The nominations have been announced for The 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. So now, it's time to speculate on who will and should win in each major category. Next up for analysis is Variety Talk Series.The Nominees Ranked By Which Should Win:
- HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
- TBS' Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
- CBS' The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
- Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
- CBS' The Late Late Show with James Corden
- ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!
At this specific moment in time, I'm drawn to variety talk shows that delve into the current political moment in a way that adds to the overall conversation we should be having as a culture. The shows that are more light-hearted certainly have a place in the conversation as well. James Corden is tremendous at what he does. His brand of fun is so infectious and welcome in this crowded marketplace. It's just not the first option I'm immediately attracted to when it comes to talking about which show should win an Emmy. Fortunately for me, there are a plethora of shows and hosts that have something very insightful to add to the conversation when it comes to enhancing our understanding of the day's news. John Oliver and Samantha Bee may only produce weekly shows but they often have the time to go in-depth on topics that is just marvelous to behold. Meanwhile, Stephen Colbert and Trevor Noah do a stellar job in breaking down the daily headlines in a way that allows for laughs while still delivering pointed statements about how absurd all of this has truly become.
The Nominees Ranked by Which Will Win:
- HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
- CBS' The Late Late Show with James Corden
- CBS' The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
- Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
- TBS' Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
- ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!
For the past three years, Last Week Tonight has been victorious in this category. It's doubtful that any of the other nominees will pull off of an upset. Speculation should only start about this being a super competitive category after an upset occurs. Right now, the trajectory and odds are all in favor of John Oliver once again delivering a speech on stage. Again, it's a well-deserved recognition. It also highlights how the voters of this category like to back a specific show for a long time. Jon Stewart was a constant favorite for over a decade. Stephen Colbert won twice for his Comedy Central show. The only potential upset in this year's race is if James Corden continues to build on the voters' love. It's clear that they have such complete admiration for him. He got some inexplicable nominations this year. But he also got some really deserving nods as well. His late night show is absolutely worthy of being in contention. He may win because of his charming and lovable personality. But again, it seems wrong to bet against John Oliver simply because he has the support of the HBO voting block. It's also hard to argue why the voters should rally around any of the other contenders. They are all great but there isn't that one show that stood out as doing something above and beyond tremendous this past year that demands immediate recognition.
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my predictions? Let me know in the comments below!
