A recent New York Times crossword clue (38 Down: "'The Boys' and 'The Bear', for two") listed the answer as "TVDRAMAS," directly contradicting the show's awards strategy.
Despite its intense themes, 'The Bear' has consistently submitted, competed, and won major awards (including Emmys and Golden Globes) in Comedy categories.
The crossword clue sparked commentary online, with many agreeing the show feels more like a drama, reigniting discussions about "category fraud" in awards.
The puzzle's constructor, Victor Schmitt, stated the clue choice was primarily for alliteration ("Bear" and "Boys") and he wasn't aware of the depth of the awards controversy.
Separately, Ayo Edebiri ('The Bear', 'Bottoms') revealed in a W Magazine interview that her first kiss, occurring during a game of spin the bottle, was with another girl.
Edebiri has occasionally referenced being a queer person in Hollywood.
Why this matters: This highlights the often blurry lines between genres in modern television, the strategic decisions behind award submissions, and offers relatable moments from prominent actors navigating their careers and public personas.
The debate over 'The Bear's' genre isn't new. Since its debut, viewers and critics alike have noted its unique blend of high-stress kitchen drama, explorations of grief and trauma, and moments of sharp, often dark, comedy. While its awards classification as a comedy has raised eyebrows, it's a strategy sometimes employed for shows that might face stiffer competition in drama categories.
The New York Times crossword, a cultural touchstone for many, inadvertently fanned the flames of this debate by classifying it as a drama. While the constructor claimed innocence regarding the awards implications, the clue resonated with many who feel the show's dramatic weight outweighs its comedic elements. Forum comments on the puzzle's page, cited by GoldDerby, reflected this sentiment strongly.
Meanwhile, Ayo Edebiri, who won an Emmy for her comedic performance in 'The Bear' and starred in the queer teen comedy 'Bottoms', shared a personal detail about her youth. Her revelation about her first kiss adds a human element to the news cycle, reminding audiences of the person behind the acclaimed performances. While Edebiri generally keeps her private life private, this anecdote, alongside previous references to being queer, offers a small window into her personal journey.
Q: Is 'The Bear' officially a comedy or a drama?
A: For major awards like the Emmys and Golden Globes, 'The Bear' is submitted and competes in the Comedy categories, where it has achieved significant success. However, its genre is widely debated due to its strong dramatic elements.
Q: Why did the NYT crossword call 'The Bear' a drama?
A: The puzzle's answer for a clue grouping 'The Bear' and 'The Boys' was "TVDRAMAS". The constructor cited alliteration as the main reason for the pairing, though it sparked debate due to the show's comedy award classification.
Q: What did Ayo Edebiri reveal about her personal life?
A: In a recent interview, Ayo Edebiri shared that her first kiss happened during a game of spin the bottle when she was younger, and it was with another girl.
Genre definitions in television are becoming increasingly fluid.
Awards classifications can be strategic choices by studios and networks.
Public perception doesn't always align with industry categories.
Actors, even amidst professional success and industry debates, share relatable personal experiences.
Where do you stand – is 'The Bear' a comedy or a drama? Does the awards category matter to your viewing experience? Let us know your thoughts!
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