The 2011 Emmy Nominations were announced today, so naturally I and half of the western world will now discuss how we felt we triumphed due to someone else's success, or how we feel miserably disappointed because something we had nothing to do with didn't get picked. Since this is a comedy blog I will be going over the main comedy categories, as well as some of the variety categories (since almost every variety program nominated is aimed at making people laugh) as well as looking where comedy is making some suprise showings. I will share my hopes on what I want to be the victor, and what I think the Academy of Arts and Sciences will actually pick.
Outstanding Comedy Series
The Big Kahuna. Currently held by ABC's Modern Family, 4 nominees from 2010 return again, as well as two "new" series who are first time nominees even though they are both a few seasons into their run.
The Nominees
30 Rock - Tina Fey's quirky show is back for its 5th nomination in 5 years. While its 5th season is not its best, most comedies would kill for what 30 Rock would consider an average season. It is still one of the most brilliantly written shows on television, and to match that it has wonderful actors, who have garnered 6 acting nominations for the show this year. (Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey for Lead, Jane Krakowski for Supporting and Will Arnett, Matt Damon and Elizabeth Banks for Guest)
The Big Bang Theory - Finally getting its 1st nomination for its 4th season, many diehard nerdy fans are screaming happily because their show is finally getting recognition. As it should, it being one of the highest rated comedies currently on air, as well as getting a little bump when one of its stars, Jim Parsons, recieved the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series last year. This year, Parson returns to the lead actor ballot, as well as his co-star Johnny Galecki, showing that this show is starting to resonate a little with the Emmy voters.
Glee - It was no question that this hit show would be back for another nomination in this category. I'm not sure if it's right though. While admittedly I was a hardcore Gleek last year and still watched every episode this year, my affection for this show is starting to fade. It's really not even that funny anymore, it has added many more dramatic elements this year as the teens struggle with real life issues, most notably Kurt Hummel's struggles as an out gay teenager. While it did make for some interesting and moving moments, almost none of them made me laugh. Also, the teen's romances are starting to get hard to keep track of, as well as being portrayed almost ridiculouslly unrealistic, which might be there attempt at humor. While still a fine series, Glee has even less evidence to call itself a comedy than last year.
Modern Family - The returning champs return for their 2nd nomination just as everyone and their newborn child could tell they would. There's not much more to say about it than that.
The Office - While the show has definetly hasn't been at its comedic highpoint for about 3 or 4 years, it was pretty much obvious the show would be nominated again for Steve Carrell's departure, especially since his departure was quite well done. Now, the question remains, will the show be able to get nominated again without Carrell? The show needs to re-invent itself and get back to its great mix of wonderful character moments and suprise laughs that its 2nd and 3rd (and to some extent 4th and 5th, though not nearly as well) season showed us.
Parks and Recreation - Its about time. I'm glad this highly undervalued show is finally getting its full turn in the limelight, after only getting a taste last year with Poehler's Lead Actress nomination (a feat she repeats again this year). It seems that adding Rob Lowe and Adam Scott to the cast has finally put this hilarious satire of small town government over the top, though the standouts still remain Poehler and Nick Offerman whose chemistry and character development have been great and led to some wonderful moments. While not the best show out there, it definitely deserves its spot among the nominees.
Who was Left Out
Nurse Jackie - This show, and by extension, all half comedies (The Big C, Weeds) except for Glee, was left out of the race this year. It seems life the Academy was wondering last year if these shows could stand with the pure comedies and compete head to head by giving Nurse Jackie a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series. It seems that it ended up not being able to compete, so the Academy is instead honoring the more pure comedy shows (The Big Bang Theory, Parks and Recreation) rather than honoring more shows that give us a mix between the comedic and the dramatic.
