Why Sci-Fi and Genre Series Like ‘The Penguin’ and ‘The Last of Us’ Resonate With Emmy Voters Now More Than Ever

Why Sci-Fi and Genre Series Like ‘The Penguin’ and ‘The Last of Us’ Resonate With Emmy Voters Now More Than Ever

Science fiction and horror have become forces at the Emmys, with “The Penguin,” “The Last of Us,” “Andor,” “Severance,” “Paradise” and “What We Do in the Shadows” scoring nominations in major categories — acting, writing and best series. “The Last of Us” showrunner Craig Mazin credits “The Lord of the Rings” for the rise of the genre. “There was an application of quality and thoughtfulness to that story, and it didn’t discount its genre elemen…