A Look Towards This Year's Emmys, Part 2: TV Critics Association Nominations

Well, even though they may not have an idea as to when they’ll give their awards, last week the TV Critics Association finally met and gave out their nominations. And just as I was thrilled with their choices the last two years (the ones I’ve been aware of them; they have a great record otherwise) I was just as happy with what I saw this year.

Let’s start with Individual Achievement in Drama.  Most of them are tied to Limited Series, but its really hard to argue with that. Kaitlyn Dever and Merrit Wever’s work for Unbelievable, Mark Ruffalo’s exceptional work in I Know This Much is True, Regina King’s wondrous work in Watchmen, and Cate Blanchett’s performance in Mrs. America were all among the best performances of the year, and all certain nominees. I am absolutely ecstatic that Rhea Seehorn, after years of laboring in the shadows, got acknowledged for her portrayal of Kim in Better Call Saul, and I hope this at least means the Emmys will nominate her this year. The only actor I didn’t predict for a nomination over the last few weeks was Jeremy Strong for Succession. But having seen his work over the year – especially in the finale – and considering his triumph at the Broadcast Critics earlier this year, his odds of getting nominated for an Emmy just became a near certainty

I can’t really argue with most of the nominations in Individual Achievement in Comedy either. Pamela Adlon, Issa Rae, and Ramy Youseff more than deserve to be there for their acting alone.  Christina Applegate for her work on Dead to Me and Catherine O’Hara’s outstanding work on Schitt’s Creek are certain nominees as well. The only one I really question is Elle Fanning’s for the satirical historical series The Great. I would’ve preferred to see Ted Danson or Rachel Brosnahan here, but you can’t have everything.

I have absolutely no problem at all with the nominees for Outstanding Achievement in Sketch/Variety Show. Most are familiar faces, but I hope that this time the Emmys will take this as a hint and acknowledge Seth Meyers. And bravo for acknowledging A Black Lady Sketch Show something that you wouldn’t have thought would be so relevant now.

As for Outstanding Achievement in Movie or Mini-Series, four of the listed choices – Little Fires Everywhere, Mrs. America, Unbelievable, and Watchmen were on my list last year. I’m hoping that the nomination for Plot Against America forces the Emmys to get off their butts and actually nominate a David Simon series for something. I haven’t gotten to Normal People yet, but this may be enough of a nudge to be get me to see it.

Outstanding New Program has an interest mix. We have The Mandalorian and Watchmen for our sci-fi geeks, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist for the networks, The Great and Never Have I Ever for diverse streaming, and The Morning Show making its inevitable appearance. A better mix than usual.

For Outstanding Achievement in Comedy, practically perfect. Better Things, The Good Place, Insecure, Dead to Me, Schitt’s Creeks, and What we Do in the Shadows. Three of these shows are nearly perfect, two are dazzling, and one tests what the medium can do.

Outstanding Achievement in Drama. Better Call Saul, The Crown, The Good Fight, Pose, and Succession are great choices. But how the hell did they get to Euphoria? Stranger Things or Big Little Lies would’ve been better choices.

Which leads us to Program of the Year. Will Better Call Saul repeat? The competition is formidable. Succession, Schitt’s Creek, Mrs. America, Unbelievable, and of course, Watchmen.

Well, most of the certainties of what will be on the list are in the Limited Series. Though at this point, there’s very little about Unbelievable, Watchmen and Mrs. America that anybody could call ‘limited’. Succession seems a sure thing for leading the Best Dramas and Ramy will definitely be in the comedy category. And it was likely The Morning Show was always going to be among the contenders for Best Drama.

But will these awards give a boost to some shows that were going to be under the radar. Could this help Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist or The Plot Against America? It’s always hard to tell – The Good Fight has never gotten much of a boost for being a critics favorite.

However, I always support my fellow critics, and in this case, they have more demonstrated how supportive they can be for great television this year. Let’s hope the Emmys will follow suit. See you next Tuesday.