Content is the winning key in Netflix’s quest for TV domination, and the streaming service just got another boost after racking up the most 2018 Emmy nominations on Thursday — ending HBO’s 17-year reign as the Television Academy’s most celebrated network.
In total, Netflix earned 112 #Emmys noms! “We congratulate our creative partners on their unprecedented success today,” said Ted Sarandos. “We are particularly enthused to see the breadth of our programming celebrated with nominations spread across 40 new and returning titles.” pic.twitter.com/q3muTZb7eQ
— See What’s Next (@seewhatsnext) July 12, 2018
Netflix’s multibillion-dollar investment in first-run content yielded an impressive 112 Emmy nods, up about 20 percent from its 2017 haul of 91 nominations and more than double its overall tally of 54 a mere two years ago. HBO was hardly a slouch, however: It scored 108 nods this year, just three fewer than the 111 it managed last year. The premium-cable pioneer managed to match its previous performance despite the absence of perennial Emmy powerhouse Veep, which scored 17 nods last year.
Still, it’s undeniably a milestone moment for Netflix, one which further cements its status as the $8 billion gorilla that’s taken over the TV industry in just a half-decade.
For so long, HBO had no competition in the cable landscape, and then the upstart Netflix came in with the formula of adding massive content and throwing a lot of money behind it. This could spell the beginning of the end for HBO, or it could force HBO to revaluate their current platform, as many believe Netflix is winning the arms race for content. With all these Emmy nominations, clearly, that’s the case.
The 70th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be held on Monday (Sept. 17) at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Saturday Night Live‘s own “Weekend Update” anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che will host the ceremony.
