Awards Circuit Column: It was 20 years ago that '24' and Kiefer Sutherland landed broadcast's last oustanding drama series trophy.
Plus IconMichael Schneider
Variety Editor at Large
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Let’s flashback 20 years to Aug. 27, 2006, and the 58th Primetime Emmys, held back then at the Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles. NBC aired the ceremony that year, which is why it was so early — so as not to conflict with “Sunday Night Football.” (This year, NBC once again is airing the Emmys, but it has smartly shifted the telecast to a Monday to keep it in September and not encroach on our fleeting summer plans.)
What was so special about 2006? We had no idea at the time, but it turned out to be a swan song of sorts for the broadcast TV networks. That year, NBC’s “The Office” won outstanding comedy series, while Fox’s “24” won the drama series Emmy. That would wind up being the last time the Emmys’ top two series prizes went to broadcasters.
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