Debra OConnell on Disney's 125 Emmy noms and FX/Hulu shift
Disney Entertainment Television chairman Debra OConnell marked her first Emmy nominations morning in the role with a company-wide haul of 125 nods at the 78th Emmy Awards, led by 46 for ABC. She told Variety the tally is an embarrassment of riches and highlighted Dancing With the Stars and a new day-and-date FX/Hulu launch strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Disney scored 125 Emmy nominations across ABC, FX, Hulu, Disney Television Studios and more.
- Dancing With the Stars returned to outstanding reality competition program for the first time in a decade.
- ABC led broadcast networks with 46 nominations, including Abbott Elementary and Jimmy Kimmel Live.
- FX and Hulu shared 23 nominations under a new same-day linear-and-streaming rollout.
- OConnell called the FX/Hulu setup a chance to meet audiences where they are.
Why does Debra OConnell's first Emmy morning matter for Disney?
Four months after she was elevated to chairman of Disney Entertainment Television, Debra OConnell experienced her first Emmy nominations morning in the new gig — and it was a strong debut. The Walt Disney Company scored 125 nominations at the 78th Emmy Awards, including 46 for ABC, the most of any broadcast network.
Speaking to Variety, OConnell called the overall tally an embarrassment of riches. The 125 nominations span Disney Kids & Family, FX, Disney Television Studios, Hulu Originals, National Geographic, Onyx Collective, and studio labels including Lucasfilm, Marvel Television, 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures.
How did Dancing With the Stars earn OConnell's praise?
At ABC, one of the biggest surprises was Dancing With the Stars returning to the outstanding reality competition program category — its first nomination there in a decade. OConnell called the show a continuing phenomenon and an overdue nod that reflects its cultural impact after decades on air.
ABC's nominations were also led by Abbott Elementary, which earned its fifth consecutive outstanding comedy series nod plus acting nominations for Quinta Brunson, Janelle James and Tyler James Williams. Jimmy Kimmel Live scored its 15th straight outstanding variety series nomination and its first writing for a variety series nod in 13 years. OConnell said she was proud of Jimmy Kimmel and the team. ABC also claimed four of five game show nominations.
What is Disney's new FX and Hulu setup?
This year marked the first time FX's linear and streaming outlets — which have separate oversight — shared all contenders day-and-date. OConnell's linear side of the FX equation shared 23 nominations with John Landgraf's FX programming oversight on Hulu, including The Bear, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, Welcome to Wrexham and Alien: Earth.
Previously, not all FX-branded programming ran on the FX linear channel. Now, all FX-branded series launch on FX linear and Hulu at the same time. OConnell said it is a really nice opportunity to meet audiences where they are. Hulu received 22 nominations, including for Paradise and Only Murders in the Building, while Disney Television Studios earned 59 nominations across animation, comedy and limited series.
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