Community - I am not going to lie to you, I am a big fan of this show. Along with Parks and Recreation, it is one of the dark-horses of NBC's Thursday night line-up. However, one of the best parts of this show, how its style changes almost every week to satarize the many genres and cliches of pop culture, is probaly not going to win over the Academy as much as a show that can prove it can be consistently funny in a single style. While I am a little sad it wasn't nominated, the fact that Parks and Recreation made the cut means I honestly can't complain, and it gives me hope that one day this great show will have its spot in the limelight too.
What my Heart says - Parks and Recreation, just to mess with every major pundit out there
What my Brain says - Modern Family. With Glee taking a more dramatic turn, this show should be clear for another win.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
This category was probably the most open category of the year in 2011. Long time nominees Larry David, Tony Schaloub and Charlie Sheen were all ineligible this year,(for different reasons) leading to 3 new nominees. Next year, as we all know, another spot is going to open up, so the big question is will this finally be the year of Carrell?
The Nominees
Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock - Alec Baldwin bags his 5th nomination for portraying Jack Donaghy on 30 Rock, to no one's suprise. Baldwin represents to me the best in a comedy actor, complete and utter devotion to his character whether he's making a speech about how American needs to innovate...by creating women's porn, or talking to 3 of his alternate reality selves. Baldwin utters every single word with complete determination and never attempts an extra laugh by giving the audience the "nudge-nudge, I just told a joke" approach, which I have always highly admired him for.
Steve Carrell in The Office - Is is finally his year? After being shut out in his first five nominations, will Steve Carrell finally take home the golden statue for Michael Scott's departure? I hope so. In Michael's farewell Carrell gave us a great mix of laughter and tears as he says goodbye in the only way he knows how. While not always inducing attacks on our sides, Carrell is a master at building up huge amounts of awkward tension whenever Michael goes to far, a skill that has been undervalued for 5 years, and I sure hope not for a 6th
Louis C.K. in Louie - A suprise nomination, but certainly a well deserved one, and I'm glad about 1,000,000 television cynics can now shut their traps. Louis C.K. has often been called the hardest working man in television, seeing how he oversees almost every detail that goes into making his FX sitcom, Louie. Cynics have long been predicting this year how C.K. deserved a nomination but "the elite at the Academy likely won't see what a wonderful show and performance C.K. give us, they hate good things" so sit down and shut up, you got what you wanted.
Johnny Galecki in The Big Bang Theory - In reality Parsons's second banana, there's no way that Galecki will ever take home the golden idol unless Parsons character mysteriously dies. However, it is nice that he is being honored for his performance along with his show getting its first ever Outstanding Comedy Series nomination. It's well deserved, and he will finally get his own turn in the spotlight after his co-star turned a lot of heads last year with his Emmy win.
Matt LeBlanc in Episodes - Welcome back Joey. Matt LeBlanc is now a member of an exclusive group of people who have been honored with accolades to portray...themselves. LeBlanc now joins the ranks of Bill Cosby and Jerry Seinfeld in actors who have been able to garner acclaim by portraying a fictional version of themselves of television. However, playing yourself isn't always as easy as it seems, and it's good that LeBlanc bounced back to something after the failure of his Friends spin-off.
Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory - The returning champ is back, but this time he brought his series with him into a nomination. While another win doesn't seem extremely likely for Parsons, especially due to Carrell's departure, he still continuously puts forth a fine performance and is very worthy of another nomination.
Who was Left Out
Matthew Morrison in Glee - Morrison does not recieve his 2nd nomination for Glee. This year, the spotlight has shown more on the students than the teacher, and it looks like the Academy figured that out.
Joel McHale in Community - Many people thought McHale would finally get Community some Emmy recognition, but it seems that he lost out to C.K. and Galecki. At least he left some people something to complain about.
What my Heart Says - Louis C.K., just because blogs and reporters everywhere will need to find something new to complain about
What my Brain Says - Steve Carrell, I think finally it's his year. and now he won't have to steal Ricky Gervais's Emmy any more
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
3 new actresses compete for TV's top award, in the category with a few suprise upsets. 1 spot was left open by Julia Louis-Dreyfus but two nominees from 2010 were overturned.
Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie - Last year, Falco got the golden statue for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, even though, and she said it herself, she's "not funny." While Falco is a great actress I wish they would give this award to someone who is actually comedic. However, since her show is now out of the Outstanding Comedy Series line-up it isn't likely Falco will get repeat statues.
Tina Fey in 30 Rock - Fey earns her 5th nomination, despite her own insistance that she "can't act." While I do think Fey is hilarious and does have acting skill, is she the best? I really don't think so. Most of Fey's reactions on the show involved her being frustrated with something, her co-workers, her actors, her boyfriend, her ex-lovers or her mentor Jack. While Fey still manages to make her frustration funny 5 seasons in, I don't think it should be enough to win.
Laura Linney in The Big C - Linney joins Falco as the two actresses who managed to get a nomination without exactly being "funny." As much as it pains me unfortunately there's not really enough lead female vehicles viable for the top award to take away Linney's spot. While she's a good actress, she's not extremely funny and that's what I believe this category should be about, but her performance still deserves credit.
Melissa McCarthy in Mike & Molly - This morning Melissa McCarthy announced the 2011 Emmy nominations, only to discover that she would be among the nominees. What followed was cool to watch, seeing a nominee react on camera to their nomination. While this is suprising, it would be far more suprising in McCarthy did not have a hilarious supporting role in Kristen Wiig's movie Bridesmaids, which I'm sure some of the Emmy voters saw which was able to put McCarthy into the minds of the voters.
Martha Plimpton in Raising Hope - Another suprise nominee, once again giving the cynics less to complain about. Plimpton now is the face of the Fox network in this category, because the actress that was Fox's only nominee last year, Lea Michele, has been dropped this year. Plimpton is getting her show some much needed attention, sneaking Raising Hope into the minds of the Emmy voters, something that many shows have yet to do (Community).
Amy Poehler in Parks and Recreation - Poehler has achieved her 2nd nomination for Parks and now she dragged her show up with her, and she doesn't seem to be stopping. Poehler was the 1st one to get her show recognition from critics with her quirky, brilliant and optimistic portrayal of a woman who LIKES to work in government. I can only hope she rides it straight to the top, because she doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
Who was Left Out
Lea Michele in Glee - Michele suffered the same fate of her on screen teacher Morrison this year, albeit to a lesser extent. Glee is very much becoming an ensemble show, which unfortunately for Michele makes each individual performance less notable unless you're the only one on the show able to carry certain storylines (Chris Colfer).
Toni Collette in United States of Tara - Collette won the award in 2009 and was renominated in 2010 but it seems this year that she's fallen off the map. Collette's performance I believe also belongs in the comedy nether-world with Falco and Linney, so it's quite possible it was decided that three semi-comedic performances was too much on the ballot and Linney eclipsed Collette.
What my Heart Says - Amy Poehler, because she's a funny person in a comedic category, shocking
What my Brain Says - Edie Falco or Laura Linney, in a category with not too many standouts one of the semi-comics is likely to take home the prize
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Sadly, though supporting comedic performances are often the funniest because they don't require the depth that leads do, this is the category I'll probably be paying the least attention to, due to reasons you'll see.
The Nominees
The Modern Family Boys: Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ed O'Neill, and Eric Stonestreet in Modern Family - This year, instead of half the supporting actor nods the Modern Family Boys take up two-thirds in what I think is a cowardly attempt to get awards while shutting out other great performances. Modern Family nominates none of its actors in the Lead categories, only in supporting, which is why they take up so many of the nominations. This way, they don't have to deal with the higher level competition in the Lead categories. I'm not saying the performances are bad. They're obviously good enough to continue sweeping the supporting categories for years to come. I just wish the show would've had the guts to risk something on a Lead Actor nomination so it could share the supporting spotlight, not hog it.
