Honestly, if you were watching the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards back in 2020, you witnessed something that just doesn't happen. Usually, the trophies get spread around. A little for this network, a little for that streaming giant. But then came the "Schitt's Creek" sweep. It was absolute, total carnage in the best way possible. At the center of that whirlwind was executive producer Andrew Barnsley.
He didn't just stumble into the winner's circle.
The story of the Andrew Barnsley Emmy wins is basically the story of a "little show that could" finally getting its flowers after years of being the industry's best-kept secret. Barnsley, who heads up Project 10 Productions, was a key architect in the show’s transition from a cult Canadian gem on CBC to a global phenomenon on Pop TV and Netflix.
The Night Everything Changed
The 2020 Emmys were weird. We were all in lockdown, and the winners were accepting trophies from their living rooms or small socially-distanced hubs. For the Schitt's Creek team, that hub was in Toronto.
Andrew Barnsley walked away with the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series.
It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. The show swept all seven major comedy categories in a single night—a feat no other comedy had ever achieved. Barnsley was right there in the mix, having been nominated for the same award in 2019 but going home empty-handed.
Persistence pays off.
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Before the 2020 victory, Barnsley had already put in decades of work in the Canadian and international television landscape. You've probably seen his name on a dozen other projects without even realizing it. He’s the guy who sits at the intersection of the "creative spark" and the "business grit."
Breaking Down the Wins and Nods
When people search for Andrew Barnsley Emmy wins, they usually want the hard numbers. Here is the actual breakdown of his Television Academy track record:
- 2020 Winner: Outstanding Comedy Series (Schitt's Creek)
- 2019 Nominee: Outstanding Comedy Series (Schitt's Creek)
While the "win" count specifically for the Emmy stat sheet says one, his impact on the show's total haul of nine Emmys that night is what industry insiders actually talk about. He wasn't just a name on a credit; he was the guy making sure the production had the legs to reach a global audience.
Why Barnsley’s Success Isn't a Fluke
Some producers get lucky once. They find a "lightning in a bottle" script and ride it to the podium. That's not Barnsley.
He’s currently the President of the Toronto Film School and CEO of Project 10. He’s been involved in Son of a Critch, Jann, and the revival of The Kids in the Hall.
The guy has a nose for what people actually want to watch.
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Comedy is hard. Like, really hard. Barnsley has often said in interviews that he takes humor seriously. He treats it with a level of respect that most people reserve for prestige dramas. That’s probably why Schitt's Creek resonated so deeply; it had a heart that wasn't sacrificed for the sake of a punchline.
What Most People Get Wrong About TV Producing
There is this misconception that an Executive Producer just writes checks.
In Barnsley’s case, it’s about navigating the "Buyer vs. Maker" divide. He has spoken about how he sits in the middle of the buyers (networks, streamers) and the creatives (actors, writers). His Emmy win is a trophy for balance.
Think about the sheer logistics of moving a show like Schitt's Creek onto the global stage. You’re dealing with different tax credits, different broadcast standards, and the nightmare of international distribution. Barnsley managed all of that while keeping the creative integrity of the Levy family's vision intact.
The "Schitt's Creek" Effect in 2026
Looking back from 2026, the Andrew Barnsley Emmy wins represent a turning point for Canadian television. It proved that a show doesn't have to be "Americanized" to win big at the Emmys. It can be unapologetically local and still have a universal heartbeat.
Since that win, Barnsley hasn't slowed down. He’s been pushing for more infrastructure in the Canadian film scene, including massive soundstage projects in Atlantic Canada.
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He’s not just collecting trophies; he’s building an industry.
Actionable Takeaways from Barnsley's Career
If you’re looking at Barnsley’s trajectory as a blueprint for success in entertainment or business, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Iterate and Wait: The first few seasons of Schitt's Creek didn't win Emmys. They built a foundation. Don't quit before the "Netflix effect" kicks in.
- Focus on "Comedy with Purpose": Barnsley often advocates for stories that have something to say. Meaningful content has a longer shelf life than cheap gags.
- Bridge the Gap: Success often lies in being the person who can speak both "Artist" and "Accountant."
The 2020 Emmy sweep was a moment in time, but the work Andrew Barnsley continues to do at Project 10 and the Toronto Film School suggests he's far from finished. Whether it's another Emmy or just another hit show that makes people feel a little less alone, he’s a producer who knows exactly how to hit the mark.
For anyone tracking the history of the Emmys, Barnsley remains the prime example of how a Canadian producer can take a localized story and turn it into the biggest show in the world.
To keep up with his current projects, you can follow the developments at Project 10 Productions or look into the latest graduates coming out of the Toronto Film School under his leadership.