Sunday, July 13, 2014


Whew! Hey, there's a lot more Emmy categories than there are Oscars, and if you really want to study and look at through the Emmys, you gotta see the whole board, folks, and nobody, provides as comprehensive and in-depth an analysis of every major, many should-be-major and some minor, but notable categories, that might go under the radar on "Entertainment Tonight" but are frankly just as interesting and relevant to the pop culture of today than some of the major ones. This is your one-stop place for all your Emmy Nominations Analysis, what got in, what got out, why, and maybe, see if we can start reading, just a few of the tea leaves, maybe a few predictions and guarantees, but we're going category-by-category folks, and we're starting off with Comedy Series nominations, then well into Dramas, then the Miniseries/Movies, then Variety, then Reality, just like the actual awards, and then, my favorite, the notable awards that you should be paying attention, but you frankly, even the best award coverage sites don't dive into the way we do. So, let's take a closer look at the 2014 Emmys Nominations Analysis!

The Big Bang Theory-CBS
Louie-FX Networks
Modern Family-ABC
Orange is the New Black-Netflix
Silicon Valley-HBO

Well, I'm mouth-on-the-floor, baffled that "Girls" didn't get nominated, and that's fucked up! It just is, it should've been nominated, it was amazing, it's the best show arguably on TV, and this season absutely blew the others out of the water. "Modern Family", if they win, they tie "Frasier" not only with five wins, but five in a row, and "Frasier"'s the only show, comedy or drama, to win five Best Series at all. Let's see though, "Modern Family" is down a bit with only ten nominations, and "Orange is the New Black" has 12 this year, them and "Veep" jumping up huge from 5 to 9 nominees this year, are clearly the three most likely, although I don't like "Louie" should be discarded completely, and frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if "The Big Bang Theory" finally pulled it out, but I think they're a longshot. "Silicon Valley", bit of a surprise nominee here, I didn't care for that show as much; it started off well, it's got the writing and directing nominations, that's critical, but no acting nominations is very unusual and I don't really think it has that much of a chance to win. I stopped watching it after four or five episodes myself, I don't know. People are trying to compare it to something like "Entourage" or "The Big Bang Theory" but I really don't see it; you never know but I get the feeling they're the also-ran this year.

Louis C.K.-"Louie"-FX Networks
Don Cheadle-"House of Lies"-Showtime
Ricky Gervais-"Derek"-Netflix
Matt LeBlanc-"Episodes"-Showtime
William H. Macy-"Shameless"-Showtime
Jim Parsons-"The Big Bang Theory"-CBS

Ricky Gervais's name showing up, of course, afterwards after he's ruined everybody's ballots, you're thinking, "Of course, Ricky Gervais!" Emmy favorite, you always like him anyway, he's won this category before, and Netflix is up again this year, but nobody particularly thought "Derek" would get in. No other huge surprises, Cheadle, LeBlanc, C.K. and Parsons, the same from last year, William H. Macy's nomination however is very intriguing. I remember last year, when Joan Cusack got a Guest Actress nomination for "Shameless", (Which she did this year as well btw) thinking "Shameless" is a drama, 'cause I always thought, just based on the premise that it was a comedy. I haven't seen it, but the original British show, was a comedy, it seemed like in a similar category as a show like "Weeds" was to me, but it kept submitting itself in Drama, and this sorta started year ago with "Gilmore Girls", submitting itself in Comedy, for reason beyond understanding, and then eventually moving to Drama, not that it was ever gonna get in for that either, although I always liked that show, it was never at the top of the TV landscape in either show, but the precedent was set; there's been a lot of discussion, regarding, "Orange in the New Black", switching genres from award show to award show, and "True Detective" and "American Horror Story", being similar but in different categories, but Macy, because he hasn't been nominated, a bit of an unknown wild card here, but the Emmys do like Macy; he's won and been nominated in Guest Spots and Movie/Miniseries, many times before, can't count him out here. Parsons 3x winner, still the heavy favorite, Louis C.K., I don't think can be counted out, now that Gervais is in, he can't counted out; a bit more of a mysterious category than it's been than normal.

Lena Dunham-"Girls"-HBO
Edie Falco-"Nurse Jackie"-Showtime
Julia Louis-Dreyfus-"Veep"-HBO
Melissa McCarthy-"Mike & Molly"-CBS
Amy Poehler-"Parks and Recreation"-NBC
Taylor Schilling-"Orange is the New Black"-Netflix

Melissa McCarthy, a bit of a surprise, came back into the category after last year not getting in, although Tina Fey and Laura Dern's show are not off the air, so not overly shocking. I think everybody had the other five nominees, pretty much solidly in, just some debate and concern over who the sixth would get in, and frankly if I being blunt, I really don't think there was a great clear-cut, 6th choice out there, so she's as good as anybody. In a creative, I kinda hoped Alex Borstein for "Getting On," but Laurie Metcalf put her name in for Lead, (And I don't think Borstein put her name in anywhere, which was weird.) but even then, it's the other five's race, and even then, as much as- Alright, I'll just say, I can't stand "Veep". I'm given it tries, I recognize that it's good, but it is so ruthlessly cynical, that I'm amazed that people watch it. I'm not amazed that Julia Louis-Dreyfus wins every year for it, and will probably win this year, no matter how much Amy Poehler and Lena Dunham really should win it instead, but-, and speaking of Poehler, why do they love "Veep" so much, but "Parks and Recreation" gets pushed aside except for Amy Poehler? The whole point of "Parks and Recreation", and why I love the show so much, was that, the series Leslie Knope character, was so headstrong, determined and hopeful despite the corrupt, lackadaisical, unflinching, government system that tried to stop her every time, that conflict, was the core of the humor, the strength of the conflict, and the heart of the show, and it still is, despite that WTF ending of the season this year. There is none of that in "Veep", there's a character you care about, or want to see succeed, and nobody that's even remotely likable. I almost went into Poli-Sci, before I switched to film, I get it, it's disheartening for any kind of idealist, especially these days, but people do go into politics, as hard as it is to believe, trying to do good, some get corrupted beyond belief, others fight on 'til their fighting alone, most of the time, there's a heavy give-and-take with your values and beliefs, both sides, because you'll have to pair the lesser of devils sometimes to get something good for a few and screw over others, but those characters don't exist in this world, and it's just annoying and frustrating to even watch because of that. I really don't understand it's appeal, or why it keeps getting nominated frankly. It's backwards, it's like "The Larry Sanders Show" but these people's actions actually mean something, so it's disheartening, and I'm sure Julia will do something funny when she wins again, and something if it wins best series, other than that, and it is good. For what it is, it's very good, but for what it is, I don't get why people watch it. Actually I get watching it, I don't get people liking it so much though. That's even weirder to me.

