Apple TV's head of programming, Matt Cherniss, has defended the decision to submit the dark series Widow's Bay as a comedy at the Emmy Awards, following the Television Academy's announcement of 87 nominations for the streaming service. The classification matters strategically because it means Widow's Bay does not compete directly against Apple's other breakout newcomer, Vince Gilligan's Pluribus, which was submitted as a drama, allowing both shows to contend in separate categories.

The 87 nominations mark a new record for Apple TV, up from 81 the previous year, and were achieved despite the season lacking established hits The Studio and Ted Lasso. The bulk came from Widow's Bay, with 19 nominations, and Pluribus, with 18. In a Q&A, Cherniss argued that modern television resists simple categorisation, describing Widow's Bay as a "heightened", larger-than-life show that scares, provokes thought and makes viewers laugh; he acknowledged its dark tone but insisted it sits in the right category, leaving the final judgement to voters. He also noted the show is "having a moment", drawing a growing audience, while comparing its trajectory to Severance, which took time to convert critical acclaim into mainstream viewership.