Disney+ has waved its magic wand to place “Agatha” in the comedy category.
Under the banner of Marvel Television Studios, the hit new spin-off series “Agatha All Along,” starring Kathryn Hahn, will be submitted in the comedy categories for the upcoming awards season, including the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and next year’s Emmy race, Variety has learned exclusively. The move aligns “Agatha” in a competitive lineup, as it will face acclaimed comedies like ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” FX’s “The Bear” and HBO/Max’s “Hacks.”
This decision places Hahn in the running against heavyweights such as Jean Smart, Quinta Brunson, and Ayo Edebiri — who have each won the TV comedy actress race for their respective shows over the past three years. For Hahn, who’s never been nominated for a Globe, a mention could be pivotal as she seeks to make a mark at next year’s Emmys ceremony.
Although the show was conceived as a miniseries, the announcement regarding its category shifts strongly indicates that “Agatha All Along,” which follows the morally complex yet irresistibly charismatic witch Agatha Harkness, could continue beyond a single season.
The Television Academy’s criteria for limited series state: “The program must tell a complete, non-recurring story and not have an ongoing storyline or main characters in subsequent seasons.”
There has been no official word from Disney or Marvel regarding a renewal. Still, the studio would have to prove to the TV Academy that more seasons are planned or make an official announcement, similar to what FX did with “Shogun” last year, ultimately setting the all-time winning record for a drama series.
The move also opens a slot in the limited races, where at the Globes, “Baby Reindeer,” “True Detective: Night Country,” and “Ripley” are still competing for recognition.
Chuck Zlotnick
With the Emmy eligibility period not concluding until May 31, there’s ample time to assess “Agatha’s” impact on the awards circuit. However, should it perform well at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and other guild honors — such as the Directors Guild of America and Producers Guild of America — “Agatha All Along” could secure a formidable standing for next year’s race, positioning itself as a valid contender.
“Agatha All Along,” created by Jac Schaeffer, who also serves as showrunner, picks up where 2021’s Emmy-winning “WandaVision” left off. In “WandaVision,” Hahn’s Agatha Harkness was left powerless after a showdown with the Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen. In “Agatha,” the character embarks on a mission to regain her powers, enlisting a group of unlikely allies. Alongside Hahn, the series boasts a stellar cast, including Joe Locke, Debra Jo Rupp, Aubrey Plaza, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, Okwui Okpokwasili, Patti LuPone, Evan Peters, Maria Dizzia and Paul Adelstein.
“WandaVision” set a high bar with 23 Emmy nominations, including a nod for Hahn in supporting actress (limited series). Hahn, known for her versatile talent, has received two other Emmy nods in her career: supporting comedy actress for “Transparent” in 2017 and lead actress (limited series) for “Tiny Beautiful Things.” A fourth could be incoming.
Since its premiere, “Agatha All Along” has enchanted audiences, drawing 9.3 million views within its first week. Variety’s chief TV critic, Alison Herman, lauded the show, calling it a “captivating spell” and praising Hahn’s “scene-stealing” performance. Herman writes: “The point…is building a playground expansive enough to contain Hahn’s shamelessly selfish, domineering Agatha, a protagonist unburdened by moral obligations or so-large-they’re-meaningless stakes like saving the world.”
With its humor, star-studded cast, and Hahn’s charismatic portrayal of everyone’s favorite witch, “Agatha All Along” could kick off a strong awards run and, perhaps, one that can continue to enchant viewers in seasons to come.
From Variety US