Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Best Comedy/Variety – Specials

Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Comedy/Variety Special
Awarded forOutstanding Writing for a Comedy or Variety Special
CountryUnited States
Presented byWriters Guild of America
First awarded1987
Currently held byFull Frontal Wants to Take Your Guns (2021)
Websitewww.wga.org

The Writers Guild of America Award for Best Television Writing in a Comedy/Variety Specials is an award presented by the Writers Guild of America to the best written television comedy or variety specials. During the 70s, different categories were presented to recognize writing in comedy or variety specials until 1987, when the category Variety – Musical, Award, Tribute, Special Event started to be awarded, later being renamed to its current name, Comedy/Variety Special.

Winners and nominees

The winners are indicated in gold and in bold.

1970s

Best Written Variety Script
Year Program Writer(s) Network
1973
(26th)
Lily Bob Illes, Rosalyn Drexler, Lorne Michaels, Richard Pryor, Jim Rusk, Herbert Sargent, James R. Stein, Lily Tomlin, Jane Wagner, George Yanok, Ann Elder, Karyl Miller and Rod Warren CBS
Best Variety Series or Special – Musical or Comedy
Year Program Writer(s) Network
1977
(30th)
The Carol Burnett Show Ed Simmons, Roger Beatty, Rick Hawkins, Liz Sage, Bob Illes, James R. Stein, Franelle Silver, Larry Siegel, Tim Conway, Bill Richmond, Gene Perret, Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon CBS
1978
(31st)
The Carol Burnett Show
"Steve Martin and Betty White"		 Roger Beatty, Rick Hawkins, Liz Sage, Bob Illes, James R. Stein, Franelle Silver, Larry Siegel, Tim Conway, Bill Richmond, Gene Perret, Dick Clair, Jenna McMahon and Ed Simmons CBS

1980s

Best Variety, Musical or Comedy
Year Program Writer(s) Network
1980
(33rd)
All Commercials, A Steve Martin Special Steve Martin, Neal Israel, Jeffrey Barron, Earl Brown, Carmen Finestra, Denny Johnston, Sean Kelly, Pat McCormick, Michael McManus, Pat Proft and Mason Williams NBC
1982
(35th)
I Love Liberty Rita Mae Brown, Arthur Allan Seidelman, Rick Mitz, Richard Alfieri and Norman Lear ABC
Variety – Musical, Award, Tribute, Special Event
Year Program Writer(s) Network
1987
(40th)
Will Rogers: Look Back in Laughter Bennett Tramer HBO
19th Annual NAACP Image Awards Daryl G. Nickens, Rita Cash, Royce Osborn Jr. NBC
1988
(41st)
A Muppet Family Christmas Jerry Juhl ABC
Family Comedy Hour Jack Elinson, Jay Leno, Marvin Silbermintz, Jay Teitzell, Ted Herrmann, Wayne Kline NBC
1989
(42nd)
The Earth Day Special Steve Tamerius ABC
Variety – Musical
Year Program Writer(s) Network
1989
(42nd)
Not Necessarily the News Nancy Harris, Larry Arnstein, Steve Barker, Joe Guppy, Matt Neuman, Duncan Scott McGibbon, Jon Ross, Lane Sarasohn, Steve Young, Merrill Markoe, Tom Kramer, Peter Ocko HBO

1990s

Variety – Musical, Award, Tribute, Special Event
Year Program Writer(s) Network
1992
(45th)
Medusa: Dare to Be Truthful Julie Brown and Charlie Coffey Showtime
1993
(46th)
This Just In
"Show 2"		 Matt Neuman, Larry Arnstein, Jon Ross, Lane Sarasohn, and John Derevlany ABC
Bob Hope: The First 90 Years Buz Kohan, Linda Perret, Martha Bolton, and Gene Perret NBC
1994
(47th)
Tracey Ullman Takes on New York Tony Sheehan, Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais, Stephen Nathan, and Marc Flanagan HBO
1995
(48th)
Dennis Miller Live
"Episode 8"		 Eddie Feldmann, Jeff Cesario, Ed Driscoll, David Feldman, Gregory Greenberg, Dennis Miller, and Kevin Rooney HBO
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Steven Spielberg Robert Shrum, and George Stevens Jr. NBC
1996
(49th)
Dennis Miller: Citizen Arcane Dennis Miller HBO
Sinatra: 80 Years My Way Buz Kohan, George Schlatter ABC
The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts Robert Shrum, George Stevens Jr., Sara Lukinson, John Frook CBS
Comedy/Variety – Music, Awards, Tributes – Specials – Any Length
Year Program Writer(s) Network
1998
(51st)
Ellen: A Hollywood Tribute Tim Doyle ABC
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Robert Wise Robert Shrum, Chris Henchy and George Stevens Jr. NBC
1999
(52nd)
The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts Robert Shrum, George Stevens Jr. and Sara Lukinson CBS

