Dan and Eugene Levy Poke ‘The Bear’ in Otherwise Bland 2024 Emmys Monologue

Real-life father/son duo and Schitt’s Creek alums Eugene Levy and Dan Levy kicked off the 2024 Emmys with a monologue that poked fun at the big streaming services, their Canadian fear of interrupting long-winded acceptance speeches, and their own relationship…but the biggest burn of the whole speech came at the expense of FX‘s The Bear. The hit show’s second season might be the most nomintated comedy series in Emmys history, but it’s serious tone often prompts critics to accuse the half hour show as a drama. Meaning, its kudos in the comedy category could be considered “category fraud.” The Levys went right to the debate with the cleverest joke of the whole opening Emmys monologue.

“The Bear is nominated for 23 Emmys tonight, making it the most nominated comedy in history. Now I love the show. I love the show,” Eugene Levy said. “And I know some of you might be expecting us to make a joke about  whether The Bear is really a comedy…but in the true spirit of The Bear, we will not be making any jokes.”

When the camera cut to The Bear stars Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bacharach, Ayo chuckled it off in good fun, while Moss-Bacharach looked a little taken aback.  Moss-Bacharach would subsequently win the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, marking the first win of the night.

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Can’t get enough of the 2024 Emmy Awards? Follow along with Decider’s coverage, including:

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• Christina Applegate earns a standing ovation while fighting back tears during emotional speech
• Laverne Cox irritates Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham by mispronouncing her name on the red carpet — twice!
• Host Anthony Anderson cracks a joke during his monologue at Kevin Costner and Yellowstone’s expense
• Emmy Awards 2024: Complete list of movie & show nominees

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Besides poking The Bear, the Levys also made fun of the inexplicable plus signs that adorn every major streamer’s name. After Dan Levy toasted this year’s many LGBTQ+ nominees, Eugene Levy gave props for Apple TV+ — the streamer that hosts his travel series — for its inclusive platform.

“I’m particularly proud of my streamer, Apple TV+, which continues to probably and visibly align itself with the LGBTQ community,” Eugene Levy said.

“That’s not what the plus stands for,” Dan Levy replied.

“Well then, what does it stand for?” Eugene asked.

“I don’t know. You’re the one with the show on there,” Dan said. “And Paramount+, Disney+, ESPN+… all also not directly affiliated with the community.”

“Well, that I knew,” Eugene Levy said, dead pan.

The 2024 Emmys marks the first time the Levys have served as hosts of a major awards show. Could they be the next big hosting duo? You’ll have to keep watching to find out….