by Tyler Glover & Julian Spivey The ENTIRE Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series Category When the nominations for this category were being read off, I kept getting more excited! When it ended, I realized I love and adore every actress nominated. Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, Selena Gomez, Maya Rudolph, Jean Smart and Kristen Wiig. I have watched “Abbott Elementary,” “Only Murders In The Building,” “The Bear” and “Hacks.” I am not entirely caught up on “Abbott Elementary” or “The Bear,” but I know these are all deserving nominees. The two actresses for whom I have not watched the projects for which they are nominated are Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig. I, of course, LOVE them so much from “Saturday Night Live” and one of my favorite movies, “Bridesmaids.” I aim to get to “Loot” and “Palm Royale” before Emmy night, but I know from a personal perspective that I cannot be upset with any of these fantastic actresses winning. TG Reservation Dogs After two years of being one of the best shows on television without being nominated for anything at the Emmy Awards, “Reservation Dogs” finally received a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series for its third and final season. The FX production on Hulu probably got in because some Emmy favorites in “Ted Lasso,” “Barry” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” all ended last year. Still, seeing the show about a group of Indigenous kids in Oklahoma finally get its due is a thrill. There were still many snubs from this show that make me want to scream into the void like Devery Jacobs not receiving a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy despite being better than most of those nominated, but for now, let’s focus on the fact that the nomination might get many who have never seen this gem of a series to watch. JS The Bear “The Bear” is a show that I initially did not get into at all. I watched the first episode months ago and was reminded of all the trauma you experience working in the food industry. I have worked in the food service industry for 20 years and couldn’t believe how accurate it was ... almost too precise for me to enjoy. I decided to give the show another chance, and I’m so glad I did. It may start as rocky as many of my shifts have, but we slowly begin to see a family grow in this family of chefs. I love how the show portrays finding a family with people who aren’t family. I now have the best work experience, and we are a family. We have been there through the death of a co-worker, engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, pregnancies, births, and team outings. This show makes me smile now; the writing, directing and acting are top-notch. I am so glad it racked up the most ever nominations for a comedy series with 23. TG Hannah Einbinder There is nobody on television better than Hannah Einbinder who hasn’t already won an Emmy for their current performances. Einbinder has been a revelation for three seasons on the Max comedy “Hacks” as Ava Daniels, a young writer who helps comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart, who has won two Emmys for the role) flesh out her material and make it more relevant to today’s world. Nobody on TV makes me laugh more than Einbinder as Daniels. Einbinder was nominated for the show’s first two seasons, losing to Hannah Waddingham of “Ted Lasso” in 2021 and Sheryl Lee Ralph of “Abbott Elementary” in 2022. I’m not sure I’d consider Einbinder the favorite in the category that includes legends Meryl Streep (“Only Murders in the Building”) and Carol Burnett (“Palm Royale), but she should be. JS Baby Reindeer It wasn’t a shock that Netflix’s limited series “Baby Reindeer” racked up 11 Emmy nominations in the limited series categories, as it’s probably the favorite in most of those categories. However, I’m still thrilled to see all the love the show has gotten. “Baby Reindeer” is based on the true story (though a fictionalized version) of how Richard Gadd, who wrote and stars as the lead, was stalked by a woman he met as a bartender in a London pub. The show's performances were terrific, resulting in nominations for Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau and Tom Goodman-Hill. It’s a tough watch but a well-made and told one that’ll likely see Gadd as one of the biggest stars come Emmy night. JS The Morning Show Apple TV+’s “The Morning Show” received 16 Emmy nominations this year, including many acting nominations. I was thrilled to see many of the cast recognized (Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Jon Hamm, Nicole Beharie, Greta Lee, Karen Pittman, Holland Taylor and Marcia Gay Harden). I thought the third season of “The Morning Show” was its best yet and it seems the Emmys agree since this is the most nominations this show has ever received for a single season. What I loved about this season is that it took hot-button issues in the United States today and made us look at it from the perspective of: “What if this was our family?” You have your political beliefs and know what is right and wrong and what is reprehensible. How is your judgment changed when someone you love is entangled in something you don’t believe in? Do you abandon all of your beliefs because of your family, or do you stick to your guns about right and wrong? I can't entirely agree with the actions taken by some of the characters in this season, but it is intriguing to see how our moral compass can be changed and what sacrifices we can make for the ones we love. What made this worthwhile, though, is that the truth did come out. TG Christopher Storer & Joanna Calo “The Bear” already got some love in this piece. Still, I have to point out the nomination showrunner