Best of 2018 in Television

It has been some years since I have done my annual "Best of..." the past year in Entertainment.  These are my recommendations and for Television, I have listed 31 programs (instead of the usual 25).  My original "short list" was 54. LOL.  With so many choices: not just TV, but cable, premium, streaming services - it is really hard to narrow it down - and this is just based on what I actually saw.  

There have been so many programs that caught my eye; that were either critically acclaimed and/or awarded (and a few of my 'guilty pleasure' shows).  So, yes, MTVs Ridiculousness finally made the list - it is in it's 11th, 12th and 13th season this year, I have seen every episode of this series at least twice.  It may not be an Emmy winner like The Assassination of Gianni Versace or the drama feast of This Is Us, but in my eyes shows like it can stand alongside these critical faves.  It is, after all, entertainment.  If I could give an Emmy to all of these shows I would.  They are my best of the best recommendations from 2018. Listed in alphabetical order. Enjoy and be entertained.  

Next Sunday will be my list for the Best in Music and Recordings of 2018.

ANTHONY BOURDAIN: PARTS UNKNOWN -- CNN

THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE:

AMERICAN CRIME STORY -- FX

ATLANTA -- FX

FATAL ATTRACTION -- TV ONE

48 HOURS -- CBS

GOD FRIENDED ME -- CBS

INSECURE -- HBO

JANE FONDA IN FIVE ACTS -- HBO

JONESTOWN: TERROR IN THE JUNGLE -- SUNDANCE

KILLING EVE -- BBC AMERICA

KING IN THE WILDERNESS -- HBO

MANIFEST -- NBC

MARCIA CLARK INVESTIGATES THE FIRST 48 -- A&E

MARTHA & SNOOP'S POTLUCK DINNER PARTY -- VH1

A MILLION LITTLE THINGS -- ABC.

9-1-1 -- FOX

POSE -- FX

RBG -- CNN

REST IN POWER: THE TRAYVON MARTIN STORY -- PARAMOUNT

RIDICULOUSNESS -- MTV

RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE -- VH1

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE -- NBC

SEVEN SECONDS -- NETFLIX

SHUT UP & DRIBBLE -- SHOWTIME

60 MINUTES -- CBS

SUNDAY MORNING -- CBS

SURVIVOR -- CBS

TANKED -- ANIMAL PLANET

THIS IS US -- NBC

TIM RICE & ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR:

LIVE IN CONCERT -- NBC

WILL & GRACE -- NBC

Laurel Avenue - Rolanda Tryin' To Do Right

Laurel Avenue - Fleeting Opportunities?

Laurel Avenue - Two Chocolate Cones

America's Got Talent - My Pick & Predictions

It has been one entertaining season of America's Got Talent and yes, I voted! Through the season I had a few personal favorites that I split my votes among - Silhouettes, Lys Agnes and Anna Graceman, but from go the smooth, stylish crooner Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. proves you can't judge a book by it's cover. He has paced himself nicely and with a human interest life story to match his talent, it truly is what this show is all about.

For the finals, of my season long favorites he is joined with the music group, POPLYFE; techno dance group, Team iLuminate; and contemporary, inspiration dance troupe, Silhouettes. As much as I would like for Landau to win, Silhouettes and Team iLuminate also fit the bill. Some critics feel it is the year of the dance, so either of those two teams could win. POPLYFE really kinda blew it in the finale with the off key vocals of their fearless leader, who pretty much turned to a crying, gooey mess when the judges gave their honest opinion. "You blew it, honey, now get over it," was what I was thinking.

A big part of me goes back to the power of one, here we have three groups and one soloist. He had to raise the bar for himself each round of competition and has kept up very well. I would definitely pay for his CD or go see his show. And even if Landau doesn't win, I am sure this will not be the last we hear of that sweet, velvet voice. As usual, I will tune in, but it is always fun for me to post my picks for such a thing, my personal ones and then my prediction of how it will all turn out in the end...

My Personal Picks by Rank:

My Winner - Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

2nd - Silhouettes

3rd - Team iLuminate

4th - POPLYFE

My Predictions by Rank:

Winner - Silhouettes

2nd - Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

3rd - Team iLuminate

4th - POPLYFE

...but, I really, really, REALLY want Landau to win!