Jon Cryer in Two and a Half Men - A suprising nomination in that everyone had just about counted him out due to his co-stars blow-up. But this former winner is back for what could be his last nomination, if Ashton Kutcher can't save the show next year. I think this was more of a sympathy pick for the Academy, showing that they still respect Cryer even as everyone lost respect for Charlie Sheen and his show in the process. As much as I would like to show Cryer sympathy, it makes me sad that one of only two spots not given to Modern Family was possibly given out just for sympathy.
Chris Colfer in Glee - Colfer took us on a very emotion ride this year through the life of an out gay teenager as he is bullied, picked on and tested to his limits but still manages to get through it all, even with a new partner in the end. While I think Colfer has been the clear highlight of Glee this past season, it does bother me for reasons you've already heard me state in previous categories: it's not funny. His performance is brilliant and emotional and even heartbreaking at times but it doesn't make me laugh (and if it did I should probably see a psychiatrist). While Colfer has shown us this year what a brilliant actor he is, he is dramatic, not comedic, but very good at it.
Who was Left Out
Neil Patrick Harris in How I Met Your Mother - After four straight nominations Harris finds himself bumped by the Modern Family Boys, John Cryer and a boy portraying what Harris really was about 10 years ago. Now that Harris has been outshone he faces an uphill battle to regain the nomination, sadder yet because he has yet to win in this category, giving him even less of a foothold to pull himself up by.
Rainn Wilson in The Office - While Dwight Schrute can sometimes be a little too over the top and ridiculous to be considered superb acting, Wilson had a shining moment this season that I thought were get him a nomination. Picture this: You're stranded on a starless show, and the man who they brought in to bridge the gap wasn't doing so well, and convincing people that the show might not be able to go on. Then, two weeks after the star leaves, his assistant steps up and gives an amazing performance that is hilarious, heartfelt and restores your faith in the show. Dwight's turn as Regional Manager really did give hope to many people that The Office could continue without Carrell, and I think it's a shame he won't be recognized for it.
What my Heart Says - Jon Cryer, because he's a funny and he's the only one on his show to be nominated. Also, he's not on drugs
What my Brain Says - Clearly another win for one of the Modern Family Boys, likely a repeat for Eric Stonestreet
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Less dominated by Modern Family, although they still pull in two of the six nominations. Five of these six are repeat nominees, and one of America's favorite actresses mangages to steal spot #6.
The Nominees
The Modern Family Gals: Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara in Modern Family - While not as domineering in this category as their male counterparts are, the Modern Family Gals still manage to sweep up a third of the total nominations and this year seemed poised for victory now that the incumbent, Jane Lynch, has less of a foothold.
Jane Lynch in Glee - Last year's winner is currently suffering from the same problems that two of her co-stars had in that she is losing a lot of her screen time as Glee becomes more of an ensemble and less star-driven. Luckily for Lynch, she still managed to grab another nomination while leaving co-stars Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele in the dust. The heavy favorite last year, Lynch seems a lot less poised to win this year since she suffers from shorter screen time, which means less jokes about Will Schuester's hair which might cost her the statue. Expect her to be in the hunt, but I think she's fallen behind most of the pack.
Jane Krakowski in 30 Rock - Krakowski gets her 3rd nomination from 30 Rock, and is still looking for her first win, which is unlikely to happen this year. While Krakowski gives a very funny performance as crazy actress/singer Jenna Maroney, I don't believe her character is grounded enough to attract voters, because the Modern Family Gals and Lynch also give off funny performances with much more believable characters.
Betty White in Hot in Cleveland - One of America's new favorite actresses returns to the Emmys after winning last year for Outstanding Guest Actress for her hosting stint on Saturday Night Live. So now that the stakes are raised from Guest to Supporting, does Betty still have enough love from fans to keep winning. My opinion would be to say no and bet on the more likely candidates Lynch and the Modern Family Gals, but you never can really count out Betty.
