'Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' Cheap Gas Emmy Promo Literally Stops Traffic

Final voting for the 2019 Emmy Awards began today and “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is making headlines.  The Prime Video series earned 20 nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series, which prompted Amazon go to the extra mile in an incredibly competitive season.  Who knew their “Maisel Day” promotion would spark police involvement?

The “Maisel Day” event began at 9 AM PT this morning and features over 28 services, food or entertainment options in Los Angeles at 1959 prices.  For those who haven’t seen Amazon’s breakout, the series centers on Miriam “Midge” Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan), an upstart stand up comic trying to make it in a male-dominated field in late 1950’s New York.  Of course a majority of the Television Academy lives in Los Angeles, so Amazon smartly centered their publicity friendly promotion here.

The event offers a $2 manicure in Santa Monica, a $3 haircut in Pacific Palisades, a 99 cent pastrami sandwich at either the legendary Canter’s Deli on Fairfax or Art’s Delicatessen in Studio City, a burger and fries for just 50 cents at Mel’s Drive In (Studio City location only), a one night stay at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel for $40 or $1 admission to either of the Hollywood Improv’s two shows tonight, among other offers.  One promo that has already made news was the chance to get up to 20 gallons of gas for just 30 cents per gallon at a Chevron in Santa Monica.  Within an hour, the Santa Monica Police had shut it down after demand seriously impared traffic in the area.

In a year where “Veep” was at one point seem as a lock to win the Comedy Series Emmy following its final season you can’t fault Amazon for going the extra mile for last year’s winner, “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”  Prime Video also has the buzzworthy “Fleabag” in the category aiming for an upset (in fact, I’m predicting it) so giving their ratings hit some over-the-top love was, at worst, a smart talent move.

Emmy voting continues until Thursday, August 29.  The 71st Primetime Emmy Awards will be handed out live on FOX on Sept. 22 at 8 PM ET, 5 PM PT.

Updated 2019 Emmy Prediction Pages

Drama Series
Comedy Series
Limited Series
Reality-Competition Series
Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie