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Emmys 2020: Should there be a 'most rewatched series during pandemic' category? 'Schitt's Creek' might win this

The series bid goodbye to its fans this year with its sixth and final season. The finale episode of the series, as reported by Variety, drew 1.3 million total viewers, which is one of the show’s highest-rated episodes ever

While the pandemic may have stopped many productions around the world, it could not dampen the spirit of one of entertainment industry's biggest nights, the 72nd annual Emmy Awards which was held on September 20 night, with social distancing in place of course. Host Jimmy Kimmel recorded from Downtown Los Angeles as nominees, presenters and the winners joined in for the virtual event.

'Schitt's Creek' was on an award sweeping spree — Outstanding Comedy Actress, Outstanding Comedy Actor and Comedy Writing were among the first few awards of the night safe in its kitty. The series bid goodbye to its fans this year with its sixth and final season. The finale episode of the series, as reported by Variety, drew 1.3 million total viewers, which is one of the show’s highest-rated episodes ever. Fans of the series went on to describe how they are rewatching or have rewatched it and are thrilled for all the awards they won. It clearly could be one of the most rewatched series as well during the pandemic.

One user said, “Just rewatched the JAZZAGALS episode and can confirm that @SchittsCreek is the greatest and well deserving of this Emmy sweep. #SchittsSweep #emmys #jazzagals” Another said, “I’ve been saying @SchittsCreek is one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seenFace with tears of joy I’ve rewatched it countless times because it keeps me laughing. CongatsPartying face #Emmys.” One stated, “#Emmys. #SchittsCreek so happy I found you at season 1. I admit that I rewatched the series 4 times and I’m ready to watch it again. Congrats to you for being recognized for the awesome show I knew you were all along!@annefrances @danjlevy @Realeugenelevy.”

But a very interesting tweet by a user named Pam Lewis got us thinking. She suggested, “It'd be interesting for the #Emmys to hand out an award for "most rewatched" TV series during the pandemic. Wonder what that is? Mad Men? West Wing?”

The pandemic indeed had us holed up in our houses for months now – and rightly so. It indeed was a time for work from home, but then the question arose how to keep yourself entertained and keep your mind off the stress and relax while being holed up at home. While new shows are hot topic when they release, there are some classic shows which never get old. The characters and storylines are discussed and debated and seldom referred to during conversations by die-hard fans.

Apart from newer series like 'Schitt's Creek', ‘Friends’ is easily one of those shows that fall in the category. If you ask crazy fans, they’ll tell you how many times they have re-watched it and have aced every quiz related to the show. When it was announced that the show will leave Netflix US, fans were heartbroken like they were during the final episode of the show. One fan had written: “2020 already is trash because Friends is leaving Netflix the 1st and that pretty much means my life is over.” Another had said, “It's really the last day i can watch friends i hate you @netflix.” One stated, “Mood towards @netflix for thinking it’s okay to drop Friends in 2020. Im disappointed.”

 
However, fans got the good news in May this year that all 10 seasons of the '90s NBC sitcom are finally available on new streaming platform HBO Max, which launched on May 27, 2020, as per Harper’s Bazaar. But fans were most excited about the HBO Max's 'Friends' reunion special. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the one-off special featuring all six original stars was scheduled to start filming in August 2020 at the show's iconic Warner Bros. soundstage in Burbank, but has now been pushed to a new, yet-to-be determined date because of the pandemic. As per the report, the project was approved in February and was going to start filming in March. But HBO Max announced in April that the reunion would miss the streamer's launch, delivering a blow to the subscription streaming platform's debut. 

There are so many we can list – ‘Mad Men’, ‘The Office’ (US), ‘Seinfeld’, ‘Game of Thrones’ (yes, last season may have been disappointing, but it is still binge-worthy and rewatchable) and many others. The Twitter user really got us thinking. I hope the officials at Emmy are listening because it is totally worth a shot.