Kristen Wiig in Saturday Night Live - Wiig is now on her 3rd nomination from SNL, and she looks about as poised to win as she ever has been. Unfortunately, SNL's erractic sketch line-up often ensures that it is extremely hard for one of its cast members to stand out in a single episode, which is what the Academy uses for judging. In fact, it has even been an off year for Wiig, as she has started to retire many of her older characters like the Target Lady and hasn't come back with too many hilarious new ones. However, her acclaimed movie Bridesmaids certainly made sure she was not forgotten during Emmy season and ensured her the nomination, however she is still my last pick to win.
Who was Left Out
Jenna Fischer in The Office - Some people were wondering if this was going to be the year Fischer returned to the Emmys after having not recieved a nomination since The Office's 3rd season. In season 3 Pam was dealing with her feelings for Jim even though at the time he had moved away and by the time he came back he was already with someone else. In the current season she and Jim are already married and have a baby. Pam did take a more prominent role in the series though when she basically promotes herself to office administrator and thus took a little bit more responsibility. However, this didn't seem to resonate with the Academy as much as season 3's sexual tension, so Fischer gets left out again.
What my Heart Says - Jane Lynch, as much as she got off on the sidelines a little, it just made her screen time more precious
What my Brain Says - Sofia Vergara, Lynch's moments were probably a little too precious for their own good and Modern Family may soon own this category as well
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
An often overlooked category, I actually really enjoy the guest acting awards because the field is always open, even actors who have played this character before in prior seasons need to re-prove their relevancy and add something fresh. Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock are the main contributors for this award this year (as they have been for a while) and it seems likely that one of them will take home the award, but just like getting nominated in this category, you just never know.
Will Arnett in 30 Rock - Arnett's portrayal of Devon Bank's is often one of the highlights of any 30 Rock season, and this is his 3rd nomination for 3 different seasons of this character. However, while last year he got the nomination for his hilarious and witty quick back and forths with Alec Baldwin, this year he added a little depth to his performance and traded laughs for a lesson. It obviously worked and he is back for a well-deserved 3rd nomination.
Matt Damon in 30 Rock - Damon earns a nomination for playing Liz Lemon's boyfriend Carol for a few episodes, until the relationship ends after a tense standoff on a plane. While Damon was funny, I think the depth Arnett put into Devon Banks makes Damon 30 Rock's underdog, just like Zach Galifanakis is SNL's underdog to Justin Timberlake.
Idris Elba in The Big C - Interesting choice that one of the nominations goes to an actor in one of the semi-comedies this year. However seeing as how this category is actually pretty competetive this year comedically and it appears that the Academy is favoring pure comedies this year, Elba seems like a long shot to win.
Zach Galifanakis in Saturday Night Live - I was pleasantly suprised by this nomination. While many people were predicting Jim Carrey would get nominated for his time as host, I am glad that the Academy decided on what might be less popular, but I feel the better performance. Galifanakis is a master of subtlety but also knows when to go over the top to produce big laughs. Carrey, at least on his hosting job, felt like he was almost shouting at the audience telling them to laugh (see his Black Swan skit). I am glad Galifanakis got in with his more layered performance, but he is still definitely the underdog, even in just the SNL nominees, to Just Timberlake.
Nathan Lane in Modern Family - Lane ends his theatrical run in the Broadway production of The Adams Family and instead of a Tony manages to go out and get an Emmy nomination instead. Lane was a great fit for the style of Modern Family (in more than one way, if you know what I mean) and it's nice that Lane is getting acting recognition outside of the theatrical community. However, ironic as it may be, he seems poised to lose to someone doing a live show in front of an audience, exactly what theatre is.
