Emmys 2011: Sizing Up the Best Comedy Race — And Sharing Our Dream Nominees
Summertime isn’t all about pool parties and picnics — at least not here at TVLine. No, for us this week marks the official start of Emmy season, seeing as the nomination process is about to begin, culminating in the July 14 reveal of who did/didn’t got a nod. In the coming days, we’ll be taking a close look at all the contenders in the major races and highlighting our dream candidates — the six shows and performers in each category that we think voters should recognize when they fill out their ballots.
First up: Outstanding Comedy Series. This year, to put it mildly, the competition is no laughing matter. For starters, the showdown between Glee and Modern Family is more intense then ever, as the ABC comedy tries to match the Fox musical’s back-to-back Golden Globes victories with its own consecutive Emmy win. Also, if one or more of a trio of buzzed-about up-and-comers — Community, Parks and Recreation and/or Cougar Town — sneak into the running, that would shake things up as much as seeing an Emmy stalwart — say, 30 Rock or The Office — get bumped by one of Showtime’s female-skewing dramedies. And don’t rule out the possibility of CBS’ Globes-nominated The Big Bang Theory finally scoring itself an Emmy nod.
Ready to dive in? Review this slideshow of contenders — including our half-dozen Dream Nominees — then vote for your own favorite six below. And check back tomorrow for our review of the Lead Actress in a Comedy race!
Weeds
Though this arch Showtime series is as well-respected as its acting ensemble, Emmy has only nominated it once for Outstanding Comedy Series (in 2009), and no cast member has ever grabbed gold. This late in its run, that lack of “buzz” is going to be difficult to overcome.
30 Rock
Although the NBC hitcomÂ's three-year winning streak ended last year (done in by ABCÂ's freshman breakout, Modern Family), it remains an industry darling — with good reason. While not as consistent as its earlier seasons, its comedy quality never seems to wane. So, without ever actually going away, it could be primed for a comeback.
The Big Bang Theory
As popular as this CBS smash is, it has yet to be Emmy nominated despite originality in its scripts and ensemble. Kudos to the producers for broadening the cast this season and stepping up the romance for Mayim BialikÂ's and Melissa RauchÂ's characters, especially after Jim Parsons was acknowledged as last yearÂ's Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series winner for nerd-chic hilarity.
The Big C
With lead Laura Linney considered a shoo-in for an Emmy nod, a side effect is that her showÂ's chances of breaking into the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy race likely increases as well. Question is, did they increase enough?
Chuck
Forever floating on the renewal bubble (it will live on for a fifth and final short season of 13 episodes next season), the NBC action-comedy has a well-earned reputation as The Little Show that Could. But, plucky as it is, the unlikely spy yarn remains a significant Emmy longshot.
Community
What is arguably NBCÂ's most innovative comedy shoots high creatively but has yet to land commensurate ratings. Critics, however, have been quick to sing the showÂ's praises, perhaps loudly enough to help get it noticed by Emmy voters.
Cougar Town
In its second season, the wine-soaked Â"Friends for grown- upsÂ" really came into its own as an ensemble comedy rather than just a Courteney Cox vehicle. And itÂ's even poking fun at the icky title that long ago ceased to have anything to do with the series premise.
Eastbound & Down
This back-to-first-base comedy about a washed-up baseball player enjoys the prestige of HBO and the marquee value of Will Ferrell as a producer. But itÂ's perhaps too raunchy for older TV Academy voters. Given that producer-star Danny McBride says this forthcoming third season will be its last, Eastbound & Down likely will strike out Emmy-wise. And it's a damn shame.
Entourage
After landing nominations in the top comedy category for three years running, HBOÂ's Hollywood insider send-up didnÂ't make the cut the last go-round. If shut out again, itÂ's because Academy voters have moved on from an aging series that will return for its shortened eighth and final season on July 24.
Episodes
If the television industryÂ's insiders love anything more than laughing, itÂ's laughing at itself (see 30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm). And thereÂ's been buzz about how this Showtime Brits-out-of-water comedy reinvented Matt LeBlanc. But, even if he might, the series probably doesnÂ't have a high enough profile yet to garner an Emmy nod.
Family Guy
In 2009, the Fox show that wouldnÂ't die became the first animated series in nearly half a century to win an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series. But it was shut out the very next year. So expect the TV Academy to next recognize Family Guy around, say, 2060.
