By Michael Schneider

General editor of the variety

The debate over whether shows like “The Bear” belong in the comedy race — which I think we’ve all been having ad nauseam — has perhaps clouded a larger conundrum in Emmyland. It’s something I’ve heard a few pundits and awards directors ask this Emmy season: What’s wrong with drama?

Maybe we can blame the Hollywood strikes, the end of several major series last year, or even the long lead times it takes to produce expensive, epic series. But this does feel like a bit of a bye year for the drama category.