2000s

Comedy/Variety (Music, Awards, Tributes) – Specials
Year Program Writer(s) Network
2000
(53rd)
Saturday Night Live: 25th Anniversary Special Tina Fey, Anne Beatts, Tom Davis, Steve Higgins, Lorne Michaels, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Paula Pell, Paul Shaffer, T. Sean Shannon, Michael Shoemaker, Robert Smigel NBC
Evening at Pops Special featuring the Cast of Sesame Street Christine Ferraro PBS
2001
(54th)
The Kennedy Center Honors Don Baer, George Stevens Jr., Sara Lukinson and Harry Miles Muheim CBS
Saturday Night Live: Presidential Bash 2000 James Downey and Al Franken NBC
2002
(55th)
The Kennedy Center Honors Don Baer, George Stevens Jr. and Sara Lukinson CBS
NBC 75th Anniversary Special Doug Abeles, James Anderson, Robert Carlock, Tina Fey, Charlie Grandy, Steve Higgins, Lorne Michaels, Paula Pell, Herbert Sargent, Michael Schur, Michael Shoemaker NBC
2003
(56th)
The 75th Annual Academy Awards Hal Kanter, Rita Cash, Buz Kohan, Steve Martin, Beth Armogida, Dave Barry, Dave Boone, Andy Breckman, Jon Macks, Rita Rudner, Bruce Vilanch ABC
The Kennedy Center Honors George Stevens Jr., Sara Lukinson and David Leaf CBS
2004
(57th)
The Kennedy Center Honors George Stevens Jr., Sara Lukinson and David Leaf CBS
The 58th Annual Tony Awards Dave Boone, Bruce Vilanch CBS
2005
(58th)
[1][2]
The Kennedy Center Honors George Stevens Jr., Sara Lukinson CBS
The 59th Annual Tony Awards Dave Boone, Jon Macks CBS
2006
(59th)
[3][4]
The National Memorial Day Concert Joan Meyerson PBS
Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl Robert Wuhl, Allan Stephan, Rebecca Reynolds HBO
The 60th Annual Tony Awards Dave Boone CBS
2007
(60th)
Not awarded
2008
(61st)
[5][6]
23rd Independent Spirit Awards Billy Kimball, Aaron Lee, Jennifer Celotta, and Rainn Wilson IFC, AMC
Jimmy Kimmel's Big Night of Stars Jimmy Kimmel, Gary Greenberg, Molly McNearney, Bryan Paulk, Ned Rice, Jon Bines, Will Burke, Rick Rosner, Jake Lentz, Sal Iacono, and Tony Barbieri ABC
2009
(62nd)
[7][8]
24th Independent Spirit Awards Billy Kimball and Neal MacLennan IFC, AMC
We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial George Stevens Jr., Michael Stevens, and Sara Lukinson HBO