Fred Armisen-"Portlandia"-IFC
Andre Braugher-"Brooklyn Nine-Nine"-FOX
Ty Burrell-"Modern Family"
Adam Driver-"Girls"-HBO
Jesse Tyler Ferguson-"Modern Family"-ABC
Tony Hale-"Veep"-HBO

I can't remember the last a band leader got nominated for acting, but Fred Armisen pulled it off here, and he was one of a couple new names in this category and certainly the most surprising stories on the nomination morning was how "Portlandia" really over-performed overall, getting seemingly everything, except for finally getting into Variety Program, which the six from last year held court pretty much. One huge under-performer however was the Golden Globe winner "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", Andy Samburg, thought to be a favorite in Lead Actor, didn't get in, Chelsea Peretti, thought by many as someone who could sneak into Supporting Actress, she didn't get in, but, Andre Braugher, has long been immune to that in regards to Emmy nominations (He once got a Lead Drama Actor nomination for a show that was cancelled, if any of you even remember "Gideon's Crossing"), he's won multiple times, he was nominated for both seasons of "Men of a Certain Age", when I think I was the only one who watched it. He's gotta be somebody to heavily consider, here, and he's great on the show btw. The "Modern Family" train is finally wading down however in these supporting categories. Eric Stonestreet, curiously missed this year for the second time in a row, especially since this was the big wedding year. Ty Burrell won the SAG strangely enough earlier this year, against Lead Actors too, so he's still a favorite, Ferguson hasn't won yet, and shame on the Academy for once again ignoring Ed O'Neill, which just sucks as far as I'm concerned. Tony Hale, might have won partially last year for "Arrested Development" but he's back, and Adam Driver, really was amazing on "Girls" this year, expanding a role greatly, from what really wasn't necessarily on the page at the time, this is a wide open race. Armisen took the "SNL" slot, and he plays multiple characters and roles on his show, there's good legitimate for each of these nominees to win; this'll be an interesting one.

Mayim Bialik-"The Big Bang Theory"-CBS
Julie Bowen-"Modern Family"-ABC
Anna Chlumsky-"Veep"-HBO
Allison Janney-"Mom"-CBS
Kate McKinnon-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC
Kate Mulgrew-"Orange is the New Black"-Netflix

Sofia Vergara, the conspicuously absent "Modern Family" name here, but 2-time winner, Julie Bowen, still here. Also absent, one of my favorites, last year's winner Merritt Weaver, from "Nurse Jackie" conspicuously absent. Kate McKinnon's taken the now-arbitrary "SNL" spot here, but despite the show itself, not really getting much attention, most everybody's predicting Allison Janney, a 4-time Emmy winner for "The West Wing", and generally regarded as one of the very best actresses working today, is the favorite for "Mom", with Kate Mulgrew for "Orange is the New Black", looked upon as the strong upset possibility. Although Mayim Bialik got a SAG nomination against lead actress roles earlier this year, and she's got the same TV history pedigree as Janney and Mulgrew, and she's never one, and she's playing against Parsons, who's won three Emmys now, and I still claim has the most difficult acting job around, and hers is just as tricky in my mind. I think it's a three-person race, between Bialik, Janney and Mulgrew, but if Julie Bowen or Anna Chlumsky, pull off the win, it'll be a surefire predictor for Best Comedy.

Episodes-Iain B. MacDonald-'Episode 309'-Showtime
Glee-Paris Barclay-'100'-FOX
Louie-Louis C.K.-'Elevator, Part 6'-FX Networks
Modern Family-Gail Mancuso-'Vegas'-ABC
Orange is the New Black-Jodie Foster-'The Lesbian Request Denied'-Netflix
Silicon Valley-Mike Judge-'Minimum Viable Product-HBO

When checking directing categories, first thing to check if there's anybody around with well-known film/TV names that are nominated. There's a couple there this year, but that said, especially recently, (aka "Modern Family"'s won this, three years straight!) the category is a very good predictor of Best Comedy Series, but Gail Mancuso won this category last year, and unless your name's James Burrows, I doubt anyone's won this category multiple times much less in a row, (Todd Holland's the last person to win this award twice, back in the nineties, and he did it twice over three years) plus there's gotta be some "Modern Family" fatigue, and this would be a good place for them to falter, but still win elsewhere. And, one more Louis C.K. nomination as well, I haven't counted this year, eh, 1,2,3,4, does that include Comedy Series? No, five, five nominations this year, is that the right count? He keeps reeling those in doesn't he?

Episodes: 'Episode 305-David Crane and Jeremy Klarik-Showtime
Louie:'So Did the Fat Lady'-Louie C.K.-FX Networks
Orange is the New Black:'I Wasn't Ready (Pilot)'-Liz Friedman and Jenji Kohan-Netflix
Silicon Valley:'Optimal Tip-To-Tip Efficiency'-Alex Berg-HBO
Veep: 'Special Relationship'-Story: Armando Ianucci; Story/Teleplay: Simon Blackwell and Tony Roche

Only "The Big Bang Theory" and "Modern Family" didn't also get a Series nomination, and strangely "Episodes" was been nominated before here, but still can't seem to break through to too many other categories other than Lead Actor for Matt LeBlanc. Louie C.K.'s won the category before, and he's been nominated the last few years. Eh, it's one of those categories where it's a predictor, especially if "Veep" wins after never getting nominated before, but I tend to lean towards "Orange..." not only because it's a favorite too for Comedy Series, but also because Jenji Kohan never won for "Weeds" all those years, so I think they really are the frontrunners here.

Steve Buscemi-"Portlandia"-IFC
Louis C.K.-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC
Jimmy Fallon-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC
Gary Cole-"Veep"-HBO
Nathan Lane-"Modern Family"-ABC
Bob Newhart-"The Big Bang Theory"-CBS

Last year, the Academy actually listened to me, and gave Bob Newhart his first career Emmy, for his work on "The Big Bang Theory", and now this year, his character made recurring appearances and sure enough he finally won last year. He's up again, as well as Jimmy Fallon, who won for his "SNL" guest spot a couple years back. Buscemi btw, hasn't won an Emmy yet, and for some reason his work on "Boardwalk Empire" has been heavily overlooked in recent years. Gary Cole is the other interesting name; he's a great character actor who seems to have at some point been in everything, so it's good to him nominated for something, and "Veep" is particularly interesting considering he played a Vice President himself on "The West Wing" a few years back. If I were to guess, I'd say it's between Cole, Fallon and C.K., it's hard to beat "SNL" people twice in a row, although, if they want to give another five or six Emmys to Bob Newhart, it might not be the worst thing in the world.

Uzo Aduba-"Orange is the New Black"-Netflix
Laverne Cox-"Orange is the New Black"-Netflix
Joan Cusack-"Shameless"-Showtime
Tina Fey-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC
Natasha Lyonne-"Orange is the New Black"-Netflix
Melissa McCarthy-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC

Three "Orange is the New Black", two "SNL", and one "Shameless". Very interesting. Joan Cusack's nomination is particularly interesting, again because of the "Shameless" switch from drama to comedy, this means Cusack's the first person to be nominated for the same role on the same show, in both a comedy series and a drama series. That's not technically as groundbreaking as Laverne Cox's nomination, making her the first transgendered performer to be nominated, but it's still amazing. I have to believe Cusack's a threat to win since she was beloved enough to be in on Drama, and now that "Shameless" has switched to Drama, it's reasonable to presume that she might be a favorite here, but with "SNL"'s track record, and the three "OITNB" nominees, possibly bumping each other up depending on the episodes they submit, I think this one's really up in the air. Fey's won in the category for "SNL", McCarthy's been a nominee, is this a sign of "Orange..." taking the Emmy from "Modern Family" this year, I don't know. A lot going on.

