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: June 2, 2022
2022 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY:
Broadcast is mounting a comeback at the Emmys. With three strong contenders vying for attention, it would be the first time since 2013, that three Broadcast shows would make the lineup.
This is resting upon the feeling that CBS’ hit freshman series “Ghosts” could sneak into the lineup at the eleventh hour. Very prominent on the campaign trail, this could be the network’s first nom since “The Big Bang Theory” ended its run, and there are many who sing the praises of the writing and impeccable ensemble.
Who would have thought the second season of “Hacks” could possibly surpass the first? Critics love the HBO Max series, and its stars, Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. Could the second season road trip lead to a big Emmy night? It can be argued that “Hacks” nearly took home the top prize last year after winning writing and directing.
Hulu has all the riches this year, especially with its whodunnit series, “Only Murders in the Building” which stars comedy icons Steve Martin and Martin Short, alongside an equally brilliant Selena Gomez. A true contender for writing, the series could overperform with the Emmys and be a spoiler waiting in the wings.
FX’s “Atlanta” makes a return for its penultimate season, with all the delights of its inaugural outings. Donald Glover and the rest of the cast have their devoted fans, but the hurdle will be if the show’s hiatus was too long for people to jump back into the flow.
The world said goodbye to the ABC sitcom “Black-ish,” which has made a strong showing at the Emmys over the past eight seasons but has never walked away with any of the big statuettes. It’s the last chance for voters to give the Johnson family its overdue love.
Another series returning after a hiatus is “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” this time with its second to last season. The Prime Video comedy has won this race before. Rachel Brosnahan leads the charge once again, and the awards campaign team is optimistic about their chances to make another big showing, considering the show is familiar territory with the TV Academy.
Ted Lasso.Season 2, Episode 6.Brendan Hunt, Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein and Nick Mohammed.Credit: AppleTV+.
AppleTV+
“Ted Lasso” gave Apple TV+ its first top series win in this category last year and is back for more. With a robust slate in all series categories, the familiarity of our favorite football coach could be an easy check off, especially with high-profile wins from Critics Choice and SAG Awards. The next season being its last chatter from Brett Goldstein, could also help it on the trail.
The whimsical and maniacal hit man “Barry” is back, and HBO has another shot at the comedy Emmy, along with stars Bill Hader, Henry Winkler, Anthony Carrigan and Sarah Goldberg all vying for acting wins as well. After a COVID pause, it’s great to have one of the best shows on television back for another Emmy round.
From executive producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller comes this murder mystery comedy “The Afterparty” streaming on Apple TV+. The all-star cast of the smash freshman series boasts one of the best ensembles of the year and could be a dark horse entry.
A darling on the indie circuit, the FX series “Reservation Dogs” received critical acclaim when it debuted. Sporting a cast of Indigenous newcomers, the series has grabbed noms and some wins already and could make a surprise entry in this category. Its big obstacle? Being remembered due to its early release.
If the Oscars were looking for a good mood with “CODA,” then the TV Academy might look to “Abbott Elementary,” which follows a delightful, charming and earnest bunch of Philadelphia teachers. Creator, writer and star Quinta Brunson, along with the rest of the cast, are the most popular kids of the awards season.
I’m also aware that “Curb Your Enthusiasm” has never missed a nom for outstanding comedy series, but that reign has to come to an end sometime, right?
Read more: Variety’s Awards Circuit Emmys Predictions Hub
The nomination round of voting runs from June 16 to June 27. The official nominations for the 74th Emmy Awards will be announced Tuesday, July 12.
The list of programs and potential nominees listed below is incomplete and is subject to change. The full television awards season calendar is linked here.
2021 category winner: “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV Plus)
ALL AWARDS CONTENDERS AND RANKINGS:
John P. Johnson/HBO
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
2022 Creative Arts Emmys Predictions
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.