2010s

Year Program Writer(s) Network
2010
(63rd)
[9][10]
National Memorial Day Concert 2010 Joan Meyerson PBS
Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards Tony Barbieri, Jonathan Bines, Will Burke, Gary Greenberg, Sal Iacono, Jimmy Kimmel, Jonathan Kimmel, Jacob Lentz, Molly McNearney, Bryan Paulk, Rick Rosner ABC
The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special – In 3-D! On Ice! Jeremy Chilnick, Morgan Spurlock Fox
2011
(64th)
[11]
Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards Gary Greenberg, Molly McNearney, Tony Barbieri, Jonathan Bines, John N. Huss, Sal Iacono, Eric Immerman, Jimmy Kimmel, Jonathan Kimmel, Jacob Lentz, Danny Ricker, Richard G. Rosner ABC
TheKennedy Center Honors Lewis Friedman, Sara Lukinson, Michael Stevens, George Stevens Jr. CBS
2012
(65th)
[12]
66th Tony Awards Dave Boone, Paul Greenberg, David Javerbaum, Adam Schlesinger CBS
27th Independent Spirit Awards Billy Kimball, Wayne Federman IFC
Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards Gary Greenberg, Molly McNearney, Tony Barbieri, Jonathan Bines, Sal Iacono, Eric Immerman, Jimmy Kimmel, Jeffrey Loveness, Bryan Paulk, Danny Ricker, Richard G. Rosner ABC
National Memorial Day Concert Joan Meyerson PBS
2013
(66th)
[13]
Blake Shelton's Not So Family Christmas Jay Martel, Ian Roberts, Alex Rubens, Charlie Sanders NBC
2014
(67th)
[14]
71st Golden Globe Awards Barry Adelman, Alex Baze, Dave Boone, Robert Carlock, Tina Fey, Jon Macks, Sam Means, Seth Meyers, Amy Poehler, Mike Shoemaker NBC
68th Tony Awards Dave Boone, Jon Macks CBS
2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards Gerry Duggan, Wayne Federman, Patton Oswalt, Erik Weiner IFC
Bill Maher: Live from D.C. Bill Maher HBO
Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles Sarah Silverman
2015
(68th)
[15]
Jimmy Kimmel Live!: 10th Annual After The Oscars Special Jack Allison, Tony Barbieri, Jonathan Bines, Joelle Boucai, Greg Dorris, Gary Greenberg, Josh Halloway, Sal Iacono, Eric Immerman, Jimmy Kimmel, Bess Kalb, Jeff Loveness, Molly McNearney, Danny Ricker, Joe Strazzullo, Bridger Winegar ABC
Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo Amy Schumer HBO
69th Tony Awards Dave Boone, Adam Goldman and Carol Leifer CBS
2014 Kennedy Center Honors Lewis Friedman, Sara Lukinson, Nell Scovell, George Stevens Jr., Michael Stevens
2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards Benji Aflalo, Wayne Federman, Marika Sawyer, Frank Sebastiano, Erik Weiner IFC
Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special James Anderson, Fred Armisen, Tina Fey, Steve Higgins, Chris Kelly, Erik Kenward, Rob Klein, Seth Meyers, Lorne Michaels, John Mulaney, Paula Pell, Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Tom Schiller, Sarah Schneider, Marc Shaiman, Michael Shoemaker, Robert Smigel, Emily Spivey, Kent Sublette, Jorma Taccone, Bryan Tucker NBC
2016
(69th)
[16]
Triumph's Election Special Andy Breckman, Josh Comers, Rajan Desai, David Feldman, R. J. Fried, Jarrett Grode, Ben Joseph, Matthew Kirsch, Michael Koman, Mike Lawrence, Brian Reich, Craig Rowin, Robert Smigel, Zach Smilovitz, David Taylor, Andrew Weinberg, Ray James, Jesse Joyce, Jason Reich, Alex Scordelis Hulu
68th Primetime Emmy Awards Jack Allison, Tony Barbieri, Jonathan Bines, Joelle Boucai, Robert Cohen, Gary Greenberg, Josh Halloway, Sal Iacono, Eric Immerman, Jimmy Kimmel, Bess Kalb, Jeff Loveness, Jon Macks, Molly McNearney, Danny Ricker, Jeff Stilson, Joe Strazzullo, Alexis Wilkinson ABC
88th Academy Awards Dave Boone, Billy Kimball, Scott Aukerman, Rodney Barnes, Neil Campbell, Matthew Claybrooks, Lance Crouther, Mike Ferrucci, Langston Kerman, Jon Macks, Steve O'Donnell, Nimesh Patel, Vanessa Ramos, Chris Rock, Frank Sebastiano, Chuck Sklar, Jeff Stilson, Michelle Wolf
73rd Golden Globe Awards Barry Adelman, Dave Boone, Ricky Gervais, Jon Macks, Matthew Robinson NBC
2017
(70th)
[17]
39th Kennedy Center Honors Dave Boone CBS
89th Academy Awards Billy Kimball, Jon Macks, Jack Allison, Tony Barbieri, Jonathan Bines, Joelle Boucai, Gonzalo Cordova, Gary Greenberg, Josh Halloway, Sal Iacono, Eric Immerman, Bess Kalb, Jimmy Kimmel, Jeff Loveness, Molly McNearney, Danny Ricker, Joe Strazzullo ABC
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Diane Keaton Bob Gazzale, Jon Macks TNT
Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special Scott Aukerman, Dave Ferguson, Mike Hanford, Tim Kalpakis, Joe Saunders, Akiva Schaffer, Zach Kanin, Claudia O'Doherty, Tim Robinson Netflix
Nathan For You: A Celebration Leo Allen, Nathan Fielder, Carrie Kemper, Michael Koman, Adam Locke-Norton, Eric Notarnicola Comedy Central
2018
(71st)
[18]
The Fake News with Ted Nelms John Aboud, Andrew Blitz, Michael Colton, Ed Helms, Elliott Kalan, Joseph Randazzo, Sara Schaefer Comedy Central
2018 Rose Parade Hosted by Cord & Tish Will Ferrell, Jake Fogelnest, Andrew Steele Prime Video
Drew Michael Stand-Up Special Drew Michael HBO
The Oscars 2018 Dave Boone, Carol Leifer, Jon Macks, Megan Amram, Tony Barbieri, Jonathan Bines, Joelle Boucai, Gonzalo Cordova, Adam Carolla, Devin Field, Gary Greenberg, Josh Halloway, Sal Iacono, Eric Immerman, Jesse Joyce, Bess Kalb, Jimmy Kimmel, Molly McNearney, Danny Ricker, Joe Strazzullo ABC
2019
(72nd)
[19]
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee Presents: Not the White House Correspondents' Dinner Part 2 Melinda Taub, Joe Grossman, Nicole Silverberg, Samantha Bee, Kristen Bartlett, Pat Cassels, Sean Crespo, Mike Drucker, Mathan Erhardt, Miles Kahn, Sahar Rizvi, Allison Silverman TBS
Desi Lydic: Abroad Devin Delliquanti and Lauren Sarver Comedy Central
The Late Late Show Carpool Karaoke Primetime Special 2019 Lauren Greenberg, Ian Karmel, Demi Adejuyigbe, James Corden, Rob Crabbe, Lawrence Dai, Nate Fernald, Caroline Goldfarb, John Kennedy, James Longman, Jared Moskowitz, CeCe Pleasants, Tim Siedell, Benjamin Stout, Tom Thriveni, Louis Waymouth, and Ben Winston CBS
Ramy Youssef: Feelings Ramy Youssef HBO