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The results will be revealed during the season finale Wednesday, September 14 @ 8pm on NBC with host Nick Cannon.

Cassone's Top 10 Best Television Programs 2010

These are the shows that made me take a look, notice and even sit back, relax and enjoy the show. I ranked per my personal preference. Some shows I hope even gets a few more viewers for being on my little list (#'s 2, 3, 4, 5 & 8 in particular). These always either leave me compelled, awestruck or wanting more. I have linked all titles to their respective websites, most of which you can watch episodes for free. Enjoy!

1. Lost --ABC

2. Detroit 1-8-7--ABC

3. The First 48--A&E.

4. Hot in Cleveland--TV Land.

5. So You Think You Can Dance--FOX.

6. Survivor: Nicaragua--CBS.

7. Family Guy--FOX.

8. Breaking Bad--AMC.

9. Temple Grandin--HBO.

10. The Oprah Winfrey Show--SYN.

Review: Betty White, Jay-Z & Alumni Divas Deliver the Goods for a Memorable 'SNL'

My first point that I made to my dear friend, Pam, while we were watching this week's much anticipated episode of Saturday Night Live was... I can't remember the last time I actually sat and watched an entire episode of the show. High school? When Eddie Murphy & Joe Piscopo did their thing, nah. College? When Phil Hartman and Dana Carvey were on? Sure, I saw a bit of Molly Shannon back in the day and a spot of Tina Fey here and there, but to sit through the entire show???Right. Maybe....

Well, I kept my word and I watched SNL last night - and you know what? It was fantastic. Sure, there were a few slow parts in the middle and maybe they had Betty White doin' one too many sex jokes for even my taste, but even then - lighten up, right? She may not be our Grandma's Betty White, but she sure had me and Pam laughing like buffoons during that muffin, NPR radio skit. I swear, I will never look at a muffin the same way again. I liked a lot of her schtick, but that one, the 'Lawrence Welk'-esque opener, her take on her heavy metal/grunge 'version' of "Thank You for Being a Friend" (theme song from The Golden Girls) and her opening monologue were all highlights to me.

Also, seeing the SNL alumni divas doing their thing again was wonderful. Rachel Dratch had me in stitches, Maya Rudolph's take on Whitney Houston was hilarious, Tina Fey is always a welcome return to the show, Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler and Ana Gasteyer all doing bits that made them hits when they were on their regular runs on the series, now in it's 35th season.

Jay-Z did not disappoint either. He did almost a mini-concert of some of his major hits that had me dancin' in my seat. It was a very commanding performance and his Forever Young tribute to the evening's host was a very nice touch to cap the evening off just right. Bravo!

I will be interested to see how well the episode did in the Nielsen ratings. On my social media networks, there was a lot of buzz - that which is usually typical during major sporting or news events and/or awards shows.

Speaking of awards shows... SNL and, especially, Betty White clear some mantle space because I smell some Emmy's coming your way come August 29th...at least a slew of nominations in July.

You'll see ...because that show and it's iconic host are golden.

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photo courtesy of NBC.com

Preview: Betty White Hosting 'SNL' with Musical Guest Jay-Z Could Prove to be Historical Meeting Between Social & Mass Media

I am elated that I am a part of a group on Facebook that urged, begged and pleaded to get a beloved comedic icon to host Saturday Night Live. At first, I was leery...and a tad cynical, but I have always been a fan of the Emmy Award winning actress and animal rights activist. So, I signed up...not thinking anything would actually come of it. Then it happened. She would finally host (I say that only because legend has it that 'SNL' producer Lorne Michaels tried to get her to host three previous times). And tonight, Betty White hosts 'SNL' with musical guest Jay-Z, and I look forward to being VERY entertained. It is good to see that sometimes, something as simple and fleeting as a fan page on a social networking site could actually render some power with execs in really high places, in those buildings that touch the sky. Who da thunk it? I just want to see a good show and see what the Nielsen TV ratings say about it.

Betty White is a national treasure in my eyes with her wit, stone-faced and well-timed comedic performances have won audiences over for six decades now. From The Mary Tyler Moore Show to The Golden Girls and even her regular walk-ons on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and her numerous high profile guest spots on a variety of shows this past decade, we have always been treated to a bravura performance of quality, a 'golden' standard that speaks of excellence.

Jay-Z, as the episode's musical guest, is a wonderful choice. This multiple Grammy Award winning talent has a sound that has been part of the soundtrack of this past generation. His grit and grandeur with his style is not only poetic, but the pulse and vibe of trends that have been set long ago.

I think tonight's show will be a feather in not only NBC, Lorne Michael's and Saturday Night Live's cap, but an ultimate fan's dream come true. Imagine David Matthews, the man who began the Facebook campaign, who will be at the show. He hopes to meet Betty White, and she has reportedly promised to meet him, IF “he doesn’t mind me, you know, beating him up for getting me into this trouble,” said Betty White.

Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Molly Shannon, Maya Rudolph, Ana Gasteyer and Rachel Dratch all former-SNL alumni are all also returning for the episode and the fact that it is airing on Mother's Day weekend is also a wonderful programming faux pas.

If for anything, it should be a wonderful tribute to a very deserving entertainer and humanitarian. It is borderline historical, or could very well be - the marriage between social media and mass media. I think this is an excellent stepping stone in the right direction, and very timely.

Okay, Betty White - no pressure now... go out there, girl... take Jay-Z by the hand and you all go out there and make some history, money and maybe bring NBC out of the ratings cellar - if only for one night.

Photo from Access Hollywood.

Sunday Brunch #4: My 2009 Emmy Award Picks/Predictions

It was a very good television season. Already with the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, Pushing Daisies, Little Dorrit and 102 Minutes That Changed America - and finally American Idol all walked away with several awards last week. Justin Timberlake, Michael J. Fox, Tina Fey and Ellen Burstyn won the guest actor/actress in a comedy/drama series, respectively. The competition is strong and with the Television Academy selecting more than five nominees in many categories opens the field up to deserving shows and stellar performances. Here is my take on this year's Emmy Awards. I am thinking they are looking to make changes across the board, as past voting has had numerous repeats and pratfalls over the years. I will share with you both my predictions along with my personal choice.


Outstanding Comedy Series

30 Rock - NBC
Entourage • HBO
Family Guy • FOX
Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
How I Met Your Mother • CBS
The Office • NBC •
Weeds • Showtime •

Okay, don't hit me, but I am not a huge fan of The Office. It looks like a cheaply made video. Although, I do respect people who love it. 30 Rock is hard to beat, glad to see Flight of the Conchords there, Weeds is what it is - still not sure if it is actually a comedy, but it's been nominated every season it has been on the air and How I Met Your Mother continues to grow, but isn't there just yet. Family Guy is the funniest show on television, in my opinion with it's no-holds barred approach and awesome ensemble. I am glad that they took a chance by entering it for the category it belongs in. Taking a chance, because by doing so they could not enter it for Best Animated Program (which went to South Park at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards). I think the Academy will let them relish the nomination, and make history next year - giving the gold to 30 Rock.

My Prediction: 30 Rock
My Pick: Family Guy

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series

30 Rock • Apollo, Apollo • NBC • Millicent Shelton, Director
30 Rock • Reunion • NBC • Beth McCarthy, Director
30 Rock • Generalissimo • NBC • Todd Holland, Director
Entourage • Tree Trippers • HBO •
Flight Of The Conchords • The Tough Brets James Bobin, Director
The Office • Stress Relief • NBC - Jeff Blitz, Director

All solid episodes...I am thinking unless the peeps at 30 Rock all got together and chose who to throw all their votes for they could do a three-way split, which opens it up for the other three series. Something tells me Flight of the Conchords is off beat enough to pull an upset here. A well-deserved one.

My Prediction: Flight of the Conchords
My Pick: Flight of the Conchords

Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series

Battlestar Galactica • Daybreak (Part 2) • Syfy • Michael Rymer, Director
Boston Legal • Made In China/Last Call • ABC • Bill D'Elia, Director
Damages • Trust Me • FX Networks • Todd A. Kessler, Director
ER • And In The End • NBC • Rod Holcomb, Director
Mad Men • The Jet Set • AMC • Phil Abraham, Director

Excellent category - very competitive - each are equally deserving. Mad Men is so stylized, which separates it and Battlestar Galactica always stands out and has been nominated in this category before, but has not won. Not sure if the Academy is going to go that far into the galaxy though. ER got back to basics with their finale, but I think they have won all the Emmy Awards they are going to get. Same with Boston Legal. Damages is always good and always one to watch during awards season, Don't count it out.

