EMMY: Give Me Someone To Cheer For

I must be approaching the half century mark because I find myself yearning for yesteryear--the good old days.  A time when we only had 3 networks, no cable shows, etc.  You know what was good about that?  You actually had the chance to see almost every show nominated for an Emmy.  The Emmy’s are tonight and it is just not as exciting as it used to be (for me.).  Back in the day, there was also no summer programming. So, once May came and the TV season ended—reruns of the season would begin. This was your chance to watch other programs.  You had someone to cheer for---now I barely  have anyone to cheer for because I have not seen ½ of the shows!

Am I still going to watch? Of course I am!  However, here are a few of things that bug me about the modern day Emmy’s.  (I am sure Zeus feels the same way about the Modern Day Olympics..do you think he is really happy that Trampoline is now an Olympic sport?  I doubt it!)  Okay, okay, my list:

1). So many shows to watch, I wish I was Joel McHale and got paid to watch it all. For me, it is impossible to watch all of the shows to be excited about the nominations.  And, for those that do not know me—I log many hours watching TV.  It is a favorite pastime of mine.  I just can’t keep up.  We have shows on networks, premium channels, online sites, etc.

2) The network shows get SHAFTED. Yes they do.  Okay, some sitcoms get repeat noms (Big Bang, 30 Rock, Modern Family) but the EMMY folks seem to get stuck on certain shows. There are other great shows and performances out there. Forget a drama on network TV, unless your name is Julianne Margolis you can forget about your show or role getting a nod.  (Oh and now Kerry Washington, so glad to see another network nod).

3). A specific drama complaint:  PARENTHOOD should be nominated for best show AND Monica Potter should be nominated for an EMMY!  Particularly for her work last season!  Geez, what do you have to do to get noticed? Oh I know, kill someone, have sex in a cave or be an addict.  Actors in relatable roles needs not apply.

4 My specific comedy complaint:  personally, I would hand EDEN SHER the Best Supporting Actress statue for The Middle. Sorry, she may be the best female actress in a comedy series right now hands down. SHOW HER SOME LOVE EMMY!  WAIT! One more comedy complaint: THE MINDY PROJECT is hysterical and should have been nominated!!!

5) I am still harboring resentment because Steve Carrell never won for playing Michael Scott. WHAT?  Crazy! Oh and guess who beat him twice?  Alec Baldwin!?!!  Okay, I love 30 Rock and I like Alec in 30 Rock—but his character had the same depth season after season. He also lost to Jim Parsons.  I LOVE Sheldon and Jim, but three wins and no win for Steve?  Carrell was robbed! 

6) Why is new and edgy automatically viewed as GREAT?. I watch Silicon Valley.  I DVR Silicon Valley.  So, therefore, I do like Silicon Valley.  HOWEVER, it is not Emmy worthy for its first season.  I think in time it is going to be great, but it is not great yet.  Again, just mad because a comedy like The Middle gets overlooked. The show is hysterical. 

7.) Enough with American Horror Story being nominated in the mini series category.  I do not care if you change the words after your hyphen—YOU ARE A SERIES!!!  I actually don’t mind from the perspective that it will then clog up the drama category that is already overcrowded.

8.) In the same vein—when a series is cancelled, all of a sudden it becomes a mini series—like it was planned that way.  (FARGO).

9.) Oh, I LOVED when they added the guest star in a show category.  How great to recognize a one or two time performance.  I now HATE when they give that nod to a series regular.  Joe Morton, I LOVE you as an actor, always have.  However, you have now played Olivia Pope’s Dad for two seasons—you are not a guest star!!!!  I don’t mean to pick on him because he is not the only series regular that has won this award, but he is the latest.

10. ) I could go on and on but I won’t because what is the point?  I don’t think Mr. and Mrs. EMMY are reading this.  I have tried to brainstorm answers….like do we have a premium channel category, a streaming category?  I don’t know.  I would like that… but would the show then be 10 hours long. 

I am not sure what the answer is, but the television academy needs to think of something.  I mean, geez, this year the EMMY’s are on during the summer, before Labor Day?  I am beginning to think I not the only one whose interest is declining.