2015 Emmy Predictions: Best Comedy Series
Nostalgia is a very powerful weapon, but it goes both ways. Longing for the past can cover up the sins of the present, especially when it comes to television. Past nominees like “Louie,” “Modern Family,” “Parks and Recreation” and even “Veep” have been around long enough for voters to establish a permanent impression of the show, rather than an accurate judgement of the current season.
That could work for or against any one of these institutions, as shows that maybe haven’t had their best season yet — “Modern Family,” “Parks and Recreation” — could benefit from years of respect to win even in an off year. Meanwhile, shows like “Veep” and “Louie,” which only continue to improve, may be seen more as future candidates than present ones; meaning voters may want to put off crowning them until they’ve peaked.
READ MORE: Jeffrey Tambor on ‘Transparent’: ‘The Revolution is Here’
That being said, 2015 feels like a transitionary year. Many thought last season would mark the end of “Modern Family’s” record-tying run, but it soldiered on; can the Dunphy clan do it again in 2015, or will streaming’s upswing continue past the nominations and into the winners’ circle? “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” certainly has the Hollywood power players behind it necessary to give credence to a freshman comedy. (Plus, the TV Academy loves Tina Fey.) “Transparent” will undoubtedly rely on similar adoration for star Jeffrey Tambor and creator Jill Soloway, both of whom have been gaining prominence in the entertainment culture and Hollywood in general. The show could also benefit from its cultural significance, as transgender issues have become more and more prominent since the series began.
Traditional TV shows like “Silicon Valley” will rely on the power of its awards dominant network as well as the general affability of its cast to woo voters, while “Louie” will push the critical raves consistently given to Louis C.K.’s landmark FX comedy. Finally, “Parks and Recreation” will likely count on its lack of acknowledgement by the TV Academy thus far to convince voters it deserves to end on the ultimate high note. There’s that nostalgia again. In more ways than one.
Below
are predictions for Outstanding Comedy Series from both Indiewire Awards
Editor Peter Knegt and TV Critic Ben Travers. Check back as
they might very well change ’em up between now and September, and stay up-to-date on all the races with our predictions in all the categories here.
The nominees:
“Louie”
“Modern Family”
“Parks and Recreation”
“Silicon Valley”
“Transparent”
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
“Veep”
Ben’s predictions:
Will win: “Veep”
Could win: “Modern Family”
Should win: “Veep”
Shoulda been here: “Archer”
Peter’s predictions:
Will win: “Transparent”
Could win: “Modern Family”
Should win: “Transparent”
Shoulda been here: “Broad City”
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