In a move sending ripples through the Hollywood awards circuit, the highly anticipated new series ‘Is This Thing On?’ is making an unexpected play for the Golden Globes. Sources have exclusively confirmed that the show has been submitted for consideration in the Drama categories, with stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern vying for nominations in the Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Drama Series fields.
A Bold Strategy: From Comedy Premise to Dramatic Contender
The submission is a strategic gambit that signals the series may be far darker and more complex than its title, which evokes the world of stand-up comedy, might suggest. By sidestepping the typically crowded comedy field, the creators are positioning ‘Is This Thing On?’ as a serious dramatic contender, betting that its narrative weight will resonate more strongly with voters in a different arena.
This decision is particularly intriguing for fans of Will Arnett. While known as one of modern comedy’s most iconic voices, his Emmy-nominated work on BoJack Horseman proved his exceptional ability to mine deep emotional pain and existential dread from seemingly comedic characters. The decision to compete as a dramatic actor suggests that ‘Is This Thing On?’ leans heavily into that territory, likely exploring the well-documented dark side of the comedy world—the loneliness, pressure, and personal demons that often fuel performers.
Arnett and Dern: A Powerhouse Dramatic Duo?
The involvement of Laura Dern further strengthens the show’s dramatic argument. An Oscar and Golden Globe winner, Dern is one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, celebrated for her roles in prestige dramas like Big Little Lies and Marriage Story. Her submission as a lead actress in a drama, paired with Arnett, points to a powerful, character-driven narrative. The series is rumored to center on a fading comedy legend (Arnett) attempting a comeback, with Dern playing his sharp-witted, long-suffering manager forced to confront their shared, complicated past.
The High-Stakes Gamble of ‘Category Bending’
This “category-bending” is a high-stakes strategy in the world of Hollywood awards. The creators are making a definitive statement about the show’s tone, betting that Golden Globe voters will see past the comedic premise and recognize its dramatic heft. This tactic has been used successfully by other genre-defying shows like Barry and The Bear, which have masterfully straddled the line between laughter and gut-punching pathos.
While the Outstanding Comedy Series category is always competitive, the drama field is often seen as the night’s most prestigious prize. A nomination here would cement ‘Is This Thing On?’ as a serious critical darling. However, the risk is significant. If voters feel the show doesn’t fit the drama mold, it could be shut out entirely.
The submission is in and the dice have been rolled. All eyes are now on the Golden Globe nominations to see if this dramatic gambit pays off for Arnett, Dern, and one of the most talked-about new shows of the year.
