What the 2020 Emmys Were and How They Differed From Past Ceremonies
The 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, held in 2020, were fundamentally reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ceremony moved from its traditional Los Angeles venue to a virtual and at‑home format, altering how winners were celebrated and how performances were produced.
This explainer outlines the structure of the event, major competitive outcomes, historic records set that year, and how the unconventional format influenced viewership and the legacy of the 2020 Emmys.
Key Competitive Outcomes at the 2020 Emmys
Major wins at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards reflected shows that adapted strongly to the year’s unusual production conditions.
"The Crown" and "Schitt’s Creek" were among the most honored scripted series, while "Lovers and Friends" and animated programs highlighted genre variety.
Below is a concise overview of verified winner categories, the honored programs, and the networks involved.
Notable Winners and Categories
| Category | Winner | Network | Verified Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding Drama Series | The Crown | Netflix | Primetime Emmy Awards / ATAS |
| Outstanding Comedy Series | Schitt’s Creek | Pop TV / CBC | Primetime Emmy Awards / ATAS |
| Outstanding Lead Actor, Drama | Josh O'Connor | The Crown | Primetime Emmy Awards / ATAS |
| Outstanding Lead Actress, Drama | Olivia Colman | The Crown | Primetime Emmy Awards / ATAS |
| Outstanding Lead Actor, Comedy | Eugene Levy | Schitt’s Creek | Primetime Emmy Awards / ATAS |
| Outstanding Lead Actress, Comedy | Catherine O’Hara | Schitt’s Creek | Primetime Emmy Awards / ATAS |
| Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series | Andrew Cividino (Schitt’s Creek — "Happy Ending") | Schitt’s Creek | Primetime Emmy Awards / ATAS |
| Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series | Dan Levy (Schitt’s Creek — "Happy Ending") | Schitt’s Creek | Primetime Emmy Awards / ATAS |
Format and Ceremonial Changes in 2020
For the first time in decades, the Primetime Emmys did not take place as a single large in-person gala at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Instead, the ceremony was divided across multiple virtual appearances and at‑home acceptance speeches, driven by public health guidance and travel restrictions.
Winners recorded speeches from home or separate locations, and presenters appeared from various venues.
This shift affected both the viewer experience and the logistics of award distribution and broadcasting.
How the 2020 Emmys Ceremony Worked
- Virtual pre‑show and winner announcements replaced the traditional red carpet and in‑theater segments.
- Acceptance speeches were filmed remotely and edited for broadcast, reducing live spontaneity.
- Performances were largely pre‑recorded or omitted, focusing the broadcast on highlights and acceptance moments.
- The event was still produced and aired by CBS in the U.S., with online streaming options through networks and services.
Viewership and Public Reception
The 2020 Emmys saw a decline in traditional live viewership compared to previous years, consistent with broader television trends and the pandemic’s impact on live events.
However, the digital and social media conversation around the ceremony remained active, driven by notable wins and the historic nature of the format.
Ratings data from Nielsen indicated that the ceremony drew fewer live viewers, though streaming and delayed viewing still reached large audiences over time.
Viewership Snapshot (Indicative)
| Metric | Estimate / Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Live Viewers (CBS) | Approx. 7–9 million | Lower than recent prior years |
| Total Reach (Live + Delayed) | Higher than live alone, but below typical 2010s Emmys | Pandemic viewing shifts |
| Digital/Social Engagement | Elevated compared to live viewership | Increased online discussion and clips |
Historic Records and Notable Firsts
The 2020 Emmy Awards produced several historic outcomes that are likely to be referenced in future coverage of television excellence.
Schitt’s Creek recorded one of the most dominant single‑season performances in comedy series history, while The Crown continued its strong drama run.
Certain acting milestones reflected the year’s competitive field and the changing landscape of on‑screen recognition.
Key Historic Highlights
- Schitt’s Creek won all seven major comedy categories in a single season, a rare sweep.
- The Crown secured multiple drama series and acting wins, reinforcing its critical dominance.
- Several performers won Emmys for work completed under pandemic production constraints.
- The ceremony itself became a case study in adapting major awards shows to public health realities.
Legacy and Long‑Term Impact on Awards Coverage
The 2020 Emmys reshaped how the Television Academy and broadcasters think about major ceremonies in crisis conditions.
While the in‑theater spectacle was reduced, the core purpose—recognizing creative achievement and documenting television excellence—remained clear.
Future awards seasons have referenced the 2020 approach as both a practical solution and a reminder of the unique pressures facing the industry.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why was the 2020 Emmys ceremony different from previous years?
The ceremony adopted a virtual and at‑home format due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, eliminating a traditional in‑theater gathering and altering how winners presented their speeches and interacted with the audience.
Which show won the most awards at the 2020 Primetime Emmys?
Schitt’s Creek won seven major comedy awards in a single season, while The Crown was the most honored drama series at the ceremony.
How did the pandemic affect viewership of the 2020 Emmys?
Live viewership on CBS declined compared to prior years, reflecting broader reductions in live event audiences, though total reach including streaming remained substantial.
Were any historic competitive records set at the 2020 Emmys?
Yes, Schitt’s Creek set a record for most comedy wins in a single season, and several actors won under unusual production circumstances, marking notable moments in awards history.