July 21, 2020
jmunney
Awards Shows, Emmys, Television
2020 Emmys, American Housewife, Atypical, Baskets, Better Things, black-ish, Emmy Wish List, Emmys, GLOW, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Living with Yourself, mixed-ish, Never Have I Ever, Saturday Night Live, Schitt's Creek, Sex Education, Sherman's Showcase, The Conners, The Goldbergs, The Last O.G., The Righteous Gemstones, What We Do in the Shadows, Young Sheldon, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist
CREDIT: YouTube Screenshots
The 2020 Emmy nominations will be announced on July 28. As per annual tradition, I have assembled a Wish List for as many categories as I have something to say about. There is no minimum or maximum number per category, nor is there any strict adherence to official Emmy rules. And of course, there is the necessary caveat that I have not seen everything. Even with much of the country shut down for the past few months, that’s impossible.
Yesterday I kicked off my Emmy Wish List coverage with plenty of Drama. Today it’s time to laugh along with the Comedies, and boy, what a year for laughter it was! At the top of my list are those wacky vampires (Vacky vampires? Wacky wampires? Vacky wampires?) of What We Do in the Shadows, which in its second season staked itself permanently in my heart. It’s my winner for Comedy Series and all but one of the acting categories. Too bad it doesn’t have a Supporting Actress, otherwise it would’ve been a clean sweep.
Matt Berry is at the top of the Lead Actor heap thanks almost entirely to the Jackie Dayton episode (which ought to also earn Mark Hamill a Guest Actor trophy). Meanwhile, Mark Proksch slays the Supporting Actor Field thanks to Colin Robinson taking full advantage of his promotion. And Natasia Demetriou is the #1 Lead Actress because Nadja is awesome in every episode.
As for the Supporting ladies, I’ve got a little bit of everything, and ultimately it just felt right to go with the representative of the oldest show on my ballot as the winner.
Some other notables: Never Have I Ever and mixed-ish make the strongest showings of freshman series, Sex Education switches its category placement from Drama to Comedy (and remains worthy of praise), and I’m currently only on Season 2 of Schitt’s Creek, but I’m sure it’s just as good in its final season.
KEY:
Bold=My winner
!( )!=I haven’t caught up to the current season of this show, but I still wanted to recognize it.
Comedy Series
Atypical
Baskets
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Mixed-ish
Never Have I Ever
Sex Education
!(Schitt’s Creek)!
What We Do in the Shadows
More
July 20, 2020
jmunney
Awards Shows, Emmys, Television
2020 Emmys, Better Call Saul, Emmy Wish List, Emmy wishlist, Emmys, Evil, Killing Eve, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Mr. Robot, On Becoming a God in Central Florida, Pose, Stargirl, Succession, The Good Fight, The Mandalorian, The New Pope, Undone
CREDIT: YouTube Screenshots
The 2020 Emmy nominations will be announced on July 28. As per annual tradition, I have assembled a Wish List for as many categories as I have something to say about. There is no minimum or maximum number per category, nor is there any strict adherence to official Emmy rules. And of course, there is the necessary caveat that I have not seen everything. Even with much of the country shut down for the past few months, that’s impossible.
I’m kicking off my Emmy Wish List discussion with some Drama this year. The top shows in this field are absolutely-without-a-doubt Pose and Better Call Saul. The former was nearly my favorite show of 2019, while the latter is right up there for 2020. And you know what? I just couldn’t pick between the two of them for Outstanding Drama Series, so I’m calling a tie! Nor could I pick between Bob Odenkirk or Billy Porter for Lead Actor, so it’s another tie! (I’ll probably pull for Bob come the night of the ceremony, as he’s yet to win, while Billy is the reigning champ.)
The Albuquerque and ballroom crews are dominating most of the acting categories, especially Rhea Seehorn, who I believe was a co-lead this season though she was once again submitted as Supporting. Stunningly, she’s yet to ever be nominated; that had better change this year. Meanwhile, also on BCS, Tony Dalton made an undeniable impression as Lalo Salamanca in his first full season as a regular cast member.
