The debate over whether shows like “The Bear” belong in the comedy race — which I think we’ve all tackled ad infinitum at this point — has perhaps clouded a bigger conundrum in Emmyland. It’s something I have heard asked by a few pundits and awards executives this Emmy season: What’s going on with drama?

Perhaps we can attribute this to the Hollywood strikes, the conclusion of several notable series last year, or even the lengthy production time required for expensive, epic series. But this definitely feels like a bit of a transition year for the drama series category.

Make no mistake: that’s not to discount some of the fantastic series nominated this year. But honestly, thank goodness FX decided to turn “Shōgun” into a drama series (a Season 2 is presently in the works), injecting a bit more life into the category.

Of course, “The Crown” is in contention for its sixth and final season and was the clear frontrunner (as a previous winner) until “Shōgun” emerged. But with three-time winner “Succession” now concluded, and 2023 nominees including “House of the Dragon,” “The Last of Us,” “The White Lotus,” “Andor” and “Yellowjackets” all on break (due to some of those reasons I mentioned earlier), it opened the door wide for some newcomers — and unexpected nominations for series several seasons into their run.

Firstly, let me express my disappointment and frustration that “Better Call Saul” couldn't make it to one more year. The show, which also concluded its run with a final best drama nomination in 2023, went 0 for 53 in total Emmy counts. This year, who knows? In a much more open competition, it might have pulled off a win or two somewhere.

But let's return to the Emmy nominations. With last year's drama category completely open due to the absence of previous nominees, the way was clear for Season 3 of the exciting Apple TV+ series “The Morning Show” (which, as a reminder, launched one of its characters into space).

HBO's “The Gilded Age” secured a spot for its second season. “Slow Horses,” which had been overlooked for two years in all categories, suddenly received nine nominations (including for Best Drama and Best Actor for Gary Oldman) in its third season.

Also managing to snag a nomination was “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” which had a relatively quiet initial release but then campaigned vigorously and won over voters with its stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. Perhaps most surprising is the inclusion of two highly sci-fi shows—a genre not typically favored by Emmy voters—in the nominations: Amazon Prime Video's wildly successful video game adaptation “Fallout” (potentially attracting “The Last of Us” gamers from last year) and Netflix's “3 Body Problem.”

So, does Emmy have an 8 Body Problem? Does this contradict my long-standing effort to expand the drama and comedy fields to include 10 shows? I apologize, but you won't easily change my mind on this matter.

All of these shows deserve their place, even if their inclusion is a result of an unusual year. And honestly, if we had 10 slots this year, maybe—just maybe—we could have seen a broadcast show return to the list (something that hasn't happened since the end of “This Is Us” in 2021).

And let's simply relish this Emmys as a unique break from what next year promises to be a return to intense competition. Get ready: “House of the Dragon,” “The Last of Us,” “Severance,” “Squid Game,” “The White Lotus,” “Yellowjackets” and more. (Though, probably not “Stranger Things.” Those kids will be 42 at their next Emmys.)

A few of this year’s contenders will not be returning for the next round, like the departing “The Crown,” and series that will need a longer production schedule, like “Shōgun.” But for those seeking another nomination, prepare for a higher standard. I’m thinking Mars this time, “The Morning Show”!