Controversy! This week, the Golden Globes nominated “Big Little Lies” in the category of Limited Series, and eyebrows were raised. It was only days before that HBO announced the show would be getting a second season, with Andrea Arnold directing. Some accused the network of submitted the show to the Golden Globes as a limited series, knowing full well they were planning more episodes. However, HBO is fighting back.
The cable channel has released a statement, defending their decision to have “Big Little Lies” compete as a limited series, saying that’s how it was envisioned from the start. Essentially, according to HBO, the later change of plans shouldn’t matter:
” ‘Big Little Lies’ was conceived, produced, and aired as a limited series. The implication of impropriety regarding HBO’s awards submission of ‘Big Little Lies’ in the Limited Series category is irresponsible and uninformed. The idea to continue the story came about only after the show aired. None of the cast or filmmakers had holdover contracts. Each deal had to be renegotiated, which is proof that no ongoing series was contemplated. Additionally, no source material beyond Liane Moriarty’s novel existed. The accusation that HBO was ‘gaming the system’ is baseless and undeserved.”
We’ll see if the statement appeases those who have been critical of the nomination for “Big Little Lies,” but more importantly, we’ll see how it affects the votes (or not).
The Golden Globes will be handed out on January 7, 2018. [Variety]