Breaking Bad-AMC
Downton Abbey-PBS
Game of Thrones-HBO
House of Cards-Netflix
Mad Men-AMC
True Detective-HBO

For the next few weeks, everybody's going to be trying to figure out the scenario where "Breaking Bad" doesn't win. "True Detective" got more nominations for instance, so did "Game of Thrones", but that's a genre show, and it's hard for them to win in the best of circumstances. "House of Cards" is gonna get the big push in the public for the next weeks, honestly, "Breaking Bad"'s gonna win. I mean, I wouldn't bet on it, but it's gonna win.

Bryan Cranston-"Breaking Bad"-AMC
Jeff Daniels-"The Newsroom"-HBO
Jon Hamm-"Mad Men"-AMC
Woody Harrelson-"True Detective"-HBO
Matthew McConaughey-"True Detective"-HBO
Kevin Spacey-"House of Cards"-Netflix

Well, I'm glad to see, just like last year, the best show on TV, "The Newsroom", got recognized here at least. (It's still a crime that it's not up for more.) But anyway, actually I think they pretty good with this category. I'm the one who really didn't like "True Detective" the way others did, but the performances were certainly strong, and both deserve nominations. It's constantly a tough category, and when you consider so many of the others who didn't make it, it becomes even stronger. Jon Hamm, the big one who hasn't won yet, on there. McConaughey won the Oscar this year, and that would be a very rare double if he got both in the same year; I think only Helen Hunt has pulled that off, at least as for Lead Acting in a movie and series. Cranston's last year, of course, Spacey, 2-time Oscar winner, and "House of Cards" is definitely a bigger player and threat to win this year. Last year, was about, finally crowning "Breaking Bad", very few dramas win in their last seasons, not since "The Sopranos", and then you have to go back to the '70s I think, but if it can happen anywhere, this is the show and this is the spot.

Lizzy Caplan-"Masters of Sex"-Showtime
Claire Danes-"Homeland"-Showtime
Michelle Dockery-"Downton Abbey"-PBS
Julianna Margulies-"The Good Wife"-CBS
Kerry Washington-"Scandal"-ABC
Robin Wright-"House of Cards"-Netflix

I guess Michelle Dockery, still showing up here is a bit of surprise, in fact, I'll be honest, I had trouble watching this fourth season of "Downton Abbey", at least at the beginning; I'll give it another shot, but I'm a little surprised it hung in there, and I think it over-performed from expectations anyway. "Homeland" as expected, got ignored pretty much, and it even fell out of Best Drama Series, but I think ruling out Claire Danes, is in general a bad idea. Margulies back in after out for a year, also, a lot of people, thought "The Good Wife" had a shot at doing something very weird, and go from not being nominated when eligible one year, to being eligible the next, that hasn't happened since "Lost" did it a while back. Lizzy Caplan's new, and Connie Britton out for "Nashville", which was already king of a strange nomination to begin with, and there were seven last year if people remember, the 2% rule, and Vera Farmiga and Elisabeth Moss, are very curious and suspicious snubs here though. Robin Wright, seems to be the favorite, although I doubt wants to piss off Diahann Carroll more than once, so just for that I'd say Kerry Washington's gotta be a second choice. Claire Danes, two in a row, but "Homeland" is way down this year, but that's still a complicated character, and Caplan's new, and the things that are making even harder to predict, on top of the Emmys being impossible anyway, Dockery and Margulies's characters, both had a lot to go through this season. Dockery, her husband's death on the series so she's in mourning, Margulies, the storyline with the Josh Charles character who's since departed the show, there's a bit more unpredictability than I think people really are sure about. Robin Wright, I think is the clear favorite by the odds; she won the Globe, but this is a tougher pack of nominees than it looks.

Jim Carter-"Downton Abbey"-PBS
Josh Charles-"The Good Wife"-CBS
Peter Dinklage-"Game of Thrones"-PBS
Mandy Patinkin-"Homeland"-Showtime
Aaron Paul-"Breaking Bad"-AMC
Jon Voight-"Ray Donovan"-Showtime

Josh Charles, in his last season on "The Good Wife" returns to the group of nominees, and I'm glad he is. I've been of his since "Sports Night" and he was amazing on "In Treatment" afterwards, and he's great in everything, and even though I don't care for "The Good Wife" the acting is special and he's really good. (BTW, other strange "The Good Wife" note, Alan Cumming for some reason, didn't submit his name this year; I don't know why that happened or why he chose not to enter, but he's usually on a shortlist for awards no matter role he's in as far as I'm concerned but he took himself out this year. Maybe it conflicts with his Broadway schedule or something; he's doing "Cabaret" if anybody's interested. If anybody knows a backstory on that....) Anyway, Jim Carter, is back, remember Bobby Cannavale won this category last year, for a one-season run on "Boardwalk Empire", and that's a weird thing too, btw, the blurred line between a one-season supporting/lead actor and whether that's a guest actor role or not. Jon Voight, also a new name, and the one of "Ray Donovan" I saw, I liked quite a bit, although curiously, I wasn't bit on Jon Voight in it, but it's Jon Voight, he's got a chance. Peter Dinklage and Aaron Paul have each won, although Dinklage hasn't won against Aaron Paul; he won the year, "Breaking Bad" wasn't eligible, so that's noteworthy, and Mandy Patinkin is beloved by the Emmys, no matter what, since "Chicago Hope", he's probably nominated 'til he wins or "Homeland" becomes completely unwatchable. Aaron Paul, won three times, I think, but he could win again, it's him, Dinklage, Charles, who I think could easily win this, and Voight to me are in the running, although I'm always reluctant to rule out "Downton Abbey", but I think Jim Carter, was more likely to win a few years ago than now, but you never know. He's is good on the show.

Christine Baranski-"The Good Wife"-CBS
Joanne Froggatt-"Downton Abbey"-PBS
Anna Gunn-"Breaking Bad"-AMC
Lena Headey-"Game of Thrones"-HBO
Christina Hendricks-"Mad Men"-AMC
Maggie Smith-"Downton Abbey"-PBS

Joanne Froggatt returned to this category after a year absence, although despite the general over-performing from "Downton Abbey", although the "Game of Thrones" nomination went to Lena Headey, a bit of a surprise there, most had Emilia Clarke from the show returning. I have a hard time finding the scenario where Anna Gunn doesn't repeat though, she was a clear favorite and winner last year, and she might be a bigger one now. Never rule out Maggie Smith, or Christine Baranski though. I had to think that the "Mad Men" record of no acting wins will continue, but I have hard time imagining that if they haven't given it to Hendricks by now, they're probably not giving it to her.