Justin Timberlake in Saturday Night Live - In my opinion, the clear frontrunner. Sang two songs, one for his monologue and one with Andy Samberg. Both are nominated for Emmys. Brought it on down to Liquorville. Spoofed himself and NSYNC in a sketch where he couldn't remember his former bandmate's name. Actually didn't break character on the Barry Gibbs talk show. Gave SNL its highest ratings in over a decade. Yeah, we'll give that a nomination.
Who was Left Out
Darren Criss in Glee - Many expected Criss to get a nomination for potraying Kurt Hummel's gay friend and later his boyfriend. Like I've stated about 10 different actors/actresses by now, Criss did a good job acting, he just wasn't that funny. Also, his role on the show was mainly just emotion support for Kurt, so Chris Colfer often outshined him in his scenes which is why Colfer might be sitting on a nomination right now and Criss is not.
Will Ferrell in The Office - I put this in here not so much because a lot of people felt he deserved to be nominated, I just felt that somebody had to talk about it. To start off, I love Will Ferrell, I really do. I think he's hilarious when he's used right. Will, you were not used right on The Office. Your guest spot was one of the most anticipated events of the season but most people were pretty let down afterwards. I'm sorry, it just didn't work out. Go back and host SNL, that will probably go better for you.
What my Heart Says - Will Arnett or Justin Timberlake, I love you both, Arnett finally deserves an Emmy win, but Timberlake was also the highlight of the SNL season
What my Brain Says - Justin Timberlake, you just can't say no to that face
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
While Darren Criss was shut out over on the boys side, on the ladies side Glee is going strong, taking up half the nominations. SNL and 30 Rock have their people in here too, and the gang is rounded out with a well known actress on a new show.
Elizabeth Banks in 30 Rock - Banks had a strong enough run on 30 Rock to snag herself a nomination, but I don't think it will carry all the way up to the stage. Banks, who played Jack Donaghy's wife Avery, had to match Alec Baldwin note for note to be, in essance, the female him. Banks stepped up to the task admirably and while she got as close as just about anyone has gotten to keeping in stride with Baldwin, he always managed to stay one step ahead of her.
Kristen Chenowith in Glee - Most people weren't sure if Chenowith would return again this year as her character April Rhodes, with most critics saying she was outshined by one of Glee's other guest stars this year, Gwyneth Paltrow. While it looks like Chenowith managed to stave off absolute defeat, I still have to agree that Paltrow's character Holly Holiday had more energy, pizzaz and heart going for her.
Tina Fey in Saturday Night Live - Tina Fey once again gets a nomination for hosting a show she used to be head writer for. The main attractant for Fey's nominations these past couple of years is her portrayal of Sarah Palin, which won her this award back in 2009. However, in this hosting stint Fey's Palin only gets a couple of minutes of screen time, which I don't think will be enough to have her win again.
Dot Jones in Glee - While Paltrow is definitely Glee's top contender, Dot Jones managed to pave her way in as well as the coach of the McKinley High School football team. As a woman in an obviously male dominated profession, Jones's performance has had its moments of hilarity and sadness, often in the same episode. I'm glad she's being recognized, but I don't think she'll be able to step out of Paltrow's shadow.
Cloris Leachman in Raising Hope - Leachman was hilarious as Maw Maw in Raising Hope, and her nomination is helping put the sitcom on the map, and establish her as a regular in this category if the show continues, like Will Arnett and Elain Stritch have been on 30 Rock (Up until now for Stritch). I'm not exactly sure how big of a contender Leachman will be for the big prize, but I wish her the best of luck. What's the hurt in trying?
Gwyneth Paltrow in Glee - Paltrow's managed to kick Matthew Morisson out of Glee for most of an episode, and we actually didn't mind that much. Paltrow was good in giving us a break from the normal routine of a Glee episode and mixing things up a little bit. Not to mention, she was funny, and her musical performances were not bad at all, in my opinion. Now that Glee doesn't have to worry about campaigning for Best Actor or Actress anymore, I'm sure a lot of their attention will be focused on getting Paltrow the award, and they'll probably succeed.