Christopher Storer and Joanna Calo received for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for the episode “Fishes,” the sixth episode of the second season. There have been many perfect episodes of “The Bear” in the show’s first two seasons (I’m still currently watching season three, but season two is the one nominated), but “Fishes” might be the best. It’s a devastating flashback episode of a family Christmas dinner at the Berzatto residence that explains what we’ve come to know of Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) specifically. The episode has become known for its all-star-studded guest cast that includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Jon Bernthal, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, John Mulaney, and Gillian Jacobs, most of whom had never been seen on the show. But the ridiculously awesome thing is how Storer and Calo have fleshed these characters out so much that you instantly feel you know them. It’s one of the most heart-pounding episodes of television I’ve ever seen. JS Late Show with Stephen Colbert & Late Night with Seth Meyers This year’s Emmy ceremony will mark the second one since the academy broke up the variety series into talk and sketch, which moved HBO’s “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” to the sketch category, thus opening up the chance for more traditional late-night variety shows to win Emmys. The first winner after that change was Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” for Trevor Noah’s final season as its host. I hope frequent nominees “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” which both have been doing a fantastic job for a decade now, will have the opportunity to see some Emmy love. However, with Jon Stewart returning to host an episode per week of “The Daily Show” this year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Emmy voters revert to how they once filled out their ballots in the years before John Oliver began to dominate. JS Red, White, and Royal Blue
I was so excited that four of my Emmy wishes came true. I am beyond thrilled “Red, White, and Royal Blue” was nominated. The film about the son of the President of the United States and the Prince of England falling in love was such a sweet romantic comedy that I feel should be watched repeatedly. The chemistry between actors Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez was electric, and this film was so successful that a sequel was announced. Representation is so important in media. I know there are people in America who feel gay people should not be in films, but art should reflect the world we live in. Regardless of personal beliefs, people should be able to watch movies with characters that represent them. We all deserve to be seen and heard. TG Jane Lynch In the early 2000s, I loved watching the original “The Weakest Link” show on NBC with host Anne Robinson. Her biting remarks and lack of emotion always made me laugh. When I heard it was getting rebooted with Emmy-winner Jane Lynch, I could not have been more thrilled. What a perfect replacement. Jane Lynch has carried over her Sue Sylvester persona from the Fox hit show, “Glee” and making America fall in love with her all over again. Lynch was also fantastic as the host of “Hollywood Game Night.” I love her so much and am thrilled to see her nominated here even though the show wasn’t nominated for Outstanding Game Show. That shows that the Academy recognizes her talent and how she elevates everything she is in. TG
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Our Emmy Nomination Wishlist Includes Hacks, Reservation Dogs, Selena Gomez & Kristen Wiig7/16/2024 by Tyler Glover & Julian Spivey The Bear for Everything The second season of “The Bear,” an FX production on Hulu, was one of the most stunning and greatest seasons of television I’ve ever seen. It will be nominated for almost every category it submitted for, including Outstanding Comedy Series, both lead actor/actress, supporting actor/actress, guest actor/actress and directing/writing. So, it’s taking up a spot here that I could’ve used for more of a “dream” nominee, like with the other four of my picks on this list. But I couldn’t ignore perfection and that was what season two of “The Bear,” the season that’s eligible, was. However, the question could be whether it will garner enough votes to win many awards. The third season aired before voting for season two and some folks finding it less than the first two seasons could impact voting. But the thing that I think could more so affect the voting is the constant complaining from some about how the show has been mischaracterized as a comedy. To that, I say, the show may not be your typical sitcom, but it certainly has comical moments, and do you want to not award a show simply because you don’t think it makes you belly laugh enough? There may be enough voters that feel that way to keep it from winning, but tomorrow, it’ll probably be the most overall nominated series on television. JS Hacks for Outstanding Comedy Series Throughout television history, many shows have had stellar first and even great second seasons but tend to fall apart in their third season. It takes an incredible writing team to keep the momentum going for a show and to continue to tell stories that captivate the audiences and deliver quality television. Max’s hilarious show, “Hacks,” is one of these shows that continues to get better and better. The comedic duo of two-time Emmy winner Jean Smart and Emmy nominee Hannah Einbinder remains fresh and hilarious. The show continues to evolve the characters and move them into different aspects of the entertainment business, keeping us on our toes with how these complex women will handle their