Soap opera fans have to wait a few more days until the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, but they don't have to wait any longer to learn what's in store for the telecast, which will be airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday, June 24, at 9PM EST.
In a new interview with Variety, NATAS President and CEO Adam Sharp reveals what fans can expect from the ceremony now that it's back with its first all-live presentation since 2019. (The COVID-19 pandemic forced the show to go virtual with pre-recorded segments in 2020 and 2021.)
"It will be a bit more focused," Sharp shares, referencing the fact that children's and family programming now has its own Emmy Awards. "The telecast will be very squarely focused on the dramas, talk shows, and game shows."
With an audience present this year, Sharp hopes that the live element will heighten the awards night fun and drama. "Hopefully that excitement conveys to the viewers," he says. "I think you'll see us try to put a lot of that interaction on display."
Sharp also reveals that because this year's Daytime Emmys feature just 14 categories, the broadcast should be relatively streamlined -- though it's not always easy to keep it to a tight, two-hour celebration!
"One of [the challenges is] the sheer amount of time you spend with people walking from their seats to the stage," he explains. "To the extent that there were benefits to the virtual format, it was the ability to keep it tight. So, we will be looking at how to strike that balance."
As Soap Central previously reported, NATAS and the TV Academy (which administers the Primetime Emmys) decided to move away from time slot distinctions and focus more on genre when choosing which shows compete at the Daytime Emmy Awards. One of the changes that came from this decision was moving soapy series such as Studio City and The Bay to September's Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony. Discussions are ongoing to further streamline certain categories in both the Primetime and Daytime ceremonies. Among those genres that may see a shift next year are game shows and DIY/instructional programming.
Despite the realignment, Sharp says the Daytime Emmy Awards' name will remain the same. He says, "I think daytime is no longer applied specifically to programming that airs in that time of day, but rather a suite of programs and genres and forms of storytelling and entertainment that we let into our lives in a way that is different than what we consider primetime programming."
What do you hope to see when the Daytime Emmy Awards return to television this Friday, June 24? We want to hear from you -- and there are many ways you can share your thoughts.
