The article argues that Emmy eligibility rules are preventing acclaimed international television from competing in the main awards, even when programmes are widely watched and distributed by US-based streamers. It says this reduces the quality and breadth of Emmy fields, particularly in years with relatively weak limited-series line-ups, while relegating non-US productions to the less visible International Emmys.

Canadian drama Heated Rivalry was ineligible despite becoming a streaming hit, while Italy’s eight-part Mussolini: Son of the Century and Denmark’s Families Like Ours are cited as other strong examples excluded by their production origins. The Television Academy generally requires US involvement at least as a co-production for eligibility; Squid Game qualified because of such involvement, whereas international programmes without it do not. The author contends that distribution deals with services such as HBO Max, Mubi or Netflix should not be insufficient for recognition.