As we’ve chronicled over the past few weeks, there are a lot of questions surrounding the Emmys in regards to the Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Drama Series nominations. Despite the news that there will be eight nominees in each category this year, there are still many deserving programs that will be snubbed. None of that drama, however, compares to the battle royale that once again is the Outstanding Limited Series race.
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Granted, there is a chance there will be more than the traditional five nominees if more than 80 limited series submit and qualify. But even in that case, the category is looking at six nominations at most. Not even the networks or nominees will know how many slots there will be until the ballot is sent to Television Academy members on July 2. Just to be safe, let’s stick to five as that’s the more likely outcome.
For the 2020 race, there are simply no locks. At best, there are two series that we can deem very likely to earn nominations and both are recent Peabody Award winners: Netflix’s “Unbelievable” and HBO’s “Watchmen.” The former landed key PGA, SAG, and WGA nominations at the end of 2019. The latter only earned a Stunt Ensemble nod from SAG, but won key WGA and DGA honors. Both series were also staples on numerous critic’s top 10 lists of 2019 and were major “hits” in this era for their networks Netflix and HBO, respectfully.
To be fair, “Watchmen” is probably a half a step behind “Unbelievable” in the race for a nomination because of its genre origins. While the Television Academy has embraced programs such as “Game of Thrones,” “True Blood” and “Westworld,” the only superhero series to earn a major nomination this century is “Heroes” (Outstanding Drama Series in 2007). That NBC series decidedly featured superpowered characters without capes or masks. If “Watchmen” is somehow snubbed that might prove a prejudice Television Academy voters were unable to overcome. But, that being said, we still view it as a frontrunner in the category.
As for the other three slots, well, you’ve got 10 other series that could justifiably round out the field. And in this era of virtual Q&A’s as the only true “interaction” with voters, there’s absolutely no network that should feel safe judging their chances until the nominations are announced on July 28. Keeping all that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the contenders.
“Unbelievable”
Pretty safe for a nomination, pt. 1.
“Watchmen”
Pretty safe for a nomination, pt. 2
“Normal People”
A massive surprise for Hulu with consistent word of mouth since it debuted in the middle of the pandemic, it would be very surprising at this point if it didn’t make it.
“Mrs. America”
This probably would have had a much bigger impact as a binge, but the last time FX didn’t have a nomination in this category? 2011. And with that cast?
“Hollywood”
It was sort of eyebrow-raising how many Television Academy members declared their love for it publicly. Throw in that Netflix boost and it’s got a better than 50/50 chance.
“Unorthodox”
Another word of mouth pandemic player that benefits from just having four episodes. The hype for star Shira Haas is real and if it doesn’t earn a nod here than she surely will.
“Little Fires Everywhere”
Hulu is going all out for this one as FYC advertising increases closer to voting. Many see it as a given, but it still feels borderline at this point. A Kerry Washington nomination? That’s a lock.
“The Plot Against America”
One of the most critically acclaimed programs of the year, “America” somehow fell out of the zeitgeist as it aired over six weeks at the beginning of the pandemic. Did it get overshadowed by louder hype over Netflix titles such as “Tiger King,” Hulu’s “Little Fires Everywhere” and HBO’s own “Westworld“? Ponder.
“Defending Jacob”
A global hit for Apple TV+, but did it satisfy viewers enough in the end? We’re not so sure.
“Devs”
Will absolutely make a ton of critics top 10 lists at the end of the year. Unfortunately, that doesn’t necessarily translate into an Emmy nomination.
“I Know This Much Is True”
Mark Ruffalo is a lock for an acting nomination. Reviews were also mostly positive, but with notably more accolades for Ruffalo than the unsatisfying storyline. Never doubt HBO, but we think “Watchmen” is their sole nominee this year.
“Mrs. Fletcher”
The most HBO can hope for with this one is a well-deserved Kathryn Hahn nomination.
“Barkskins”
NatGeo is giving this mini-series a major push, but we’re wondering if stars David Thewlis and Marcia Gay Harden are the real beneficiaries.
“Self Made: Inspired By The Life of Madam C.J. Walker”
Like “I Know This Much Is True,” “Self Made” just eked into positive critical territory with a lot of praise for its star and executive producer, Octavia Spencer. As always, the power of Netflix and the stay-at-home orders might make this one a category spoiler.
“The Loudest Voice”
I mean, bless Showtime for trying I guess.
Emmy Season Prediction Pages
Drama Series
Comedy Series
Limited Series
TV movie
Competition Series
Actress in a Drama Series
Actor in a Drama Series
Actress in a Comedy Series
Actor in a Comedy Series