And so it ends. After, effectively, seven months of campaigning, the 2019 Emmy Season is about to reveal its primetime champions. What was once thought of a year with few races beyond the Limited Series categories has morphed into an unexpected Comedy Series showdown and questions over whether a “Game of Thrones” sweep truly is in the works (don’t worry, it’s a lock for Drama Series). Genuine tension over the winners during an awards broadcast? Unthinkable.
The telecast itself will follow the Oscars overhyped model of non-host and just a neverending cavalcade of well-known presenters. The casts of both “Veep” and “Game of Thrones” will reunite on stage, the trio of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner, will present as well as RuPaul, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Ben Stiller, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anthony Anderson, Billy Porter, Zendaya, Jimmy Kimmel, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett and Naomi Watts. Intriguing at least. Perhaps the show will end on time so everyone can head to those wild afterparties. In the meantime, we have some final predictions. And feel free to let me have it on Twitter if you disagree
READ MORE: “Chernobyl,” “Game of Thrones” and “Marvelous MRS. Maisel” find momentum at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards night two
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Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
Barry (Episode: “ronny/lily”), Written by Alec Berg and Bill Hader (HBO)
Fleabag (Episode: “Episode 1”), Written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Prime Video)
The Good Place (Episode: “Janet(s)”), Written by Josh Siegal and Dylan Morgan (NBC)
PEN15 (Episode: “Anna Ishii-Peters”), Written by Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, and Stacy Osei-Kuffour (Hulu)
Russian Doll (Episode: “Nothing in This World Is Easy”), Written by Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland and Amy Poehler (Netflix)
Russian Doll (Episode: “A Warm Body”), Written by Allison Silverman (Netflix)
Veep (Episode: “Veep”), Written by David Mandel (HBO)
Who will win: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Who should win: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Upset special: Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland, and Amy Poehler
Lowdown: Alec Berg and Bill Hader (“Barry”) or Lyonne, Headland and Poehler (“Russian Doll”) could win here, but this seems like the easiest win for Waller-Bridge and “Fleabag.”
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Better Call Saul (Episode: “Winner”), Written by Peter Gould and Thomas Schnauz (AMC)
Bodyguard (Episode: “Episode 1”), Written by Jed Mercurio (Netflix)
Game of Thrones (Episode: “The Iron Throne”), Written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss (HBO)
The Handmaid’s Tale (Episode: “Holly”), Written by Bruce Miller and Kira Snyder (Hulu)
Killing Eve (Episode: “Nice and Neat”), Written by Emerald Fennell (BBC America)
Succession (Episode: “Nobody Is Ever Missing”), Written by Jesse Armstrong (HBO)
Who will win: Jesse Armstrong
Who should win: Jesse Armstrong
Upset special: Emerald Fennell
Lowdown: Armstrong (“Succession”) is the unconventional pick, but something tells me the writers branch won’t go with “Game of Thrones,” Benioff and Weiss, who will take home the Drama Series Emmy. If not Armstrong than Fennell has a great shot for “Killing Eve.”
Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special
Chernobyl, Written by Craig Mazin (HBO)
Escape at Dannemora (Episode: “Part 6”), Written by Brett Johnson, Michael Tolkin and Jerry Stahl (Showtime)
Escape at Dannemora (Episode: “Part 7”), Written by Brett Johnson and Michael Tolkin (Showtime)
Fosse/Verdon (Episode: “Providence”), Written by Joel Fields and Steven Levenson (FX)
A Very English Scandal, Written by Russell T Davies (Prime Video)
When They See Us (Episode: “Part Four”), Written by Ava DuVernay and Michael Starrbury (Netflix)
Who will win: Craig Mazin
Who should win: Craig Mazin
Upset special: Ava DuVernay and Michael Starrbury
Lowdown: Almost all of the categories which include Limited Series are a crapshoot this year. DuVernay and Starrbury are absolutely in the mix for “When They See Us” as are the writers of “Escape at Dannemora.” But if “Chernobyl” and Mazin are going to get recognized anywhere on the Primetime telecast, at a minimum, it will be this category.
Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
Documentary Now! (IFC)
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (TBS)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC)
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Who will win: “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”
Who should win: “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” or “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee”
Upset special: “Saturday Night Live”
Lowdown: John Oliver’s team has taken this category over the last three years. There isn’t much evidence to prove they won’t win it again.
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
Barry (Episode: “The Audition”), Directed by Alec Berg (HBO)
Barry (Episode: “ronny/lily”), Directed by Bill Hader (HBO)
The Big Bang Theory (Episode: “The Stockholm Syndrome”), Directed by Mark Cendrowski (CBS)
Fleabag (Episode: “Episode 1”), Directed by Harry Bradbeer (Prime Video)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Episode: “All Alone”), Directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino (Prime Video)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Episode: “We’re Going to the Catskills!”), Directed by Daniel Palladino (Prime Video)
Who will win: Harry Bradbeer
Who should win: Harry Bradbeer or Bill Hader
Upset special: Bill Hader or Daniel Palladino
Lowdown: Hader is the odds on pick here, but our gut tells us Bradbeer is gonna pull it out for “Fleabag.” That being said, don’t be surprised if Palladino wins for his episode of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” It’s one of the more memorable of the show’s second season and includes some very inspired sequences. This one is a closer race than many might think.
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Game of Thrones (Episode: “The Iron Throne”), Directed by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss (HBO)
Game of Thrones (Episode: “The Last of the Starks”), Directed by David Nutter (HBO)
Game of Thrones (Episode: “The Long Night”), Directed by Miguel Sapochnik (HBO)
The Handmaid’s Tale (Episode: “Holly”), Directed by Daina Reid (Hulu)
Killing Eve (Episode: “Desperate Times”), Directed by Lisa Brühlmann (BBC America)
Ozark (Episode: “Reparations”), Directed by Jason Bateman (Netflix)
Succession (Episode: “Celebration”), Directed by Adam McKay (HBO)
Who will win: David Benioff and D. B. Weiss
Who should win: Miguel Sapochnik
Upset special: Adam McKay
Lowdown: We really think Sapochnik deserves this for his movie within a TV program episode, but voters will likely crown the “Game of Thrones” showrunners.” If there is a split vote due to the three “Game of Thrones” nominations, McKay should pull through for “Succession.”
Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special
Chernobyl, Directed by Johan Renck (HBO)
Escape at Dannemora, Directed by Ben Stiller (Showtime)
Fosse/Verdon (Episode: “Glory”), Directed by Jessica Yu (FX)
Fosse/Verdon (Episode: “Who’s Got the Pain”), Directed by Thomas Kail (FX)
A Very English Scandal, Directed by Stephen Frears (Prime Video)
When They See Us, Directed by Ava DuVernay (Netflix)
Who will win: Johan Renck
Who should win: Thomas Kail or Ava DuVernay
Upset special: Ava DuVernay
Lowdown: Again, as with the Writing category DuVernay could absolutely take this and her name is certainly more recognizable to general Emmy voters. That being said, the industry loves “Chernobyl” and the Directors in this branch may deem Renck’s work the more difficult accomplishment to pull off.
Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series
Documentary Now! (Episode: “Waiting for the Artist”), Directed by Alex Buono and Rhys Thomas (IFC)
Drunk History (Episode: “Are You Afraid of the Drunk?”), Directed by Derek Waters (Comedy Central)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (Episode: “Psychics”), Directed by Paul Pennolino (HBO)
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (Episode: “Live Midterm Election Show”), Directed by Jim Hoskinson (CBS)
Saturday Night Live (Episode: “Host: Adam Sandler”), Directed by Don Roy King (NBC)
Who Is America? (Episode: “Episode 102”), Directed by Sacha Baron Cohen, Nathan Fielder, Daniel Gray Longino and Dan Mazer (Showtime)
Who will win: Paul Pennolino
Who should win: Alex Buono and Rhys Thomas
Upset special: Don Roy King
Lowdown: King has won this seven times, but every few years another director has surprised. This year we think “Last Week Tonight'” Pennolino wins after what was basically a subpar year for King’s “Saturday Night Live.” Of course, nothing would make us happier than if Buono and Thomas were rewarded for their hilarious episode of “Documentary Now!” which featured Cate Blanchett in a spoof of “Marina Abramović: The Artist is Present.”
