Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars and Emmys ceremonies from film awards editor Clayton Davis. Following history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Oscar and Emmy predictions are updated regularly with the current year's list of contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. The eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and is subject to change.
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2021 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
UPDATED: May 6, 2021
AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY: The competition for the eight spots for best comedy series is not as deep as we’ve seen the last few years. The only former nominee from last year’s Emmys that’s up for consideration is Netflix’s “The Kominsky Method” for its third and final season. That leaves openings for multiple freshman series to enter the mix. At the top of the pyramid is Apple TV Plus’ “Ted Lasso,” which has only netted a win from the Critics Choice Awards thus far due to the leftover steamroller of “Schitt’s Creek” at the Globes and SAG Awards. Even with that, it’s the favorite in this space, with its challenger being HBO Max’s “The Flight Attendant,” which won the DGA award for Susanna Fogel for the episode, “In Case of Emergency.” It’ll be interesting to see how the two are divided with love by the Television Academy when going down the line in their respective races.
Other newcomers to the race are HBO Max’s “Hacks,” which marks the return of Emmy winner Jean Smart and could be a favorite with voters. They also have “Made for Love,” which was mixed with viewers, but Cristin Miliotti’s star power could keep it in the conversation. There are vocal lovers of other new shows hoping to muscle their way into this open field, including two from Peacock — “Girls5Eva” and “Rutherford Falls,” both of which may gain some traction. There’s also NBC’s “Kenan” and “Young Rock” that are worth consideration, as well as ABC’s “Home Economics” that may gain momentum as the phase one voting period opens.
Outside of the new shows, long-beloved series that have yet to be recognized by the Emmys will be seeking their first bouts, two of which took their final bows during this pandemic year. NBC’s “Superstore” was very popular with critics and audiences over its eight years, and yet, the Emmys have failed to recognize it (including supporting standout Nico Santos). Perhaps it can pull in a last-minute rally around it for a farewell nod. The other is Showtime’s long-running “Shameless,” which had went between drama and comedy categories over its time. When landing on the latter classification, star William H. Macy has been a consistent presence. In contrast, stunt coordinator Eddie Perez has had no trouble finding love with three wins over its duration. Could the Academy voters wake up to its popularity and recognize it with a comedy series citation?
Some other possibilities that are benefiting from the lack of competition are Apple TV Plus’ “Dickinson,” Netflix’s “Cobra Kai,” Hulu’s “Pen15” and NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” all of which have substantial chances at getting nominated. After failing to be recognized the last two years, ABC’s “Black-ish,” in its eighth season, could make its big return to the ceremony, possibly outdoing its five-nomination best from 2018.
The eligibility period ends on May 31 before nomination-round voting begins on June 17, concluding June 28. The Primetime Emmy nominations will be announced on July 13, 2021.
The Flight Attendant.Courtesy of HBO Max
Courtesy of Phil Caruso/HBO Max
AND THE PREDICTED NOMINEES ARE:
"Ted Lasso"(Apple TV Plus)
Season one (August 14, 2020 release date)
–CREATORS: Bill Lawrence, Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, Joe KellySYNOPSIS: Follows US American Football coach Ted Lasso heading to the UK to manage a struggling London football team in the top flight of English football.STARRING: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, Nick Mohammed, Juno Temple
"The Flight Attendant"(HBO Max)
Season one (Nov. 26, 2020 release date)
–CREATOR: Steve YockeySYNOPSIS: A reckless flight attendant with an alcoholism problem wakes up in the wrong hotel, in the wrong bed, with a dead man - and no idea what happened. Unable to piece the night together, she begins to wonder if she could be the killer.STARRING: Kaley Cuoco, Michiel Huisman, Zosia Mamet, T. R. Knight, Michelle Gomez, Colin Woodell, Merle Dandridge, Griffin Matthews, Nolan Gerard Funk, Rosie Perez
"Black-ish"(ABC)
Season seven (Oct. 21, 2020)
–CREATOR: Kenya BarrisSYNOPSIS: A family man struggles to gain a sense of cultural identity while raising his kids in a predominantly white, upper-middle-class neighborhood.STARRING: Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown, Marsai Martin, Laurence Fishburne, Jeff Meacham, Jenifer Lewis, Peter Mackenzie, Deon Cole, Katlyn Nichol
"The Kominsky Method"(Netflix)
Season three (May 28, 2021)
–CREATOR: Chuck LorreSYNOPSIS: An aging actor, who long ago enjoyed a brush with fame, makes his living as an acting coach.STARRING: Michael Douglas, Lisa Edelstein, Jane Seymour, Kathleen Turner
"Hacks"(HBO Max)
Season one (May 13, 2021)