Boardwalk Empire-Tim Van Patten-'Farewell Daddy Blues'-HBO
Breaking Bad-Vince Gilligan-'Felina'-AMC
Downton Abbey-David Evans-'Episode 1'-PBS
Game of Thrones-Neil Marshall-'The Watchers on the Wall'-HBO
House of Cards-Carl Franklin-'Chapter 14-Netflix
True Detective-Cary Joji Fukunaga-'Who Goes There'-HBO

Speaking on what's probably a good Drama Series predictor this year, Franklin and Fukunaga, both fairly respected names in the cinema world, but Vince Gilligan, has been nominated every year "Breaking Bad"'s been eligible for Directing, but hasn't won that specific award yet, and he's up the last time for the series finale. If "House of Cards" or "True Detective" wins it, there's a chance for a spoiler, but don't rule out "Game of Thrones" who could win an award like this, but still lose series for being a little too niche, and Tim Van Patten, former winner, multi-generation name in the industry, and "Boardwalk Empire", including him, has a history of winning in weird, unexpected high-profile places, even when their series, isn't up for Best Series or such (And why isn't it btw, that's a great show to me. I'm two seasons in, and it's-eh, it's got some tough-to-get-through-moments, but overall it's pretty interesting), so they're not to counted out here.

Breaking Bad: 'Ozymandias'-Moira Walley-Beckett-AMC
Breaking Bad: 'Felina'-Vince Gilligan-AMC
Game of Thrones: 'The Children'-David Benioff and D.B. Weiss-HBO
House of Cards: 'Chapter 14'-Beau Willimon-Netflix
True Detective: 'The Secret Fate of All of Life'-Nic Pizzolatto-HBO

I didn't even have to look at the nominees to know "Ozymandias" was nominated, and I probably would've guessed "Felina" and "Chapter 14" from "House of Cards" as well probably. First writing "House of Cards" nomination, Beau Willimon, an Oscar-nominated writer, more proof of the incredible talent going from film to TV, especially in writing, but I'd be surprised if "Breaking Bad", and especially didn't win for "Ozymandias", which has been universally acclaimed, some calling it one of the best TV episodes of all-time, much less of the series, even "True Detective" is gonna have a little trouble with this.

Dylan Baker-"The Good Wife"-CBS
Beau Bridges-"Masters of Sex"-Showtime
Reg E. Cathay-"House of Cards"-Netflix
Paul Giamatti-"Downton Abbey"-PBS
Robert Morse-"Mad Men"-AMC
Joe Morton-"Scandal"-ABC

There's a few Emmy favorites here like Bridges and Giamatti,  and I have a suspicion Robert Morse for his last season on "Mad Men", might be a surprising favorite here. This category's all over the map, even the Goldderby experts are pretty much split on this one, but it seems like Beau Bridges and Morse are the expected favorites, with a few votes coming in for Cathay and Giamatti. I wouldn't rule out Morton, (Although curious that he got the "Scandal" nomination and not last year's winner Dan Bucatinsky) or one of my favorite actors Dylan Baker either so quickly.

Kate Burton-"Scandal"-ABC
Jane Fonda-"The Newsroom"-HBO
Allison Janney-"Masters of Sex"-Showtime
Kate Mara-"House of Cards"-Netflix
Margo Martindale-"The Americans"-FX Networks
Diana Rigg-"Game of Thrones"-HBO

Kate Mara's nomination's a bit interesting, she switched from the Supporting category, where she was snubbed last year to Guest this year, and got in. A lot of people thought "The Americans" might sneak into other categories this year, even some projected them for Best Series, but they didn't get much of anything this year, although Margo Martindale is pretty beloved, I think this is a stretch. Allison Janney is considered a heavy favorite for her role on "Masters of Sex" and if that's the case, being a favorite in Supporting Actress Comedy Series as well, means she can easily win two this year. I wouldn't rule out Jane Fonda though, most thought she should've won last year (Myself included) and I think they might make that up this year, unless somebody really blew the Academy away, so because of that, I think most suspect Janney and Fonda in a two-girl race despite the "House of Cards" and "Game of Thrones" presence.

American Horror Story: Coven-FX Networks
Bonnie & Clyde-Lifetime
Fargo-FX Networks
Luther-BBC America
The White Queen-Starz

I was one of the few that predicted "Treme" getting in for Miniseries, and I've been going back and finally watching that show from the beginning and very impressed with it, and wished I watched more of it at the time. Uh, "Luther" is good too, that's an arbitrary nomination, and another series shoved into miniseries for, whatever reason. "Bonnie & Clyde" got some mixed reviews, but if anybody wins other than "Fargo", I'd be shocked, maybe "American Horror Story..." could finally win, but I doubt it. "Fargo" it's the it show, it's based off a great movie, heavily expanded from it, big stars, etc. Most nominations of any of the nominees, very little reason to believe it won't pull it off here.

Killing Kennedy-National Geographic Channel
Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight-HBO
The Normal Heart-HBO
Sherlock: His Last Vow (Masterpiece)-PBS
The Trip to Bountiful-Lifetime

If anybody other than "The Normal Heart" wins this, it's an upset.

Benedict Cumberbatch-"Sherlock: His Last Vow (Masterpiece)"-PBS
Chiwetel Ejiofor-"Dancing on the Edge"-Starz
Idris Elba-"Luther"-BBC America
Martin Freeman-"Fargo"-FX Networks
Mark Ruffalo-"The Normal Heart"-HBO
Billy Bob Thornton-"Fargo"-FX Networks

Well, let's see. The only one of these I've seen, for this year was Mark Ruffalo's performance, and I think he's got a better than decent chance, but he's up against two from "Fargo", and that's gonna be tough. I've seen a back season of "Luther", which, I don't know why these shows are series either btw, "Sherlock" or "Luther", but Elba's good. Ejiofor, just came off "12 Years a Slave", maybe he got in partly from that, but I think it's between Freeman, Thornton and Ruffalo, most likely. "The Normal Heart" all but a guarantee to win TV movie, and "Fargo", a possible upset from Chiwetel Ejiofor too, but I think it's most likely a winner in that too, one of those three are gonna get Best Actor.

Helena Bonham Carter-"Burton and Taylor"-BBC America
Minnie Driver-"Return to Zero"-Lifetime
Jessica Lange-"American Horror Story: Coven"-FX Networks
Sarah Paulson-"American Horror Story: Coven"-FX Networks
Cicely Tyson-"The Trip to Bountiful"-Lifetime
Kristen Wiig-"The Spoils of Babylon"-IFC

Well, Kristen Wiig, for her Funny or Die miniseries parody "The Spoils of Babylon" has to be the real biggest surprise nominee here, and cool for the Academy to actually think about her as well actually. Lange and Paulson, actually competed against each other, not too long ago, I was reminded when Lange won, for "American Horror Story", and Paulson was up for "Game Change" in the Supporting Actress race. Carter, I'm not sure how well-received "Burton and Taylor" was, but Lange and Paulson, and Cicely Tyson, for "The Trip to Bountiful" which she did originally on Broadway, and then Lifetime, adapted to a TV feature, and that was already, a well-regarded role, even before this Broadway run, when Geraldine Page won an Oscar for the role; it's from a Horton Foote play, who's regarded as one of the greater American modern playwrights, and she usually has a habit of doing very well at the Emmys also.