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Alan Arkin as Norman Newlander on The Kominsky Method (Episode: “Chapter Two: An Agent Grieves”) (Netflix)
Anthony Carrigan as NoHo Hank on Barry (Episode: “Past = Present x Future Over Yesterday”) (HBO)
Tony Hale as Gary Walsh on Veep (Episode: “Veep”) (HBO)
Stephen Root as Monroe Fuches on Barry (Episode: “berkman > block”) (HBO)
Tony Shalhoub as Abe Weissman on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Episode: “We’re Going to the Catskills!”) (Prime Video)
Henry Winkler as Gene Cousineau on Barry (Episode: “What?!”) (HBO)
Who will win: Tony Shalhoub
Who should win: Anthony Carrigan
Upset special: Henry Winkler
Lowdown: Winkler took this Emmy last year in a very tight race over Emmy favorite Shalhoub, but despite another fantastic season on “Barry” we think the winds will shift the “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” star’s way. Honestly, a flip ’em though.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Alex Borstein as Susie Myerson on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Episode: “Vote for Kennedy, Vote for Kennedy”) (Prime Video)
Anna Chlumsky as Amy Brookheimer on Veep (Episode: “Pledge”) (HBO)
Sian Clifford as Claire on Fleabag (Episode: “Episode 3”) (Prime Video)
Olivia Colman as Godmother on Fleabag (Episode: “Episode 4”) (Prime Video)
Betty Gilpin as Debbie Eagan on GLOW (Episode: “Mother of All Matches”) (Netflix)
Sarah Goldberg as Sally Reed on Barry (Episode: “The Audition”) (HBO)
Marin Hinkle as Rose Weissman on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Episode: “Simone”) (Prime Video)
Kate McKinnon as Various Characters on Saturday Night Live (Episode: “Host: Liev Schreiber”) (NBC)
Who will win: Alex Bornstein
Who should win: Sarah Goldberg
Upset special: Sarah Goldberg, Olivia Colman or anyone else in the category
Lowdown: Any of these actors are incredibly deserving of this Emmy win this particular season. And, frankly, they all have a shot to upset last year’s winner, Borstein. We think familiarity will rule the day, however, and the “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” manager will repeat. And if “Barry’s” Goldberg wins? You’ll hear screams of joy from a ton of media across greater Los Angeles.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy on Game of Thrones (Episode: “The Long Night”) (HBO)
Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut on Better Call Saul (Episode: “Winner”) (AMC)
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister on Game of Thrones (Episode: “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”) (HBO)
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones (Episode: “The Iron Throne”) (HBO)
Giancarlo Esposito as Gus Fring on Better Call Saul (Episode: “Piñata”) (AMC)
Michael Kelly as Doug Stamper on House of Cards (Episode: “Chapter 73”) (Netflix)
Chris Sullivan as Toby Damon on This Is Us (Episode: “Toby”) (NBC)
Who will win: Peter Dinklage
Who should win: Alfie Allen
Upset special: Alfie Allen
Lowdown: Dinklage has topped this category two of the last three years he was eligible. He was upset once by Ben Mendelsohn for “Bloodline” (a major upset all around), but it would truly surprise if he lost this year. If he does it’s likely because one of his “Game of Thrones” co-stars pulled head somehow.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth on Game of Thrones (Episode: “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”) (HBO)
Julia Garner as Ruth Langmore on Ozark (Episode: “The Gold Coast”) (Netflix)
Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister on Game of Thrones (Episode: “The Bells”) (HBO)
Fiona Shaw as Carolyn Martens on Killing Eve (Episode: “Nice and Neat”) (BBC America)
Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones (Episode: “Winterfell”) (HBO)
