Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official awards predictions for the upcoming Oscars and Emmys ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis; Awards Circuit Column, a weekly analysis dissecting the trends and contenders by television editor Michael Schneider (for Emmys) and Davis (for Oscars); Awards Circuit Podcast, a weekly interview series with talent and an expert roundtable discussion; and Awards Circuit Video analyzes various categories and contenders by Variety's leading awards pundits. Variety's unmatched coverage gives its readership unbeatable exposure in print and online, as well as provide inside reports on all the contenders in this year's awards season races.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit THE EMMYS COLLECTIVEVisit each category, per the individual awards show from THE EMMYS HUBTo see old predictions and commentary, click the EMMY PREDICTIONS ARCHIVESFor film awards predictions go toTHE OSCARS HUB
UPDATED: April 7, 2022
2022 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY:
From a 50,000 foot overview, the comedy series category looks to have the most competitive field of contenders, which is the polar opposite of last season’s lineup. As a result, streamers are juggling multiple projects again, hoping to get as many of them into the lineup as possible.
Apple TV Plus is the reigning champ with “Ted Lasso,” and it’s the presumptive frontrunner for its second season outing. After winning the SAG and Critics Choice top prizes, it has a very good chance to win it back-to-back. However, it won’t be so easy this time. Aside from balancing “Schmigadoon!” and “The Afterparty,” the latter of which is totally worthy of multiple noms across the board, they’ll need to fend off some critical favorites.
HBO Max is back in the hunt with the second season of “Hacks,” which arguably narrowingly lost this race last year after picking up prizes for writing and directing. They’ll also have the sophomore season of “The Flight Attendant.” For the cable side of the house, HBO will give considerable pushes for the return (finally!) of “Barry,” the latest season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and the farewell season of “Insecure.”
Amazon Prime Video is back with a TV Academy favorite, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” which could be a familiar choice for voters to get behind.
Hulu has a sure-fire contender with “Only Murders in the Building” but will also give a platform for “The Great” and the second half of “Pen15.”
Netflix is back in the conversation with “Russian Doll” while also having a possibility of nabbing back-to-back noms for “Cobra Kai” (if the Will Smith executive producer credit doesn’t become a distraction on the campaign trail).
FX has the best shot for cable networks to land Emmy gold, with two diverse selections in the mix. A long-awaited return of “Atlanta” could be heavily embraced for its final season, and the inaugural charm of “Reservation Dogs” has performed very well with the precursors. In addition, FX has the once-nominated “What We Do in the Shadows” and “Better Things” that have loyal fans.
The purist lovers of fantastic comedies wouldn’t have to look any further than ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” and Peacock’s “Girls5eva” for wholesome series worthy of their votes.
Nominations for the 74th Emmy Awards will be announced Tuesday, July 12.
2021 category winner: “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV Plus)
ALL AWARDS CONTENDERS AND RANKINGS:
Apple TV Plus
| AND THE PREDICTED NOMINEES ARE: | ||
|---|---|---|
| RANK | SERIES | NETWORK |
| 1 | “Ted Lasso” | Apple TV Plus |
| 2 | “Hacks” | HBO Max |
| 3 | “Only Murders in the Building” | Hulu |
| 4 | “Barry” | HBO |
| 5 | “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” | Amazon Prime Video |
| 6 | “Atlanta” | FX |
| 7 | “Reservation Dogs” | FX |
| 8 | “The Afterparty” | Apple TV Plus |
| NEXT IN LINE | ||
| 9 | “The Flight Attendant” | HBO Max |
| 10 | “Russian Doll” | Netflix |
| 11 | “What We Do in the Shadows” | FX |
| 12 | “Abbott Elementary” | ABC |
| 13 | “Curb Your Enthusiasm” | HBO |
| 14 | “The Great” | Hulu |
| 15 | “Girls5eva” | Peacock |
| 16 | “Cobra Kai” | Netflix |
| 17 | “Insecure” | HBO |
| 18 | “Black-ish” | ABC |
| 19 | “Schmigadoon!” | Apple TV Plus |
| 20 | “Pen15” | Hulu |
| ALSO IN CONTENTION | ||
| 21 | “Emily in Paris” | Netflix |
| 22 | “The Other Two” | Comedy Central |
| 23 | “Ghosts” | CBS |
| 24 | “Julia” | HBO Max |
| 25 | “The Chair” | Netflix |
| 26 | “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” | NBC |
| 27 | “Search Party” | HBO Max |
| 28 | “Sex Education” | Netflix |
| 29 | “Dickinson” | Apple TV Plus |
| 30 | “Peacemaker” | HBO Max |
| UNRANKED CONTENDERS | ||
| — | “Acapulco” | Apple TV Plus |
| — | “After Life” | Netflix |
| — | “American Auto” | NBC |
| — | “And Just Like That” | HBO Max |
| — | “Better Things” | FX |
| — | “Black Monday” | Showtime |
| — | “Call Me Kat” | Fox |
| — | “Chad” | TBS |
| — | “Dave” | FX |
| — | “Dear White People” | Netflix |
| — | “Grace and Frankie” | Netflix |
| — | “Home Economics” | ABC |
| — | “I Love That for You” | Showtime |
| — | “Kenan” | NBC |
| — | “Killing It” | Peacock |
| — | “Life and Beth” | Hulu |
| — | “Love, Victor” | Hulu |
| — | “MacGruber” | Peacock |
| — | “Mr. Mayor” | NBC |
| — | “Murderville” | Netflix |
| — | “Nora from Queens” | Comedy Central |
| — | “Our Flag Means Death” | HBO Max |
| — | “Physical” | Apple TV Plus |
| — | “Resident Alien” | Syfy |
| — | “Shining Vale” | Starz |
| — | “Single Drunk Female” | Freeform |
| — | “The Conners” | ABC |
| — | “The Righteous Gemstones” | HBO |
| — | “The Wonder Years” | ABC |
| — | “Trying” | Apple TV Plus |
| — | “We Are Lady Parts” | Channel 4 |
| — | “Wolf Like Me” | Peacock |
| — | “Young Sheldon” | CBS |
AWARDS CATEGORY HISTORY (Best Comedy Series)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known simply as the Emmys, is television’s most prestigious artistic award. Many records are held for 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, winning five times consecutively. The classic sitcoms “All in the Family” and “Cheers” have four wins, although not consecutive.
For nominations: The most shows nominated in this category are “Cheers” and “M*A*S*H,” 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, and CBS follows 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).
2022 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 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 or Anthology Series or Movie
- Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special
- Outstanding Competition Program
- Outstanding Variety Talk Series
- Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
- Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)
- Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
2022 Creative Arts Emmys Predictions
- Outstanding Television Movie
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Reality Host
- Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
- Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special
- Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special
- Outstanding Animated Program
- Outstanding Short Form Animated Program
- Outstanding Voice-Over Performance
- Outstanding Narrator
- Outstanding Structured Program
- Outstanding Unstructured Program
- Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
- Outstanding Documentary Special
- Outstanding Documentary Filmmaking
- Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special
- Outstanding Main Title Design
- Outstanding Main Title Theme Music
- Outstanding Music for Series
- Outstanding Music for Limited Series
- Outstanding Music and Lyrics
- Outstanding Music Supervision
About the Primetime Emmy Awards (Emmys)
The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known as the Emmys, are given out by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Since 1949, the awards have recognized 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 74th Emmy Awards will take place on Monday, Sept. 12, and air on NBC.