–CREATOR: Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, Jen StatskySYNOPSIS: Explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.STARRING: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins
"Pen15"(Hulu)
Season two (Sept 18, 2020)
–CREATORS: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, Sam ZviblemanSYNOPSIS: The comedic story of middle school seen through the eyes of two 7th grade girls dealing with the awkwardness of being a teenager.STARRING: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, Mutsuko Erskine, Richard Karn, Taylor Nichols, Melora Walters, Taj Cross, Dallas Liu
"Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist"(NBC)
Season two (Jan 5, 2021)
–CREATORS: Austin WinsbergSYNOPSIS: A young woman discovers she has the ability to hear the innermost thoughts of people around her as songs and musical numbers.STARRING: Jane Levy, Skylar Astin, Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, Peter Gallagher, Mary Steenburgen, Lauren Graham, Andrew Leeds, Alice Lee, Michael Thomas Grant, Kapil Talwalkar
"Superstore"(NBC)
Season six (Oct 29, 2020)
–CREATORS: Justin SpitzerSYNOPSIS: A look at the lives of employees at a big box store.STARRING: America Ferrera, Ben Feldman, Lauren Ash, Colton Dunn, Nico Santos, Nichole Sakura, Mark McKinney, Kaliko Kauahi
GIRLS5EVA — “Alf Musik” Episode 103 — Pictured: (l-r) Paula Pell as Gloria, Sara Bareilles as Dawn, Renée Elise Goldsberry as Wickie, Busy Philipps as Summer — (Photo by: Heidi Gutman/Peacock)
Heidi Gutman/Peacock
NEXT IN LINE CONTENDERS:
"Dickinson"(Apple TV Plus)Season two (Jan. 8, 2021)
"Cobra Kai"(Netflix)Season three (Jan. 1, 2021)
"Girls5eva"(Peacock)Season one (May 6, 2021)
"Rutherford Falls"(Peacock)Season one (April 22, 2021)
"Shameless"(Showtime)Season 11 (Dec. 6, 2020)
"Young Rock"(NBC)Season one (Feb. 16, 2021)
"Home Economics"(ABC)Season one (Apr. 7, 2021)
"Made for Love"(HBO Max)Season one (Apr. 1, 2021)
"Younger"(Paramount Plus)Season seven (Apr. 15, 2021)
"Master of None"(Netflix)Season three (May 23, 2021)
"Search Party"(TBS)Season four (Jan. 14, 2021)
"Kenan"(NBC)Season one (Feb. 16, 2021)
Apple TV Plus
TOP-TIER AWARDS CONTENDERS:
"Mythic Quest"(Apple TV Plus)Season two (May 7, 2021)
"Emily in Paris"(Netflix)Season one (Oct. 2, 2020)
"Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!"(Netflix)Season one (Apr. 14, 2021)
"Grown-ish"(Freeform)Season three (Jan. 21, 2021)
"Mr. Mayor"(NBC)Season one (Jan. 7, 2021)
"Mom"(CBS)Season eight (Nov. 5, 2020)
"Shrill"(Hulu)Season three (May 7, 2021)
"The Goldbergs"(ABC)Season eight (Oct. 21, 2020)
"The Politician"(Netflix)Season two (June 19, 2020)
"The Conners"(ABC)Season three (Oct. 21, 2020)
SAVED BY THE BELL — “Pilot” Episode 101 — Pictured: Haskiri Velazquez as Daisy — (Photo by: Casey Durkin/Peacock)
Casey Durkin/Peacock
ALL AWARDS CONTENDERS (UNRANKED):
AWARDS CATEGORY HISTORY (Best Comedy Series)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known simply as the Emmys, is television’s most prestigious artistic award. There are many records held for both wins and nominations in the near eight decades.
For wins: NBC’s “Frasier” and ABC’s “Modern Family” hold the record for the most awards in best comedy series, both of which won five times consecutively. The classic sitcoms “All in the Family” and “Cheers” both have four wins, although not consecutive.
For nominations: The shows that have been nominated in this category the most are “Cheers” and “M*A*S*H,” both with 11 over their runs. The former winning four and the latter once. “Curb Your Enthusiasm” is the most nominated show in this category with nine but has not won (as of 2021).
NBC is the network with the most wins in this category, with 26, with CBS following with 22. Amazon Prime Video is the first and only streaming service to win this category with “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (in 2018) and “Fleabag” (in 2019).
2021 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions
- Outstanding Drama Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Comedy Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Television Movie
- Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
- Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special
- Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special
- Outstanding Variety Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Competition Program
About the Primetime Emmy Awards (Emmys)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known as the Emmys, is given out by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Since 1949, the awards recognize excellence in American primetime television programming. They are divided into three classes – Primetime Emmy Awards, the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (honors artisan achievements) and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards (recognizes significant engineering and technological contributions). The typical eligibility period is between June 1 and May 31 of any given year. The Television Academy comprises over 25,000 members, representing 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors and various artisans and executives.
- The 73rd Emmy Awards are scheduled to air on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 8:00 pm est on CBS and on-demand on sister streamer Paramount Plus.