Maisie Williams as Arya Stark on Game of Thrones (Episode: “The Long Night”) (HBO)
Who will win: Maise Williams
Who should win: Maise Williams
Upset special: Gwendoline Christie or Julia Garner
Lowdown: Many pundits believe Garner will win mostly on the “Game of Thrones” nominees splitting the vote, but I don’t buy it. If Williams doesn’t win than Christie, who earned a ton of industry respect for submitting herself when HBO wouldn’t, will.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Asante Blackk as Kevin Richardson on When They See Us (Episode: “Part One”) (Netflix)
Paul Dano as David Sweat on Escape at Dannemora (Episode: “Part 7”) (Showtime)
John Leguizamo as Raymond Santana, Sr. on When They See Us (Episode: “Part Three”) (Netflix)
Stellan Skarsgård as Boris Shcherbina on Chernobyl (Episode: “Please Remain Calm”) (HBO)
Ben Whishaw as Norman Josiffe / Norman Scott on A Very English Scandal (Episode: “Episode 3”) (Prime Video)
Michael K. Williams as Bobby McCray on When They See Us (Episode: “Part One”) (Netflix)
Who will win: Michael K. Williams
Who should win: Asante Blackk or Ben Whishaw
Upset special: Stellan Skarsgård
Lowdown: The Actors Branch adored “When They See Us” giving it an astounding eight acting nominations. That passion should pay off with either Williams or the lesser-known Blackk winning here. If not, Whishaw should add an Emmy to go with his BAFTA and Golden Globe for “A Very English Scandal.”
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Patricia Arquette as Dee Dee Blanchard on The Act (Episode: “Teeth”) (Hulu)
Marsha Stephanie Blake as Linda McCray on When They See Us (Episode: “Part Three”) (Netflix)
Patricia Clarkson as Adora Crellin on Sharp Objects (Episode: “Closer”) (HBO)
Vera Farmiga as Elizabeth Lederer on When They See Us (Episode: “Part Two”) (Netflix)
Margaret Qualley as Ann Reinking on Fosse/Verdon (Episode: “Where Am I Going?”) (FX)
Emily Watson as Ulana Khomyuk on Chernobyl (Episode: “Open Wide, O Earth”) (HBO)
Who will win: Patricia Clarkson
Who should win: Patricia Clarkson
Upset special: Emily Watson or Patricia Arquette
Lowdown: Unless “Chernobyl” starts some sort of sweep that helps Watson it seems likely “Sharp Object’s” Clarkson will take this. Then again, Arquette could surprise here too for “The Act.”
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Mahershala Ali as Wayne Hays on True Detective (HBO)
Benicio del Toro as Richard Matt on Escape at Dannemora (Showtime)
Hugh Grant as Jeremy Thorpe on A Very English Scandal (Prime Video)
Jared Harris as Valery Legasov on Chernobyl (HBO)
Jharrel Jerome as Korey Wise on When They See Us (Netflix)
Sam Rockwell as Bob Fosse on Fosse/Verdon (FX)
Who will win: Jharrel Jerome
Who should win: Jharrel Jerome or Hugh Grant
Upset special: Jared Harris
Lowdown: As we just noted, unless a “Chernobyl” sweep pushes Harris to the forefront it seems like the love for “When They See Us” should find the very deserving Jerome in the winner’s circle.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Amy Adams as Camille Preaker on Sharp Objects (HBO)
Patricia Arquette as Joyce “Tilly” Mitchell on Escape at Dannemora (Showtime)
Aunjanue Ellis as Sharonne Salaam on When They See Us (Netflix)
Joey King as Gypsy Rose Blanchard on The Act (Hulu)
Niecy Nash as Delores Wise on When They See Us (Netflix)
Michelle Williams as Gwen Verdon on Fosse/Verdon (FX)
Who will win: Michelle Williams
Who should win: Michelle Williams
Upset special: Patricia Arquette
Lowdown: This is a tough one. Arquette has already won the Globe and the SAG in this category and is a previous Emmy winner for the series “Medium.” Williams was a revelation in “Fosse/Verdon” and in theory, voters should recognize that but…Arquette could go for the three-peat too.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson as Andre “Dre” Johnson, Sr. on Black-ish (Episode: “Purple Rain”) (ABC)
