2013 EMMY NOMINATION ANALYSIS: ALL MAJOR CATEGORIES! and a few, not-so-major but very interesting ones. YOUR MOST COMPLETE PRIMETIME EMMY NOMINATION ANALYSIS!

Note: Sorry for being later than I planned. I wrote it earlier today, but I've been sick today, and I'm still trying to get better. :(  Bad toothache, I think I need to go to the dentist and have it pulled. Hopefully not, but... Anyway, I'm spitting out my hot saltwater, and getting back to things that are actually important, The Emmys!

It was a mere two years ago, when I started this blog by first giving my thoughts on the then-recently-announced Primetime Emmy Nominations, and I must say, it was a good place to start. Not only have we maintained our commitment to giving a full analysis of the nominees to this, and other major Award show, (Well, most specifically the Oscars, occasionally other shows as well though.) but I think the Primetime Emmys have become as important, if not moreso than the Oscars. Oh, that's not because they're more accurate or anything, but the look at the huge vastness of quality Primetime television programs across all genre, channels,...- hell, screw channels, how about on the computer. I told everybody earlier this week, nobody can accurate predict them this year, because we don't know how much/important webseries are gonna into it, and sure enough, they came into it. If you haven't gotten your Netflix yet everybody, now is your time. That has become clear now.  (So now, on top of all the cable series I'm already behind on...) More importantly, these shows are not only attracted the highest quality of artists in Hollywood, but frankly, it requires more skill than ever before to standout on television, where the threshold of excellence, keeps on getting raised. (And Network TV, is falling more and more behind behind on it btw). Alright, just like all the other times, let's take a closer at all the major categories, and not just a few of them like other blogs. Let's start with Drama Series

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Breaking Bad-AMC
Downton Abbey-PBS
Game of Thrones-HBO
Homeland-Showtime
House of Cards-Netflix
Mad Men-AMC

And here's their unforgivable sin, "The Newsroom", is the Best Drama on television, it's lack of a nomination, invalidates the category completely; even in a loaded field, this should not have happened. "House of Cards" becomes the first ever show to get a Best Series nomination of any kind, that isn't actually on TV. Good job Emmys, leaving "Boardwalk Empire" the other odd-man out from last year. Honestly, "Homeland" shouldn't really be in here; it's a good show, with spectacular acting, but really compared to the other nominees, they really need to stop praising it so much. Still, when "The Good Wife," "Shameless", "Dexter", "Justified", "Bates Motel" are the also-rans, it's still remains clear that this is the golden age of drama, and that for the most part, if you don't have cable, you don't know that.

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Hugh Bonneville-"Downton Abbey"-PBS
Bryan Cranston-"Breaking Bad"-AMC
Jeff Daniels-"The Newsroom"-HBO
Jon Hamm-"Mad Men"-AMC
Damian Lewis-"Homeland"-Showtime
Kevin Spacey-"House of Cards"-Netflix

Well, I know some "Dexter" fans that are pissed this morning, Michael C. Hall, first time not getting nominated for that role. Also, Steve Buscemi, has been knocked out. Look at the talent though, and amazingly, only Lewis and Cranston have won in the past four years, not counting Kyle Chandler's bizarre win when "Breaking Bad" wasn't eligible one year. You'd think with all these great actors and shows, they'd be going more out of their way to pass the Awards around. Other than that, not much new here, and that's a bit of a shame, but not really, but it's-it's time to start passing this Award around. There's too much talent out there in this category to justify keep giving it to the same 2 or 3 people every year. Sorry Lewis, sorry Cranston, although Bryan, you deserve it, but you've won enough.

LEAD ACTRESS IN ADRAMA SERIES
Connie Britton-"Nashvill e"-ABC
Claire Danes-"Homeland"-Showtime
Michelle Dockery-"Downton Abbey"-PBS
Vera Farmiga-"Bates Motel"-A&E
Elisabeth Moss-"Mad Men"-AMC
Kerry Washington-"Scandal"-ABC
Robin Wright-"House of Cards"-Netflix

