In a literal gift for the cast and crew of “Agatha All Along,” Walt Disney Television and Marvel Studios have decided to reclassify the hit Disney+ program in the Comedy Series category for awards purposes. This is a major change after the “WandaVision” spin-off was originally deemed a Limited Series. This is great news if you’re rooting for the “Agatha” to earn guild or Emmy Awards recognition. It might be even better if you’re hoping for a surprise second season.
When we interviewed creator Jac Schaeffer last week, the first question we asked her was based on how the finale ended, was a second season possible? Her reaction was perhaps more telling than she intended it to be. She remarked, “There’s not a reason it can’t happen. It’s just right now there’s nothing I can report about that. That’s what my answer is.”
Schaeffer originally developed the upcoming “VisionQuest” series before Kevin Feige plucked Terry Matalas (“Star Trek: Picard”) as showrunner (“created by” and executive producer terminology in Marvel Studios speak). That program is another spin-off that will, in theory, follow the new incarnation of the Vision (Paul Bettany) who hasn’t been seen in the MCU since Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) defeated Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) at the end of “WandaVision” almost four years ago. Initially, there were rumors that the “secret project” Schaeffer was working on was a new Scarlett Witch movie. That may still be true, but it seems more likely she’s been prepping a second “Agathan All Along” season and just waiting for the Disney green light.
From an awards perspective, the change in category classification allows “Agatha” to qualify in, arguably, more appropriate DGA, PGA, WGA, and SAG categories this Winter. In fact, “Agatha’ now has a great shot at a SAG Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series nomination. Especially with the only serious competition currently coming from “Only Murders in the Building,” “Hacks,” “Abbott Elementary,” and, in theory, “The Bear” (it’s unclear if it will move to Drama Series following its major snub at the Emmys in September). Hahn also has an excellent chance to earn an Outstanding Performance by a Female Actress in a Comedy Series nomination. And, Emmys? Oh, my.
Traditionally, we don’t even consider Emmy season until March, but “Agatha” now has an excellent shot at more acting nominations than if it was in a Limited Series framework that doesn’t always look kindly to programs with broad comedy moments (“Beef,” for instance, was barely a dramedy). In theory, not only is Hahn a player, but so are co-stars Patti LuPone (insanely deserving) and Sasheer Zamata (a stunner in episode 8) in Supporting Actress. Moreover, while the program always had a shot at nominations for numerous below-the-line categories such as Original Music and Lyrics, Costume Design, and Production Design, it could now actually win them because of the scope (and relative lack of CG) in the series.
For those who care, this change should also help “Agatha” in Golden Globe Awards nominations across the board.
It should be noted that barring a renewal announcement in the weeks ahead, Disney Television and Marvel Studios will need to prove to the Television Academy that “Agatha” is an ongoing series. That is a process sister network FX went through for “Shogun” earlier this year when it also skipped out on Limited Series for Drama Series. That being said, Marvel Studios’ social media seems to be teasing something regarding the future of Billy Maximoff (Joe Locke) and Agatha. So, stay tuned and don’t take the wrong turn on the Witches Road.
This news was first reported by Variety.
“Agatha All Along” is available on Disney+
