FX Boss John Landgraf on Shattering Emmy Records, the Future of ‘Fargo’ and Whether ‘The Bear’ Is a Comedy

As someone who has spent decades in the television industry, I can tell you that this year’s Emmy nominations are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams behind these outstanding shows. Beating HBO in the tally may seem like a significant achievement, but at the end of the day, it’s not about the network or the streaming platform. It’s about the talent and creativity that goes into each project.


John Landgraf described Emmy nomination day as an unexpected and disappointing experience, but he meant it as a compliment with great enthusiasm. The surprising success of FX’s shows this year left not only him, but also usually unfazed Landgraf, utterly astonished.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that FX has made an impressive mark at the 76th Emmys with a total of 93 nominations! This is an astonishing achievement, especially for “The Bear,” which broke records by receiving an unprecedented 23 nods in the comedy category. I know some might be surprised to hear that “The Bear” is still considered a comedy, but trust me, it’s got its fair share of laughter and lighthearted moments!

“Previously, our highest record stood at 56,” Landgraf shared with EbMaster. “We had some anticipation that we could exceed this figure, but weren’t aiming for numbers in the 90s. I thought it was a possibility to reach around 80, but even that seemed a bit overly ambitious. So, this impressive achievement came as an unexpected and delightful surprise.”

Among other standout nods was best comedy series recognition for “Reservation Dogs” after the show’s first two seasons were snubbed. “To talk to [co-creator] Sterlin Harjo and hear what it means to him that ‘Reservation Dogs’ got a nomination after three seasons and what it means to him and everybody who worked on that show — the entire community that made it — you just feel this tremendous sense of gratitude to the voters at the Academy and this tremendous sense of pride for the talented artists,” he said.

He mentioned with pride that his team isn’t very big. Instead of numbers, we focus on passion and devotion. Our small size allows us to provide individualized care and attention, ensuring each creator’s work receives the personal commitment it deserves. Ultimately, their achievements are their own; we’re just there to support and elevate them.

I had a conversation with Landgraf on Wednesday morning. We discussed FX’s recent victories, which was a significant achievement for Lauren McMahon, the senior VP in charge of awards. She must be feeling quite elated and probably needs some time to fully absorb this success. During our talk, we also touched upon the upcoming projects “Shōgun” and “Fargo.” Of course, I couldn’t help but bring up the topic of “The Bear” and ask about its genre.

This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.

I’ve been immersed in the entertainment industry for quite some time now, and I’ve seen my fair share of projects that generate a lot of buzz and hype. But none have felt quite as relentless and intense as “Rez Dogs.” The way everyone in the industry was clamoring for it, with reporters camped outside studios and set locations, was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It’s not every day that a project captures the collective imagination of an entire industry like that. So let’s delve into “Rez Dogs” first, as it left an indelible mark on my professional journey.

As a movie reviewer, I regret that there isn’t an Emmy award for most influential television criticism. If there were, this show would surely deserve it. Critics have played a significant role in bringing attention to this remarkable production. We’ve seen it before with other shows like “Better Things,” which had a massive fanbase but didn’t quite make the cut. It doesn’t happen frequently, so I don’t take it for granted. I’m genuinely thankful that the voters acknowledged the show’s merit. This isn’t just a great production; it’s a groundbreaking one that will go down in history.

Has FX experienced some challenging Emmy seasons, only to bounce back strongly in 2024? Was it just good luck? A coincidence of several popular shows airing simultaneously? What explains this year’s achievements?

I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside some truly talented artists throughout my career, and their creative visions have always left a profound impact on me. However, bringing those visions to life wouldn’t be possible without the right resources and opportunities. In this specific instance, Disney played an instrumental role in making it all happen. If FX had remained just a basic cable network under Fox ownership, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

What does it mean to you to have three shows nominated in the comedy category?

As someone who has been following FX’s comedy lineup for years, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of satisfaction and joy every time I think about the network’s impressive roster of successful shows, from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” onwards. Each one is unique and distinct, representing a diverse range of genres and styles. What truly excites me, however, is the fact that recent additions like “Reservation Dogs,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” and “The Bear,” are each so different from one another. The creativity, intent, and voices of their creators, writers, and producers shine through, resulting in a wonderful feeling of pride and fulfillment. It’s as if we’re witnessing our beloved family members finally receiving long-overdue recognition.

Has “The Bear” earned the title of being the most comedically nominated production in today’s highly competitive scene? Was it a surprise to you that it reached such an achievement?

Previously, I believed those records belonged to the past rather than the future due to the increasing number of competitors. However, what makes this industry fascinating is that fresh talent continually emerges. So unexpectedly, Chris Storer, the creator of “The Bear,” appears on the scene.

In my opinion, I found myself eagerly anticipating the release of Season 4 of “The Bear” after being thoroughly entertained by Season 3. However, I was a bit disappointed to learn that the two seasons were shot back-to-back. So, I’d like to suggest bringing out Season 4 sooner if it’s ready. After all, I can’t help but crave more of this engaging and thought-provoking show!

I’m thrilled about “The Bear” returning for another season, and I understand why we had to wait a bit longer than expected. With our talented cast members being involved in various film projects, their schedules have been quite full. When we first started this show, we had a fantastic team of actors. Now, we’ve leveled up with movie stars joining us. Of course, they need to go back and complete their commitments. Moreover, not all the scripts for the new season have been finalized yet – we’ve seen most of them, but not all.