Glenn Close, gets knocked out, on her last year of eligibility for "Damages", and so does a few people. If there's a giant shock here, Julianna Margulies, not nominated for "The Good Wife" or Mariska Hargitay for "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", which shows you how that show has finally leveled down to where it should be considered. A seventh nomination as well, makes this interesting, although I have no clue why Connie Britton snuck in for the unwatchably godawful, "Nashville". ABC, did good here, I can't remember the last time they had two nominations in this category; at least, Kerry Washington, a slightly-above-average show, "Scandal," although not of the top-level, but certainly she's well-deserving of a nomination, and btw, when was the last time an African-American was nominated in this category? I'm looking it up now, let's see, I can't even begin to guess, and it's gonna take awhile. Vera Farmiga, also sneaks in, a somewhat surprising nomination for "Bates Motel", the first ever acting nomination in the category, for A&E, they're jumping into the game now. Found it, oh boy, here's a trivia question, '95, Cicely Tyson for the show "Sweet Justice", last time an African-American got nominated in this category! I'm pretty TV history-wise, knowledgeable and savvy, I have no recollection of that TV show, at all. So, Kerry Washington, 1st time in 18 years, an African-American nominated in this category. I dare someone to say they knew that.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jonathan Banks-"Breaking Bad"-AMC
Bobby Cannavale-"Boardwalk Empire"-HBO
Jim Carter-"Downtown Abbey"-PBS
Peter Dinklage-"Game of Thrones"-HBO
Mandy Patinkin-"Homeland"-Showtime
Aaron Paul-"Breaking Bad"-AMC

Giancarlo Esposito,obviously wasn't getting nominated this year for "Breaking Bad", but another "Breaking Bad" actor takes his place and a good one at that, which only makes me want to see the show more. Bobby Cannavale, also new to this list, again, making me want to see "Boardwalk Empire" more, (And he's also nominated in another category for "Nurse Jackie", he's really becoming one of the best actors around)  Nobody else new here, Aaron Paul's won the last three years he's been eligible, and Peter Dinklage won the year, he wasn't. "Game of Thrones" I gotta say, I'm not the biggest fan of it, personally, but the more I thought back on it, the show is quite good. The supporting actor/actress categories, really should be announced during the morning announcements; I mean, look at the field. Are you gonna tell me, people like Michael Shannon, Vincent Kartheiser, Alan Cumming, Brendan Coyle, I mean, are these really not big enough stars, names, characters or performances to be mentioned on the Announcement shows? That's just this supporting category btw, across the board, especially with so many multi-narrative series now?

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Morena Baccarin-"Homeland"-Showtime
Christine Baranski-"The Good Wife"-CBS
Emilia Clarke-"Game of Thrones"-HBO
Anna Gunn-"Breaking Bad"-AMC
Christina Hendricks-"Mad Men"-AMC
Maggie Smith-"Downton Abbey"-PBS

Yeah, you can pretty much guarantee a Maggie Smith nomination for years to come, but interesting to see "Game of Thrones" sneaking into a second acting category for the first time, that show has clearly taken off. Definitely want to see Christina Hendricks finally win, but it's getting harder and harder. Kelly MacDonald's not in. Jennifer Carpenter's never gotten in. Archie Panjabi's out, she won a couple years ago for "The Good Wife". Baranaski's still hanging in there. BTW, how pissed do you think "The Walking Dead" fans are today?

GUEST ACTOR-DRAMA SERIES
Dan Bucatinsky-"Scandal"-ABC
Michael J. Fox-"The Good Wife"-CBS
Rupert Friend-"Homeland"-Showtime
Harry Hamlin-"Mad Men"-AMC
Nathan Lane-"The Good Wife"-CBS
Robert Morse-"Mad Men"-AMC

GUEST ACTRESS-DRAMA SERIES
Linda Cardellini-"Mad Men"-AMC
Joan Cusack-"Shameless"-Showtime
Jane Fonda-"The Newsroom"-HBO
Margo Martindale-"The Americans"-FX Networks
Carrie Preston-"The Good Wife"-CBS
Diana Rigg-"Game of Thrones"-HBO

Other then the fact that I thought "Shameless" was in the comedy category, I don't really have much thoughts yet on the Guest Actor or Actress categories here, as I haven't seen most of the performances yet. Life sucks without cable, and frankly, it's bit of a bitch to remember to try to watch "The Good Wife" anymore. Glad to see no more "Grey's Anatomy" holdovers in the category, no matter how deserving they might've been, that show really shouldn't have lasted this long.

