Emmy Awards were among the best

Airing Monday night (after Sunday’s Critics Choice awards and last week’s Golden Globes), it faced an uphill battle, trying to get eyes to look at the same people handing out awards to the same people.

But, darn, if the producers didn’t pull it off. The program was one of the most entertaining in years.

The reason: They brought back stars from old series to serve as presenters. In the process, they recreated some of the shows’ sets, mentioned their Emmy track records and gave the night a bit of nostalgia, particularly for those unfamiliar with the shows that were winning.

Considering very few came from network television, that was a brilliant move. Sure, someday we’ll look back on the start of streaming but now it was comforting knowing there once was a universal television language.

Anthony Anderson, willing to don a rubber suit to salute “American Horror Story,” kept things lively and helped those who strayed a bit during their presentations. He referenced his own Emmy track record and let his mother serve as the time keeper for winners who couldn’t pay attention to play-off music. The bit was a good, one.

So, too, was a “Weekend Update” presentation from Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. While it was merely an intro to the nominees in their category, it could have gone longer and been a palate cleanser between awards.

Veterans like Marla Gibbs, Sally Struthers, Arsenio Hall, Calista Flockhart and the cast of “Cheers” reminded us of those “must-see” TV years and why we turned down invitations to go out. While more reunions would have made the evening even better, they’re fodder for another year and part of a format that truly works.

Of the winners, Niecy Nash-Betts was the most exuberant. Best Supporting Actress for “Dahmer,” she remembered to thank herself and helped others understand what a win like hers truly meant. “I’m a winner, baby,” she said and, yes, she was.

While three series dominated the awards (“The Bear” in comedy, “Succession” in drama and “BEEF” in limited series), there was enough excitement to mask the slam-dunks. Kieran Culkin (“Succession”) had a smile-inducing exchange with his wife and Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”) thanked immigrant parents who were willing to let her study improv.

Because the show ended a little early, Anderson was able to comment on the awards that were given. Noting many minority winners in the mix, he said it was like “MLK Day and Juneteenth all rolled into one.”

If that’s what it takes to make a great awards show, we’re on board.

Jimmy Kimmel is going to host the Oscars and, if he’s smart, he’ll start making calls to actors from the last 50 years. A cavalcade of stars would guarantee an audience right to the bitter end.