There are tight races in almost all of the major categories for the 2020 Primetime Emmys. And, as discussed previously, how the stay-at-home orders affected Television Academy members viewing habits is a billion-dollar question no one knows the answer to either. And that includes the Competition Series Emmy Award.
READ MORE: Tim Gunn reveals Netflix almost had “Making the Cut” [Interview]
In fact, if the Competition Series category expands to seven nominees (unlikely), it’s pretty much a dogfight for at least two of the six slots. Barring any massive snubs, of course. With consistency, the name of the game, regulars such as “Top Chef,” “The Voice” and “Drag Race” should be fine, however. Speaking of the reigning champion…
The winner in this category the past two years, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” should easily return to defend her crown. The show’s ratings surged as public watch parties weren’t possible (not that we believe Nielsen ever estimated those crowds accurately anyway) and the nation was stuck at home on Friday nights. The VH1 jewel also benefited from a slew of high-profile and entertaining guest judges such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jeff Goldblum, Rachel Bloom, Nicki Minaj, Leslie Jones, Robyn, and Tandie Newton, among others. It was actually easy to recognize that this particular season had more Television Academy members as judges or special guests than ever before. Hey, it’s good to be the queen.
Moreover, you could argue that “Drag Race” deserves to win yet again for somehow editing out a contestant disqualified after filming so masterfully you forgot the queen was even part of the cast to begin with (a tale worth reading up on). And while other shows in this category struggled with virtual or zoom-produced finales, “Drag Race” gave its three finalists a platform to soar. But there are still some surprises for the rest of the very tight field.
In a surprise move from CBS, “The Amazing Race” was pushed back to later in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. That means the CBS staple, the first winner in this category, and a 10-time winner overall won’t be a nominee for the first time in – wait for it – 18 years. Yep, there are university freshmen who have never known a year of their life with “The Amazing Race” earning a nomination in this category. How will they go on? Don’t fret though, CBS has a familiar and very botoxed face waiting in the wings.
We can’t say we’re experts at “Survivor,” but ask any fan of the long-running series and they’ll tell you the most recent season, “Survivor: Winners at War,” was a major return to form for the one-time Emmy favorite. From 2003-2006 “Survivor” was a staple in the then titled Reality-Competition Series category. But despite being one of the granddaddy’s of this form of reality television, it hasn’t been nominated since. With its highest ratings in years (even before the pandemic hit), this all-winner season gave hardcore and casual fans surprises galore (including a mea culpa from longtime host Jeff Probst about the game’s gender bias over the years). And with “Amazing Race” gone, there is a vacuum for CBS and network-friendly voters to return it to the fold. “Survivor” looks primed to fill in that gap.
Another series that will benefit from voter familiarity is Amazon Prime’s “Making the Cut.” The first fashion reality competition show for the streamer featured globe-trotting runways, a charismatic and talented cast, Naomi Campbell making very good television as a permanent judge and, oh yes, the return of Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn. The duo won the Emmy for hosting in 2013 and was nominated every year up until their departure from “Project Runway” in 2018. “Runway” is the originator of fashion competition shows that they helped shape and define for 14 years. In fact, with Klum and Gunn at the helm, only “The Amazing Race” has more nominations in this category than “Runway.” So, should some of the borderline contenders from last year be worried about repeating with this Emmy-friendly pair back in the mix? Why yes, yes they should.
Keeping all that in mind, here’s a rundown of the contenders in this category with voting for the 2020 Emmy Awards set to begin in less than 24 hours.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race”
Can the reigning champ go three-for-three? Viacom might have to get the recently social-media shy RuPaul back on the circuit to make it happen.
“The Voice”
The last winner before “Drag Race” will earn a ninth nomination for sure. Whether it can get back to the top remains to be seen.
“Survivor”
We’ll be shocked if it doesn’t take “The Amazing Race’s” usual slot.
“Top Chef”
Expect a 14th straight nomination for the 2010 winner. It’s that simple.
“Making the Cut”
Well, “Project Runway” hasn’t been nominated since one-time Emmy host winners Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn left. It doesn’t hurt that the series was good too.
“American Ninja Warrior”
A nominee for four straight years, but by what often seems like by the skin of its teeth. Is this the year the family-friendly program’s luck runs out?
“Nailed It!”
If any nomination in any category cemented the power of Netflix with voters it was this show landing in this category last year. A massive surprise considering how little of an awards priority it seemed for the streamer, the Nicole Byer-hosted cooking program could be a one-off fluke or a repeat player. Your guess is as good as even Netflix’s.
“Project Runway”
After missing out in 2019 for the first time in 14 years, the rebooted fashion staple finally found its footing in its second go-around back on Bravo. But if just one fashion show gets in are you going to bet on “Runway” or Heidi and Tim?
“Lego Masters”
It has a season two renewal, significant buzz and genuine critical support, but something tells us the corporate product aspect is a turn off even for Television Academy voters.
“Legendary”
With a bit of judge retooling in season two and an assumption that more people will watch HBO Max down the road it could have a shot next year. That being said, the show’s title sequence better get a nomination somewhere.
“American Idol”
Like “The Voice,” ratings dipped significantly when they went to the virtual episodes. Not a great sign.
“The Masked Singer”
If the 2019 breakout couldn’t make the field over “Nailed It!” last year, how can it pull it off in a more competitive frame this time around?
“Next In Fashion”
Netflix smartly canceled the show (to say the judging was problematic is an understatement), but do Television Academy members know that? Wait, don’t answer. We’re afraid already.
“The Circle”
Simply too trashy for even Television Academy members. At least we hope that’s the case.
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