careers and relationships. This is one of the rare shows I binge-watch when a season comes out, and then I feel incredibly sad that it is over. This show has been nominated for its first two seasons and should be nominated again. I know “The Bear” is the favorite to win this year, but I would love to see “Hacks” win for Comedy Series. TG Reservation Dogs for As Many Comedy Categories As It Can “Reservation Dogs,” another FX production that streamed on Hulu, has been right up there with “The Bear” as the best TV show of the last few years. And for some reason, one I can only chalk up to voters not caring about the lives of Native Americans (seriously, watch the show, and you tell me why), it hasn’t received the universal love that “The Bear” has. In fact, “Reservation Dogs” didn’t receive a single major Emmy nomination for its first two seasons despite appearing on numerous critical “best of” lists. The third season, the show’s last, which aired last fall, was a perfect sendoff for this quietly perfect series about a group of Native kids living in Oklahoma. The third season became more about the community, and it was beautiful. I would love for “Reservation Dogs” to receive as many nominations as possible, but Outstanding Comedy Series would be my No. 1 choice. I’m also hoping for Outstanding Lead Actress for Devery Jacobs, Outstanding Supporting Actress for Paulina Alexis, and a handful of guest acting nominations, but I know those are less likely. JS Selena Gomez for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series for “Only Murders In The Building” There is no doubt that the Primetime Emmys have taken notice of Hulu’s “Only Murders In The Building.” It was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series for both seasons so far. Steve Martin got a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in A Comedy Series for the first season, while Martin Short was nominated in the same category for both seasons. The show has won Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series for Nathan Lane and been nominated for Guest Actress In A Comedy Series for Jane Lynch. While this has been great for the show, the one glaring omission is for the other trio member: Selena Gomez. Selena Gomez got Golden Globe nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series for both seasons but has not managed to break into this category at the Primetime Emmy Awards. Gomez has shown just how great of an actress she is as Mabel Mora, holding her own against two industry giants: Martin and Short. It is time for Gomez to be given her due date, and I hope she can finally pull out an Emmy nomination this year. TG Ncuti Gatwa for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for “Doctor Who” You can file this one under “never going to happen,” and while I’d love to see Ncuti Gatwa nominated for his first season as The Doctor on the long-running British sci-fi-drama “Doctor Who,” it would also be somewhat bittersweet since some of my favorites like Matt Smith and David Tennant were never nominated for their fantastic performances. Gatwa has helped revive and revolutionize The Doctor by being the first LGBTQ+ and black actor to play the Time Lord. That isn’t reason enough to nominate Gatwa, but his melding of care, fun, and carefree behavior mixed with righteous anger, many of our favorite The Doctor qualities, has put some much-needed life back into the character and show. JS Carrie Preston for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series for “Elsbeth” In 2013, Carrie Preston won the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in A Drama Series for portraying eccentric lawyer Elsbeth Tascioni on CBS’ “The Good Wife.” She was nominated again in that same category in 2016. Preston has carried this show onto the Paramount Plus spin-off, “The Good Fight,” and now, she is getting the chance to be the star of her own show, “Elsbeth” on CBS. Elsbeth Tascioni is a fascinating character to watch as a supporting character, but many felt she could be “too much” when she was the main star. “Elsbeth” has a fascinating take on murder mysteries by letting us know the murderer at the beginning of each episode and then watching Elsbeth piece it together. While Preston has already won an Emmy for this role, she deserves a nomination as a Lead Actress in A Drama Series. The Academy needs to let Preston know that she continues to excel in this role, and we look forward to even more. TG Clive Owen for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for “Monsieur Spade” Despite airing in the U.S. on AMC (which once was the favorite place for drama lovers) and having favorable reviews from critics, it seems almost no one watched “Monsieur Spade.” The show follows Dashiell Hammett’s private detective Sam Spade to France, where he saves the daughter of a past love, falls in love and becomes content with the French way of life before being thrust back into a case a decade later. It’s a slow burn of a show, but I found it fascinating, primarily because of Clive Owen’s turn as Spade. I’m a huge fan of Humphrey Bogart’s performance as Spade in the 1941 film noir classic “The Maltese Falcon” and couldn’t see anyone else playing the character, but by God, Owen chews the scenery with Spade perfectly bringing out the sarcastically witty character for the modern age. Why is no one talking about it?! JS Ego Nwodim for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for “Saturday Night Live” I would’ve figured that if Ego Nwodim were going to break through for an Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series nomination, it would’ve been for the 2023 Emmys following the debut of her character Lisa from Temecula, one of the funniest debut characters in years