The Joke's on 'The Bear': Why 'Hacks' Stole the Show at the Emmys

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards left everyone scratching their heads when "Hacks," a show that actually contains humor, took home the title of top comedy series. Would-be dark horse "The Bear" was pitted against the reigning champion, and the results were unexpected. But was it fair? Did the creative team behind "The Bear" deserve to win? And what does this win say about the state of comedy in television? The Bear's problem was that its third season, which voters were watching while filling out their ballots, was inconsistent and light on plot. Critics panned the show, calling it a letdown, and coupled with some genuine confusion about why "The Bear" was competing as a comedy, its loss was not a complete shock. But did the Emmys get it right? Should "Hacks" have won, or was "The Bear" robbed of its rightful place as top comedy series? The question on everyone's mind was why "The Bear" wasn't considered a comedy in the first place. With its dark, serious tone and intense emotions, it's hard to argue that it's a comedy. But is it? Should we be considering a show that's trying to make us laugh as a comedy, or is it fair game to nominate it for comedy awards? Asking the wrong questions is one thing, but so is asking the right questions. Can we trust the Emmys to make the right calls, or are they just as subjective as the shows they're awarding? The win for "Hacks" wasn't without its surprises. Jean Smart took home the supporting actress comedy Emmy, and Jodie Foster earned her first-ever Emmy for "True Detective: Night Country. " Foster's acceptance speech was a heartfelt thanks to the Inupiaq and Inuit people of northern Alaska, who shared their stories with her. "When you feel love, something amazing happens," she said. "It's deep and wonderful, and it's older than this place and this time. " Love, work, and art – the holy trinity of creativity. So what does this all mean? Did "The Bear" get a raw deal, or did "Hacks" truly deserve the win? Is it fair to consider a show that's trying to be funny as a comedy, or is it just a joke? The Emmys may have gotten it right, but did they get it fair?