Yes, it’s almost time to reveal the nominations for the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards and some of the world’s biggest stars have learned to care and fret about the Emmys like they never have before. And so are the networks and streaming services behind the series, limited series and TV movies vying for those pretty gold statuettes.
There are no official statistics as of yet, but, based on just the live events staged by Netflix and Amazon over the past few months, this has been arguably the most expensive Emmys campaign to date. That’s something to think about with an entire second phase still to go.
One of the reasons for such massive campaigns is the fact that this era of Peak TV has led to some of the most competitive races seen in the history of the Television Academy. In fact, it’s not that there are just two or three tight categories, but potentially eight to 10. And, frankly, with competition for every eyeball and stream at a fever pitch, Emmy nominations and Emmy wins are a marketing tool the networks and streaming services simply can’t do without.
Keeping that in mind, there are a few things we think we’ve learned about Emmy voters this season. Like many home viewers, they love “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” “This Is Us,” “Big Little Lies” and “Feud: Bette and Joan.” They also still love relatively old favorites such as “Veep,” “Transparent” and “Better Call Saul.” We assume based on the amount of guild love handed out at the end of last year that “Atlanta” and “Master of None” are safe players in their respective fields. And, dear god, based on the campaign and critical acclaim, we believe “The Handmaid’s Tale” will give Hulu the most Emmy nominations in its history (“blessed be the fruits” indeed).
Then again, the Television Academy is a huge voting body and anything is possible. So, no matter what is revealed on Thursday morning, expect a few head scratching snubs that may make you want to scream.
Here are some predictions for the major categories* to ponder:
*Note: Writing and Directing categories have not been included because that’s a guessing game even the best consultants can’t figure out.
Outstanding Drama Series
“The Americans”
“Better Call Saul”
“The Crown”
“The Handmaid’s Tale”
“House of Cards”
“Stranger Things’
“This Is Us”
Ready to crash: “Homeland”
You in danger girl: “Better Call Saul,” “The Americans”
Already snubbed: “The Leftovers,” “Legion”
Lowdown: Have Emmy voters weened themselves off of voting for old favorites such as “House of Cards” and “Homeland” yet again? Yes and no.
Outstanding Limited Series
“American Crime”
“Big Little Lies”
“Fargo”
“Feud: Bette and Joan”
“The Night of”
Ready to crash: “Genius,” “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” “The Young Pope”
You in danger girl: “Genius,” “American Crime”
Already snubbed: None
Lowdown: The only real shock here would be if “Gilmore Girls” – never a real Emmy player during its original run – knocked “American Crime” out or found a way to get by “Genius.” That seems like a stretch at this point, however.
Outstanding Comedy Series
“Atlanta”
“Black-ish”
“Master of None”
“Modern Family”
“Silicon Valley”
“Transparent”
“Veep”
Ready to crash:“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Grace and Frankie,”
You in danger girl: “Silicon Valley”
Already Snubbed: “Insecure,” “Girls,” “Dear White People”
Lowdown: “Silicon Valley” has been nominated for its first three seasons, but it feels the most vulnerable here. The only other concern is that “Atlanta,” which aired in the fall, doesn’t click with the membership and becomes one of the major Emmy snubs of all time. And, trust, it’s possible.