Matt Bomer-"The Normal Heart"-HBO
Martin Freeman-"Sherlock: His Last Vow (Masterpiece)"-PBS
Colin Hanks-"Fargo"-FX Networks
Joe Mantello-"The Normal Heart"-HBO
Alfred Molina-"The Normal Heart"-HBO
Jim Parsons-"The Normal Heart"-HBO

Uh, a couple scenarios to keep an eye on, Martin Freeman, could strangely win, Lead Actor and Supporting Actor for a Miniseries/Movie in the same year if he wins for "Sherlock" and "Fargo", which isn't out of the question, and I seriously doubt that's ever happened before. And Jim Parsons can win multiple acting Emmys in the same year for Miniseries/Movie and for a regular TV series; that hasn't happened since Stockard Channing did that in '02 with Supporting Actress for "The West Wing" and for "The Matthew Shepherd Story". That said, the most likely scenario, despite Colin Hanks's "Fargo" nomination (And he's underrated as an actor in general btw) but somebody from "The Normal Heart" is probably gonna win, and-eh, Matt Bomer is probably the most likely one, although Parsons renewed his role from the stage performance, he might have a better-than-average shot than most think, especially if some think he might not win for "The Big Bang Theory" this year, but I think most consider Bomer's performance the most physically tough and demanding of the nominees, so he's probably the most likely winner here, but it's "The Normal Heart" all the way. Hard to split against four nominees, in the category, somebody will win from it.

Angela Bassett-"American Horror Story: Coven"-FX Networks
Kathy Bates-"American Horror Story: Coven"-FX Networks
Ellen Burstyn-"Flowers in the Attic"-Lifetime
Frances Conroy-"American Horror Story: Coven"-FX Networks
Julia Roberts-"The Normal Heart"-HBO
Alison Tolman-"Fargo"-FX Networks

Tough category. Ellen Burstyn was a surprise winner last year in this category people may remember for the canceled series "Political Animals" which USA Network decided to submit as a miniseries, and just like how they did that with "The Starter Wife" years ago, they got an acting award out of it, and here she's playing "Flowers in the Attic" in a very different more villainous role. Alison Tolman right now, is the early favorite as her role on "Fargo", and newcomers have a tendency for upset in these miniseries categories, but this is a loaded field. "American Horror Story: Coven" got three nominations in, and they've won an acting award here and there, mostly Jessica Lange, but they're definitely viable. I've only seen "The Normal Heart" myself, and Julia Roberts performance is good, I'm not as sold on her winning, especially in this crowd, but it was solid as well, and she hasn't won anything in a while, and it's a bit surprising to see her even doing television much; Ryan Murphy of course directed her in "Eat, Pray, Love" but still, they might honor a rare TV appearance from her, I think it's a longshot though.

American Horror Story: Coven: "Bitchcraft"-Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk-FX Network
Fargo: 'The Crocodile's Dilemma'-Noah Hawley-FX Network
Luther-Neil Cross-BBC America
The Normal Heart-Larry Kramer-HBO
Sherlock: His Last Vow (Masterpiece)-Steven Moffat-PBS
Treme: '...To Miss New Orleans'-David Simon and Eric Overmyer-HBO

Some real talent here too. Uh, Larry Kramer, is a beloved and honored playwright; he adapted his own work for "The Normal Heart". I'm not sure if that's gonna be the thing that's a detriment to him, or it's gonna win him the award, but "American Horror Story..." finally got a writing nomination, "Fargo", favorite in the miniseries, "Sherlock..." could win, Steven Moffat's a great writer. David Simon, for the last season of "Treme", I think it's a longshot at best, but they might finally honor him; I know a lot of "The Wire" fans out there, would probably be happy to see him, but I don't think that's gonna happen. 

American Horror Story: Coven-Alfonso Gomez-Rejon-'Bitchcraft'-FX Networks
Fargo-Adam Bernstein-'The Crocodile's Dilemma'-FX Networks
Fargo-Colin Bucksey-'Buridan's Ass'-FX Networks
Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight-Stephen Frears-HBO
The Normal Heart-Ryan Murphy-HBO
Sherlock: His Last Vow (Masterpiece)-Nick Hurran-PBS

I gotta give credit to Ryan Murphy here, I normally can't stand him, but I did think "The Normal Heart" was quite good, he's up against his miniseries, "American Horror Story: Coven", this one's called, but that has little shot at winning. Stephen Frears, great director, multiple Oscar nominated director, always look out for them, but in this case, against two "Fargo" nominees, "The Normal Heart" and a "Sherlock", and with "Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight" only getting TV Movie and Director nods, I think we can safely list him as an also-ran this year.

The Colbert Report-Comedy Central
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart-Comedy Central
Jimmy Kimmel Live-ABC
Real Time with Bill Maher-HBO
Saturday Night Live-NBC
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon-NBC

First time "The Tonight Show..."'s been nominated since Conan O'Brien's short, yet notorious hosting reign, but other than that, despite apparently "Portlandia" seeming to have close to sneaking into the category, it's technically the same six as last year, although caveat, "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" wasn't eligible, and I suspect next year, he's likely to push one of these out, and I'm looking at you Jimmy Kimmel. You've been fooling them long enough, you've been bribing somebody to get in here, but you can't compete with "The Daily Show" and two of their acolytes,- Hey, Bill, where you going? Bill? Bill!? C'mon, Bill Maher, you're not going- Oh, C'mon! You're funnier than him, no, no, no! I know you haven't won, but you will one day! No! NO! NO! Come back! OH! Hi, John, I'm glad you're here. (Pouting.) Great to see you apart of this, truly. (Evil look towards Kimmel) I really don't get how Kimmel keeps getting in here. It's true btw, Bill Maher's total is up to 32 nominations, never won. Hopefully he'll get it for "Vice", I guess. As to the winner this year, Fallon might have a shot, but I suspect it's "The Daily Show" either coming back, or "The Colbert Report" repeating from last year's monumental win that ended "The Daily Show"'s decade-long streak.

AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Mel Brooks-TNT
The Beatles: The night That Changed America-CBS
Best of "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" Primetime Special-NBC
Billy Crystal: 700 Sundays-HBO
The Kennedy Center Honors-CBS
Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles-HBO

I don't know why in particular "The Kennedy Center Honors" always wins this award, but I like watching it every year, I didn't see the AFI tribute, I wish I did though. Loved Billy Crystal's one-man show on HBO; I love Sarah Silverman, but I'm a little surprised to see her here. I think her nomination, benefitted most from, a different technique for shooting a stand-up special, I have a feeling, although I did love her stand-up, but still, a little surprised. Tough to bet against the continuous winners, so to play it safe, go with "The Kennedy Center Honors", eh, if you want to gamble, eh, I don't know, throw a dart at this one, you never know.