Glee
Although Season 2 has lost some momentum, thereÂ's virtually no way this innovative Fox musical comedy wonÂ't be nominated this year, especially after conventional wisdom declared a toss-up whether it or Modern Family would claim the prize in 2010. Voters very well may decide that, this time around, theyÂ'll recognize their other favorite.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
This FX comedy over six seasons has developed an enviable hipster rep, but hasnÂ't managed to score a nomination — worthy and outrageous as the show is. Barring some extremely effective campaigning, that seems unlikely to change this year.
Hot In Cleveland
TV LandÂ's women-of-a-certain-age comedy is riding high after its SAG Awards nomination and a surprise win for the ubiquitous Betty White. But in the Emmys arena, itÂ's still an uphill climb against shows from bigger networks. Aside from a possible nomination or win for White as Supporting Actress, this traditional three-camera sitcom remains unapologetic about the showÂ's old-school approach.
How I Met Your Mother
Nominated only once for Outstanding Comedy Series (in 2009), this low-profile CBS series seems destined to have to pin its Emmy hopes on Neil Patrick Harris, again. (No other cast member has ever been recognized.)
The Middle
Constantly eclipsed by ABC's other, more buzzy Wednesday night family satires Modern Family and Cougar Town, this Midwestern family satire remains the network's best kept comedy secret.
Modern Family
This ABC hit hasnÂ't lost a bit of its luster since its victory last year. So, barring an upset, it remains not just a surefire nominee, but the show to beat
Nurse Jackie
Coming off of last yearÂ's nominations and win for star Edie Falco, the dark Showtime comedy ought to be a lock to repeat for a nod. That is, unless itÂ's knocked out of the running by the cable networkÂ's newer dramedy, The Big C.
The Office
NBCÂ's workplace comedy has been recognized every year since its debut (at which time it took home the prize). Factor in Steve CarellÂ's swan song, and itÂ's a real contender for a comeback win, and not just a surefire nod.
Parks and Recreation
Last year Amy Poehler snuck into the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy race. Continuing that slow-but-steady build this season, the show itself could get in the game for the first time. The prevailing industry wisdom is this is the sleeper to watch out for. It certainly has our vote.
Raising Hope
Although most of the Fox hitÂ's raves have focused on Martha Plimpton, the scene-stealer actually anchors a rock-solid family comedy. Voters who check it out ostensibly just for her ought to be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the series as a whole.
United States of Tara
Emmy voters love Toni Collette, who won for Lead Actress in a Comedy in 2009 and was nominated again the following year. But the series itself vies against fellow Showtime titles like The Big C and Nurse Jackie, and its recent cancellation frankly wonÂ't help.
Weeds
Though this arch Showtime series is as well-respected as its acting ensemble, Emmy has only nominated it once for Outstanding Comedy Series (in 2009), and no cast member has ever grabbed gold. This late in its run, that lack of “buzz” is going to be difficult to overcome.
30 Rock
Although the NBC hitcomÂ's three-year winning streak ended last year (done in by ABCÂ's freshman breakout, Modern Family), it remains an industry darling — with good reason. While not as consistent as its earlier seasons, its comedy quality never seems to wane. So, without ever actually going away, it could be primed for a comeback.
The Big Bang Theory
As popular as this CBS smash is, it has yet to be Emmy nominated despite originality in its scripts and ensemble. Kudos to the producers for broadening the cast this season and stepping up the romance for Mayim BialikÂ's and Melissa RauchÂ's characters, especially after Jim Parsons was acknowledged as last yearÂ's Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series winner for nerd-chic hilarity.
The Big C
With lead Laura Linney considered a shoo-in for an Emmy nod, a side effect is that her showÂ's chances of breaking into the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy race likely increases as well. Question is, did they increase enough?
Chuck
Forever floating on the renewal bubble (it will live on for a fifth and final short season of 13 episodes next season), the NBC action-comedy has a well-earned reputation as The Little Show that Could. But, plucky as it is, the unlikely spy yarn remains a significant Emmy longshot.
Community
What is arguably NBCÂ's most innovative comedy shoots high creatively but has yet to land commensurate ratings. Critics, however, have been quick to sing the showÂ's praises, perhaps loudly enough to help get it noticed by Emmy voters.
