Laraine Newman, original Saturday Night Live cast member and mother of Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, recently stirred up conversation over The Bear’s inclusion in the comedy category at the Emmys.
This came after her daughter, 29-year-old Einbinder, lost out on the Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series award to The Bear’s Liza Colón-Zayas, 52.
The debate about whether The Bear qualifies as a comedy has been ongoing, and even Emmys host Eugene Levy poked fun at it, saying:
“I know some of you will be expecting us to make a joke about whether The Bear is really a comedy — but in the true spirit of The Bear, we will not be making any jokes.”
Newman’s Initial Reaction
Newman, 72, wasn’t shy about sharing her initial feelings on the win. She took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted a strong reaction: “F***. THE. BEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” However, she quickly deleted the tweet and later told a follower, “I took it down. Not my best moment.”
In its place, Newman clarified her thoughts: “I think The Bear is a great show but IMHO it’s not a comedy— not even a dark comedy.”
She also commented earlier that, “Every time I think about The Bear being in the comedy category for the Emmys I can feel an ulcer developing.”
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The Bear Dominates the Comedy Category!
Despite the ongoing debate, The Bear won big at the Emmys, securing three out of four acting awards in the comedy category. Jeremy Allen White took home Best Actor, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach won Best Supporting Actor.
In his acceptance speech, White expressed his gratitude: “Thank you for choosing me. I’m so, so, so lucky. I’m so grateful. I love to work with you all, and I want us to be in each other’s lives forever.”
Liza Colón-Zayas’s win for Best Supporting Actress, however, added fuel to the fire for those who believe The Bear doesn’t quite fit the comedy mold.
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Hacks Still Takes Home Wins!
Despite losing to The Bear, Hacks didn’t go home empty-handed. Jean Smart, Einbinder’s co-star, won Best Actress in a Comedy Series, and the show also claimed the Emmy for Best Comedy.
Meanwhile, Japan-set drama Shōgun broke records by taking home a whopping 18 Emmys, the most for a single season of television.
Though the debate over The Bear’s Emmy categorization rages on, the show’s success is undeniable. As for Newman, she’s made peace with her deleted tweet, leaving fans to wonder how this conversation will continue into future award seasons.