The 38th Primetime Emmy Awards, a significant event in American television programming, took place on September 21, 1986. The prestigious ceremony was held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, a fitting venue for an evening dedicated to recognizing excellence in television. This particular year's Emmys were co-hosted by two well-known personalities, David Letterman and Shelley Long, who guided the audience through the presentation
of 28 awards. The event was not just about handing out accolades; it also featured memorable moments, including a special tribute and a notable acceptance speech.
Honoring Television's Best and Brightest
During the ceremony, David Letterman took a moment to salute Grant Tinker, who had recently stepped down as chairman of NBC. Tinker's departure was prompted by the acquisition of NBC's parent company, RCA, by General Electric, marking a significant shift in the television landscape. This acknowledgment highlighted the behind-the-scenes changes impacting the industry even as its stars were celebrated. The evening also saw the return of the guest acting category, a move that allowed for broader recognition of talent appearing in limited roles across various series.
One of the most memorable presentations of the night was the Governors' Award, bestowed upon the legendary comedian Red Skelton. This special award was presented by another icon of comedy, Lucille Ball, adding a layer of historical significance to the moment. Skelton's acceptance speech resonated with many, as he candidly expressed how much he had missed being on television for the previous 16 years, a sentiment that underscored the enduring connection between performers and their audience.
Top Shows and Record-Breaking Achievements
The 38th Primetime Emmy Awards saw several shows achieve significant recognition. "The Golden Girls" emerged as a major winner in the comedy categories, securing the award for Outstanding Comedy Series along with two other major awards. This achievement was particularly noteworthy as "The Golden Girls" became the first series to receive three nominations in a lead acting category, a feat it would go on to repeat multiple times in subsequent years, cementing its place in Emmy history.
In the drama categories, "Cagney & Lacey" continued its impressive run, winning Outstanding Drama Series for the second consecutive year. This made it the leading show of the night in terms of major wins, taking home four awards. The reintroduction of the guest acting category also played a role in setting new records. "The Cosby Show," a dominant force in television at the time, garnered 13 nominations. This broke the previous record for most major nominations by a comedy series, which had been 11, set by "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in 1977. While this record has since been surpassed, it marked a significant milestone for "The Cosby Show" at the 38th Primetime Emmy Awards, showcasing its immense popularity and critical acclaim.
