Emmys 2014: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series - Our 6 Dream Nominees!

By Michael Slezak
The Proton Displacement Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory
It's hard not to root for an underdog like Leonard Hofstadter, and thanks to Galecki's charming performance on The Big Bang Theory, we were cheering for that lovable physicist all season. After Leonard did some serious growing up on the CBS sitcom this year, we were happy to see him get the girl. Now, we're hoping to see Galecki score an Emmy nod.

Louis CK - Dream Emmy Nominee

Louis CK - Dream Emmy Nominee Louis C.K., Louie C.K. doesn't always say much on his acclaimed comedy series, but he doesn't have to. Whether he's getting into legal trouble for (accidentally!) punching a one-night stand in the face or discussing his sex life around the poker table with friends, the comedian need only cock an eyebrow to get us giggling. And during the series' quieter moments, C.K. portrays real life exactly as it is — a little weird and a little overwhelming, but always entertaining.


Louis C.K., Louie

C.K. doesn't always say much on his acclaimed comedy series, but he doesn't have to. Whether he's getting into legal trouble for (accidentally!) punching a one-night stand in the face or discussing his sex life around the poker table with friends, the comedian need only cock an eyebrow to get us giggling. And during the series' quieter moments, C.K. portrays real life exactly as it is — a little weird and a little overwhelming, but always entertaining.

The Proton Displacement

The Proton Displacement Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory
It's hard not to root for an underdog like Leonard Hofstadter, and thanks to Galecki's charming performance on The Big Bang Theory, we were cheering for that lovable physicist all season. After Leonard did some serious growing up on the CBS sitcom this year, we were happy to see him get the girl. Now, we're hoping to see Galecki score an Emmy nod.


Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory


It's hard not to root for an underdog like Leonard Hofstadter, and thanks to Galecki's charming performance on The Big Bang Theory, we were cheering for that lovable physicist all season. After Leonard did some serious growing up on the CBS sitcom this year, we were happy to see him get the girl. Now, we're hoping to see Galecki score an Emmy nod.

Chris Messina - Dream Emmy Nominee

Chris Messina - Dream Emmy Nominee Chris Messina, The Mindy Project His inability to figure out how to be in love with Mindy made us ache. His curmudgeonly attitude made us laugh. And the skill with which he pulled off that Aaliyah dance number/secret-Santa gift made us swoon. This season, Messina softened Danny Castellano's gruff exterior just enough to totally sell the fact that Dr. C had fallen for Dr. L, making his season-finale declaration of love equal parts rom and com.


Chris Messina, The Mindy Project

His inability to figure out how to be in love with Mindy made us ache. His curmudgeonly attitude made us laugh. And the skill with which he pulled off that Aaliyah dance number/secret-Santa gift made us swoon. This season, Messina softened Danny Castellano's gruff exterior just enough to totally sell the fact that Dr. C had fallen for Dr. L, making his season-finale declaration of love equal parts rom and com.

The Convention Conundrum

The Convention Conundrum Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
There was a time when Sheldon Cooper was nothing more than a condescending, arrogant know-it-all. Of course, he still is, but in The Big Bang Theory's seventh season, Parsons allowed us a closer look at the complicated man beneath the "Bazinga!" He's still chock-full of sassy one-liners, but he's also stubborn, anxious and, thanks to Parsons' dynamite performance, completely fascinating.


Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory


There was a time when Sheldon Cooper was nothing more than a condescending, arrogant know-it-all. Of course, he still is, but in The Big Bang Theory's seventh season, Parsons allowed us a closer look at the complicated man beneath the "Bazinga!" He's still chock-full of sassy one-liners, but he's also stubborn, anxious and, thanks to Parsons' dynamite performance, completely fascinating.

Parks and Recreation - Season 6

Parks and Recreation - Season 6 Adam Scott, Parks and Recreation Typically the show's straight man, Scott still got plenty of laughs in Season 6 with his deadpan reaction shots (Lil Sebastian, again?) and by letting Ben's geek flag fly (The Cones of Dunshire, anyone?). But it was Ben's freak-out upon learning that he and Leslie were expecting triplets that truly exemplified why creator Mike Schur has dubbed Scott "a world class melter-downer."


Adam Scott, Parks and Recreation

Typically the show's straight man, Scott still got plenty of laughs in Season 6 with his deadpan reaction shots (Lil Sebastian, again?) and by letting Ben's geek flag fly (The Cones of Dunshire, anyone?). But it was Ben's freak-out upon learning that he and Leslie were expecting triplets that truly exemplified why creator Mike Schur has dubbed Scott "a world class melter-downer."

The Face of a Winner

The Face of a Winner Robin Williams, The Crazy Ones

If you came into The Crazy Ones expecting Williams to do wacky voices and pull goofy faces, we can't say you didn't get your money's worth. But Williams' (unfortunately short-lived) return to the small screen brought more than just zany humor. He also managed to infuse ad man Simon Roberts with a kind heart, quick wit and a go-get-'em spirit that had us cheering for even his most half-baked campaigns.


Robin Williams, The Crazy Ones



If you came into The Crazy Ones expecting Williams to do wacky voices and pull goofy faces, we can't say you didn't get your money's worth. But Williams' (unfortunately short-lived) return to the small screen brought more than just zany humor. He also managed to infuse ad man Simon Roberts with a kind heart, quick wit and a go-get-'em spirit that had us cheering for even his most half-baked campaigns.

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