Okay, it's finally time for the series awards! I'm just going to go through every category, from the top two to the awards for variety, reality, etc. I don't really think there's a lot of suspense about most of the winners this year though.
BEST COMEDY SERIES
- Black-ish
- Master of None
- Modern Family
- Silicon Valley
- Transparent
- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
- Veep
Everyone seems to think this is a slam dunk for Veep, which leaves me somewhat out of the loop. I dumped the show last year and I likely won't be back, despite the pressure of all those reports that this season was it's "best EVER!!" Yeah, I don't care. It never rose above B-level for me, even at its best. So congratulations to the show and all, but it's just not my thing. I would much prefer for Silicon Valley to win this, or Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Actually, there are some other shows that I think should be nominated here that aren't, like You're the Worst, Catastrophe, Orange is the New Black (yup, I stick by the assertion that IS a black comedy) and even the long-running The Middle, which has never been recognized by the Emmys. Nope, they've always opted for the much lesser Modern Family, which is kind of a crime, to be honest. But hey, at least Modern Family is no longer winning. Be thankful for small favors.
Winner: Veep
Alternate: none
DRAMA SERIES
- The Americans
- Better Call Saul
- Downton Abbey
- Game of Thrones
- Homeland
- House of Cards
- Mr. Robot
So yeah, this is Game of Thrones again, and this time I really have no problem with it, because I think this last season might actually have been the show's best. I think of it as a makeup award for the win last year, which was its "overdue" honor. This time it's for the quality. I'm most psyched about The Americans' inclusion finally, which hopefully means it will stick around in the category and be able to pull off a win either next year or the year after, for the final season. There's hope. And Downton Abbey, Homeland and especially House of Cards have no business still being nominated over and over again. There's so many better shows they could choose from, like my personal faves Outlander and Happy Valley, but I'm sure many people would say something like The Leftovers as well. Maybe one of them can sneak in when Downton's gone next year.
Winner: Game of Thrones
Alternate: none
LIMITED SERIES
- American Crime
- Fargo
- The Night Manager
- The People v. O.J. Simpson
- Roots
Now this is a terrific category. All of them are great picks (despite lesser enthusiasm on my part for Night Manager), and yet the winner here is so easy to predict. OJ Simpson takes it hands down, which is kinda sad because Fargo had such an amazing season (even though it really doesn't belong in the limited series category- this whole changing the cast every year thing is a huge cheat. The show is a drama series and should be competing as one, period).
Winner: The People v. O.J. Simpson
Alternate: Fargo
REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
- The Amazing Race
- American Ninja Warrior
- Dancing With the Stars
- Project Runway
- Top Chef
- The Voice
Ugh. My total shot in the dark category. Well, Amazing Race tends to always take this, but The Voice did come in and win fairly recently, so maybe they've moved on? I'm gonna go with The Voice here.
Winner: The Voice
Alternate: The Amazing Race
Dark Horse: American Ninja Warrior (this show's definitely been gaining in buzz and viewers lately)
VARIETY TALK SERIES
- Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
- Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
- The Late Late Show with James Corden
- Real Time with Bill Maher
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
I'm bitter about Sam Bee not being included here, but what's interesting about this category is that it's the first time in almost 15 years that a non-Comedy Central show will win it. I'm guessing this goes to John Oliver, because if we've learned anything about this one it's that Emmy voters like their variety talk to be politics oriented (and they will never, ever throw poor Bill Maher a bone). So I guess Oliver is the heir apparent, although if not him they could turn to Jimmy Fallon, whose broad popularity might lead them to think it's his turn to be recognized.
Winner: Last Week Tonight
Alternate: The Tonight Show
Dark Horse: The Late Late Show (if Carpool Karaoke could take it this far)
VARIETY SKETCH SERIES
- Documentary Now
- Drunk History
- Inside Amy Schumer
- Key and Peele
- Portlandia
- Saturday Night Live
Amy Schumer had her moment in the inaugural category last year, although that's obviously never stopped Emmy voters from going back to the well before. Still, with this having been Key and Peele's last season, I really hope they give them the recognition they deserve. And SNL is probably going to have to win this at some point, since it's a category that was pretty much invented by that show.
Winner: Key and Peele
Alternate: Inside Amy Schumer
Dark Horse: Saturday Night Live
