Emmys 2011: Analyzing the Best Drama Series Race — Including Our 6 Dream Nominees
This category might as well be called Outstanding cable Drama Series. Between the strong contenders on HBO (Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones), AMC (Mad Men, The Killing, The Walking Dead) and FX (Justified, Sons of Anarchy), the broadcast networks will be lucky if they get one show in the running. If they do, that show will likely be the best of the bunch, CBS’ The Good Wife.
More Emmy Races In Review: Supporting Comedy Actor |Â Supporting Comedy Actress | Lead Comedy Actor | Lead Comedy Actress | Outstanding Comedy Series | Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
Review this slideshow of the major contenders — including TVLine’s Dream Nominees — then vote below for who you think are the six best. And check back Thursday for our preview of the Outstanding Lead Drama Actress race!
Big Love
HBOÂ's polygamist Mormon soap faltered in its fourth season but regained its footing when it returned this year, and just in time to go out on top. However, having only been nominated for Outstanding Drama Series once (in 2009 Â-- and losing), it may be a long shot to receive one last showing of love.
Blue Bloods
Though this freshman CBS drama is one of the fall seasonÂ's only breakout hits, it was passed over for a Golden Globe nomination. So, in spite of the seriesÂ' glowing reviews, the network faces an uphill battle convincing Emmy voters to give it a nod.
Boardwalk Empire
Coming off victories for the SAG, WGA, and DGA awards, this Prohibition-era drama all but has its Emmy nomination in the bag, and may have the inside track to win as well Â--because HBO has more money to campaign for Emmy than does its primary cable rival, upstart AMC. As showrunner Terence Winter notes humbly: Â"Awards attention is very gratifying. But the work itself is the real reward.Â"
Dexter
This past season, the Showtime thrillerÂ's fifth, didnÂ't generate anywhere near the kind of buzz of the one that preceded it (which featured John LithgowÂ's memorable, Emmy-winning turn as the Trinity killer). But you canÂ't completely snuff the seriesÂ' chances Â-- it has been nominated three times before.
Friday Night Lights
Since series leads Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton snuck into the Emmy derby last year, there is at least hope that the series itself could score a nomination this year. It might help that voters know that if theyÂ're ever going to acknowledge NBC/DirecTVÂ's TCA Award-winning drama, this is their last chance. Clear eyes, full hearts….
Fringe
The Fox hit should be a contender, given that its worlds-rocking third season was its best-reviewed yet. But since the Emmys rarely recognize sci-fi series (The X-Files being a notable exception to the rule), the odds are probably against it.
Game of Thrones
The reviews for HBOÂ's medieval fantasy were fantastic; the ratings, not quite as good. So, as dazzling and densely plotted as the show is, itÂ's still a first-season wild card. Silver lining: This epic saga is sure to amass nods in Creative Arts categories such as Cinematography, Art Direction and Costumes.
The Good Wife
Having been nominated already for its excellent freshman season, the CBS hit is all but assured a second nod in 2011. Not only did the part-legal procedural/part-relationship drama maintain the quality that put it on the map, it may have even surpassed it.
House
After being nominated for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row (without a win), the Fox hit was passed over for a nod in 2010. Were voters trying to send a message to the medical soap? Are its best days behind it?
Justified
Although this Western was denied an Outstanding Drama Series nomination last year, it did receive a prestigious Peabody Award. And, since its second season was just as strong as its first — if not stronger — it remains arguably FXÂ's best shot at a nod.
The Killing
Since AMCÂ's Breaking Bad aired outside of the eligibility period this time around, the cable network could have been down an Outstanding Drama Series nominationÂ... were it not for its dark new murder mystery. Besides further branding AMC as a source of top-tier programming, it created the most memorably grim atmosphere since Twin Peaks.
Mad Men
Having won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series for the last three years in a row, AMCÂ's pitch-perfect period piece is a shoo-in to again find itself among the nominees. Question is, will creator Matthew WeinerÂ's very public contract negotiations impact the outcome of the 2011 race?
Parenthood
The NBC show maintained its quality control in Season 2, and heaven knows it fought the good fight against considerable top-shelf time-slot competition (The Good Wife and Southland included). But since it was snubbed last year (and inexplicably generates precious little buzz), it remains a dark horse candidate.
Shameless
ItÂ's a crowded category, but ShowtimeÂ's dysfunctional family drama has going for it not only its status as a breakout hit but also a golden pedigree Â-- executive producer John Wells has already won six Emmys (for his work on The West Wing and ER).
Sons of Anarchy
As popular as the FX series is, itÂ's never been nominated for an Emmy. So unless the cable network comes up with a new strategy to sell its biker-clan concept to voters, it may have to settle for Golden Globe winner Katey Sagal representing it among the individual acting contenders.
Southland
Dumped by NBC, the police drama not only survived but thrived after being picked up by TNT. However, the basic cable network has yet to secure an Outstanding Drama Series nom for even The Closer, so itÂ's unlikely that this relative newcomer will find itself in contention.
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena
As brilliant as StarzÂ's gladiator drama was, it might have been a shrewder move to submit it in the Outstanding Miniseries or Movie category than for Drama Series. There, it would have been a shoo-in; here, merely a wild card.
True Blood
HBOÂ's supernatural serial was squeezed out of this year's crowded Golden Globes race, which doesnÂ't bode well for its chances at the Emmys. Its best hope may be that growing anticipation of its June 26 fourth season premiere will turn the tide.
The Walking Dead
A stunning debut season like this AMC thriller had should assure it a nomination. But the cable network is already a lock with Mad Men and The Killing. Could it really nab three slots Â-- especially when the third would go to a series that wrings human drama out of zombies?
