Awards shows can be an entertaining evening with fan favorites or a cringe fest of weird banter and unfunny jokes. Honestly, there’s no in between. On Monday, the 75th Primetime Emmys served as a celebration of televisions history with cast reunions and legends receiving their well-deserved flowers. Host Anthony Anderson made the show fun, but all the jokes weren’t winners. To that end, check out the best and worst moments of the 2023 Primetime Emmys.
Worst: Anthony’s Opening Number
Overall, Anderson did what he was supposed to do as host. He kept the festivities moving at a good pace, acknowledged all the amazing Black winners and had fun with old friends. However, that opening medley of famous TV songs, including “Good Times,” “The Facts of Life” and Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” from “Miami Vice,” didn’t have the bang you want from a big opening number.
Best: Mama Doris
Don’t mess with Mama Doris! If your speech is a little too long, or you get out of line, Mama Doris is handling it. There will be no slaps on her watch.
Best: Ayo Edebiri Wins Again
“The Bear’s” Ayo Edebiri continued her win streak with the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Best: Quinta Brunson’s Emotional Win
After winning for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary” — the first Black actress to do so since 1981 — Quinta Brunson got emotional, stating that it was “the Carol Burnett of it all” after the TV legend presented the category.
Best: ‘Martin’ Reunion
The cast of “Martin” reunited on the set of their classic show, hilariously lamenting the fact their genius was never recognized with an Emmy.
Best: Marla Gibbs Receives Her Flowers
Bonafide TV legend Marla Gibbs presented Outstanding Supporting Actress in Limited, Anthology or Movie, alongside Quinta Brunson. She received an extremely well-deserved standing ovation from the star-studded audience. She also hilariously joked that “the wage gap” was the reason she’s still working at 92.
Best: Niecy Gives a Sermon
Niecy Nash-Betts was once again honored for her extraordinary performance in “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” In her speech, she thanked the most important person in her journey: herself. It was a powerful sermon celebrating Black women and we felt every single minute of it.
Worst: Joel McHale and Ken Jeong
Not every bit is gonna work. Unfortunately, this one between the former co-stars went on too long and wasn’t even funny.
Best: RuPaul Shouts Out Drag Queen Storytime
As conservatives do everything they can to drum up hate against drag queens who just want to serve their community at local libraries, drag legend RuPaul showed his support by telling everyone to let drag queens educate them.
Worst: No Love For Dominique Fishback
We loved “BEEF.” It was so engrossing to watch. However, its awards domination means “Swarm” and Dominique Fishback’s brilliant performance hasn’t gotten the recognition it so richly deserves. It’s addictive and unpredictable. If you haven’t seen it, stop what you’re doing, head to Prime Video and start binging. You can thank us later.
Best: Nostalgic Cast Reunions
From “Cheers” to “Grey’s Anatomy” to “Ally McBeal” to “All in the Family” to “Martin” to “SNL” there was a fun TV throwback for everyone.
Worst: Anthony Anderson in Black Latex
The whole bit of Anderson being in the latex suit from “American Horror Story” was too much and unnecessary.
Best: In Memoriam
It’s hard to say an In Memoriam segment was one of the best moments of the show, but Charlie Puth and The War and Treaty delivered a beautiful, heart-breaking tribute to the TV legends we lost this past year. As they performed a lovely version of Puth’s “See You Again,” stars like Harry Belafonte, Lance Reddick and Andre Braugher were remembered.
Sadly, there’s always a few names who get left out, and this year was no different. Some fans are upset that Ryan O’Neal (“Peyton Place,” “Bones”), Ray Stevenson (“Rome,” “Ahsoka”), Jerry Springer and Richard Moll (“Night Court”) didn’t make the TV memoriam, though they’re included on the Emmys website.
Worst: Tracee Ellis Ross and Natasha Lyonne in the Chocolate Factory
On paper, the idea of Tracee Ellis Ross and Natasha Lyonne celebrating one of the greatest episodes of “I Love Lucy” sounds perfect. Unfortunately, the execution went a little too off the rails and the audience didn’t seem as into it as the producers would’ve hoped
Best: Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
It was beautiful to see the show take a moment and recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic speech. Though it would’ve been more impactful if it was shown at the beginning of the three-hour broadcast.
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