Who was Left Out
Elaine Stritch in 30 Rock - Stritch had been nominated four years in a row with one win for playing the mother of Jack Donaghy up until this year, when she was left off the ballot. Rather suprising, as I feel that Stritch was able to keep in stride with Alec Baldwin and even overpower him when needed better than Elizabeth Banks has this year. However, her guest appearance this year wasn't her best as she wasn't given as meaty of a storyline, so it makes sense for Banks to have been given the nod. Besides, there's always next year.
What my Heart Says - Dot Jones, for a greatly undervalued performance, and also to spite Paltrow
What my Brain Says - Gwyneth Paltrow, the frontrunner who most likely seduce the Emmy votes as well as she seduced Will Shuester
Outstanding Variety Program
As a little extra, I've jotted down my thoughts on the Variety programs that have been nominated this year, as they are almost all at least partly comedic in nature, and hey, I like them.
The Colbert Report - With the Daily Show, forms the Twin Towers of late night comedy, except these will most likely never be taken down until their stars are dead. While Colbert is often considered 2nd banana to Jon Stewart and his gang, Colbert still never disappoints for laughs and always manages to keep viewers tuned in after they've already recieved their fake news of the day from Stewart.
Conan - In another little middle finger to Jay Leno, the Academy is being full front on where they stood during NBC's late night debacle by giving Conan O'Brien another nomination for his show but shutting out Jay Leno. To them and many of us, Conan is still Conan no matter which network he's on, and it's good to see that the NBC incident hasn't affected his ability to keep us entertained.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - This award's winner for the last....well who can keep track of how many years it's been. That being said, Stewart and co. are still the number 1 source of political satire and managed to consistently deliver laughs, often while being more factual and using better reporting than most news stations. It's going for win number....whatever, and it's probably going to succeed.
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon - The Academy must really want to stick it to Jay, giving a nod to his late night counterpart but not him. I'm not sure that was exactly the right thing to do, especially considering that not only Leno, but even Letterman was shut out this year. While I think Jimmy has the potential to be a good late night host, I don't think he's quite settled into the fold yet, and I feel this nomination might be a little premature.
Real Time with Bill Maher - A show that's literally just about people talking, and it somehow manages to keep people interested, which is why it definitely deserved another nomination. Maher manages to take guests in from all walks of life and ensure that they still have a coherent discussion, which is a skill I'm sure many Washington lawmakers envy.
Saturday Night Live - While not its best season in recent years, SNL's political relevancy this year made sure it stayed one top. While Stewart and Colbert maybe able to make a few jokes about Bin Laden, only on SNL is someone able to dress up in character and give Bin Laden's point of view. Big stories in national news always ensure that SNL stays relevant and in the minds of its viewers, and if not, Justin Timberlake will make sure then that viewers will just come to watch him.
What my Heart Says - The Colbert Report, just because they finally deserve one of these things
What my Brain Says - The Daily Show, it's still at the top of its game, and Stewart will most likely bring home the gold
Now, for the final Emmy category we're going to look at, here's a category where comedy really took hold this year, not exactly in the place you'd most expect
Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics
All 6 of these songs come from either a comedy show or a comedian, 4 from Saturday Night Live and 3 of those specifically coming from the group in charge of the Digital Shorts, The Lonely Island, who won in 2006 for the song "Dick in a Box" and have earned a couple more nominations in this category as well in past years.
The Nominees
"Christmas Time is Killing Us" - Family Guy
"An American Prayer - Hymn II?" - Robert Klein: Unfair & Unbalanced
"I Just Had Sex" - Saturday Night Live
"Jack Sparrow" - Saturday Night Live
"3-Way (The Golden Rule)" - Saturday Night Live
"Justin Timberlake Monologue" - Saturday Night Live
Those are my thoughts on the 2011 emmy situation. Feel free to respond with any questions/comments/concerns and let's try to get a debate going!
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