The 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards-NBC
The Oscars-ABC
Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony-NBC
The Sound of Music Live!-NBC
67th Annual Tony Awards-CBS

Anybody think the "The Sound of Music Live!" should've been submitted in TV Movie category? I guess it's a little debatable, um, I have a hard time imagining the Olympics winning this one. The Tonys have been winning this occasionally, I think they also should for this year. Globes were good, not perfect, Oscars very good, not perfect, they could steal it. It's "The Sound of Music Live!" vs. the "67th Annual Tony Awards". What can you say, the musical productions, they're special.

The Colbert Report-James Hoskinson-'Episode 9135'-Comedy Central
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart-Chuck O'Neil-'Episode 18153-Comedy Central
Portlandia-Jonathan Krisel-'Getting Away'-IFC
Saturday Night Live-Don Roy King-'Host: Jimmy Fallon'-NBC
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon-Dave Diomedi-'Episode 1'-NBC

Uh, Don Roy King, for "Saturday Night Live" keeps winning this award. He's done it four years straight, Jonathan Krisel and Dave Diomedi's names are new. If they want to give "...Jimmy Fallon" something, this is an interesting spot here. It would be for Fallon's premiere episode, most everybody would've seen it. Uh, "SNL" though, live show, multiple camera, multiple sets, people in the know realize the difficulties in his work compared to others (shrugs) I don't know. Tough one there.

The Colbert Report-Head Writer: Opus Moreschi; Writers: Stephen Colbert, et. al.-Comedy Central
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart-Head Writers: Elliott Kalan and Tim Carvell, Writers: Jon Stewart, et. al.-Comedy Central
Inside Amy Shumer-Head Writer: Jessi Klein; Writer: Amy Schumer, et. al.-Comedy Central
Key & Peele-Writers: Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, et. al.-Comedy Central
Portlandia-Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein, Jonathan Krisel, Graham Wagner and Karey Dornetto-IFC
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon-Head Writer: AD Miles; Writers: Jimmy Fallon-NBC

Yeah, this is something that's a little, uh, unusual, but even during "The Daily Show..."'s unbelievable streak, they wouldn't win the Writing Emmy every year, occasionally "The Colbert Report" would win it occasionally, I think Conan O'Brien, took it one year, and also occasionally there'd be a strange nominee in there. "Portlandia"'s had it the last couple years, but "Key & Peele" got in this year, and "Inside Amy Schumer" got in, both of them have to be considered longshots, but it's nice to see them here. (Honestly a part of me, thought there was a chance that Amy Schumer was gonna get a Best Actress nomination, 'cause that sixth nomination that, this time, Melissa McCarthy got, was really up in the air, and ever since Sarah Silverman got that weird nomination, it's always in the back of my mind, the Comedy Central out-of-nowhere nomination, but not this time, she got in here.) Anyway, with three writing nominees not nominated for Best Variety Series, clear sign of what we figured, Colbert, Stewart and Fallon, are the favorites, and I wouldn't be so shocked, if "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" stole this award this year. Maybe even Best Variety Series, but I think that's a stretch, but when they want to honor a Variety Show, especially in "The Daily Show" era, they will giving them the Writing Emmy once in a while, so....

67th Annual Tony Awards-Glenn Weiss-CBS
The Beatles: The Night that Changed America-Gregg Gefland-CBS
The Kennedy Center Honors-Louis J. Horvitz-CBS
The Oscars-Hamish Hamilton-ABC
Six by Sondheim-James Lapine-HBO
The Sound of Music Live!-Dir.: Beth McCarthy-Miller; Theatrical Dir.: Rob Ashford-NBC

I'm a little surprise "Six by Sondheim" got in, but other than that, Louis J. Horvitz, gotta love him, he's usually the guy directing the Emmys, so it's always fun to mention him, 'cause he usually gets his Emmy while in the directing chair, so that's always fun, and "The Kennedy Center Honors" has often taken this damn thing. Also, Beth McCartney-Miller, eight nominations over her career, including the last three years for directing "30 Rock", never won, for some reason, one of the best overall TV directors, does live-action, like a "The Sound of Music" theatrical production, which has to be very tough to do, and I'd like to see her get it.

67th Annual Tony Awards-Dave Boone; Special Material: Paul Greenberg-CBS
The 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards-Barry Adelman; Special Material: Tina Fey, et. al.-NBC
The Beatles: The Night That Changed America-Ken Ehrlich and David Wild-CBS
Billy Crystal: 700 Sundays-Billy Crystal-HBO
Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles-Sarah Silverman-HBO

Hmm. Curious that The Oscars didn't get in here? Ellen DeGenerous has won a Writing Emmy here and there, but I guess it's hard to sneak in pass The Beatles. Harder than that, it's tough to taking a writing nomination spot away from Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. (And Seth Meyers, the Emmy host this year, he was on that writing team too for the Globes).

The Amazing Race-CBS
Dancing with the Stars-ABC
Project Runway-Lifetime
So You Think You Can Dance-FOX
Top Chef-Bravo
The Voice-NBC

No surprises here, the same six for the third year in a row, and frankly it should be- well, I don't know why the hell "Dancing with the Stars" keeps getting in, but other than that, it's the ones that should be in there. (Well, it hard thinking of a decent sixth to put in with the rest of these nominees, but still..., "Dancing with the Stars"? [Shrugs]) "The Amazing Race" has only lost this award, twice, once to "Top Chef" once last year to "The Voice", frankly I think, while "The Amazing Race" isn't bad, I think it's still quite, I think fatigued has started setting in on that show. I know, I've skipped a couple runs of it lately; it's not bad, it's just gotten tiresome, and sometimes that happens with even the best shows, you just get tired of them after a while. I'm hoping this is "Project Runway"'s year, finally; I think "The Voice" is down a bit this year as well, but I think it's still the favorite,- I don't know, this year. They could go back to "The Amazing Race", the could switch it up to "Project Runway", maybe "The Voice" is still big and popular but, it's been a long year since they won, and they had already won, for the year after they really should've, so I think this is a bit of an open category this year, and I'm kinda looking around to see if the tea leaves have changed, but it might be wishful thinking too.