Over in Supporting Actress, I’ve got the ladies of Pose all stacked in there, much as the Game of Thrones ladies were last year at the actual Emmys. And also much like the actual Emmys, my top pick is actually from another show; in this case, Carly Chaikin, who got to do her most complicated work yet in Mr. Robot‘s final season.
Other notables: Evil makes a strong impression in its first season, Rosa Salazar shows up for a rotoscoped performance, and my Guest picks come almost entirely from The Mandalorian.
KEY:
Bold=My winner
!( )!=I haven’t caught up to the current season of this show, but I still wanted to recognize it.
*=I have placed this nominee in a different category than the Emmy ballot.
Drama Series
Better Call Saul
Evil
!(The Good Fight)!
The Mandalorian
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Mr. Robot
Pose
Stargirl
Undone
More
September 20, 2019
jmunney
Awards Shows, Emmys, Television
2019 Emmys, Emmy predictions, Emmys
CREDIT: FOX/YouTube Screenshot
Here’s my rundown of who I think will win in the major categories and who I would prefer at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards, happening Sunday, September 22.
Disclaimer: I have not watched all the nominated shows, although I wish I had time to.
DRAMA SERIES
Prediction: Game of Thrones
Preference: Pose
COMEDY SERIES
Prediction: Veep
Preference: Russian Doll
LIMITED SERIES
Prediction: When They See Us
Preference: Sharp Objects
TV MOVIE
Prediction: Deadwood: The Movie
Preference: ???
VARIETY TALK SERIES
Prediction: Last Week Tonight
Preference: Last Week Tonight
VARIETY SKETCH SERIES
Prediction: Saturday Night Live
Preference: Documentary Now!
COMPETITION PROGRAM
Prediction: RuPaul’s Drag Race
Preference: RuPaul’s Drag Race
LEAD ACTOR, DRAMA
Prediction: Billy Porter
Preference: Billy Porter
LEAD ACTRESS, DRAMA
Prediction: Emilia Clarke
Preference: Jodie Comer
SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA
Prediction: Peter Dinklage
Preference: Jonathan Banks
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA
Prediction: Maisie Williams
Preference: Fiona Shaw
LEAD ACTOR, COMEDY
Prediction: Bill Hader
Preference: Bill Hader
LEAD ACTRESS, COMEDY
Prediction: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Preference: Natasha Lyonne
SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY
Prediction: Tony Hale
Preference: Anthony Carrigan or Henry Winkler
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY
Prediction: Olivia Colman
Preference: Sarah Goldberg
LEAD ACTOR, LIMITED SERIES
Prediction: Jared Harris
Preference: Sam Rockwell
LEAD ACTRESS, LIMITED SERIES
Prediction: Michelle Williams
Preference: Michelle Williams
SUPPORTING ACTOR, LIMITED SERIES
Prediction: Michael K. Williams
Preference: ???
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, LIMITED SERIES
Prediction: Patricia Arquette
Preference: Patricia Clarkson
July 12, 2019
jmunney
Awards Shows, Emmys, Television
2019 Emmys, Conan, Documentary Now!, Drunk History, Emmy Wish List, Emmys, Last Week Tonight, Norm MacDonald Has a Show, The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale
CREDIT: Rhys Thomas/IFC
The 2019 Emmy nominations will be announced on July 16, and as that annual occasion approaches, I typically put together my own list of which shows and performers I would like to see recognized. But I’ve had some mixed feelings about putting that together this year, as I’ve grappled with the fact that in the era of Peak TV, it becomes more and more impossible to capture all my favorites in one place. Ultimately I decided I wouldn’t be too formal or too precious about it. If there are ten shows I really want to see nominated, then I’ll list ten on my wish list. But if there are just two I really like in another category, then I’ll just list two.