My Prediction: Mad Men
My Pick: ER

Outstanding Directing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special

Generation Kill • Bomb In The Garden • HBO • Susanna White, Director
Grey Gardens • HBO • Michael Sucsy, Director
Into The Storm • HBO • Thaddeus O'Sullivan, Director
Little Dorrit • Part 1 • PBS • Dearbhla Walsh, Director
Taking Chance • HBO • Ross Katz, Director
Wallander: One Step Behind • PBS • Philip Martin, Director

PBS may one up HBO in the Miniseries category this year.

My Prediction: Little Dorrit
My Pick: Little Dorrit

Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

American Idol • Show 833 (The Final Three) • FOX • Bruce Gowers, Director
Late Show With David Letterman • Episode 2932 • CBS • Jerry Foley, Director
Real Time With Bill Maher • 705 • HBO • Hal Grant, Director
Saturday Night Live • Host: Justin Timberlake • NBC • Don Roy King, Director
The Colbert Report • 4159 • Comedy Central • Jim Hoskinson, Director
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • 13107 • Chuck O'Neil, Director

Another tight category, and I think the Academy will go in another direction than they have before here...

My Prediction: Saturday Night Live
My Pick: Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Drama Series

Big Love • HBO •
Breaking Bad • AMC •
Damages • FX Networks •
Dexter • Showtime •
House • FOX •
Lost • ABC •
Mad Men • AMC •

No True Blood ...awww. LOL. I don't like vampires either. They scare me. I am a die hard Lost fan, so I am hard to budge on this one, but I see a repeat for Mad Men. I was a bit surprised Grey's Anatomy didn't make the cut this year. I used to not be a huge fan of the show, but that changed for me this season. I think it just speaks to the quality of programming this year. Can't nominate everybody.

My Prediction: Mad Men
My Pick: Lost


Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program

American Idol • FOX • Ryan Seacrest, Host
Dancing With The Stars • ABC • Tom Bergeron, Host
Project Runway • Bravo • Heidi Klum, Host
Survivor • CBS • Jeff Probst, Host
The Amazing Race • CBS • Phil Keoghan, Host
Top Chef • Bravo • Padma Lakshmi, Host Tom Colicchio, Co-Host

My Prediction: Ryan Seacrest
My Pick: Heidi Klum

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

30 Rock • NBC • Alec Baldwin, as Jack Donaghy
Flight Of The Conchords • HBO • Jemaine Clement, as Jemaine
Monk • USA • Tony Shalhoub, as Adrian Monk
The Big Bang Theory • CBS • Jim Parsons, as Sheldon Cooper
The Office • NBC • Steve Carell, as Michael Scott
Two And A Half Men • CBS • Charlie Sheen, as Charlie Harper

Ooh, another tough one. Hmmm...well, they may want to be sentimental. If they are - Charlie or Steve are due an Emmy win and (while I don't love The Office) both are solid shows. I am over Tony Shalhoub already - I feel like Monk has been shoved down our collective throats by the Academy all these years, but they love him. This was a hard one for me to predict.

My Prediction: Jim Parsons
My Pick: Charlie Sheen

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

Breaking Bad • AMC • Bryan Cranston, as Walter White
Dexter • Showtime • Michael C. Hall, as Dexter Morgan
House • FOX • Hugh Laurie, as Dr. Gregory House
In Treatment • HBO • Gabriel Byrne, as Paul
Mad Men • AMC • Jon Hamm, as Don Draper
The Mentalist • CBS • Simon Baker, as Patrick Jane

My Prediction: Gabriel Byrne
My Pick: Michael C. Hall

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

24: Redemption • FOX • Kiefer Sutherland, as Jack Bauer
Cyrano de Bergerac (Great Performances) • PBS • Kevin Kline, as Cyrano de Bergerac
Into The Storm • HBO • Brendan Gleeson, as Winston Churchill
King Lear (Great Performances) • PBS • Sir Ian McKellen, as King Lear
Taking Chance • HBO • Kevin Bacon, as LtCol Mike Strobl
Wallander: One Step Behind • PBS • Kenneth Branagh, as Kurt Wallander

Eenie meenie minie moe - aside from Keifer (I hate when a series does a two hour 'event' episode and suddenly it's a made for television movie...whatever!)...this one is another solid, hard to choose category. Either way, I think PBS will get a win here.