Antiques Roadshow-PBS
Diners, Drive-ins and Dives-Food Network
Mythbusters-Discovery Channel
Shark Tank-ABC
Undercover Boss-CBS
Who Do You Think You Are-TLC

It doesn't particularly look like a big change if you look at nominees compared to last year at least, too much, but they decided to separate the category this year into "Structured Reality Program" and "Unstructured Reality Program", this year, and I guess if you're thinking of this in terms of a documentary perhaps, basically if the differences between having a relative format and some preparation done for a TV show, more like, let's do this, and then let's film, while un-structured is basically, people doing their regular things, and then, let's turn on a camera. It's cinema verite vs. a more structured documentary, and they decided to separated them, and it makes sense, really. There's a different kind of appeal and reason you're watching a show like "Antiques Roadshow" or "Mythbusters", or last year's winner "Undercover Boss", than their is for "The Real Housewives of..." wherever, or something along those lines. And actually it opens up the category for other shows, these are all six shows, that were nominated before, for "Reality Program" and now they're in "Structured Reality Program"; there was clearly a preference for these shows, maybe deservedly so 'cause there is more filmmaking involving, and structuring a show, and I think that that's generally appreciated more from the TV and film communities, the way they make a show, the artistry and the ideas behind them, they're more onscreen to an eye like mine, than other shows, which are more about the content that happens to be captures, and there's an art to that too, and just like structured reality a lot of it is in the editing room, (I say reality TV shows editors are the best in the business, and I stand by that) but it's an interesting and more nuanced change to me.

Alaska: The Last Frontier-Discovery Channel
Deadliest Catch-Discovery Channel
Flipping Out-Bravo
Million Dollar Listing New York-Bravo
Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan-BBC America

Well, just like how there were a few big names in the Structured Reality Category. (I didn't list producers, but Lisa Kudrow, Dan Bucatinsky, Scott Cooper, Mark Burnett Guy Fieri among others names in these category listed as producers for some of those shows, and people like Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Bill Maher, Whoopi Goldberg, Seth MacFarlane, James Lipton, Anthony Bourdain, Barbara Kopple, etc.)They're nominated in some form of anorth for these more documentary or reality programs among other categories, and don't forget internet programming either. I had a feeling "Flipping Out" would show up, and I'm glad it did, I'm a big fan of Jeff Lewis and that show of his, the new "Wahlburgers" is an interesting one, another one where some big names got in. Still, this is basically a dart shot as far as predicting; we just don't know. Only "Deadliest Catch" has won Reality before, the only one that was ever nominated before in fact. I think "Wahlburgers", might win, maybe the "Alaska" one could win, but I notice two shows about the real estate industry and they're both on Bravo, and while I haven't seen "Million Dollar Listing..." I'm sure the shows are in some way connected, or paralleling each other, so my guess would be that those are the shows that are most watch by the Academy, now that could either split the vote between and put something or it might be a "The Daily Show..." /"The Colbert Report" kinda thing, where one's dominant and they may eventually switch off or something. Again, we'll see and find out; uncharted territory in the meantime. And either way, I believe both of these categories are big and important enough to be on the main show, and not necessarily on the Creative Arts Emmys.

Tom Bergeron-"Dancing with the Stars"-ABC
Anthony Bourdain-"The Taste"-ABC
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn-"Project Runway"-Lifetime
Jane Lynch-"Hollywood Game Night"-NBC
Betty White-"Betty White's Off Their Rockers"-Lifetime

I was happy that I correctly predicted Jane Lynch to get in here, but other than that, no real change from last year, and I don't know Anthony Bourdain keeps getting nominated for "The Taste"; I wouldn't have even know he was a host, and I thought the show was cancelled. (Now that I'm thinking about it, why don't Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio get nominated here more often. I know they were in once, but none since?) Uh, Bergeron's won it once, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn won the award last year, finally "Project Runway" won something. Betty White, maybe, but it's an arbitrary nomination for her, although she does on the daytime side, have a Game Show Hosting Emmy, not everybody knows that, but, I think, Bergeron, Cat Deeley, who does multiple shows on both sides of the pond as a reality host and is very good at all of them, I think she's due. Maybe the give it to Jane Lynch, but, I don't know. Bourdain's nominated for other awards on his better shows, I doubt he's a real contender here.

Now, those above are most of the main Awards, a few extras that should also get attention and notoriety and awareness as well, and you know, people realize that, the Emmys, really do cover, as much as possible. Usually everything. I once talked about somebody how their shows were never nominated, and I asked him what he watch, and he said the Science Channel, and I looked it up, "Oh they've been nominated"! This show, that show, etc. and well, he still didn't like the Emmys, 'cause he wondered why the shows he wanted weren't on TV on the main show, but you know, you put on the most popular and most important, and simple as that, but his point is valid, in that we really watch all of TV. We may not think we do, but you pry somebody long enough, who does watch reality television, you'll find that they watch something that's in the reality realm, guaranteed. We watch, all of television, and there's a lot of good shows and amazing work being done across the board, and we did in here, so we're gonna highlight, some more than others awards, that many might not think about or even know about, but they're just as interesting if not moreso than some of the main awards, and you'd be surprised at the level of talent involved in some of them, so keep an eye on these categories.

Chris Diamantapolous-"Disney Mickey Mouse": 'The Adorable Couple'-Disney Channel
Stephen Full-"Dog with a Blog": 'My Parents Posted What?!'-Disney Channel
Seth Green-"Robot Chicken DC Comics Special II: Villains in Paradise"-Cartoon Network
Maurice LaMarche-"Futurama": 'Calculon 2.0'-Comedy Central
Seth MacFarlane-"Family Guy": 'In Harmony's Way'-FOX
Harry Shearer-"The Simpsons": 'Four Regrettings and a Funeral'-FOX

There was a slight change in this category this year, after Lily Tomlin won last year for narrating a documentary, as instead of just "Voice-Over Performance", we now have a Character Voice-Over Performace", and a new category for Best Narrator. This hypothetically should open it up for Harry Shearer who is one of the few regulars on "The Simpsons" to have never won the Emmy, so it's past his due. Mauriche LaMarche though, "Futurama" recently canceled, he's won multiple times in the past, he's also probably considered somewhat of a respectable favorite in the category.

Archer-"Archer Vice: The Rules of Extraction"-FX Networks
Bob's Burgers-"Mazel Tina"-FOX
Futurama-"Meanwhile"-Comedy Central
South Park-"Black Friday"-Comedy Central
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Manhattan Project-"Nickelodeon"

One of these days, somebody's gotta explain to me, both, why they only honor a single episode of an Animated Program, (Which is why an animated special can get in here sometimes, or whatever the hell the Ninja Turtles somehow submitted that somehow snuck in on this) and not an entire season of a series, and why these are like a separate category or,- I don't know, there was the one year, "Family Guy" got into Comedy Series, and I guess they and "The Simpsons" submit there and these shows submit here-, and they can't submit in both or- I don't know what-the-hell it is. (And why could "Regular Show" submit here last year, but in short-form Animation this year? The animation branch needs some rules overhauling) Anyway, we've said it before, but this might be "Futurama"'s last nomination, sentimental vote is probably heading their way. "South Park" won last year, although "Bob's Burger's" is the one I'm watching most often nowadays, and seems to have a really POV and sense of comedy and characters that I haven't seen before; I would be shocked if they were a player. "Archer" finally got nominated in this category though, about time! They should've been a regular in this years ago.