I’ve already run through Comedy, Drama, and Limited Series, and you know what? I’ve also got some thoughts on Variety shows, as they are a steady part of my TV diet. For Variety Talk, I am delighted to say that my top choice is the revitalized CONAN, as Mr. O’Brien has rediscovered plenty of his mojo by slimming down a half-hour. And let’s not forget Norm MacDonald Has a Show, a brilliant bit of comedic chaos. As for Variety Sketch, Documentary Now! may just be my very favorite show of 2019
Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. My top choices are in bold.
CREDIT: TBS/YouTube
Variety Talk Series
CONAN
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Norm MacDonald Has a Show
CREDIT: Allyson Riggs/IFC
Variety Sketch Series
Documentary Now!
Drunk History
The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale
July 11, 2019
jmunney
Awards Shows, Emmys, Television
2019 Emmys, Emmy Wish List, Emmys, Fosse/Verdon, Maniac, Sharp Objects, The Little Drummer Girl
CREDIT: HBO/YouTube
The 2019 Emmy nominations will be announced on July 16, and as that annual occasion approaches, I typically put together my own list of which shows and performers I would like to see recognized. But I’ve had some mixed feelings about putting that together this year, as I’ve grappled with the fact that in the era of Peak TV, it becomes more and more impossible to capture all my favorites in one place. Ultimately I decided I wouldn’t be too formal or too precious about it. If there are ten shows I really want to see nominated, then I’ll list ten on my wish list. But if there are just two I really like in another category, then I’ll just list two.
Now that I’ve gone through the regularly scheduled Comedy and Drama, I’m moving onto the categories that really have to make their case to fit themselves into my viewing schedules. Limited Series come and go, and that transience is clear in my relative lack wishes. But boy do I love those who I’m wishing for! Florence Pugh is my favorite up-and-coming actress, and I thought I would totally be pulling for her little spy routine in The Little Drummer Girl, but then Michelle Williams came along and was totally undeniable as Gwen Verdon. And it is in this field that we find my most off-the-wall wishes, as Justin Theroux was rewardingly unmoored in Maniac and Wanda Sykes got to kill it with her take as Weezy Jefferson in one of the most “who’d-a thunk it” moments of 2019.
Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. My top choices are in bold.
Limited Series
Fosse/Verdon
The Little Drummer Girl
Sharp Objects
More
July 10, 2019
jmunney
Awards Shows, Emmys, Television
2019 Emmys, Better Call Saul, Emmy Wish List, Emmys, Homecoming, Killing Eve, Pose, Sex Education, The Orville
CREDIT: FX/YouTube
The 2019 Emmy nominations will be announced on July 16, and as that annual occasion approaches, I typically put together my own list of which shows and performers I would like to see recognized. But I’ve had some mixed feelings about putting that together this year, as I’ve grappled with the fact that in the era of Peak TV, it becomes more and more impossible to capture all my favorites in one place. Ultimately I decided I wouldn’t be too formal or too precious about it. If there are ten shows I really want to see nominated, then I’ll list ten on my wish list. But if there are just two I really like in another category, then I’ll just list two.
Yesterday I discussed Comedy, and I just couldn’t contain myself to the prescribed number of nominees per category. But now that I’m looking at Drama, I’m struggling to fully flesh them out. Partly that’s because I watch more comedy than drama, and partly it’s because some of the dramas I do watch had off-years.
But I still watched some good, juicy dramas! And tops among them was most definitely Pose, which is my #1 choice in just about every category. Billy Porter is pretty much showmanship personified, and all the main ladies are undeniably compelling. Sex Education also gets my endorsement. I initially thought it was mis-categorized, but since my drama choices are relatively sparse, I won’t complain. And let’s not sleep on The Orville, which has been consistently putting out some intellectually satisfying hard sci-fi without too much fanfare.
Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. My top choices are in bold.
