The Emmys Rules Are Excluding Tons of Great International TV

This year’s Emmys highlight not just who is on the ballot, but who is sidelined. The Canadian-made HBO Max drama Heated Rivalry was notably absent from drama nominees, even as it became a streaming phenomenon earlier this winter and earned breakout attention for lead Connor Storrie. The article argues the exclusion reflects Emmys eligibility rules that limit international productions unless the U.S. is involved at least as a co-production, pushing qualifying shows to the International Emmys, which it says offers less visibility. It cites examples including Italy’s Mussolini: Son of the Century and Netflix titles that were blocked by those structures, despite critical acclaim.