The male characters nominated for this year’s Emmy Awards are going through various challenges and crises. In the final season of “Barry,” Bill Hader’s hitman character is struggling to compartmentalize his violent tendencies. Jason Segel’s therapist character in “Shrinking” is grappling with the loss of his wife. Jason Sudeikis’ “Ted Lasso” character is dealing with panic attacks, while Jeremy Allen White’s character on “The Bear” is coming to terms with his brother’s suicide. Even Martin Short’s character in “Only Murders in the Building,” though outwardly silly, is wrestling with his relationship with his son and the uncertainty of his paternity.
These are just some examples of the lead male actors, and the supporting actors also showcase a range of masculinity in crisis. These characters are questioning their place in the world due to grief, trauma, and their own insecurities. Their comedic antics, when present, serve as a backdrop to their emotional journeys, many of which explore what it means to be a man in society.
Comedy has long provided a platform for exploring and parodying the male ego. Previous Emmy nominees and winners like Kelsey Grammer’s Frasier Crane, Ted Danson’s Sam Malone, and Alec Baldwin’s Jack Donaghy operated on bravado, while their shows often commented on the futility of that behavior. However, these characters were rarely introspective, requiring the audience to read into their turmoil.
Recently, there has been a rise in self-examining male comedy heroes at the Emmys. Donald Glover won in 2017 for his work on “Atlanta”, followed by Bill Hader’s wins in 2018 and 2019. Eugene Levy’s victory with “Schitt’s Creek” provided a brief levity in 2020, but since then, Jason Sudeikis has been the reigning champ. This year’s comedy nominees showcase a more introspective side of male characters, even if they may not be traditionally funny, as seen in the dark tones of “Barry” and the melancholic nature of “The Bear.”
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The male nominees this year display an extra level of malaise. Barry’s conflicted take on his place in society is magnified in the final season as he ends up in prison and negotiates a deal for witness protection. His desire to bring along his ex-girlfriend Sally showcases his view of himself as her protector, even if she doesn’t reciprocate those feelings. Throughout the series, Barry explores the gendered trope of a sensitive hitman in a way that challenges traditional notions of masculinity.
Similarly, Carmy from “The Bear” initially appears as a demanding chef with tattoos, but the series delves into his struggles with deep loss. In the season one finale, Carmy opens up at an Al-Anon meeting about feeling small compared to his charismatic brother, challenging his previous perception of him as an ideal figure.
“Ted Lasso” creates a world filled with men constantly comparing themselves to one another, as fitting for a show about a soccer team. However, the series focuses on camaraderie rather than competition. The character development of Jamie Tartt and Roy Kent highlights their vulnerability. Jamie goes from being a villain to a team player, while Roy’s gruff exterior hides a softer side.
“Shrinking,” co-created by Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence, and Jason Segel, tells the heartwarming story of a man trying to connect with his daughter and navigate his job after a tragedy. From the pilot episode, Segel’s character Jimmy is shown grappling with his responsibilities and attempting to get his life back on track.
Even in Tyler James Williams’ supporting role on “Abbott Elementary,” his character Gregory deals with expectations from his father and develops feelings for Quinta Brunson’s schoolteacher character. These characters, whether overtly sorrowful or just confused, have a lot to work on, and their stories serve as vehicles for their personal growth.
The portrayal of sensitive, introspective male characters in these Emmy-nominated shows represents an evolution in the exploration of masculinity within television. These characters provide a broader representation of the male experience and challenge traditional gender norms. While comedy still plays a role, it takes a backseat to the emotional journeys and personal growth of these male characters.
In conclusion, this year’s Emmy-nominated male characters showcase a range of masculinity in crisis. These characters question their place in the world and navigate through various challenges and emotional journeys. Their stories provide a platform for exploring and challenging traditional notions of masculinity. With a focus on introspection and personal growth, these characters represent a shift in the portrayal of male comedy heroes at the Emmys.
