Even though the TV Academy panel ruled that Showtime's "Shameless," CW's "Jane the Virgin" and Fox's "Glee" can be considered comedies, it has denied Netflix's petition for "Orange is the New Black" to compete in the same category.
"ATAS has notified us that the Industry Panel has advised that Season Two of Orange Is the New Black is eligible for the 2015 Primetime Emmy competition as a Drama Series," Netflix said.
"Orange is the New Black" competed in last year's awards ceremony as a comedy and had many nominations, including best comedy series, and won a total of three awards, according to Deadline.
Uzo Aduba won the award for best guest actress in a comedy series for her role as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren.
"While we're disappointed in the committee's decision, we believe that Orange represents the best of television in either category," said Ted Sarandos, Netflix's chief content officer.
Last month, the TV Academy released rules that distinguished the difference between a comedy and drama series. Comedies have 30-minute episodes and dramas have hour-long episodes, so the debate will continue regarding the panel's inconsistent judging.
"Shameless" has been entered as a drama for the first three seasons up until last year's awards ceremony, and it will now be judged as a comedy.
However, both "Shameless" and "OITNB" have done exceptionally well in the comedy realm, and "Orange" will most likely still do well, even if it is critiqued as a drama.
A two-thirds vote of the panel - or 6 of the 9 members - was required to reach each decision.
Nominations for the 2015 Emmy Awards will be announced on July 16. Andy Samberg is slated to host the show, which will air Sept. 20 on Fox.
