Casey Bloys found himself in a familiar position on Tuesday after the Emmy nominations for 2022 were revealed: only at the top of the pack of the most nominated points of sale as HBO — even without the benefit of HBO Max — easily made it to Netflix.
HBO had five of the most nominated programs this year, with succession (25) leads the pack which is also included The white lotus (20), hacking (17), Euphoria (16) and barry (14). Warner Bros. Discovery led all conglomerates with 155 combined nominations for the first time ever.
The executive, who oversees originals for the premium cable network and its streaming counterpart, saw a combined 24 HBO/HBO Max programs garner a total of 140 nominations, while Netflix saw 35 programs earn a total of 105 nominations.
Bloys is used to having to compete with Netflix’s big spend for a wide range of content, while the streaming giant tries to be an all-encompassing viewer. Instead, HBO and HBO Max’s programming teams put together slates that stand in each other’s way. (While HBO has a lot of male skewed content, HBO Max shows for more female viewers, etc.)
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter Bloys talks about the future of succession and west world as well as what shows could be the talk of the 2023 Emmys, including the highly anticipated take on The last of us†
HBO topped Netflix this year without the benefit of HBO Max. To what do you attribute that success?
It’s the same as every year: talented programming teams at HBO and HBO Max work with talented creators, and everyone does their best to create the best work in the world. There’s no secret to it, other than keeping your head down and doing our best across the board.
The TV Academy decided not to hand out nominations per outlet this year. How do you see that story evolving over time?
I think it’s a lot of hands wringing over nothing. We have the same programming management across both HBO and HBO Max. When HBO was only linear, we were still competitive. Now it’s a more level playing field where we also have a streaming service. It makes perfect sense to combine them. Ultimately, it’s about the shows that are recognized.
HBO and HBO Max had fewer shows and overall get more nominations than Netflix (which had nominated 35 programs)…
It always is. We don’t have the volume they have, so every show has to work harder.
you had some snarls in The stairs, Julia, gaining time, gilded age like And just like that. How do you feel about these important snubs?
In a day when we got 140 nominations… of course you want all your shows to be nominated, but I don’t think today is the day to worry or obsess about the snubs. We’ll get back to some of them and we’ll do our best, but today is about celebrating nominations rather than feeling cheated in any way. This is the game; not everyone can win.
Was there anything you were particularly surprised or happy about seeing between the nominations?
Because Eleven Station aired in December and we aired so many shows between January and June, it was nice that people remembered those. Same with The white lotus† It’s hard to stay in people’s minds.
Is there a way to make Emmy categories more reflective of the nature of the industry? Do you think Julia was only hurt by quite be a comedy while white Lotus was not only hurt by quite be a limited series?
The thing with Julia that’s coming back next year. Part of it is that you have to stick with it. Julia earned some noms and that cast and crew will put in an excellent second season. The thing about the Emmys is being consistent, and that entire cast deserved recognition, as well as for the writing and directing.
What has changed for you now that Discovery’s David Zaslav has taken charge?
David has only supported us in what we do creatively. He appreciates me and the team and makes it clear that he appreciates what we do. It was nothing but support. This happened when AT&T took over, many business-as-usual decisions were rearranged in a way of, “Well, AT&T should let them do this.” Whether it was demi-monde whether a show cancellation or renewal, we have a programming service with daily needs and decisions to be made. There’s no scenario where David looks over my shoulder and considers whether we should extend or cancel anything. Everyday decisions have been rearranged to reflect what the new regime is doing and that is not the case here.
When will viewers be able to see new seasons of . to expect Euphoria, White Lotus and succession†
We haven’t announced any dates yet, but I can imagine White Lotus, Succession, Barry and hacking would all fall within next year’s Emmy grant period.
What is the future of? succession past season four?
For such a decision, we propose the showrunners. It’s up to Jesse Armstrong to decide. They have started shooting the fourth season and broken stories and he wants to go through that process to see if he has any more stories or themes to explore. It’s up to him. If he wants to do more, fine. If this is all he’s got, fine.
In a world where hit shows are quickly getting spin-offs as franchises remain incredibly important to streaming platforms, you’ve had conversations with Jesse about a succession spin-off – especially considering how big that world has become, as evidenced by the number of acting nominations the show received this year?
A world like Game of Thrones where George RR Martin has an entire universe and a millennial timeline and multiple families and wars and history, that’s not what Jesse set up. There is no scenario where a succession multiverse is in the cards.
Give the people what they want: a teaser about succession season four.
More family problems! †laughs.†
HBO is developing a Game of Thrones Jon Snow Sequel† What has changed that makes you want to revisit the flagship series finale?
I have nothing to report on Jon Snow’s development.
What is the future of? west world past season four? Lisa Joy and Jonah Nolan’s deal includes two more seasons. Is that still true?
As with any show, we’ll see how it works. We haven’t talked to them about ideas for a season five yet, but we’re only three episodes into season four and we’ll see how it goes. No decisions have been made.
When can we expect? The last of us arrive?
It is closer to early 2023.
Looking ahead to next year, what’s on the roll that you’re excited about that we can talk about around this time next year?
We’ll be through by then Sex Lives of College Girls season two, white Lotus 2, The Idol, Last of Us, Succession, Julia, Hacks, Barry and Righteous Gems† It’s another pretty full line-up. We could talk about some of those shows!
Interview edited for length and clarity.