Twenty years is a long time, especially in television. In 2004, when the 56th Primetime Emmy Awards were held on Sept. 19 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, broadcast television still dominated most categories, although cable television was making significant inroads. It was also the era when if a show was canceled, it wouldn’t air.
That’s no longer the case for many series, including three that earned nominations in 2004. “Arrested Development” (Fox) won the comedy category in 2004 in its first season, ran on Fox for two more seasons before its cancellation, then returned in 2013, 2018 and 2019 on Netflix. Its competitor in the category, “Will & Grace” (NBC), eventually completed its eight-season run and then returned to the network for three shortened seasons in 2017. And its fellow competitor, “Sex and the City,” returned in sequel form as “And Just Like That” in 2021.
But then there’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” It competed in the category in 2004, but it’s gone its own way: It premiered in 2000 before taking a break, coming back, taking more time off, and returning 24 years after its premiere for a final season on HBO. This brings up an interesting bit of historical trivia, because “Curb” may have more than 50 total nominations (and two wins for editing in 2012 and directing in 2003), but it holds the record for having the most comedy series Emmy nominations (10) without ever winning the category.
And now, with the series' eleventh nomination, everything could change with the upcoming Emmy Awards on September 15.
None of this could have been predicted in 2004, when “Arrested” beat out “Will & Grace,” “Everybody Loves Raymond” (CBS) and “Sex and the City” (HBO). This was only the second time Fox had won this particular award (“Ally McBeal” in 1999 was the other). “Arrested” would go on to win two more Emmys that night for directing (future Marvel Universe directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo) and writing (Mitchell Hurwitz).
Executive producer Hurwitz accepted the award from host Ellen DeGeneres, calling it “a huge thing for us” and “outrageous.” He acknowledged the support of Gail Berman, then Fox’s entertainment president; cast member Jeffrey Tambor, who had also been nominated that night (and whose behavior on the set would make headlines in later years); and Ron Howard, the show’s narrator and executive producer.
“I want to tell you something about Ron Howard,” Hurwitz said, jokingly. “I know he has a reputation in this town for being a bit of a diva, but he’s actually a really good guy and he’s incredibly creative and he spearheaded this initiative and we hope to keep his spirit alive forever.”
He ended the speech with a nod to the show's low ratings: “You know what?” he asked. “Let's watch it.” 1723033983.”
Meanwhile, “Curb” aside, the other series could take solace: Each would have its night to shine, some more than once. “Raymond” was nominated seven times in the category and had wins that ranked among this year’s winners (2003 and 2005). “Sex and the City” won best series in 2001 and had six best series nominations; and “Will” won the category in 2000, also with six best series nominations.
On the non-awards-related side of things: DeGeneres, who presented the award to “Arrested,” would go on to begin dating “Arrested” actress Portia de Rossi later in 2004. The two have been married since 2008.
