Widow’s Bay won a record 14 awards at this year’s Emmys, beating the record set in 2025 by another Apple TV+ comedy, The Studio. Matthew Rhys also made history by becoming the first actor to win Best Actor for two different projects in the same year. I haven’t watched The Beast In Me yet, but all of the acting awards for Widow’s Bay were well-deserved. Every actor on that show understood the assignment, and their performances are a large part of what made Widow’s Bay so enjoyable.
Us Weekly recently interviewed Rhys for their “25 Things You Don’t Know About Me” feature. When they asked him about Widow’s Bay’s longevity, he gave a thoughtful answer and cited an unexpected comparison. From Us Weekly:
After rising to stardom with roles in The Americans, Girls and The Beast in Me, Matthew Rhys was excited to share even more about himself while celebrating award buzz surrounding his new hit series, Widow’s Bay.
“[It is an] the interesting question [to consider] how long [the show could go for],” Rhys, 51, exclusively tells Us in his 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me interview, on newsstands now. “It’s like Scooby-Doo. How long could you draw an episode of Scooby-Doo? How long does it take for them to figure something out? Or how long does it take for them to try and figure something out before they become buffoons for not figuring it out?”
He continued: “If the audience is going, ‘Oh my God, come on! You can see how it’s figured out!’ Then you’ve lost them. So I don’t know but it could be quite finite.”
1. My most valuable possession? In a fire, what am I grabbing? The dog.
5. Celebrity crush growing up was Kylie Minogue or Elisabeth Shue.
9. Kylie Minogue songs bring me that kind of rush of romance for the candle I still hold for her.
19. The Americans is my favorite project because I met Keri.
The Scooby-Doo comparison is spot on. I love Widow’s Bay and don’t it to end up with a convoluted mythology and unsatifying ending (see: The X-Files and Lost). At Comic-Con, Katie Dippold said that she was holding a writer’s retreat for the second season. I was at the showrunners panel she did with Damon Lindelof and Greg Daniels. She asked for advice on how to make a successful show and they happily mentored her in front of the crowd. You can tell that she really cares about creating a great series. Speaking of, Stephen Root told E! News that he asked for Wyck to get more backstory in season two. If they did it right, that could be a treasure trove of content.
Now I can’t stop thinking about how much Widow’s Bay gives off Scooby Gang vibes. The cast is so good at playing oddball characters with lovable quirks and each episode unfolds with similar beats. I think that’s one reason why so many people enjoyed it. Mystery with a side of comedy and suspense and a pinch of horror thrown in? Zoinks!
-
- Los Angeles Ca Sept 14: Matthew Rhys at Apple TV s Primetime Emmy Party Red Carpet held at Nya Studios West on September 14, 2026 . Copyright:,Image: 1134818505, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: imago is entitled to issue a simple usage license at the time of provision. Personality and trademark rights as well as copyright laws regarding art-works shown must be observed. Commercial use at your own risk., Model Release: no , Credit line: IMAGO/AdMedia / MediaPunch/Avalon
-
- Los Angeles, CA An array of stars gathered to celebrate television’s biggest night at the exclusive 2026 Apple TV+ Primetime Emmy Party. The glamorous red carpet event was held at Nya Studios West in Los Angeles, California, on September 14, 2026, following the main awards ceremony. The star-studded post-show celebration drew a multitude of nominees, creators, and industry talent. Notable attendees who stepped out for the festive evening included Matthew Rhys, Awkwafina, Stephen Colbert and his wife Evelyn McGee-Colbert, Rhea Seehorn, Clifton Collins Jr., Rosalind Eleazar, and Lisa Gilroy. Other familiar faces gracing the carpet included Christopher Chung, Samba Schutte, Eunice Bae, James Callis, Isabel Gravitt, K Callan, Aimee Carrero, Rachna Fruchbom, and Katie Murphy, all posing for photographers before heading inside to join the network’s high-profile festivities. Pictured: AdMedia / MediaPunch BACKGRID USA 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 BYLINE MUST READ: MediaPunch / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Backgrid, Cover Images, Apple TV press and Avalon
I don’t know how I never noticed it before but holy cow that hair/beard combo is insane lol
But I digress… I wouldn’t say the show is giving Scooby-Doo. For me its more of a quirky episode of The X-Files vibe
I am seated if the Harlem Globetrotters visit Widows Bay.
I’d say Scooby Doo is an international treasure, so if Widow is anything like it, it’s a compliment? Love Matthew’s work.
Best thing I’ve watched in ages. Completely agree with not wanting it to go down the X Files route; keep it short and sweet. One or two more series, and finish on a satisfying ending.
Agree it is the best thing I have watched in FOREVER! So funny and unexpected. I watched thinking is this a comedy or horror or what is this? The main 3 actors are so, so good working together. I am so elated that they all won Emmys for their performances. They were integral to the story and the ensemble. I highly recommend.
A very apt comparison. The best thing about the show to me is the subtle comedy, particularly the physical comedy of it. I hope it gets a long run if it follows the formula of the first season.
Matthew Rhys is my crush. Check him out as Perry Mason. Wales is the source of Anthony Hopkins and Richard Burton, too. Matthew speaks lovely Welsh.
Sweet mercy. He is a delight in interviews. I just love how he can make Keri Russell burst into laughter. Couple goals.