Don Cheadle as Mo Monroe on Black Monday (Episode: “365”) (Showtime)
Ted Danson as Michael on The Good Place (Episode: “The Worst Possible Use of Free Will”) (NBC)
Michael Douglas as Sandy Kominsky on The Kominsky Method (Episode: “Chapter One: An Actor Avoids”) (Netflix)
Bill Hader as Barry Berkman / Barry Block on Barry (Episode: “The Truth Has a Ring to It”) (HBO)
Eugene Levy as Johnny Rose on Schitt’s Creek (Episode: “Rock On!”) (Pop TV)
Who will win: Bill Hader
Who should win: Bill Hader
Upset special: Eugene Levy
Lowdown: This is pretty much Hader’s to loose. If he does, we don’t expect Douglas or Danson to take it. Instead, watch out for “Schitt’s Creek’s” Levy to surprise. Still, you should plan on the Barry in “Barry” on taking this one.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Christina Applegate as Jen Harding on Dead to Me (Episode: “I’ve Gotta Get Away”) (Netflix)
Rachel Brosnahan as Miriam “Midge” Maisel on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Episode: “Midnight at the Concord”) (Prime Video)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer on Veep (Episode: “Veep”) (HBO)
Natasha Lyonne as Nadia Vulvokov on Russian Doll (Episode: “Nothing in This World Is Easy”) (Netflix)
Catherine O’Hara as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek (Episode: “The Crowening”) (Pop TV)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag on Fleabag (Episode: “Episode 1”) (Prime Video)
Who will win: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Who should win: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Upset special: Rachel Brosnahan
Lowdown: Louis-Dreyfus has never lost this category for “Veep.” She’s won six straight years she was eligible and this was the HBO classic’s last season. Waller-Bridge and last year’s winner, Brosnahan, could upset, but, boy, would that truly shock.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Jason Bateman as Martin “Marty” Byrde on Ozark (Episode: “Reparations”) (Netflix)
Sterling K. Brown as Randall Pearson on This Is Us (Episode: “R & B”) (NBC)
Kit Harington as Jon Snow on Game of Thrones (Episode: “The Iron Throne”) (HBO)
Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy McGill on Better Call Saul (Episode: “Winner”) (AMC)
Billy Porter as Pray Tell on Pose (Episode: “Love Is the Message”) (FX)
Milo Ventimiglia as Jack Pearson on This Is Us (Episode: “Sometimes”) (NBC)
Who will win: Billy Porter
Who should win: Billy Porter or Bob Odenkirk
Upset special: Kit Harington
Lowdown: Might regret this pick as something suggests Harington wins as part of a big night for “Game of Thrones,” but we’re going with Porter now. It’s the best way to recognize “Pose” on the main telecast and he certainly is worty of it. Odenkirk has never won an acting Emmy and certainly deserves it as well. Should be a fun one to watch.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones (Episode: “The Last of the Starks”) (HBO)
Jodie Comer as Oksana Astankova / Villanelle on Killing Eve (Episode: “I Hope You Like Missionary!”) (BBC America)
Viola Davis as Annalise Keating on How to Get Away with Murder (Episode: “He Betrayed Us Both”) (ABC)
Laura Linney as Wendy Byrde on Ozark (Episode: “One Way Out”) (Netflix)
Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson on This Is Us (Episode: “The Graduates”) (NBC)
Sandra Oh as Eve Polastri on Killing Eve (Episode: “You’re Mine”) (BBC America)
Robin Wright as Claire Underwood on House of Cards (Episode: “Chapter 70”) (Netflix)
Who will win: Sandra Oh
Who should win: Pick ’em
Upset special: Emilia Clarke or Jodie Comer
Lowdown: Comer is the sexy pick this year, but Oh or even Clarke would make more sense. We’re going with Oh to make history, but either of the three actors could triumph.