2020s

Year Program Writer(s) Network
2020
(73rd)
[20]
Stephen Colbert's Election Night 2020: Democracy's Last Stand: Building Back America Great Again Better 2020 Ariel Dumas, Jay Katsir, Delmonte Bent, Michael Brumm, River Clegg, Aaron Cohen, Stephen T. Colbert, Nicole Conlan, Paul Dinello, Glenn Eichler, Django Gold, Gabe Gronli, Barry Julien, Michael Cruz Kayne, Eliana Kwartler, Matt Lappin, Felipe Torres Medina, Opus Moreschi, Asher Perlman, Tom Purcell, Kate Sidley, Brian Stack, John Thibodeaux, Steve Waltien Showtime
30 Rock: A One-Time Special Tina Fey, Robert Carlock NBC
Father of the Bride Part 3(ish) Nancy Meyers YouTube
Yearly Departed Bess Kalb, Karen Chee, Akilah Green, Franchesca Ramsey, Jocelyn Richard Prime Video
2021
(74th)
[21]
Full Frontal Wants to Take Your Guns Kristen Bartlett, Samantha Bee, Pat Cassels, Sean Crespo, Mike Drucker, Miles Kahn, Chris Thompson, Holly Walker, Allison Silverman, Joe Grossman, Sahar Rizvi, Michael Rhoa TBS
43rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors Dave Boone CBS
Drew Michael: Red Blue Green Drew Michael HBO
The Tony Awards Presents: Broadway's Back! Dave Boone, Amber Ruffin, Marc Shaiman, Daniel J. Watts, Scott Wittman CBS
Yearly Departed Bess Kalb (head writer); Karen Chee, Akilah Green, Franchesca Ramsey, Jocelyn Richard (writers) Prime Video
2022
(75th)
Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel Jerrod Carmichael HBO/HBO Max
The National Memorial Day Concert 2022 Kirk Ellis, Jon Macks (writers); Rita Brent (special material) PBS
Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration Matt Roberts, Beth Sherman (head writers); Rita Brent, Page Hurwitz, Carey O’Donnell (writers); Guy Branum, Chris Sartinsky, Louis Virtel (special material) Netflix
The Problem with Jon Stewart: Election Wrap-Up Special Kristen Acimovic (head writer); Henrik Blix, Rob Christensen, Jay Jurden, Alexa Loftus, Tocarra Mallard, Robby Slowik, Maria Randazzo, Jon Stewart, Kasaun Wilson (writers) Apple TV+
2023
(76th)
Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love Sarah Silverman HBO/Max
Adam Sandler: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Jon Macks, Rita Brent, Jeff Stilson, Meggie McFadden CNN
Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love Jon Macks, Carol Leifer NBC
Marc Maron: From Bleak to Dark Marc Maron HBO/Max

