-broadcast ceremony, even though it's supposed to celebrate TV, often "bigger" stars are in the movies/mini-series so...were I a producer, I'd want the biggest stars possible.

JIM KIRK Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 01:04 PM EST

Was David Boreanaz mad because she got the name of his show wrong? And I
bet more people know LC then him. His show only doubles her ratings. Just remember he was just an extra playing a vampire on buffy in first episode.

graeme Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 12:58 PM EST

Well the other annoying thing about the TV movie categories this year is that the SAME movies were nominated for every category. Every acting category, directing, writing.
Were there only 5 TV movies made this year?

C C Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 12:13 PM EST

They could easily move the writing and directing Emmys to the Creative Arts ceremony. That would remove 5 awards from the big telecast. Also, with the low number of tv movies and miniseries being produced, they might consider combining the miniseries and tv movie categories.

Dana Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 12:12 PM EST

David Boreanaz should feel insulted I think any good actor/actress would have been.

When is EW going to get a Bones TV watch????

Cee Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 12:10 PM EST

The miniseries awards took up half the show! And many viewers of the emmys don't even have premium cable, so those awards mean nothing. I also LOVE the idea of showing clips of nominated shows--that's the best part of the oscars for me! (next to the dresses...)

Ames Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 12:06 PM EST

You're right about the best movie/mini-series. since they are always on premium cable, I never see any of them when the emmies air (but sometimes rent the winners). But people's choice award? I hate to say it but Two and a Half Men would win.

SarahP Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 11:38 AM EST

I think a People's Choice category is a great idea. I'd go one step further, and break it into two awards - one for the show, and one for an actor/actress. Maybe even add a rule that it would have to be for a show or individual who wasn't already nominated? But maybe not, since often the really good ones do get nominated, they just don't win the awards they deserve (what's up NPH and Amy Poehler??).

Melinda65 Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 11:38 AM EST

"The Probster"--really lame comic-book villain, or worst superhero ever?

Amanda Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 11:33 AM EST

I agree that NPH should host, but I do think reality shows deserve their kudos. I hardly watch any and I am sick of seeing The Amazing Race win, but I definitely think it takes skill to produce a reality show--and to host one.

Marn Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 11:20 AM EST

I am so on board for getting rid of the Miniseries/TV-Movie category.

Terri Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST

I'd like to see NPH and Eddie Izzard together bc that would be hi-larious. Ricky Gervais is great but I don't know if he'd be able to pull off an entire awards show

Nix Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST

Who is Lauren Conrad?

Kathleen Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 11:05 AM EST

NPH would be de - wait for it - lightful.

Sorry. I had to.

Cory Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 11:04 AM EST

I agree with everything in this article. David B. had a good reason to be upset about his presenting partner. He should be insulted, and by the look on his face he was.

majigail Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

Weird el, I like TV and reality shows AND care about the Emmys. Although someone else is long overdue to beat the Amazing Race!

el Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 10:40 AM EST

People who watch the Emmys are people who like TV. People who like TV don't care about reality shows, they care about the talent and craft that goes into creating something worth watching every week. Don't underestimate the viewer! I remember last year or the year before, it was discussed that Hugh Laurie was a possible host, but the Emmy committee decided that Americans wouldn't be able to comprehend that he is a comedian. I think they replaced him with Ryan Seacrest? LAME! That should be in award show 101 -- get a decent host!
PS -- Neil Patrick Harris is a fantastic idea, as long as they let him sing. :)

Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 10:13 AM EST

Conan should host it every year -- he was awesome.

Catherine Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 09:48 AM EST

Get rid of all king realty related television show or "stars". Focus on good tv!! It's quite simple really!

Mells Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 09:24 AM EST

NPH or Ricky Gervais for next year's host! I agree with your suggestion of a People's Choice - BSG needs some love!