Outstanding Variety Talk Series
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (TBS)
Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
The Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS)
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
Who will win: “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”
Who should win: “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee”
Upset special: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”
Lowdown: I mean, come on. It’s gonna be “Last Week Tonight.” Book it.
Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
At Home with Amy Sedaris (truTV)
Documentary Now! (IFC)
Drunk History (Comedy Central)
I Love You, America with Sarah Silverman (Hulu)
Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Who Is America? (Showtime)
Who will win: “Saturday Night Live”
Who should win: “Documentary Now!” or “At Home with Amy Sedaris”
Upset special: “Documentary Now!”
Lowdown: Despite an overall down year we expect “SNL” to still win this thanks to its decades of noteriety compared to the other nominated programs. If “Documentary Now!” or “At Home with Amy Sedaris” won it would truly be something to celebrate.
Outstanding Competition Program
The Amazing Race (CBS)
American Ninja Warrior (NBC)
Nailed It! (Netflix)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1)
Top Chef (Bravo)
The Voice (NBC)
Who will win: “RuPaul’s Drag Race”
Who should win: “RuPaul’s Drag Race”
Upset special: “The Voice” or “Nailed It!”
Lowdown: “The Voice” could make a comeback, but after taking three Emmys at the Creative Arts (second in the Reality categories to only “Queer Eye”) we think “Drag Race” is going back to back Henny.
Outstanding Television Movie
Bandersnatch (Black Mirror) (Netflix)
Brexit (HBO)
Deadwood: The Movie (HBO)
King Lear (Prime Video)
My Dinner with Hervé (HBO)
Who will win: “Deadwood: The Movie”
Who should win: Anyone but “My Dinner with Herve”
Upset special: “Bandersnatch (Black Mirror)”
Lowdown: “Deadwood” is the likely winner here with “Dark Mirror’s” “Bandersnatch” a close second and upset player.
Outstanding Limited Series
Chernobyl (HBO)
Escape at Dannemora (Showtime)
Fosse/Verdon (FX)
Sharp Objects (HBO)
When They See Us (Netflix)
Who will win: “Chernobyl”
Who should win: Anyone but the overrated “Sharp Objects”
Upset special: “When They See Us,” but not really an upset
Lowdown: Two superb frontrunners, but only one (we think) can win. No disrespect to “When They See Us” but “Chernobyl” dominated the below the line categories last weekend taking seven trophies. It could go either way, but we’re hedging our bets on the HBO contender.
Outstanding Drama Series
Better Call Saul (AMC)
Bodyguard (Netflix)
Game of Thrones (HBO)
Killing Eve (BBC America)
Ozark (Netflix)
Pose (FX)
Succession (HBO)
This Is Us (NBC)
Who will win: “Game of Thrones”
Who should win: “Better Call Saul” or “Succession”
Upset special: Are you kidding?
Lowdown: If “GoT’ doesn’t win you’ll see mayhem in the audience.
Outstanding Comedy Series
Barry (HBO)
Fleabag (Prime Video)
The Good Place (NBC)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime Video)
Russian Doll (Netflix)
Schitt’s Creek (Pop TV)
Veep (HBO)
Who will win: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Who should win: “Fleabag”
Upset special: “Fleabag” or “Veep”
Lowdown: In theory, “Veep” should have this in the bag. It’s a classic comedy that defines the past decade. The problem is that Emmy voters appear to love both “Fleabag” and most importantly, last year’s winner, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” The Amazon Prime Video program took the honor in a non-broadcast year for “Veep,” but has shown no sign of slowing down with six wins at the Creative Arts Emmys including the two Comedy Guest Actor categories (Jane Lynch, Luke Kirby) which were both deemed upset by most. The Television Academy also loves “Fleabag” (two Creative Arts Emmy wins), but it seems like they are still overboard for “Maisel.”
