ABC’s “black-ish” and HBO’s “The Normal Heart” were among six programs announced Wednesday as recipients of the eighth annual Television Academy Honors, honoring shows that have helped “shift cultural acceptance and influence the hearts and minds of the viewer.”
“The Normal Heart” focused on the HIV/AIDS crisis in New York City in the early 1980s, while “black-ish” was chosen for an episode centered around the debate of whether children should be spanked.
Also chosen for the honor were:
— ESPN’s “E:60” episode on the impacts of the Boston Marathon bombing on those who survived;
— HBO’s “Paycheck to Paycheck: The Life & Times of Katrina Gilbert,” a documentary about an overworked single mother struggling to make a living while raising three children;
— Amazon’s “Transparent,” a series about a family thrown into turmoil when their father begins living as a woman; and
— Netflix’s “Virunga,” a documentary about a group of people struggling to survive in the Congo.
“These winning programs have made such a positive impact on society and everyone involved deserves to be commended on their significant contribution,” Television Academy Chairman/CEO Bruce Rosenbaum said. “These programs have enlightened viewers, prompted discussion, raised social awareness and are sparking change.”
The showrunners and producers of the shows will be honored during a May 27 reception at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by Dana Delany.
— City New Service