WRITING-DRAMA SERIES
Breaking Bad-'Dead Freight'-George Mastras-AMC
Breaking Bad-'Say My Name'-Thomas Schnauz-AMC
Downton Abbey-'Episode 4'-Julian Fellowes-PBS
Game of Thrones-'The Rains of Castamere'-David Benioff and D.B. Weiss-HBO
Homeland-'Q&A'-Henry Bromell-Showtime

No "Mad Men" in the writing category, not a good sign. No "The Newsroom" either, it should've gotten in for Aaron Sorkin's pilot. This should be an early sign as to whether or not it's "Homeland"'s to win everything again, or whether or not, "Breaking Bad" will finally take it this year though.

DIRECTING-DRAMA SERIES
Boardwalk Empire-'Margate Sands'-Tim Van Patten-HBO
Breaking Bad-'Gliding All Over'-Michelle MacLaren-AMC
Downton Abbey-'Episode 4'-Jeremy Webb-PBS
Homeland-Q&A-Lesli Linka Glatter-"Homeland"-Showtime
House of Cards-'Chapter 1'-David Fincher-Netflix

This might be where "House of Cards" could most likely win, as they do like it when film directors try their hand out in TV directing, and David Fincher, great director, could be time.

On top Comedy Series

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
The Big Bang Theory-CBS
Girls-HBO
Louie-FX Networks
Modern Family-ABC
30 Rock-NBC
Veep-HBO

Alright, "Arrested Development" fans be quiet for a second, and "Community", fans, well, just shut the hell up in general, it's not as good as you think it is, but seriously, why the hell is "Parks and Recreation" not nominated, again! It should've WON last year! Should've won easily, didn't get nominated, and this year, almost as good if not better-, I am just baffled by this lack of nomination in this category. I'm glad "Louie" got in this year, he deserves it, he's probably set another record for nominations, but "Parks and Recreation" not getting in again, is just a travesty. And you know, I'm just gonna say it, "Modern Family"'s not that damn good. I like it, it's a good show, but c'mon, it's gotten weaker and weaker every year, it was already overrated, with "Arrested Development" out there, with "The Office," which also should've been nominated in it's farewell season, and Congratulation to "30 Rock" btw, 7 years the show lasted, 3 times it won, nominated, every single year, the list of show that can say that is short, and they deserve it, how "Parks and Recreation" is getting ignored, pretty much across the board is complete bullshit. If "Modern Family" wins again, btw, I'm gonna throw up, there's too many, way more innovative and better shows out there, to keep giving it to them; thankfully, I think it's between "The Big Bang Theory" and "Girls" this year, but still, "Parks and Recreation" is the big miss here. As to "Arrested Development" not getting in, I'm not as picky on that, but they have a good argument as well, but looking at the competition, especially the ones that didn't get in, eh, it's a little iffy this year.

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin-"30 Rock"-NBC
Jason Bateman-"Arrested Development"-Netflix
Louie C.K.-"Louie"-FX Networks
Don Cheadle-"House of Lies"-Showtime
Matt LeBlanc-"Episodes"-Showtime
Jim Parsons-"The Big Bang Theory"-CBS

Well, I guess the minor shock here is that last year's winner Jon Cryer, didn't get nominated, and frankly, I was amazed enough people saw "Two and a Half Men" last year, to nominate him to begin with. He is good, but boy, that's been hard-to-watch long before Ashton Kutcher. Bateman getting in for "Arrested Development" is interesting 'cause he never won during the show's original airing, so he could play spoiler, assuming the presumptive winner is Jim Parsons, the last of the nominees to win. Cheadle is constantly the only nomination "House of Lies" gets, I'm a little surprise he snuck in again, this is where a Joel McHale, would've been a creative choice, "Community" fans, or maybe someone else out there like a Charlie Day or a Justin Kirk for "Weeds", but still, overall a good field here.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Laura Dern-"Enlightened"-HBO
Lena Dunham-"Girls"-HBO
Edie Falco-"Nurse Jackie"-Showtime
Tina Fey-"30 Rock"-NBC
Julia Louis-Dreyfus-"Veep"-HBO
Amy Poehler-"Parks and Recreation"-NBC