My Prediction: Kevin Kline
My Pick: Sir Ian McKellen

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

30 Rock • NBC • Tina Fey, as Liz Lemon
Samantha Who? • ABC • Christina Applegate, as Samantha Newly
The New Adventures Of Old Christine • CBS • Julia Louis-Dreyfus, as Christine
The Sarah Silverman Program • Comedy Central • Sarah Silverman, as Sarah Silverman
United States Of Tara • Showtime • Toni Collette, as Tara Gregson
Weeds • Showtime • Mary-Louise Parker, as Nancy Botwin

Good to see the nice mix here. Tina Fey already nabbed a win here before and got a price for her work on Saturday Night Live already this year, which is well-deserved. Here, if she wins I think it will be because of her Sarah Palin spoofs (which she was already rewarded for - let's not overdo it - spread the wealth, Academy, please - BUT she is the one to beat). I would love to see Christina Applegate get something for her work on the now cancelled Samantha Who? - don't discount Mary Louise Parker (has won Emmy's before, just not for Weeds - yet - may pull an out from left field upset). Just happy for Toni Collette - she may have to wait a year.

My Prediction: Tina Fey
My Pick: Christina Applegate (with a side of Toni Collette)

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

Brothers & Sisters • ABC • Sally Field, as Nora Walker
Damages • FX Networks • Glenn Close, as Patty Hewes
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC • Mariska Hargitay, as Det. Olivia
Benson
Mad Men • AMC • Elisabeth Moss, as Peggy Olson
Saving Grace • TNT • Holly Hunter, as Grace Hanadarko
The Closer • TNT • Kyra Sedgwick, as Brenda Leigh Johnson

Kyra Sedgwisk is kinda due her Emmy already, Glenn Close & Sally Field both won the two previous years, Mariska Hargitay the year before that, Holly Hunter is always fabulous - and Elisabeth Moss is also pretty damn good, but maybe another year for these latter two. Since the Academy has been spreading the wealth in this category, I think Sedgwick will get the prize at the end of the day.

My Prediction: Kyra Sedgwick
My Pick: Mariska Hargitay

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Accidental Friendship • Hallmark Channel • Chandra Wilson, as Yvonne
Coco Chanel • Lifetime • Shirley MacLaine, as Coco Chanel
Grey Gardens • HBO • Drew Barrymore
Grey Gardens • HBO • Jessica Lange, as Big Edie
Prayers For Bobby • Lifetime • Sigourney Weaver, as Mary Griffith

Oh my - sooooo good - love the Emmy Awards this year - so many challenges choosing.

My Prediction: Shirley MacLaine
My Pick: Sigourney Weaver (broke my heart - I REALLY want her to win)

Outstanding Made For Television Movie

Coco Chanel • Lifetime •
Grey Gardens • HBO •
Into The Storm • HBO •
Prayers For Bobby • Lifetime •
Taking Chance • HBO •

My Prediction: Grey Gardens
My Pick: Prayers for Bobby

Outstanding Miniseries

Generation Kill • HBO •
Little Dorrit • PBS •

Finally - an easy one - the only sure bet this year.

