Is “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” in trouble?
Bateman, Metcalf and Goodman may still earn nods, but whether Samantha Bee damaged the chances of her weekly show repeating in the Outstanding Variety Talk Series category and earning a third nomination in the requisite writing category remains to be seen. When Bee referred to Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump as a “feckless c**t” it put her in the middle of a massive political firestorm with conservative outlets insisting TBS cancel her show “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” just as ABC had done with “Roseanne” just days before. The network stood by her and Bee issued an apology disheartened that her full comment, which criticized the Trump administration separating illegal aliens at the border from their children, was lost in the fracas. TBS has spent a good deal on its Emmy campaign for the show already with billboards and bus shelters around Los Angeles and the Television Academy actually celebrated the show’s progressive commentary with a previously announced special honor the night after the drama erupted. The problem for ‘Full Frontal’ is that it’s already fighting for a slot in a very competitive category. Previous nominee “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” didn’t make the cut last year and “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” and “The Opposition with Jordan Klepper” are all trying to crack the field as well. At worst we expect ‘Full Frontal’ to earn its third writing nomination, but another series nod? Color us concerned.
READ MORE: Samantha Bee says ‘F**k Off’ to those who see a #MeToo backlash
Can “Fahrenheit 451” really earn top nods with such terrible reviews?
In theory, it’s such a weak field for Outstanding TV Movie that Ramin Bahrani’s adaptation of “Fahrenheit 451” should easily make the five-nominee class, right? Well, sadly, the HBO production has earned absolutely abysmal reviews. It has a 47 on Metacritic (assisted by 3 out of the box positive reviews compared to 16 mixed to negative) and an eye-brow raising 36% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 60+ reviews). There have been some duds in this category over the years, but ‘Fahrenheit’s’ reception could open the door to BBC and PBS’ “The Child in Time” with Benedict Cumberbatch or Lifetime’s under-the-radar “I Am Elizabeth Smart.” That being said, ‘Fahrenheit’ does have two big stars in the fold with Michael B. Jordan and Michael Shannon who both have a shot of nominations. That might be just enough to get the futuristic tale across the finish line. Maybe.
Can “American Idol” crash the Reality-Competition series race?
The ratings were down even compared to it’s last season on Fox two years ago, but the ABC incarnation not only earned positive notices for judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, but for the quality and diversity of the cast as well (even if America voted many of those unique singers off earlier than critics would have liked). ‘Idol’ last earned an Emmy nod in the Reality-Competition series category in 2011. The following year “The Voice” debuted and while that NBC competition show has earned seven straight nominations and won four times since it’s still not impossible for “Idol” to make the cut alongside it. Could it sneak past last year’s nominees“Project Runway” or “American Ninja Warrior?” It’s not out of bounds.
Can cult favorite “Schitt’s Creek” crack the Comedy races?
One show that has benefited immensely from having its previous seasons on Netflix is Dan Levy’s “Schitt’s Creek.” Season four aired this winter on the show’s broadcast homes, Pop and the CBC, but it’s popularity has skyrocketed thanks to season one through three being available on the streaming service. That has made some wonder whether previous Emmy winners Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy could earn acting nominations. The comedy legends have a chance, but if you’re going to bet on anyone O’Hara is the one to watch out for.
Are you seeing any upsets in the field? Share your thoughts below.
Outstanding Comedy Series
Outstanding Comedy Series
Outstanding Limited Series
Outstanding Reality-Competition Series