Alright, I definitely have to get around to "Veep" now, I get it. I tell you, I had the strangest feeling that Amy Schumer was gonna sneak in here, but no, instead it was Laura Dern, for the now-cancelled "Enlightened", HBO, back in comedy this year. Jenna Fischer should've gotten a spot too, btw, but overall not a bad category, that said, if Amy Poehler doesn't win, I'm gonna scream. Melissa McCarthy is out for "Mike & Molly", also. No 3-camera sitcom nominee at all btw. I have a feeling, that occasionally the acting awards have been falling onto that crutch to justify giving the Award lately to a Cryer or McCarthy, under the guise that supposedly 3-camera acting is harder than a single-camera performance, and there's some truth to that, but you know, when there isn't a worthy nomination, making one up, not really that big a fan of it. Sorry to Mary-Louise Parker also, but you know what, final year of "Weeds", probably it's weakest, and it's been downhill for awhile, and not her strongest year either. Don't be surprised if Tina Fey pulls off an upset here.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ty Burrell-"Modern Family"-ABC
Adam Driver-"Girls"-HBO
Jesse Tyler Ferguson-"Modern Family"-ABC
Bill Hader-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC
Tony Hale-"Veep"-HBO
Ed O'Neill-"Modern Family"-ABC

Hmm. I wonder if Eric Stonestreet took his name out, or the Emmys just wanted to make sure they didn't give it to the same "Modern Family" actor twice? Although, Ty Burrell has won once before too. Okay, let's rundown the list again in this category, no Neil Patrick Harris, no John Krasinski, no Rob Lowe, no Nick Offerman (Seriously, "Parks and Recreation" should be in this) no, David Cross, who I would've nominated for "Arrested Development", I think he was the most deserving from this past season, no Tracy Morgan, no Jack McBrayer, no Kevin Nealon, he should've gotten in for "Weeds" at least once. No Peter Facinelli, he's great on "Nurse Jackie". Ugh. However, no stupid Max Greenfield nomination. Hopefully, A, we're done with the "New Girl" adorkable crap, and I love you Zooey Deschanel, but I can't take it, I'm sorry, but the Max Greenfield nomination last year, made no sense at all to me, especially considering the list of names above and more. and B., talk about a smart nomination, and I just rewatched "Girls" 1st season too, Adam Driver, great nomination! His name didn't even cross my mind before, now I can't believe I didn't think of it. I hope this Bill Hader nomination puts an end to shoving the "SNL" actors into these categories, but I doubt it, but I'm sorry he's leaving; he is deserving as well. I do think, we all want to see Ed O'Neill finally win it though, and I hope he does; long overdue.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Mayim Bialik-"The Big Bang Theory"-CBS
Julie Bowen-"Modern Family"-ABC
Anna Chlumsky-"Veep"-HBO
Jane Krakowski-"30 Rock"
Jane Lynch-"Glee"-FOX
Sofia Vergara-"Modern Family"-ABC
Merritt Weaver-"Nurse Jackie"-Showtime

I would've like to have seen a Zosia Mamet get in here, but overall, not bad. Glad that Bialik and Weaver are now permanent members of this list, and not one-year wonders. Portia Di Rossi, should've found a spot too though, but there's already seven, and frankly, why are the kids being ignored on "Modern Family" Ariel Winter and Sarah Hyland are just as deserving of spots here as Bowen and Vergara are. Angela Kinsey or Cobie Smulders would've also been nice here too, but I'd still have to take out Jane Lynch, and as much as I hate "Glee", I certainly love her. Tough to call, but if Mayim Bialik wins it, this could mean, it's "The Big Bang Theory"'s year finally.

GUEST ACTOR-COMEDY SERIES
Bobby Cannavale-"Nurse Jackie"-Showtime
Louie C.K.-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC
Will Forte-"30 Rock"-NBC
Nathan Lane-"Modern Family"-ABC
Bob Newhart-"The Big Bang Theory"-CBS
Justin Timberlake-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC

In case people don't know this, Bob Newhart has never won an Emmy. Just thought I'd mention that, Emmy Voters. In case you didn't realize that before. Okay! I mean, Louie and Justin have like 9 between them, Newhart has ZERO! Do you hear me on that one! ZERO! Also, glad Will Forte finally got in for his work on "30 Rock" too.

Seriously, I don't care if it was the Best Performance or not, give it to Bob Newhart! Do you realize how ridiculous it is, that he's never won! All-time comedy great, two of the best sitcoms of all-time, TV legend, not one Emmy. Don Rickles has an Emmy! Newhart doesn't; FIX THIS!