My Prediction: Little Dorrit
My Pick: Little Dorrit

Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics

81st Annual Academy Awards • Song Title: Hugh Jackman Opening Number • ABC •
William Ross, Original Music; John Kimbrough, Original Music;
Dan Harmon, Original Lyrics; Rob Schrab, Original Lyrics;
Ben Schwartz, Original Lyrics
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift Of All • Song Title: Much Worse Things •
Adam Schlesinger, Music; David Javerbaum, Lyrics
A Muppets Christmas: Letters To Santa • Song Title: I Wish I Could Be Santa Claus •
NBC • Paul Williams, Original Songs
Flight Of The Conchords • Unnatural Love / Song Title: Carol Brown • HBO •
James Bobin, Composer and Lyricist; Bret McKenzie, Composer and Lyricist;
Jemaine Clement, Composer and Lyricist
Saturday Night Live • Host: Justin Timberlake / Song Title: Motherlover • NBC •
Akiva Schaffer, Lyrics; Jorma Taccone, Lyrics By; Andy Samberg, Lyrics By;
Justin Timberlake, Lyrics By; Asa Taccone, Music By; Drew Campbell, Music By
The 2008 ESPYS • Song Title: I Love Sports • ESPN •
Katreese Barnes, Composer; Justin Timberlake, Lyricist; Steve Higgins, Lyricist
Alex Baze, Lyricist; Rachel Hamilton, Lyricist; Kevin Miller, Lyricist;
Jonathan Drubner, Lyricist; Dave Drabik, Lyricist

Either way Timberlake will get his third career Emmy win here.

My Prediction: Saturday Night Live
My Pick: Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Reality - Competition Program

American Idol • FOX •
Dancing With The Stars • ABC •
Project Runway • Bravo •
The Amazing Race • CBS •
Top Chef • Bravo •

If any category needed a change it is this one. The Amazing Race has won every year since the category was introduced - six wins. It is so hard to beat because it is such a massive production. However, there are other deserving shows - certainly long overdue.

My Prediction: American Idol
My Pick: Project Runway

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

30 Rock • NBC • Tracy Morgan, as Tracy Jordan
30 Rock • NBC • Jack McBrayer, as Kenneth Parcell
Entourage • HBO • Kevin Dillon, as Johnny Drama
How I Met Your Mother • CBS • Neil Patrick Harris, as Barney Stinson
The Office • NBC • Rainn Wilson, as Dwight Schrute
Two And A Half Men • CBS • Jon Cryer, as Alan Harper

Kevin Dillon gets the hottie award...lol. Tight competition once again, but Neil Patrick Harris and Jon Cryer have not won yet, so I think it will be one of them - Harris has the edge. Don't count out Tracy Morgan - he is a TV comedy veteran and this is his first nomination. They may want to reward his career.

My Prediction: Neil Patrick Harris
My Pick: Tracy Morgan

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Boston Legal • ABC • William Shatner, as Denny Crane
Boston Legal • ABC • Christian Clemenson, as Jerry Espenson
Breaking Bad • AMC • Aaron Paul, as Jesse Pinkman
Damages • FX Networks • William Hurt, as Daniel Purcell
Lost • ABC • Michael Emerson, as Ben Linus
Mad Men • AMC • John Slattery, as Roger Sterling

WOW! I am at a loss for words - this has to be one of the closest categories. Each very deserving.

My Prediction: Aaron Paul
My Pick: Michael Emerson

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Grey Gardens • HBO • Ken Howard, as Phelan Beale
Into The Storm • HBO • Len Cariou, as Franklin D. Roosevelt
Little Dorrit • PBS • Sir Tom Courtenay, as Mr. Dorrit
Little Dorrit • PBS • Andy Serkis, as Rigaud
The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice • TNT • Bob Newhart, as Judson

My Prediction: Sir Tom Courtenay
My Pick: Bob Newhart

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

30 Rock • NBC • Jane Krakowski, as Jenna Maroney
Pushing Daisies • ABC • Kristin Chenoweth, as Olive Snook
Saturday Night Live • NBC • Amy Poehler, as Various Characters
Saturday Night Live • NBC • Kristen Wiig, as Various Characters
Ugly Betty • ABC • Vanessa Williams, as Wilhelmina Slater
Weeds • Showtime • Elizabeth Perkins, as Celia Hodes

I would really be tickled if Vanessa Williams finally won, but again - it is very stiff this year competitively. Amy Poehler could slide on in there and Pushing Daisies did very well in other categories thus far this year at the Creative Arts ceremony. The Academy may want to reward someone from the ensemble.

