The 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards spotlighted standout wins for Ted Lasso with four trophies, The White Lotus earning five, and Succession collecting three statues, all celebrated during a star-studded night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The event underscored Mike White’s directing triumph for The White Lotus, solidifying its place as a top-tier winner among a field that included Abbott Elementary and Squid Game. The ceremony showcased a mix of comedy and drama series and highlighted outstanding performances across a diverse slate of nominees. (citation: Television Academy)
Succession and Ted Lasso lead on a night dominated by The White Lotus
The evening unfolded with a full tally of recipients, reflecting a broad spectrum of achievement across genres and formats. The awards highlighted Ted Lasso as the best comedy series, a nod to its consistent humor and character-driven storytelling that resonated with audiences and critics alike. Supporting acting honors went to Sheryl Lee Ralph for Abbott Elementary and Brett Goldstein for Ted Lasso, recognizing compelling performances that anchored their respective series. Jean Smart, for Hacks, earned the best lead actress portrayal in a dramatic or comedic context, while Jason Sudeikis was celebrated again for his role as the lead in Ted Lasso. (citation: Television Academy)
The night also brought attention to notable writing and production achievements. Brunson Fifth earned a best screenplay nod for Pilot, associated with Abbott Elementary, while MJ Delaney’s episode No Wedding and Funeral was highlighted for its strong writing and character work. The White Lotus received the best limited or anthology series recognition, with Jennifer Coolidge and Murray Bartlett cited for their supporting performances in that series. Amanda Seyfried and Michael Keaton were acknowledged for their lead performances in Don’t Let Go and Stupid, respectively, while Mike White earned more writing and production credits for The White Lotus. (citation: Television Academy)
The White Lotus also claimed the best TV movie or miniseries recognition, with Julia Garner and Matthew Macfadyen honored for supporting performances in Ozark and The Promise. Zendaya was highlighted for her lead work in Euphoria, and Lee Jung-jae was celebrated for his lead performance in Squid Game. The ceremony also recognized Say All the Bells from Succession for its writing, as well as Hwang Dong-hyuk for his ongoing work on Squid Game. Jerrod Carmichael picked up a writing award for Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel, and Lizzo Pays Attention to Big Grrrls was recognized in the reality competition category. The show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and Saturday Night Live were noted for their contributions to talk show and sketch formats, respectively. The evening culminated in a sense of shared achievement, as a wide array of programs demonstrated the breadth of contemporary television storytelling. (citation: Television Academy)
Overall, the night reflected how streaming and broadcast productions alike can blend bold storytelling with strong performances to capture the audience’s imagination. The triumphs for Ted Lasso, The White Lotus, and Succession highlighted a season marked by inventive writing, memorable characters, and thoughtful production design that pushed the boundaries of the medium. The ceremony served as a snapshot of an evolving landscape where comedy, drama, and documentary-style storytelling converge on one luminous stage. (citation: Television Academy)