Outstanding Drama
Better Call Saul
Homecoming
The Orville
Pose
Sex Education
More
July 9, 2019
jmunney
Awards Shows, Emmys, Television
2019 Emmys, A.P. Bio, American Vandal, Barry, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Emmy Wish List, Emmy wishlist, Emmys, GLOW, Happy!, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Jane the Virgin, Murphy Brown, Russian Doll, Speechless, The Big Bang Theory, The Goldbergs, The Good Place, The Last O.G., The Other Two, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, What We Do in the Shadows, Young Sheldon
CREDIT: Scott Patrick Green/Netflix
The 2019 Emmy nominations will be announced on July 16, and as that annual occasion approaches, I typically put together my own list of which shows and performers I would like to see recognized. But I’ve had some mixed feelings about that this year, as I’ve grappled with the fact that in the era of Peak TV, it becomes more and more impossible to capture all my favorites in one place. Ultimately I decided I wouldn’t be too formal or too precious about it. If there are ten shows I really want to see nominated, then I’ll list ten on my wish list. But if there are just two I really like in another category, then I’ll just list two.
I’m kicking things off today with Comedy. Before I get to my selections, I’ve got some thoughts to share, mainly about the new entrants. Among freshman shows, The Other Two mixed affecting family dynamics with the silliness of fame, while What We Do in the Shadows was just so wonderfully goofy. But it’s a couple of sadly cancelled high school-set sophomore shows that have my most love: Netflix’s poopy mockumentary American Vandal and NBC’s sharp and lovable A.P. Bio.
Among the actors, Young Sheldon‘s ensemble has really been a welcome part of my weekly life, and with that in mind, it’s been a while since either the Academy or I have recognized Jim Parsons for The Big Bang Theory, and you know what? I’m going to recognize him for his final year. Among names that you may not recognize (yet), let’s all keep in mind What We Do in the Shadows‘ Kayvan Novak for our future comedy endeavors.
Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. My top choices are in bold.
Outstanding Comedy
American Vandal
A.P. Bio
Barry
GLOW
The Goldbergs
The Good Place
Jane the Virgin
The Last O.G.
The Other Two
Speechless
What We Do in the Shadows
More
July 10, 2016
jmunney
Awards Shows, Emmys, Television
2016 Emmys, Emmys
The 2016 Emmy nominations will be announced this Thursday, June 14. My predictions and wish lists for most of the major categories are on Moviepilot this year, and I covered Outstanding Animated Program for Bubbleblabber. Links to individual categories are below:
Comedy Series
Lead Actor in a Comedy
Lead Actress in a Comedy
Supporting Actor in a Comedy
Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Drama Series
Lead Actor in a Drama
Lead Actress in a Drama
Supporting Actor in a Drama
Supporting Actress in a Drama
Variety Talk Series
Variety Sketch Series
Animated Program
Folks from the preceding categories who did not quite make my wish lists: Will Forte (The Man on Earth), Fred Savage (The Grinder), Billy Eichner (Difficult People), Chris Geere (You’re the Worst), Maria Bamford (Lady Dynamite), Rashida Jones (Angie Tribeca), Michael Ian Black (Another Period), Fred Melamed (Lady Dynamite), Yael Grobglas (Jane the Virgin), Claudia O’Doherty (Love), Louis C.K. (Horace and Pete), Steve Buscemi (Horace and Pete), Ruth Wilson (The Affair), Craig Bierko (UnREAL), Alan Alda (Horace and Pete), Joshua Jackson (The Affair).
