FX's John Landgraf Breaks Emmy Records, Teases 'Fargo' Future and 'The Bear' Comedy Debate

FX Network has achieved a landmark year at the Emmy Awards, securing an impressive 93 nominations.

Among the standout successes are "The Bear," which set a new record with 23 nominations for a comedy series, and "Shōgun," leading with 25 nominations overall. This places FX in close competition with Netflix, which garnered 107 nominations, and positions it ahead of HBO, which received 91 nominations.

John Landgraf, CEO of FX Networks, expressed his astonishment at the record-breaking achievement, noting that the previous high for FX was 56 nominations in 2016. "We hoped to break that record, maybe surpass 80 nominations, but crossing into the 90s was unexpected and a delightful surprise," Landgraf remarked in an interview with Variety.

Landgraf credited Disney's support following the network's transition to streaming as instrumental in this year's success. He emphasized FX's strategy of backing distinctive voices and narratives, which he believes has resonated with both viewers and the industry.

One of the notable victories for FX was the nomination of "Reservation Dogs" for Best Comedy Series after earlier seasons were overlooked. Landgraf highlighted the community impact of the show and expressed gratitude to the Academy for recognizing its significance.

Reflecting on FX's ascent in the Emmy race, Landgraf praised the network's commitment to quality over quantity, underscoring the dedication to supporting each show and creator uniquely. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by Disney in providing the resources to nurture and showcase diverse storytelling.

Regarding the genre debate surrounding "The Bear," which amassed the most comedy nominations ever, Landgraf deferred to the voters' decisions and praised the series for its distinctiveness and comedic elements. He expressed pride in the show's achievement and hinted at its annual return, pending production schedules and creative decisions.

Looking ahead, Landgraf remains process-oriented, focusing on supporting storytellers and maintaining high standards in content creation. He anticipates continued collaboration with Disney to elevate FX's programming and compete at the highest levels in the industry.

As FX celebrates its outstanding performance at the 76th Emmy Awards, Landgraf's leadership underscores a commitment to innovation and excellence in television, setting the stage for future achievements in storytelling and entertainment.