Disney’s Debra OConnell on Emmy Nominations, ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Recognition and FX/Hulu Integration

Four months after being elevated to chairman of Disney Entertainment Television, Debra OConnell marked her first Emmy nominations morning in the new role with strong results. The Walt Disney Company secured 125 nominations for the 78th Emmy Awards, with ABC leading broadcast networks at 46 nominations.

“It’s an embarrassment of riches,” OConnell told Variety. The total span included Disney Kids & Family, FX, Disney Television Studios (20th Television Animation and 20th Television), Hulu Originals, National Geographic and Onyx Collective, along with The Walt Disney Studios’ Lucasfilm, Marvel Television, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures.

At ABC, “Dancing With the Stars” made a notable return to the reality competition series category, earning its first nomination there in a decade. “It’s a phenomenon that continues to be, and just an incredible creative showing of great work,” OConnell said. “When you think about a bit, I would say it’s an overdue nod. Just a great example of its cultural impact.”

ABC also saw “Jimmy Kimmel Live” earn its 15th consecutive nomination in the outstanding variety series field, along with its first writing for a variety series nomination in 13 years. “Being nominated for writing, I’m so proud of Jimmy and the entire team,” OConnell said. “It’s just a testament to wonderful creative all around.”

ABC’s nominations were highlighted by “Abbott Elementary,” which earned its fifth consecutive outstanding comedy series nomination, plus acting nods for Quinta Brunson, Janelle James and Tyler James Williams. The network also captured four of five game show nominations.

Hulu received 22 nominations, including seven for “Paradise” across various categories and continued recognition for “Only Murders in the Building” as outstanding comedy. National Geographic’s 12 nominations featured “Tucci in Italy” for outstanding hosted nonfiction series or special, alongside documentary honors for “Ocean with David Attenborough.”

Disney Television Studios’ 59 nominations — covering 20th Television and 20th Television Animation — included “Bob’s Burgers” and “The Simpsons” for outstanding animated program. Comedy nominations went to “Abbott Elementary” (shared with Warner Bros. TV), “Only Murders in the Building,” and Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This.” FX/Hulu’s “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette” earned limited or anthology series recognition, as did Netflix’s “The Beast in Me.”p>

This marked the first year FX’s linear and streaming outlets shared contenders simultaneously. OConnell’s linear FX side collaborated with John Landgraf’s FX programming oversight on Hulu, resulting in 23 nominations. “It’s a really nice opportunity to meet audiences where they are,” she noted. All FX-branded series now launch identically on FX linear and Hulu.

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