Are we supposed to laugh at HACKS? Is THE BEAR hilarious? I think the answer to both questions is NO.  
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences wants you to. They have both shows categorized as COMEDY. Really? Have they watched THE BEAR? Don't get me wrong, I love the show. I've devoured each episode hungrily and can't wait until the new season starts. I'm a fan. I haven't watched HACKS but I understand it's in the same vein as THE BEAR: Dramedy. Finding humor in some of life's darkest moments makes for great television. And over the years we have seen some great comedies deal with very serious issues. Conversely, most dramatic shows have great moments of humor. It's called comic relief, and it helps the show balance it's emotional elements so we're not just dragged down by all the heaviness. But when you watch a show that's listed as a comedy but it's hard to laugh at it, how can you possibly get any relief? A real comedy show about a dramatic subject? I don't think it's ever been done better than on the classic show M.A.S.H.. It takes place during the Korean conflict and follows a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital and it's cast of doctor/soldiers dealing with the horrors of war. But it was hilarious! A true comedy - as evidenced by the laugh track. It was truly funny but also took time to remind you that "this is war". If you watched any of THE BEAR's three seasons worth of episodes you might have thought it was a high drama with a few (very few) laughable moments. But it's a comedy? Really? Recently there have been a few shows that dance on the line between comedy and drama. ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK or BARRY were very dark comedic shows. But they were clearly supposed to be comedies. I don't laugh at THE BEAR. I cringe at it sometimes, but never laugh. Again, don't get me wrong, I love the show. But I'm struggling with calling it a comedy. I think what might be happening is a great love for Jeremy Allen White. For 11 seasons, he played Phillip "Lip" Gallagher on Showtime's SHAMELESS - one of my favorite shows ever. That show was clearly a comedy but did have many great dramatic moments. White was a standout performer among a very talented ensemble cast. He was nominated once for his supporting role but did not win. Even though many critics thought he should have been nominated for more than just one season. Now with THE BEAR, the academy might be trying to rectify those overlooked seasons on SHAMELESS. Some are saying that these two wins for THE BEAR are making up for his being shut out during his run on SHAMELESS. I don't know about that. If it's true, I'm okay with it. But now, let's see about maybe moving his current show to the drama category so he can win a well-deserved Emmy for his dramatic abilities. Are you with me?

Here's a link to the complete list of nominees/winners from Sunday night's ceremony:

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/emmys-2024-full-winners-list/story?id=113590046