Cougar Town
In its second season, the wine-soaked Â"Friends for grown- upsÂ" really came into its own as an ensemble comedy rather than just a Courteney Cox vehicle. And itÂ's even poking fun at the icky title that long ago ceased to have anything to do with the series premise.
Eastbound & Down
This back-to-first-base comedy about a washed-up baseball player enjoys the prestige of HBO and the marquee value of Will Ferrell as a producer. But itÂ's perhaps too raunchy for older TV Academy voters. Given that producer-star Danny McBride says this forthcoming third season will be its last, Eastbound & Down likely will strike out Emmy-wise. And it's a damn shame.
Entourage
After landing nominations in the top comedy category for three years running, HBOÂ's Hollywood insider send-up didnÂ't make the cut the last go-round. If shut out again, itÂ's because Academy voters have moved on from an aging series that will return for its shortened eighth and final season on July 24.
Episodes
If the television industryÂ's insiders love anything more than laughing, itÂ's laughing at itself (see 30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm). And thereÂ's been buzz about how this Showtime Brits-out-of-water comedy reinvented Matt LeBlanc. But, even if he might, the series probably doesnÂ't have a high enough profile yet to garner an Emmy nod.
Family Guy
In 2009, the Fox show that wouldnÂ't die became the first animated series in nearly half a century to win an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series. But it was shut out the very next year. So expect the TV Academy to next recognize Family Guy around, say, 2060.
Glee
Although Season 2 has lost some momentum, thereÂ's virtually no way this innovative Fox musical comedy wonÂ't be nominated this year, especially after conventional wisdom declared a toss-up whether it or Modern Family would claim the prize in 2010. Voters very well may decide that, this time around, theyÂ'll recognize their other favorite.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
This FX comedy over six seasons has developed an enviable hipster rep, but hasnÂ't managed to score a nomination — worthy and outrageous as the show is. Barring some extremely effective campaigning, that seems unlikely to change this year.
Hot In Cleveland
TV LandÂ's women-of-a-certain-age comedy is riding high after its SAG Awards nomination and a surprise win for the ubiquitous Betty White. But in the Emmys arena, itÂ's still an uphill climb against shows from bigger networks. Aside from a possible nomination or win for White as Supporting Actress, this traditional three-camera sitcom remains unapologetic about the showÂ's old-school approach.
How I Met Your Mother
Nominated only once for Outstanding Comedy Series (in 2009), this low-profile CBS series seems destined to have to pin its Emmy hopes on Neil Patrick Harris, again. (No other cast member has ever been recognized.)
The Middle
Constantly eclipsed by ABC's other, more buzzy Wednesday night family satires Modern Family and Cougar Town, this Midwestern family satire remains the network's best kept comedy secret.
Modern Family
This ABC hit hasnÂ't lost a bit of its luster since its victory last year. So, barring an upset, it remains not just a surefire nominee, but the show to beat
Nurse Jackie
Coming off of last yearÂ's nominations and win for star Edie Falco, the dark Showtime comedy ought to be a lock to repeat for a nod. That is, unless itÂ's knocked out of the running by the cable networkÂ's newer dramedy, The Big C.
The Office
NBCÂ's workplace comedy has been recognized every year since its debut (at which time it took home the prize). Factor in Steve CarellÂ's swan song, and itÂ's a real contender for a comeback win, and not just a surefire nod.
Parks and Recreation
Last year Amy Poehler snuck into the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy race. Continuing that slow-but-steady build this season, the show itself could get in the game for the first time. The prevailing industry wisdom is this is the sleeper to watch out for. It certainly has our vote.
Raising Hope
Although most of the Fox hitÂ's raves have focused on Martha Plimpton, the scene-stealer actually anchors a rock-solid family comedy. Voters who check it out ostensibly just for her ought to be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the series as a whole.
United States of Tara
Emmy voters love Toni Collette, who won for Lead Actress in a Comedy in 2009 and was nominated again the following year. But the series itself vies against fellow Showtime titles like The Big C and Nurse Jackie, and its recent cancellation frankly wonÂ't help.
Weeds
Though this arch Showtime series is as well-respected as its acting ensemble, Emmy has only nominated it once for Outstanding Comedy Series (in 2009), and no cast member has ever grabbed gold. This late in its run, that lack of “buzz” is going to be difficult to overcome.
…GO CHUCK!!
a girl can dream though 
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