And here is my wish list for a selection of the remaining categories:
Limited Series
The People v. OJ Simpson
Fargo
The Spoils Before Dying
TV Movie
A Deadly Adoption
7 Days in Hell
Lead Actor, Limited Series or TV Movie
Courtney B. Vance, The People v. OJ Simpson
Patrick Wilson, Fargo
Cuba Gooding, Jr., The People v. OJ Simpson
Lead Actress, Limited Series or TV Movie
Sarah Paulson, The People v. OJ Simpson
Kirsten Dunst, Fargo
Supporting Actor, Limited Series or TV Movie
John Travolta, The People v. OJ Simpson
Sterling K. Brown, The People v. OJ Simpson
David Schwimmer, The People v. OJ Simpson
Bokeem Woodbine, Fargo
Will Ferrell, The Spoils Before Dying
Supporting Actress, Limited Series or TV Movie
Jean Smart, Fargo
Guest Actor
Larry David, Saturday Night Live
Guest Actress, Comedy
Lennon Parham, Review
Guest Actor, Drama
BD Wong, Mr. Robot
Guest Actress, Drama
Carrie Preston, The Good Wife
Directing, Comedy
Jonathan Krisel, “Picnic,” Baskets
Host – Reality/Reality Competition
RuPaul Charles, RuPaul’s Drag Race
Main Title Design
W/ Bob & David
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Marvel’s Jessica Jones
July 16, 2015
jmunney
Awards Shows, Emmys, Television
2015 Emmys, Emmy Nominations, Emmys
-Lead Actor, Comedy is a mix of good and bad: Will Forte and Anthony Anderson made it in, but Don Cheadle and Matt LeBlanc are still hanging around. Bizarrely, no Jim Parsons. Cool that he won’t win yet again, but he was more or less still deserving of a nomination (at least more so than Don and Matt, presumably).
–Community received a nomination for Stunt Coordination (deservedly), but nothing else. Season 6 wasn’t its best, but it would have been nice to see it make a showing, considering that Yahoo! actually made an Emmy promotional push.
-Strong showing for Bloodline despite its considerable lack of buzz. The Academy’s love of Kyle Chandler is not to be underestimated, I guess.
-Mostly good choices in Variety Sketch Series’ first year as a category – would have been nice if there could have been 6 nominees, though.
-Joanne Froggatt has got to be the most bizarre multiple Emmy nominee ever. I know several people who watch Downton Abbey, and I’ve not heard any of them ever once mention her. This year, she even made it in over Maggie Smith!
-Hurray to Billy On The Street With First Lady Michelle Obama, Big Bird And Elena!!! and Katy Perry’s Super Bowl Halftime Show in Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program! But boo to no Too Many Cooks 😦
-OUR LONG NATIONAL NIGHTMARE OF TATIANA MASLANY NOT BEING NOMINATED FOR AN EMMY IS OVER!
Early Predictions:
COMEDY:
Series – Modern Family (I’d love to say Transparent – or anything else, really – but Modern Family is still Modern Family.)
Lead Actor – Will Forte
Lead Actress – Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Supporting Actor – Ty Burrell or Titus Burgess
Supporting Actress – Allison Janney
DRAMA:
Series – Mad Men
Lead Actor – Jon Hamm
Lead Actress – Her name will star with “Ta.”