on the show. I don’t quite understand why Nwodim hasn’t broken out like cast members in the past have, some even winning this category, and honestly, she’s not the only one from the show (I could easily have placed Heidi Gardner here). Nwodim is a scene stealer and a terrific team player on the long-running NBC sketch comedy show. The odds of her being nominated are very long, but hopefully, someday. JS Kristen Wiig for Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series For “Saturday Night Live” Kristen Wiig is one of my favorite performers to have starred on the NBC variety series, “Saturday Night Live.” From 2009 to 2012, Wiig racked up four consecutive nominations for Best Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series. Wiig has been nominated for nine Emmy Awards but has not brought home the hardware yet. Wiig might also get a nomination for the Apple TV+ series “Palm Royale,” as the Lead Actress In A Comedy Series. I hate that a comedic gem such as Wiig has not yet won an Emmy. When she hosted the show this past year, it was one of my favorite recent episodes of ‘SNL.’ My favorite moment in the episode was when Wiig brought back her famous Aunt Linda character to recap “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer” and “The Bear.” While it looks like the frontrunner for this category is Jamie Lee Curtis for a guest-starring role on “The Bear,” I would love to see Wiig get a nomination, and hopefully, she can pull out a surprise win! TG “Red, White, and Royal Blue” for Outstanding TV Movie
Prime Video’s “Red, White, and Royal Blue” MUST be nominated for Outstanding TV Movie, and I believe it should win. It is such a beautiful romantic comedy following the son of the President of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez), as he falls in love with Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine), a member of British royalty. When an accident sends the countries into a PR crisis, they rush to do damage control. What they do not expect, though, is that they will fall in love with each other. Representation is so important in media. Everyone should be able to see themselves. This film is one you can watch over and over again. It will be one to watch for years and years and should win the Emmy. It was one of my favorite films of the year. TG by Julian Spivey Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (Netflix) – Wednesday, July 3 One of our favorite cops of the ‘80s, Axel Foley (played by Eddie Murphy) has returned after 30 years for the fourth installment of the “Beverly Hills Cop” series. In 1984’s “Beverly Hills Cop,” Murphy played the street-smart Detroit cop who travels to Beverly Hills, California to investigate a crime out of his jurisdiction. “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” will see Foley returning to Beverly Hills after his daughter’s life is threatened. The film sees the returns of Judge Reinhold, John Ashton and Paul Reiser, as well as newcomers Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kevin Bacon and Taylour Paige. “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” premieres on Netflix on Wednesday, July 3 and should make for a humorous holiday watch. Shark Week (Max) – Sunday, July 7 – Saturday, July 13 Shark Week enters its 35th year on Discovery Channel, premiering on Sunday, July 7 and running through Saturday, July 13. But never fear if you’re a cord-cutter as all of the newest Shark Week programming will also be streaming on Max. Hosted by pro wrestling star and actor John Cena, the newest Shark Week programming includes shows titled: “Jaws vs. Leviathan,” “Makozilla,” “Big Shark Energy,” “Deadliest Bite,” “Shark Attack Island” and “Mothersharker: Hammer Time,” among others. Sunny (AppleTV+) – Wednesday, July 10 The latest AppleTV+ original is “Sunny,” a sci-fi dark comedy starring Rashida Jones as an American ex-pat living in Japan, who receives a domestic robot following the deaths of her robotist husband and son in a plane crash. When Sunny starts to malfunction, Jones’ character begins to wonder what her husband’s company is up to. Kaiya Shunyata of RogerEbert.com has called “Sunny” a “Summer T.V. standout.” “Sunny” premieres on AppleTV+ on Wednesday, July 10. Simone Biles Rising (Netflix) – Wednesday, July 17 Simone Biles is the greatest Olympic gymnast of all time but following her mental health battle at the 2020 Tokyo Games, it was never a given she would return to Olympic action. Biles, however, feels like she has unfinished business and a documentary crew follows her on her journey back to the top spot of her sport. “Simone Biles Rising,” directed by Katie Walsh, will premiere on Netflix on Wednesday, July 17, the week before the 2024 Paris games. Lady in the Lake (AppleTV+) – Friday, July 19 One of the year’s highest-profile limited series is “Lady in the Lake,” premiering Friday, July 19 on AppleTV+. The drama, based on Laura Lippman’s 2019 novel, stars Oscar-winner Natalie Portman as an investigative journalist in 1960s Baltimore working on an unsolved murder who clashes with a woman, played by Moses Ingram, who’s working to advance the agenda of the city’s black community. Paris Olympics (Peacock) – Friday, July 26 – Sunday, August 11
Peacock will be incredibly important for those excited to watch the 2024 Summer Olympics from Paris, beginning Friday, July 26 with the Opening Ceremony and culminating on Sunday, August 11. You’ll be able to watch the opening and closing ceremonies and the most popular events on NBC, including some of the biggest names of the games like Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky and Sha’Carri Richardson, but every event will be included live on Peacock. |
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