Outstanding Comedy Series: “Abbott Elementary”
School is back in session, and “Abbott Elementary” is teaching viewers about true comedy.
The latest season of the workplace sitcom is arguably its best – the series has found its groove and expertly navigates through hilarious plotlines while building larger character arcs for the ensemble cast. From blackmailing golf courses to holiday specials, the fourth season of “Abbott Elementary” provides the perfect comedic backdrop to further its cast dynamics.
One of the strongest plotlines in the season comes from Janelle James’s character Ava Coleman. This season allows her character to grow tremendously as she deepens her commitment to her school and colleagues by sacrificing her job. “Abbott Elementary’s”ability to create meaningful moments for characters while still creating comical ones is a testament to its work in creating authentic comedy.
Although the show has been nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series every season, it has yet to pick up the award. In 2023, the show lost to FX’s “The Bear.” However, “Abbott Elementary’s” fourth season is exceptionally strong, with critics and viewers alike praising the show for finding its footing as a comedy.
While the students are taking first place at science fairs, the teachers at Abbott Elementary might just have their own awards to bring to show and tell.
– Vishnu Potharaju
[Related: Emmys 2024: The Daily Bruin casts predictions for 76th Primetime Emmy Awards]
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Kathy Bates, “Matlock”
Although the jury’s still out, Kathy Bates is poised to make history at the 2025 Emmys.
For her role as attorney Madeline “Matty” Matlock in the CBS legal drama, Bates – at 77 years old – may become the oldest winner of a lead drama actress Emmy.
In the first season of “Matlock,” Bates plays a retired lawyer who returns to practice at a prestigious New York law firm under the guise of a needy widow while investigating which firm insider may have buried evidence that could have prevented her daughter’s death from an opioid overdose.
Heartfelt, suspenseful and weighty at times, the show is not simply a reboot of the original 1986-1995 drama series “Matlock” but a gripping portrayal of a character who refuses to be sidelined, thanks to the formidable and savvy performances of film-legend Bates. The gravitas, vulnerability and dry wit of Bates as Matlock makes her a prime suspect for the award.
All evidence points to an Emmy for Kathy Bates this year. All there is to do now is wait for the verdict.
– Eleanor Meyers
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, “The Studio”
Matt Remick might finally get the award recognition true fans know he has always dreamed of.
As the most nominated comedy of the 77th Emmy Awards, “The Studio” is a strong contender for the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category. Portraying Matt Remick – newly appointed head of the fictitious Continental Studios – Seth Rogen’s portrayal of a film aficionado is key to the show’s satirical yet realistic take on the film industry, which becomes the foundation of the series.
Following the standalone structure typical of sitcom episodes, each of the 10 parts of “The Studio” is a new opportunity to see Remick delve into preventable crises provoked by his own ingenuity. Rogen’s interpretation carefully showcases the character’s struggle to balance his role as a leader and his childlike enthusiasm for film – which is as entertaining as it is frustrating. Throughout his character’s countless mistakes, Rogen skillfully delivers Remick’s passionate nature.
As a character constantly searching for the “cool-factor,” Rogen’s energetic and explosive performance exposes Remick’s nothing-but-casual love for the industry, making it impossible for audiences not to laugh at Remick’s desperate search for approval. Even when competing against strong contestants, Rogen’s comically dramatic performance might be able to end other contenders’ winning streaks.
Rogen’s insider knowledge is the step-by-step to an Emmy award.
– Ana Camila Burquez
[Related: Emmys 2024: Alumnus Jerry Henry shares his experience working on ‘The 1619 Project’ docuseries]
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear”
Ebon Moss-Bachrach served an Emmy-worthy performance in the newest season of “The Bear.”
Moss-Bachrach, the 48-year-old American actor who plays Richard “Richie” Jerimovich in the FX comedy-drama series, has already won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in this role. Moss-Bachrach – given his successful Emmys track record and impressive acting in season four of “The Bear” – stands to be the forerunner amongst his competition
While viewers typically had a love-hate relationship with Richie for the first three seasons of the show, the character became substantially more multi-dimensional in the fourth, most recent season. As protagonist Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (played by Jeremy Allen White) and chef Sydney Adamu (played by Ayo Edebiri) go on their own personal journeys of self-discovery and difficult decisions, Richie fights to keep the restaurant in business.
With the next season set for release in 2026, Moss-Bachrach has clearly solidified Richie’s role as a crucial part of the show. FX chairman John Landgraf recently said in a statement that, “Year-in and year-out, [creator] Chris Storer, the producers, cast and crew make ‘The Bear’ one of the best shows on television.” If predictions are correct, the Emmys will only confirm this.
Table for three please – a third Emmy award will be joining the Moss-Bachrach party.
– Eleanor Meyers
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