Out to win at the Emmys

▶ Now in its 61st year, the Emmy Awards needed to make a big comeback ▶ ‘Dr. Horrible’ Neil Patrick Harris brought life to the flat-lining show as host ▶ ‘30 Rock,’ ‘Mad Men,’ Bryan Cranston and Glenn Close big winners

Emmy debuted a new look last night, a much-needed makeover in the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ 61st year of celebrating excellence in the medium. The change was prompted by a number of spectacular failures at last year’s awards, including handing the emcee duties over to the lackluster quintet of nominees for outstanding reality show host. Namely, however, the Academy needed to rebound from last year’s ratings — the broadcast drew the lowest number of viewers in the program’s history.

In an effort to make good for those dismal efforts, the Academy enlisted consummate showman and supporting actor nominee Neil Patrick Harris — whose sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” was nominated for best comedy — to host the fete. NPH opened the show with a Rat Pack-like number begging viewers, “whatever you do, don’t put down that remote.” His good-natured ribbing work­ed, especially when he teased a game Jon Cryer for taking that supporting actor statue.

The Academy also showed a concerted effort to draw that most elusive of TV audiences — young males — to this year’s production by nominating “Family Guy” for best comedy. The animated series’ core demographic, after all, was strong enough to successfully resurrect the show from cancellation.
But was it loyal enough to watch “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane potentially nab a statue? He didn’t — “30 Rock” took that honor — and we’ll have to wait until the ratings are released to find out. Because even Emmy herself knows that accolades are nice, but popularity is key to staying viable in the TV business.