Adventure Time-"Be More"-Cartoon Network
Disney Mickey Mouse-"O Sole Minnie"-Disney Channel
Disney Phineas and Ferb-"Thanks but No Thanks"-Disney Channel
Regular Show-"The Last Laserdisc Player"-Cartoon Network
Robot Chicken-"Born Again Virgin Christmas Special-Cartoon Network

One of these I'm gonna watch "Phineas and Ferb" and figure out what the hell that is, but, "...Mickey Mouse" won last year, and it's Cartoon Network vs. Disney Channel, pretty much. Can't imagine this category changing much from that for the next few years, unless the internet starts getting involved a bit more.

"Bigger!"-"67th Annual Tony Awards"-Music: Tom Kitt; Lyric: Lin-Manuel Miranda
"No Trouble"-"A Christmas Carol-The Concert"-Music: Bob Christianson; Lyric: Alisa Hauser-PBS
"Les Mis"-"Key &Peele": 'Substitute Teacher #3'-Music: Joshua Funk; Lyric: Rebecca Drysdale-Comedy Central
"Home for the Holiday (Twin Bed)"-"Saturday Night Live": 'Host: Jimmy Fallon'-Music: Eli Brueggemann; Lyrics: Chris Kelly, Sarah Schneider, Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon-NBC
"Merroway Cove"-"Sofia the First": 'The Floating Palace'-Music: John William Kavanaugh; Lyric: Craig Berger-Disney Channel
"Day is Gone"-"Sons of Anarchy": 'A Mother's Work'-Music & Lyric: Bob Thiele, Noah Gunderson and Kurt Sutter-FX Networks

Sometimes there's interesting people in this category. People as varied as Randy Newman, Justin Timberlake, Alan Menken, Sarah Silverman, Seth Meyers, Adam Sandberg, Paul Williams, Stephen Poliakoff and Seth MacFarlane have either been nominated or won Emmys in this category. I'm not sure exactly how Kurt Sutter fans feel that this might be "Sons of Anarchy" best chance they'll and him ever get at possibly winning an Emmy, but "Day is Gone" is actually a good song, but I've been singing "Bigger!" the opening number from last year's Tonys, (Not this years, last one's) since then, it's been stuck in my head. By the way, I'm not sure how Key and Peele's song qualifies as original music;  that was a decent, parody of the "Les Mis" medley of music, but it was basically taking the music and cues and notes from the original songs and re-doing the words, right? Is that really Original Music? Just asking, I don't know? Either way, I'd be shocked if anyone other than "Bigger!" or "Day is Gone" won the award, and I think "Bigger!" is a pretty big favorite actually.

Daniel Craig-"One Life"-Nat Geo WILD
Whoopi Goldberg-"Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley"-HBO
Jeremy Irons-"Game of Lions"-Nat Geo WILD
Jane Lynch-"Penguins: Waddle All the Way"-Discovery Channel
Henry Strozier-"Too Cute!": 'Holiday Special'-Animal Planet

I had to look up almost all of these programs that got nominations in the new category of "Outstanding Narrator". I had seen "Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley", which I think is an absolute must-watch, especially if you don't know who Moms Mabley was, and even if you do, there's startling little that we do know, so I was thinking Whoopi Goldberg, but then I looked up a thirty second commercial for "Too Cute!" on Animal Planet, and that was just so cu-ute! Ah, the little puppies playing, and ah, that's so cute! LOLOL, ah, he fell. Oh, not the other puppies are consoling him, ah, they're sleeping. Ah! That is so cute! Oh, there's cute, and pretty, awe. I'm gonna watch that, again. Ah, they're so cute. (20 minutes later)... Ah, so cute. What was I talking about? Oh, the narrator category, you know, Bob Saget wasn't in, thought he'd get in for "How I-..." what's that show? I forget now. The one, that-, yeah that one. Um, (smacks lips) is there any more of that "Too Cute!" show on Youtube, or something? There is? Ah, that's so cute, aah, look at that, awe that's cute.... Awe.....

30 for 30 Shorts-ESPN
Comedians in Cars Getting
COSMOS: A National Geographic Deeper
I Was There: Boston Marathon
Jay Leno's
Park Bench with Steve Buscemi-AOL

Comedy Central's @midnight-Comedy Central/Funny or Die
Game of Thrones Premiere: Facebook Live and Instagram-HBO
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Digital Experience-NBC

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galiflanakis: President Barack
Children's Hospital-Adult Swim
Parks and Rec in
The Soup: True Detective-E!
Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show Starring Bruno Mars-FOX

JFK (American Experience)-PBS
Paycheck to Paycheck: The Life and Times of Katrina Gilbert-HBO
Running from Crazy-OWN
The Sixties: The Assassination of President Kennedy-CNN
The Square-Netflix
Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley-HBO

American Masters-PBS
COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey-FOX/National Geographic
Pioneers of Television-PBS
The World Wars-HISTORY
Years of Living Dangerously-Showtime

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown-CNN
Inside the Actors Studio-Bravo
Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman-Science Channel
The Writer's Room-Sundance Channel

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown: 'Congo'-Anthony Bourdain-CNN
COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey: 'Standing Up in the Milky Way'-Ann Druyan and Steven Soter-FOX/National Geographic
JFK (American Experience)-Mark Zwonitzer-PBS
The World Wars: 'Trial By Fire'-Head Writers: Stephen David and David C. White; Writers: John Ealer, et. al.-HISTORY
Years of Living Dangerously: 'The Surge'-Adam Bolt-Showtime

COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey: 'Standing Up in the Milky Way'-Alan Silvestri-FOX/National Geographic
Downton Abbey: 'Episode 8'-John Lunn-PBS
Game of Thrones: 'The Mountain and the Viper'-Ramin Djawadi-HBO
House of Cards: 'Chapter 26'-Jeff Beal-Netflix
True Detective: 'Form and Void'-T Bone Burnett-HBO

Hey pay attention to all these music categories, this is where most of the EGOT winners get their awards, don't forget, and T Bone Burnett could get real close to it if he wins.

American Horror Story: Coven: 'The Seven Wonders'-James Levine-FX Networks
Clear History-Ludovic Bource-HBO
Fargo: 'The Crocodile's Dilemma-Jeff Russo-FX Networks
Herblock: The Black & the White-Rob Mathes-HBO
Sherlock: His Last Vow (Masterpiece)-Dan Arnold and Michael Price-PBS
The White Queen: 'The Final Battle-John Lunn-Starz

67th Annual Tony Awards-Elliot Lawrence & Jamie Lawrence-CBS
Barbara Streisand: Back to Brooklyn (Great Performances)-William Ross-PBS
The Beatles: The Night That Changed America-Don Was-CBS
The Oscars-William Ross-ABC
Saturday Night Live: 'Host: Jimmy Fallon'-Lenny Pickett, Leon Pendarvis and Eli Brueggemann-NBC
The Sound of Music Live!-David Chase-NBC

Black Sails-Julian Bear McCreary-Starz
COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey-Alan Silvestri-FOX/National Geographic
Magic City-Daniele Luppi-Starz
Sleepy Hollow-Brian Tyler and Robert Grant Lydecker-FOX
The Spoils of Babylon-Andrew Feltenstein and John Nau-IFC

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