2010 Emmys: Comedy

    Last week, the Emmy nominations for this year were released. This is television's biggest awards show, and as a television reviewer, I couldn't help but be excited. Sure, there were some snubs, but there were also some pleasant surprises. With 51 days left until the statues are handed out on August 29th, there is plenty of time to examine who's up for what. In this third in a series of articles, I'll look at the major categories for Comedies.

Outstanding Comedy Series: Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO), Glee (Fox), Modern Family (ABC), Nurse Jackie (Showtime), The Office (NBC), 30 Rock (NBC).  I hate to be a hater, because I love NBC's Thursdays, but Cougar Town deserves to make this list more than the last two.  I would even argue that Chuck should be here.  But of the nominees listed, all are excellent show.  Most people believe that there are only two that have a real chance of winning, though: Glee and Modern Family.  One is a charming, fresh, and original dramedy (with musical numbers!), while the other has perfected the art of sitcom.  Some would argue they belong in two separate categories, and I certainly see their point.  Glee blurs the line with what we would consider a comedy, however, I still think it will probably win.  It's just been too big a phenomenon not to.  Family should still take other awards, making both camps reasonably happy.  Props to CYE for being a nominee, though.  The Seinfeld reunion was a high point of the series.  And I adore Nurse Jackie, but wonder why it isn't considered a drama.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory (CBS), Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO), Matthew Morrison, Glee (Fox), Tony Shalhoub, Monk (USA), Steve Carell, The Office (NBC), Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC).  This may be Parsons's year... if Morrison doesn't swipe it out from under him.  I think Parsons does the comedy game better, and so I am rooting for him, but I also think Glee's popularity may give Morrison a boost.  Baldwin is still funny, but I think it's time for someone else to have a turn.  Similarly, Shalhoub was wonderful in the role, but I hope nostalgia for his final season doesn't put him above more deserving competitors.  Poor Carell should have won at some point, but not this year.  And while I'm gratified to see David make the list, as I frequently laugh out loud at CYE, he's essentially playing himself.  I don't know that that deserves an award more than Parsons or Morrison.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Lea Michele, Glee (Fox), Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS), Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie (Showtime), Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation (NBC), Tina Fey, 30 Rock (NBC), Toni Collette, United States of Tara (Showtime).  Tough category.  My instinct is Michele will take it, but I could see Falco, too.  Again, not sure why she's in the comedy category.  Did Showtime just think the competition would be less fierce?  'Cause it's not.  I'd like to see Julia get it, because it is completely unfair that CBS canceled her show, and perhaps it would garner more interest and a late save from another network if she did, though I think that unlikely.  On a like vain, NBC is holding Parks and Rec until mid-season, so perhaps Poehler's win would give it a needed boost.  It certainly deserves to have higher ratings.

     The 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards will air live Sunday, August 29th at 8pm on NBC.