At the 2024 Emmy Awards, Shark Tank won the Outstanding Structured Reality Program award, ending Queer Eye’s six-year run at the top. This win was especially exciting for the sharks, as they are now producers of the show and could take home the trophy themselves.
This was Shark Tank’s first win in this category since 2017, marking its fifth Emmy in total.
“Before, when Shark Tank won, we weren’t producers, so we didn’t get to take home any trophies,” Kevin explained.”Now, it’s really fabulous—we can sell all our fake ones!” the team joked during their press conference.
Shark Tank’s Long Journey Back to the Top
From 2014 to 2017, Shark Tank was the leader in its category, winning four consecutive Emmys. But in 2018, Netflix’s reboot of Queer Eye took over, winning the award for six straight years.
The win in 2024 brought Shark Tank back to the top after years of close calls. The sharks shared that their motivation to keep returning to the show comes from the success of the entrepreneurs they help.
“What keeps us coming back is seeing the success of the entrepreneurs we work with. We feel like winners whether we get an Emmy or not,” one of the sharks said. “At the end of the day, the stars of Shark Tank are the entrepreneurs who are brave enough to pitch their ideas.”
Queer Eye’s Six-Year Reign at the Emmys
When Queer Eye returned to screens in 2018, it quickly became a cultural hit. The show, with its Fab Five, focused on helping people improve their lives and embrace diversity and inclusivity.
This fresh take on the classic makeover show connected with viewers and critics, earning Queer Eye six consecutive Emmy wins in the Structured Reality Program category from 2018 to 2023. Its loss in 2024 ended a remarkable streak.
Shark Tank’s Shift to Stay Relevant
Since its start in 2009, Shark Tank has become known for giving entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of wealthy investors. Over the years, the show has adapted to highlight modern values, like social impact and community involvement.
One shark pointed out how Bombas, a company that donates socks to the homeless, shifted how they view investments.
“When Bombas pitched their model, we realized it couldn’t just be about how much you sell. There has to be more—what are you doing for your community? What impact are you making?” Marc Cuban said.
This change in focus helped Shark Tank stay connected with viewers and showed that the show is about more than just money. It’s about supporting businesses that want to make a difference.
Tough Competition in the Emmy Race
The Emmy category for Outstanding Structured Reality Program has been dominated by a few shows, including Shark Tank, Queer Eye, and others like Love Is Blind and Antiques Roadshow. Shark Tank’s 2024 win showed that even with strong competition, the show still stands out for its impact on the business world and beyond.
The sharks remain humble about their success, often crediting the entrepreneurs they work with for the show’s appeal. “We represent the American Dream,” one shark explained. “And that’s what we’re most proud of, helping these entrepreneurs share their dreams.”
What’s Next for Shark Tank and Queer Eye?
With Shark Tank back on top at the 2024 Emmys, viewers are eager to see if it can maintain its momentum. Queer Eye, despite losing this year, continues to be a fan favorite, and the competition between these two shows is far from over.
For now, Shark Tank has proven that even after more than a decade on the air, it can still inspire, innovate, and lead in the world of reality TV.