The highly acclaimed series, The Bear, which swept the comedy categories at the recent Golden Globes, is now preparing to make its mark at the 75th Emmy Awards. However, there is a twist - while Season 2 continues to captivate audiences, it is actually Season 1 that will be competing for the prestigious Emmy accolades - a result of the delayed Emmys due to last year's writers and actors strikes.

Unlike other major awards shows, such as the Golden Globes and SAG Awards, which adhere to the calendar year for eligibility, the Emmys have an eligibility period that runs from June to May. Typically, the Emmys act as the grand finale in the awards circuit for a specific season of television.

This means that The Bear Season 1, which made its debut in June 2022, successfully clinched two Golden Globe awards at the 80th ceremony held in January 2023. Had the Emmys taken place in September as planned, Season 1 of The Bear would have concluded its awards run before the release of Season 2, which premiered in June 2023 and is set to compete at the 76th Emmy Awards.

Although the new episodes of The Bear were always available during Season 1's Emmy contention, they were not eligible for recognition at other awards ceremonies held within a week of each other.

The Crown and Only Murders in the Building face similar predicaments, competing for different seasons at the Emmys compared to other awards shows in the coming months.

Elizabeth Debicki, who won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the final season of The Crown, is nominated for Best Actress in a Drama Series at the Emmys, but for her performance in Season 5. Season 6, which will be eligible for the Emmys later this year, will mark the show's grand finale.

Notably, if the Emmys had taken place in September, the final season of The Crown would not have even premiered by the time Season 5 was competing.

Only Murders in the Building also faces a similar situation, with Season 2 vying for Emmy recognition, despite Season 3 having already competed at the Golden Globes and set to contend once again at the SAG Awards in February.

Fortunately, the 76th Emmy Awards will provide respite for these shows, allowing them to compete for their most recent seasons.

According to Deadline, Season 3 of The Bear is slated to commence production early in 2024. This potentially sets up a summer release, which could mean the show hits Hulu prior to the 76th Emmys. However, if all goes according to plan, Season 2 will have already completed its awards run before Season 3 enters the competition.

The highly anticipated 75th Emmy Awards are scheduled to air on Monday, January 15th at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Fox. Viewers and fans eagerly await to see which of their favorite shows and performances will triumph amidst the confusion and delays caused by last year's strikes.