The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, held on September 17, 2018, at the Microsoft Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, California, celebrated the best in American prime time television programming from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018. Broadcast in the U.S. by NBC, the event saw 26 awards presented and was co-hosted by Michael Che and Colin Jost. This particular ceremony marked several significant moments in Emmy history, including a record-breaking
win for a streaming series and a notable dip in viewership.
Key Victories and Milestones
One of the most talked-about outcomes of the night was the success of Amazon Prime Video's comedy-drama, *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*. This series secured five trophies, including the prestigious honor for Outstanding Comedy Series. This win was particularly historic as it marked the first time a streaming television series claimed this top prize, signaling a shift in the television landscape and the growing prominence of digital platforms in major awards. The nominations for the awards were initially announced on July 12, 2018, by Ryan Eggold and Samira Wiley.
Another major winner was *Game of Thrones*, which earned its third trophy for Outstanding Drama Series. Peter Dinklage, a star of *Game of Thrones*, also made history by tying for the most wins in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category, securing his third victory for his role in the show. He would go on to achieve the sole record in this category the following year for the series' eighth and final season. These wins underscored the continued dominance of established hits while also recognizing the emergence of new contenders from streaming services.
Viewership Trends and Notable Absences
Despite the exciting wins and historical firsts, the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards faced challenges in viewership. The ceremony garnered a U.S. viewership of 10.2 million, which represented an 11% drop from the previous year's broadcast. At the time, this made it the least-watched show in Emmy history, a statistic that highlighted evolving viewing habits and the fragmentation of television audiences. This decline in viewership was a significant point of discussion following the event.
Adding to the notable aspects of the 2018 ceremony was the absence of *Modern Family* from the nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series. This marked the first time in the show's history that it was not nominated in this category, following eight consecutive nominations and a remarkable five wins from 2010 to 2014. Its consistent presence had been a hallmark of previous Emmy ceremonies, making its omission a significant shift in the comedy series landscape. The ceremony also saw John Legend, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Tim Rice become the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth individuals to achieve EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, a rare and highly coveted accomplishment in the entertainment industry.
