The Emmy awards will be unlike any other this year, as the Coronavirus pandemic means that Sunday’s ceremony will be taking place virtually (though still hosted by Jimmy Kimmel) on September 20 at 7 pm CST. Despite the unconventional award season, this year saw some incredible television, meaning there’s incredibly tough competition among the nominees. Let’s explore who will win, who should win, (who is a dark horse), and who should have been nominated in the first place for the comedy categories.
Best Comedy Series
Will Win: “Schitt’s Creek”
The POP comedy has had the most remarkable journey on television, and nothing would cement that further than the series winning Best Comedy at the Emmys. Furthermore, the show has been overlooked for the majority of its run (only receiving its first Emmy nominations last year), which has been amended this year by the comedy receiving 15 (!) nominations. “Schitt’s” sixth and final season was incredibly well-received, and, as it’s the last chance for the Emmys to award the show, means it will likely win.
Should Win: “Schitt’s Creek”
“What We Do in the Shadows” may have created a stronger season overall this year, but “Schitt’s Creek” ultimately deserves the prize for creating such a sweet and satisfying ending. The final season not only continued a seamless blend of humor and heartfelt moments but also rewarded the character development the writing had so expertly crafted throughout its run. If only more shows prioritized the emotional growth of its characters in the same way.
Potential Threat: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
The Emmys have shown no sign of slowing down on their admiration for the Amazon comedy, having already given it the same prize back in 2018 and presenting it with a total of 20 nominations this year. After a well-received third season that broadened the show’s horizons and created some stunning set pieces, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is still a contender in this race.
Should Have Been Nominated: “The Great”
The Hulu comedy took on the almost-legendary reign of Russia’s Catherine the Great and promptly discarded all its historical ties. Yet by committing itself to historical inaccuracy, the show gave itself freedom to create a chaotic, witty and satirical comedy. With standout performances from Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, “The Great” became the best version of itself.
Best Leading Actor in a Comedy Series
Will Win: Ramy Youssef, “Ramy”
This award could go to “Schitt’s Creek”’s Eugene Levy, but I think his co-stars are more likely to win. Fresh off a Golden Globe win, Ramy Youssef has received great praise for “Ramy”, with the second season of the Hulu comedy earning rave reviews for its portrayal of American Muslims. In addition, Youssef also writes, produces and directs on the show, an achievement that has helped winners like Bill Hader in recent years.
Should Win: Ted Danson, “The Good Place”
The Emmys have sadly overlooked NBC’s “The Good Place” during its run, which is a shame as the fourth and final season gave the characters such a beautiful send-off. As Michael, Ted Danson gave a standout performance, perfectly capturing Michael’s humor with his desire to connect with humans. Watching Michael’s evolution as a character was incredibly satisfying, and it would be fantastic to see Danson scoring a win.
Potential Threat: Eugene Levy, “Schitt’s Creek”
Of course, if the Emmys decide to go all out on their love for “Schitt’s Creek,” this could lead to Eugene Levy taking the award. The industry loves Levy, and, as Johnny Rose, he created a loveable and hilarious character. (His eyebrows are a character in their own right.)
Should Have Been Nominated: Matt Berry, “What We Do in the Shadows” and Nicholas Hoult, “The Great”
“What We Do in the Shadows”’s Matt Berry led one of the funniest episodes of television in “On the Run” (AKA the Jackie Daytona episode). Similarly, I also can’t ignore Nicholas Hoult, who gave a career-best performance in the sadly overlooked “The Great.” Here’s hoping both actors get their due next year.
Best Leading Actress in a Comedy Series
Will Win: Catherine O’Hara, “Schitt’s Creek”
Filled with brilliant performances, this is the toughest category to predict. Yet the top bets are on Catherine O’Hara to win for her role as matriarch Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek.” Despite some actresses in this category having stronger episode submissions, O’Hara has crafted an iconic role that will be remembered and adored in years to come, so it seems likely that the Emmys will award her for the years of her work on the show.
Should Win: Catherine O’Hara, “Schitt’s Creek”
It’s a crime that this is only Catherine O’Hara’s second nomination for “Schitt’s Creek”. No one does pronunciations or wears a collection of wigs like Moira Rose. Hers is one of the best comedic performances I’ve ever seen on television.
Potential Threat: Issa Rae, “Insecure”
Even so, while it seems likely O’Hara will win, it’s definitely not a sure thing. This is due to Issa Rae’s acclaimed performance in HBO’s “Insecure,” which scored eight nominations this year, its highest total yet. “Insecure” has really broken through this year, and this is partly due to Rae’s performance as Issa Dee. Considering the buzz surrounding the show right now, a win for the “Insecure” actress is now a strong possibility.
Should Have Been Nominated: Jane Levy, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”
Levy led the first season of NBC’s musical comedy with humor, heart and grace. The actress gave one of the performances of this year in the seventh episode of the season, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Glitch,” with Levy singing six musical numbers that ranged from truly cringe-worthy to heartbreaking.
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Will Win: Tony Shalhoub, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
It will be surprising if “Maisel” loses both of the supporting actor races, so I’m betting on Tony Shalhoub repeating his win for the Amazon comedy. The industry has shown a lot of love for Shalhoub in this role, and as he continues to be a standout in the show’s third season, it’s likely he’ll win again.
Should Win: Andre Braugher, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
Seven seasons on and Braugher’s performance is just as hilarious, with impeccable comic timing and characterization. As the sole nominee from “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”, Braugher deserves recognition for creating such a memorable character in Captain Holt.
Potential Threat: Mahershala Ali, “Ramy”
If Ramy Youssef loses Leading Actor, the Emmys could decide to reward “Ramy” through its other acting nominee, Oscar-winning Mahershala Ali, for his acclaimed performance as Sheikh Ali Malik in the second season of the Hulu comedy.
Should Have Been Nominated: Harvey Guillen, “What We Do in the Shadows”
Guillen is a scene-stealer in the FX comedy, with the second season giving Guillermo more to do as he struggled with the growing body count of vampires. Guillen’s looks to the camera are perfect and, matched with his character’s independence this season, make him a standout performer.
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Will Win: Annie Murphy, “Schitt’s Creek”
There’s a few potential winners in this category, but with all the love the Emmys have shown “Schitt’s Creek” this year, I think Annie Murphy will take the prize. Her Emmy submission “The Presidential Suite”, shows Murphy at her best, combining Alexis’s vanity with her warm, loving nature. Throughout six seasons Murphy has given Alexis depth, heart and an arsenal of hand gestures and iconic phrases.
Should Win: D’Arcy Carden, “The Good Place”
In addition, I would be remiss not to mention “The Good Place”’s D’Arcy Carden, who deserved this award last year. Carden developed Janet into such a memorable character, who became a vital part of the group throughout all four seasons.
Potential Threat: Alex Borstein, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
As Borstein has won this award two years running, it’s clear voters love her performance as Susie. Although it may seem out of reach for Borstein to win three years in a row, respect for her performance cannot be underestimated.
Should Have Been Nominated: Jane Lynch, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”‘s Jane Lynch wasn’t nominated this year, which was surprising considering Sophie Lennon had a lot more depth.
Who do you think will win at this year’s Emmy awards? Let us know! Click here for the Drama and Limited Series predictions. Follow Shuffle Online on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Love our work? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi!
Sarah is a bookseller and English Literature graduate who watches too much tv in her spare time. Her favourite shows include Succession and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Sarah is particularly interested in period dramas and women’s history.