The 5 Biggest Upsets And Record Holders For The Emmy Award For Outstanding Comedy Series

The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series is arguably the most prestigious accolade in television comedy, a gold standard that defines a generation's humor and cultural landscape. As of the most recent ceremony, the 2024 Emmy Awards saw a massive upset that has fundamentally shifted the conversation around what constitutes an "Outstanding" comedy in the modern streaming era. This definitive guide, updated for the current date in December 2025, dives deep into the monumental 2024 results, the surprising trends of the past decade, and the historical records that continue to define television excellence. The competition is fiercer than ever, blurring the lines between comedy and drama, making the annual winner a true reflection of the industry's evolving taste.

The Shocking Results of the 2024 Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy

The 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards delivered a stunning verdict in the Outstanding Comedy Series category, crowning a winner that many pundits had placed second to a record-breaking rival. This result highlights the unpredictable nature of the Television Academy and the sheer quality of modern comedic television. The nominees for the 2024 Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series represented a diverse and high-caliber field:

• Abbott Elementary
• The Bear
• Curb Your Enthusiasm
• Hacks (Winner)
• Only Murders In The Building
• Palm Royale
• Reservation Dogs
• What We Do In The Shadows

The Upset Heard 'Round Hollywood

The overwhelming favorite heading into the ceremony was FX's *The Bear*, a show that had already made history. *The Bear* came into the night with a staggering 23 nominations, setting a new record for the most nominations ever received by a comedy series. The show dominated the acting categories, securing wins for Jeremy Allen White for Outstanding Lead Actor and its supporting cast. Despite this dominance, the top prize went to HBO's *Hacks*. This victory marked a significant upset, proving that even a show with a near-sweep in other categories is not guaranteed the ultimate award. *Hacks*, which focuses on the relationship between a legendary Las Vegas comedian and a young writer, was widely praised for its sharp writing and the powerhouse performance of Jean Smart, who also secured a Lead Actress win. The win for *Hacks* over *The Bear* cemented the former's status as a critical darling and a favorite among the Academy's older voting bloc, while *The Bear*'s success demonstrated the Academy's growing acceptance of "dramedy" as a new standard for the genre.

The Historical Titans: Shows That Defined the Award

To truly appreciate the significance of a modern win, one must look back at the historical titans that set the bar for excellence. The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series has been presented annually since 1952, creating a rich tapestry of records and legendary television programs.

The All-Time Record Holders

Two shows stand out in the history books for their unparalleled success in this category, representing two different eras of television comedy.

1. Most Wins Overall: Frasier (5 Wins)

The NBC sitcom *Frasier*, a spin-off of *Cheers*, holds the record for the most wins in the Outstanding Comedy Series category, with five total victories. What makes this record even more remarkable is that *Frasier* won the award five consecutive times, from 1994 to 1998. This incredible run of success demonstrated the show's consistent quality and the Academy's deep affection for the sophisticated, character-driven comedy.

2. Most Consecutive Wins: Modern Family (5 Consecutive Wins)

While *Frasier* also won five consecutively, the ABC show *Modern Family* matched this incredible streak, solidifying its place in Emmy history. *Modern Family* won the award five consecutive times from 2010 to 2014. This achievement tied the all-time record for consecutive wins and highlighted the dominance of the single-camera, mockumentary-style comedy that defined the early 2010s.

3. Most Nominations: Cheers and M*A*S*H (11 Nominations)

The record for the most nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series is a tie between two beloved classics: *Cheers* and *M*A*S*H*. Both shows received a record 11 nominations throughout their runs, showcasing their enduring excellence and sustained critical appeal across multiple decades.

The Evolving Definition of "Comedy" and Modern Trends

The landscape of the Outstanding Comedy Series category has dramatically shifted in the 21st century, moving away from traditional multi-camera sitcoms toward more complex, genre-bending programs.

The Rise of the Dramedy

The most significant modern trend is the rise of the "dramedy"—a show that blends elements of drama and comedy, often tackling serious themes with a comedic tone. The 2024 competition perfectly exemplifies this:

• The Bear: A show about the high-stress world of a Chicago restaurant, dealing with grief, addiction, and anxiety, but categorized as a comedy for Emmy purposes.
• Hacks: While funny, the series often delves into the poignant struggles of aging, relevance, and mentorship.
• Only Murders In The Building: A cozy mystery series with comedic leads, highlighting the blending of genres.

This trend has led to a controversial debate about the category's boundaries, with many arguing that shows like *The Bear* are too dramatic to compete with traditional comedies like *Abbott Elementary*. However, the Academy's criteria often hinges on episode length and the submission preference of the show's producers, leading to fascinating and often divisive results.

The Power of the Ensemble Cast

While the Lead Actor and Lead Actress categories draw significant attention, the Outstanding Comedy Series winner is often a reflection of a powerful ensemble. Past winners like *Ted Lasso*, *Schitt's Creek*, and *Veep* all featured deep benches of talent, where every character contributed significantly to the show's success. This focus on ensemble work rewards programs with strong supporting performances, such as the multiple acting wins for *The Bear* and the consistent nominations for the casts of *Only Murders In The Building* and *Hacks*. The continued evolution of the Outstanding Comedy Series award ensures that the category remains one of the most exciting and closely watched at the Primetime Emmys. With the 2024 upset still fresh, the industry is already looking ahead to the next ceremony to see which groundbreaking series will next claim the coveted title.