FX’s Noir Series “The Lowdown” to Compete as a Comedy for the Emmys
Amid ongoing discussions about the classification of its shows, FX has decided to submit its hourlong noir series The Lowdown, starring Ethan Hawke, as a comedy for the 2026 Emmy Awards. This move adds another dimension to the debate sparked by shows like The Bear.
This represents a notable shift for The Lowdown, which had previously been categorized as a drama for recent awards, including the Golden Globes. In its January announcement confirming a second season, FX referred to the show as a “Western-noir drama.” The series has already garnered recognition, making the AFI Awards’ list of the Top 10 television programs of 2025.
The decision to reclassify the show was made after consultations involving Sterlin Harjo, the series’ creator and executive producer, along with star and fellow executive producer Ethan Hawke, according to sources.
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Drawing from Harjo’s comedic background—he co-created FX’s Reservation Dogs, a half-hour comedy-drama recognized with an Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy nomination—The Lowdown features a significant comedic undercurrent. However, other hourlong series with comedic components, such as HBO’s Succession and The White Lotus, have maintained their status as dramas during awards considerations.
FX concluded that the balance of drama and comedy in The Lowdown tilted slightly towards the comedic, prompting its classification as a comedy for Emmy submissions.
Under current Emmy rules, hourlong series do not require pre-approval to enter the comedy categories, a policy that has evolved since the late 2010s. To compete as comedies, series must be deemed “primarily comedic,” regardless of run time. The Academy reserves the right to review category placements through its Industry Panel.
The classification of dramedies, or shows that blend comedy and drama, has long posed challenges for the Emmy Awards, leading to controversies in the past. For example, in 2015, the TV Academy allowed Glee and Shameless to compete in the comedy category, while excluding Orange Is the New Black.
FX’s The Bear, which also balances comedic and dramatic elements, has raised eyebrows among awards enthusiasts. Competing as a comedy, it has achieved 21 Emmy wins, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Similarly, Prime Video’s hourlong The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has enjoyed success in the comedy category.
The Lowdown chronicles the gritty adventures of citizen journalist Lee Raybon, portrayed by Hawke, who identifies himself as a “truthstorian” from Tulsa. His pursuit of truth often leads him into troublesome situations.
Harjo, who wrote and directed the pilot, serves as executive producer alongside Garrett Basch, Ethan Hawke, and Ryan Hawke. The Lowdown is produced by FX Productions.