Supporting Actor – Jonathan Banks
Supporting Actress – Lena Headey
July 13, 2015
jmunney
Awards Shows, Emmys, Television
2015 Emmys, @midnight, Abbi Jacobson, Adam Arkin, Adam Driver, Adelaide Clemens, Aden Young, Alison Brie, Allison Janney, American Dad!, Amy Poehler, Amy Schumer, Andre Braugher, Android, Anna Chlumsky, Arrow, Aya Cash, Better Call Saul, Big Bird, Billy on the Street, Bob Odenkirk, Bojack Horseman, Britt Lower, Broad City, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Chris Geere, Chris Gethard, Chris Mckenna, Christina Hendricks, Christine Baranski, Claire Danes, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Community, Conan, Constance Wu, Craig T. Nelson, Dan Harmon, Danny Pudi, David Anders, Dominic West, Don Cheadle, Downer Ending, Downton Abbey, Dreaming of a White Porsche Christmas, Dwayne Johnson, Eden Sher, Edie Falco, Elena, Elisabeth Moss, Ellie Kemper, Emilia Clarke, Emily Bett Rickards, Emmys, Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television, Empire, Eric Andre, Eva Green, Fresh Off the Boat, Friends Furever, Game of Thrones, Girls, Homeland, House of Cards, House of Lies, Hugh Bonneville, Ilana Glazer, Inside Amy Schumer, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, iZombie, Jane Krakowski, Jeff Daniels, Jeffrey Tambor, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jim Carter, Jim Parsons, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Joel McHale, John Hawkes, Jon Voight, Jonathan Banks, Jordan Gavaris, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Julianna Margulies, Julie Bowen, Justified, Kate McKinnon, Ken Jeong, Kether Donohue, Kevin Spacey, Key & Peele, Kroll Show, Lamorne Morris, Last Week Tonight, Laverne Cox, Lena Dunham, Lena Headey, Linda Lavin, Louie, Louis CK, Mad Men, Mae Whitman, Maggie Smith, Man Seeking Woman, Mandy Patinkin, Masters of Sex, Mayim Bialik, Mel Rodriguez, Michael McKean, Michael Rapaport, Michael Sheen, Michelle Dockery, MIchelle Obama, Milana Vayntrub, Modern Espionage, Modern Family, Mom, Nathan Fielder, Nathan for You, New Girl, Nurse Jackie, Orange is the New Black, Orphan Black, Other Space, Parenthood, Parks and Recreation, Penny Dreadful, Peter Dinklage, Pimento, Portlandia, Ray Donovan, Real Time, Rectify, Rhea Seehorn, Rob Schrab, Robin Wright, Rose McIver, RuPaul, RuPaul's Drag Race, Ruth Wilson, Sarah Steele, Saturday Night Live, Shameless, Silicon Valley, Susie Essman, Taraji P. Henson, Tatina Maslany, The Affair, The Big Bang Theory, The Colbert Report, The Daily Show, The Eric Andre Show, The Last Man on Earth, The Middle, The Newsroom, The Promise, The Simpsons, The Tonight Show, Thomas Middleditch, Thomas Schnauz, Tim and Eric's Bedtime Stories, Timothy Olyphant, Titus Burgess, Tony Hale, Too Many Cooks, Traib, Transparent, Treehouse of Horror XXV, Ty Burrell, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Veep, Walton Goggins, Will Forte, William H Macy, You're the Worst, Zach Woods, Zooey Deschanel
For my detailed thoughts on my predictions and wishlists in the major Drama, Comedy, and Variety categories, check out these links:
–Comedy
–Drama
–Variety
Guest Actor, Comedy
John Hawkes, Inside Amy Schumer
Michael Rapaport, Louie
Chris Gethard, Parks and Recreation
Dwayne Johnson, Saturday Night Live
Guest Actress, Comedy
Susie Essman, Broad City
Guest Actor, Drama
Mel Rodriguez, Better Call Saul
Guest Actress, Drama
Allison Janney, Masters of Sex
Linda Lavin, The Good Wife
Directing, Comedy
Rob Schrab, “Modern Espionage,” Community
Directing, Drama
Adam Arkin, “The Promise,” Justified
Writing, Comedy
Dan Harmon and Chris McKenna, “Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television,” Community
Writng, Drama
Thomas Schnauz, “Pimento,” Better Call Saul
Animated Program
Bojack Horseman – “Downer Ending”
American Dad! – “Dreaming of a White Porsche Christmas”
The Simpsons – “Treehouse of Horror XXV”
Commercial
Android – “Friends Furever”
Host – Reality/Reality Competition
RuPaul, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”
Interactive Program
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Main Title Design
Man Seeking Woman
Single-Camera Picture Editing, Comedy
Bojack Horseman – “Downer Ending”
Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program
Too Many Cooks
Billy On The Street With First Lady Michelle Obama, Big Bird And Elena!!!
Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or a Variety Program
Community
Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role
Man Seeking Woman – “Traib”
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