My Prediction: Amy Poehler
My Pick: Vanessa Williams

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

24 • FOX • Cherry Jones, as President Allison Taylor
Damages • FX Networks • Rose Byrne, as Ellen Parsons
Grey's Anatomy • ABC • Sandra Oh, as Dr. Cristina Yang
Grey's Anatomy • ABC • Chandra Wilson, as Dr. Miranda Bailey
In Treatment • HBO • Dianne Wiest, as Gina
In Treatment • HBO • Hope Davis, as Mia

If you go by other awards this year, Diane Wiest seems to have it in the bag, although Wilson nor Oh have ever won in this category and both maybe should have by now. Rose Byrne and Hope Davis aren't chopped liver either - and Cherry Jones was absolutely delicious in 24. I am also noting that Wilson is nominated in another performance category and some Emmy voters may want to reward her for that as well here (or vice versa, but here is more of a reality). All I know, is her breakdown to her superior in the season finale was one of the best scenery chewing moments on television I have seen in a long time. I am sure her peers took notice - and were impressed as well.

My Prediction: Chandra Wilson
My Pick: Chandra Wilson

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie

Grey Gardens • HBO • Jeanne Tripplehorn, as Jackie O.
House Of Saddam • HBO • Shohreh Aghdashloo, as Sajida
Into The Storm • HBO • Janet McTeer, as Clementine Churchill
Relative Stranger • Hallmark Channel • Cicely Tyson, as Pearl
The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler (Hallmark Hall Of Fame Presentation) • CBS •
Marcia Gay Harden, as Janina

My Prediction: Janet McTeer
My Pick: Shohreh Agdashloo

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

Late Show With David Letterman • CBS •
Real Time With Bill Maher • HBO •
Saturday Night Live • NBC •
The Colbert Report • Comedy Central •
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Comedy Central •

My Prediction: Saturday Night Live
My Pick: Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

30 Rock • Reunion • NBC • Matt Hubbard, Writer
30 Rock • Apollo, Apollo • NBC • Robert Carlock, Writer
30 Rock • Mamma Mia • NBC • Ron Weiner, Writer
30 Rock • Kidney Now! • NBC • Jack Burditt, Writer
Robert Carlock, Writer
Flight Of The Conchords • Prime Minister • HBO • James Bobin, Writer;
Jemaine Clement, Writer; Bret McKenzie, Writer

I really think 30 Rock only hurt themselves getting four to one nominations here. I could be wrong, but that just looks like too much going on.

My Prediction: Flight of the Conchords
My Pick: Flight of the Conchords

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

Lost • The Incident • ABC • Carlton Cuse, Writer; Damon Lindelof, Writer
Mad Men • A Night To Remember • AMC • Robin Veith, Writer; Matthew Weiner, Writer
Mad Men • Six Month Leave • AMC • Lionsgate Television
André Jacquemetton, Writer; Maria Jacquemetton, Writer; Matthew Weiner, Writer
Mad Men • The Jet Set • AMC • Matthew Weiner, Writer
Mad Men • Meditations In An Emergency • AMC • Kater Gordon, Writer;
Matthew Weiner, Writer

While I felt the way I did in the comedy category, I don't for this one - I am thinking any one of the Mad men episodes Matthew Weiner was a part of. Let's see if it will be a night to remember for him.

My Prediction: Mad Men "A Night to Remember"
My Pick: Lost

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special

Generation Kill • Bomb In The Garden • HBO • David Simon, Writer; Ed Burns, Writer
Grey Gardens • HBO • Michael Sucsy, Writer; Patricia Rozema, Writer
Into The Storm • HBO •Hugh Whitemore, Writer
Little Dorrit • PBS • Andrew Davies, Writer
Taking Chance • HBO • LtCol Michael R. Strobl, USMC (Ret.), Writer;
Ross Katz, Writer

My Prediction: Taking Chance
My Pick: Taking Chance

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

Late Night With Conan O'Brien • NBC •
Late Show With David Letterman • CBS •
Saturday Night Live • NBC •
The Colbert Report • Comedy Central •
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Comedy Central •

Always my favorite category presentation on the annual telecast. It's always fun to see what the shows will pull out for the Emmy reel.

My Prediction: Saturday Night Live
My Pick: Saturday Night Live