Is there a chance that Season 4 of “The Bear” might be the final season?

As a TV critic with years of experience under my belt, I’ve seen countless shows come and go, some leaving a lasting impact while others fizzled out after just a few episodes. Based on what I’ve heard from the creators themselves, it seems that the future of “Rez Dogs” and “The Bear” rests in the hands of their respective showrunners.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve found myself smack dab in the middle of a heated discussion: is “The Bear” a comedy or not? This question has been posed to me numerous times, and it seems to be causing quite a stir in the film industry this year. Frankly, I’m curious to know what your take is on this debatable topic.

I’ve had a lot of experience with this topic for many years now. Being in my sixties, I’ve been engaged with it throughout my entire adult life. Yet, none other than “The Bear” Season 2 has left me utterly impressed among all television series, let alone comedies. In fact, it ranks among the best seasons of TV I’ve ever encountered. And believe me, there are parts of that season that will make you laugh until it hurts. The power to choose lies with our esteemed voters.

Next year, do you move Season 3 to drama?

At the moment, I’m not giving much thought to that particular question. Instead, I’m deeply pleased that the efforts put into Season 2 have been acknowledged.

Every year during my favorite show “The Bear,” I’m often asked the same question: should I continue following my current strategy of releasing all episodes at once or opt for a weekly rollout next time?

As someone who has spent decades in the television industry and worked on shows that have been released both weekly and all at once, I’ve come to appreciate the unique benefits of each approach. However, having had the privilege of being involved with “The Bear,” a streaming-exclusive series, I can confidently say that this particular show thrives in the binge model.

Where do we stand on Season 2 of “Shogun”?

I’m thrilled to share that this morning, I had the pleasure of having a heartfelt conversation with Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo. Their faces were glowing with excitement as they emerged from their writers room, brimming with ideas and creativity. Having been in the industry for quite some time, I could sense the deep satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from seeing dedicated and passionate individuals bring their visions to life. The energy was infectious, and it reminded me of the countless hours spent in similar rooms, collaborating on projects close to our hearts. It’s moments like these that make the long nights and endless brainstorming sessions worth it – the joy of creation and the camaraderie shared among a team working towards a common goal. Kudos to Justin and Rachel for their hard work and dedication, I can’t wait to see what they bring to the table next!

What is your estimate for when we can increase production levels once more, and potentially launch another season on TV?

Based on my experience working in film production, I can tell you that the process from pre-production to post-production is a lengthy one. From my perspective, we’re aiming to start principal photography and second unit shooting early in the next year. However, this isn’t a quick turnaround project – I estimate that the entire production period could stretch between 180 to 190 days or even close to 200 days if things don’t go exactly as planned. Having been part of larger productions in the past, I can attest to the fact that filmmaking is a complex endeavor with numerous moving parts and potential delays. It’s an exciting journey, but one that requires patience and a good deal of planning.

Has FX Networks officially started broadcasting the first season of “The Bear” on their linear TV channel, which is exclusively available on Hulu? Do they have any intentions to showcase additional Hulu-exclusive series on the linear channel in the near future?

It’s no longer under my control. The management of the channel has been handed over to Deborah O’Connell and her team. I approve of their decision if they choose to go ahead with it, as I believe it’s a positive move.

As a devoted cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that I’m currently immersed in the pre-production process of Sterlin Harjo’s upcoming drama pilot, “The Sensitive Kind.” We’re making great strides in bringing this compelling story to life on the small screen. Stay tuned for more updates!

At present, we haven’t reached a conclusion. Yesterday, I watched the latest edit. During my conversation with Sterlin this morning about his ‘Reservation Dogs’ nominations, I also acknowledged his efforts on the editing process. For now, that’s all there is to share.

Any ETA on when you might make a decision on that?

A month or two.

Noah Hawley made a strong comeback with the fifth season of “Fargo.” Despite his current engagement with the “Alien” project, are there any plans for the release of another season of “Fargo”?

Currently, Noah is fully engrossed in creating Season 1 of “Alien: Earth.” We’re currently in post-production and keep in close contact with him, reviewing weekly cuts. Our confidence in “Alien: Earth” is high, and we’ve encouraged Noah to focus on writing at least two seasons before potentially returning to a sixth season of “Fargo.” This means it will take some time, but I’m immensely proud of this project. Noah’s talent never ceases to amaze us, and after over a decade of collaboration on three shows, I personally can’t wait to see the final product. The season is not only original but also moving, funny, and surprisingly reflective of our current times.

Based on this year’s results, does it increase the standard for what we can anticipate in the future Emmy Awards? How optimistic are you going to be for the Emmys in 2025 and beyond?

I’ve consistently prioritized the process over results. My mindset has always been about giving my best, collaborating with trusted teammates, providing them with the necessary support, keeping a keen focus on the tasks at hand, and the outcomes will naturally follow. At times, these outcomes exceed even our greatest anticipations. We feel fortunate to be part of this sector and to contribute to bringing storytellers’ visions to life. We strive to do so with utmost dedication and leave the rest to unfold as it may.

HBO consistently delivers exceptional content. Their past achievements are commendable, and we expect nothing less from them in the future. We strive for excellence and aim to compete with the best in the industry. I’m grateful to be associated with such esteemed company. The network or streaming platform may change, but it’s ultimately about the exceptional talent and creativity that the Emmys celebrate.

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2024-07-17 23:18