Nonfiction programs examine America
'Deadliest Catch,' 'Reservations' give slice of life
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Every Emmy nom in the nonfiction series category has gone to a show about what it means to live, work, create or travel as an American.
Well-reviewed PBS standards "American Experience" and "American Masters" and Showtime's "This American Life" all set about defining those particular elements that have come to characterize a life lived in the United States.
Episodes of both "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" and "Deadliest Catch" -- two shows radically different in tone -- are something like essays on contemporary life here. Bourdain is an American who never traveled outside of the country until his 40s and has his perspective broadened one meal at a time. The fishermen on "Deadliest Catch" remind us of all the dangerous jobs that are often out of sight but still must be done every day.
Even "Biography" -- which doesn't exclusively cover the lives of Americans -- tells the stories of extraordinary lives and all the ups and downs that can plague them. And certainly the uphill climb to achievement is part of the American mythos.
There's no easy way to find front-runners in the category. In 2008, "American Masters" and "This American Life" tied for the Emmy. And this year the critically acclaimed "No Reservations" may have momentum, since the show is also nommed for two other Emmys: cinematography and editing.
Overall, "American Masters" -- a previous winner of six Emmys -- is clearly a fave with voters. But that split win from the previous year can't be taken too lightly.
Audiences also seem to stand by "Deadliest Catch" and "No Reservations." The shows have been propelled for years by their passionate devotees as they air into their fifth seasons.
Whether it will be one of the current standard-bearers or the far-flung adventures of crab fishermen or a chef is only for voters to know.