References

  1. ^ McNary, Dave (14 December 2005). "Peacock laffers have the write stuff". Variety. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  2. ^ "Writers Guild Awards Winners". Writers Guild of America, West. 2010. Archived from the original on 2012-05-25. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  3. ^ DiOrio, Carl (14 December 2006). "HBO, NBC dominate WGA noms". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  4. ^ McNary, Dave (11 February 2007). "'Departed' shines at WGA kudos". Variety. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  5. ^ "2009 Writers Guild Awards Television, Radio, News, Promotional Writing, And Graphic Animation Nominees Announced". Writers Guild of America East. 8 December 2008. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  6. ^ McNary, Dave; Littleton, Cynthia (7 February 2009). "'Milk,' 'Slumdog' top WGA Awards". Variety. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  7. ^ "WGA announces TV noms". Variety. 14 December 2009. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  8. ^ McNary, Dave (21 February 2010). "2010 Writers Guild Award Winners". TV Source Magazine. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  9. ^ Weprin, Alex (8 December 2010). "PBS Dominates News Categories in Writers Guild Award Nominations". TV Newser. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  10. ^ Fernandez, Jay A.; Szalai, Georg (5 February 2011). "'Inception,' 'Social Network' Win Top WGA Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  11. ^ Fernandez, Jay A. (19 February 2012). "Writers Guild Awards: Complete Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  12. ^ Kim, Wook (18 February 2013). "2013 WGA Awards: The Complete List Of Winners". Time. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  13. ^ McNary, Dave (1 February 2014). "'Captain Phillips,' 'Her' Win Top Screenplay Awards". Variety. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  14. ^ McNary, Dave (14 February 2015). "'Grand Budapest Hotel,' 'True Detective' Top WGA Awards". Variety. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  15. ^ McNary, Dave (13 February 2016). "WGA Honors 'Big Short,' 'Spotlight,' 'Mad Men' at 68th Awards". Variety. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  16. ^ Littleton, Cynthia; McNary, Dave (19 February 2017). "WGA Awards: 'Moonlight,' 'Arrival' Win For Best Screenplay, 'Atlanta' Wins Twice". Variety. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  17. ^ "WGA Awards: The Complete Winners List". Variety. 11 February 2018. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  18. ^ McNary, Dave (17 February 2019). "WGA Awards 2019 Winners: 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?,' 'Eighth Grade' Win Screenplay Awards". Variety. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  19. ^ Lindhal, Chris (1 February 2020). "Writers Guild Awards 2020: 'Parasite' and 'JoJo Rabbit' Win Screenplay Awards". IndieWire. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  20. ^ Lewis, Hilary (February 3, 2021). "WGA Awards: TV, New Media, News Nominations Revealed". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  21. ^ Schneider, Michael (January 13, 2022). "Writers Guild Unveils 2022 WGA TV Award Nominees: 'Yellowjackets,' 'Hacks,' 'Reservation Dogs,' 'Only Murders in the Building' and More". Variety. Retrieved January 14, 2022.