White Collar
USA Network is hoping to see this personality-plus procedural — which remains the No. 1 scripted drama on cable with both adults 18-49 and 25-54, year to date — some award-show recognition on par with its increasing, sexy buzz. But the TV Academy may be right to think that this hourlong (starring Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay in FBI/con man capers) belongs in a Drama-lite category.
Big Love
HBOÂ's polygamist Mormon soap faltered in its fourth season but regained its footing when it returned this year, and just in time to go out on top. However, having only been nominated for Outstanding Drama Series once (in 2009 Â-- and losing), it may be a long shot to receive one last showing of love.
Blue Bloods
Though this freshman CBS drama is one of the fall seasonÂ's only breakout hits, it was passed over for a Golden Globe nomination. So, in spite of the seriesÂ' glowing reviews, the network faces an uphill battle convincing Emmy voters to give it a nod.
Boardwalk Empire
Coming off victories for the SAG, WGA, and DGA awards, this Prohibition-era drama all but has its Emmy nomination in the bag, and may have the inside track to win as well Â--because HBO has more money to campaign for Emmy than does its primary cable rival, upstart AMC. As showrunner Terence Winter notes humbly: Â"Awards attention is very gratifying. But the work itself is the real reward.Â"
Dexter
This past season, the Showtime thrillerÂ's fifth, didnÂ't generate anywhere near the kind of buzz of the one that preceded it (which featured John LithgowÂ's memorable, Emmy-winning turn as the Trinity killer). But you canÂ't completely snuff the seriesÂ' chances Â-- it has been nominated three times before.
Friday Night Lights
Since series leads Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton snuck into the Emmy derby last year, there is at least hope that the series itself could score a nomination this year. It might help that voters know that if theyÂ're ever going to acknowledge NBC/DirecTVÂ's TCA Award-winning drama, this is their last chance. Clear eyes, full hearts….
Fringe
The Fox hit should be a contender, given that its worlds-rocking third season was its best-reviewed yet. But since the Emmys rarely recognize sci-fi series (The X-Files being a notable exception to the rule), the odds are probably against it.
Game of Thrones
The reviews for HBOÂ's medieval fantasy were fantastic; the ratings, not quite as good. So, as dazzling and densely plotted as the show is, itÂ's still a first-season wild card. Silver lining: This epic saga is sure to amass nods in Creative Arts categories such as Cinematography, Art Direction and Costumes.
The Good Wife
Having been nominated already for its excellent freshman season, the CBS hit is all but assured a second nod in 2011. Not only did the part-legal procedural/part-relationship drama maintain the quality that put it on the map, it may have even surpassed it.
House
After being nominated for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row (without a win), the Fox hit was passed over for a nod in 2010. Were voters trying to send a message to the medical soap? Are its best days behind it?
Justified
Although this Western was denied an Outstanding Drama Series nomination last year, it did receive a prestigious Peabody Award. And, since its second season was just as strong as its first — if not stronger — it remains arguably FXÂ's best shot at a nod.
The Killing
Since AMCÂ's Breaking Bad aired outside of the eligibility period this time around, the cable network could have been down an Outstanding Drama Series nominationÂ... were it not for its dark new murder mystery. Besides further branding AMC as a source of top-tier programming, it created the most memorably grim atmosphere since Twin Peaks.
Mad Men
Having won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series for the last three years in a row, AMCÂ's pitch-perfect period piece is a shoo-in to again find itself among the nominees. Question is, will creator Matthew WeinerÂ's very public contract negotiations impact the outcome of the 2011 race?
Parenthood
The NBC show maintained its quality control in Season 2, and heaven knows it fought the good fight against considerable top-shelf time-slot competition (The Good Wife and Southland included). But since it was snubbed last year (and inexplicably generates precious little buzz), it remains a dark horse candidate.
Shameless
ItÂ's a crowded category, but ShowtimeÂ's dysfunctional family drama has going for it not only its status as a breakout hit but also a golden pedigree Â-- executive producer John Wells has already won six Emmys (for his work on The West Wing and ER).
Sons of Anarchy
As popular as the FX series is, itÂ's never been nominated for an Emmy. So unless the cable network comes up with a new strategy to sell its biker-clan concept to voters, it may have to settle for Golden Globe winner Katey Sagal representing it among the individual acting contenders.
Southland
Dumped by NBC, the police drama not only survived but thrived after being picked up by TNT. However, the basic cable network has yet to secure an Outstanding Drama Series nom for even The Closer, so itÂ's unlikely that this relative newcomer will find itself in contention.
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena
As brilliant as StarzÂ's gladiator drama was, it might have been a shrewder move to submit it in the Outstanding Miniseries or Movie category than for Drama Series. There, it would have been a shoo-in; here, merely a wild card.
True Blood
HBOÂ's supernatural serial was squeezed out of this year's crowded Golden Globes race, which doesnÂ't bode well for its chances at the Emmys. Its best hope may be that growing anticipation of its June 26 fourth season premiere will turn the tide.
The Walking Dead
A stunning debut season like this AMC thriller had should assure it a nomination. But the cable network is already a lock with Mad Men and The Killing. Could it really nab three slots Â-- especially when the third would go to a series that wrings human drama out of zombies?
White Collar
USA Network is hoping to see this personality-plus procedural — which remains the No. 1 scripted drama on cable with both adults 18-49 and 25-54, year to date — some award-show recognition on par with its increasing, sexy buzz. But the TV Academy may be right to think that this hourlong (starring Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay in FBI/con man capers) belongs in a Drama-lite category.
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