Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sci-Fi and Horror Dominate the Emmys as Genre Storytelling Rises
Sci-Fi and Horror Dominate the Emmys as Genre Storytelling Rises
18 Aug
Summary
- Science fiction and horror shows earn major Emmy nominations
- 'The Last of Us' showrunner credits 'The Lord of the Rings' for genre's rise
- 'The Penguin' showrunner focuses on developing complex female characters
In the lead-up to the 2025 Emmy Awards, science fiction and horror have emerged as dominant forces in the television landscape. Shows like "The Penguin," "The Last of Us," "Andor," "Severance," "Paradise," and "What We Do in the Shadows" have all secured major nominations, including in the acting, writing, and best series categories.
"The Last of Us" showrunner Craig Mazin attributes the rise of genre storytelling to the success of "The Lord of the Rings," which he says applied "quality and thoughtfulness" to the genre while embracing its core elements. Mazin believes that genre fiction has more in common with mythology and legend than anything else, making it a powerful medium for exploring the human condition.
Meanwhile, "The Penguin" showrunner Lauren LeFranc emphasizes the importance of creating fully formed female characters in crime dramas. She notes that when she was growing up, the women in these shows were never as developed as the men. LeFranc made it a priority to "center a lot of complicated, flawed women" in her series and actively fight against common tropes.
Both Mazin and LeFranc agree that the key to captivating genre storytelling lies in the quality of the script and the ability to connect with the audience on a deeper, emotional level, regardless of the fantastical elements.