GUEST ACTRESS-COMEDY SERIES
Dot-Marie Jones-"Glee"-FOX
Melissa Leo-"Louie"-FX Networks
Melissa McCarthy-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC
Molly Shannon-"Enlightened"-HBO
Elaine Stritch-"30 Rock"-NBC
Kristen Wiig-"Saturday Night Live"-NBC

I really wish they gave the "30 Rock" nomination to Kristen Schaal instead of Elaine Stritch, although she is great, but Hazel Wassername might be my all-time favorite character from that show. Is this, where the make up to never giving it to Kristen Wiig when she was on, or do they give it to Melissa Leo, for "Louie" after ignoring her on "Homicide: Life on the Street" for all those years? Curious choices here. Glad Cloris Leachman didn't sneak in here again for "Raising Hope", which really is running out of steam, way more that "New Girl" even. Seriously FOX, come up with some sitcoms that can have more staying power, you haven't had a non-animated one since "That '70s Show", that was almost a decade ago. I know "Raising Hope" should've had potential but Greg Garcia keeps losing his way after a season or two, don't know why. He did the same with "My Name is Earl", you shoulda saw it coming; it's a pattern.

WRITING-COMEDY SERIES
Episodes-'Episode 209'-David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik-Showtime
Louie-'Daddy's Girlfriend (Part 1)-Louie C.K. (Story & Teleplay); Pamela Adlon (Story)-FX Networks
The Office-'Finale'-Greg Daniels-NBC
30 Rock-'Hogcock!'-Jack Burditt and Robert Carlock-NBC
30 Rock-'Last Lunch'-Tina Fey-NBC

BTW, Louie C.K. broke his own record this year, with 8 Individual nominations, breaking his record of 7, which he set last year, and in a related story, I'm doing nothing with my life. Oh, sorry, I miscounted, he has 9! I forgot Best Comedy Series, of all things. He has an Editing nomination, I'm not kidding either. 16 nominations in 2 YEARS, he won this category last year, he could win it again. Thank God, "The Office" finale got in here though. Glad it was recognized, somewhere, as is "30 Rock"'s finale. Both great, and 2 "30 Rock" nominations, maybe they're not an also-ran this year. No "Arrested Development" nomination here, is a bit of a shock though.

DIRECTING-COMEDY SERIES
Girls-'On All Fours'-Lena Dunham-HBO
Glee-'Diva'-Paris Barclay-FOX
Louie-'New Year's Eve'-Louis C.K.-FX Networks
Modern Family-'Arrested'-Gail Mancuso-ABC
30 Rock-'Hogcock!'-Beth McCartney-Miller-NBC

Beth McCartney Miller's been nominated for eight Emmys, and is one of the premiere comedy directors in television, but has never won; I think she's due. That said, Lena Dunham and Louis C.K., are up there again, and you can never count out "Modern Family," they always seem to take it in this category.

Let's go to Movies/Miniseries now.

OUTSTANDING MINISERIES OR MOVIE
American Horror Story: Asylum-FX Networks
Behind the Candelabra-HBO
The Bible-HISTORY
Phil Spector-HBO
Political Animals-USA
Top of the Lake-Sundance Channel

American Horror Story: Asylum, leads all programs this year, with 17 nomination, and has damn-near no shot at winning this category. "The Bible" has, absolutely zero shot, but considering the pedigrees of the other nominees, this might as well be the Oscars now. Hey, "Lincoln" damn near ended up in this category according to Spielberg. The phrase "TV Movie" doesn't mean, "lower-quality" anymore, unless it has the words "Lifetime" or "Hallmark" in front of it.

LEAD ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Benedict Cumberbatch-"Parade's End"-HBO
Matt Damon-"Behind the Candelabra"-HBO
Michael Douglas-"Behind the Candelabra"-HBO
Toby Jones-"The Girl"-HBO
Al Pacino-"Phil Spector"-HBO

Yeah, this confirms it; it sucks not to have HBO. Eh, expect Michael Douglas to win this one, Pacino's usually the favorite, but he's won multiple times before and recently in this category, and it's Douglas's turn.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Jessica Lange-"American Horror Story: Asylum"-FX Networks
Laura Linney-"The Big C: Hereafter"-Showtime
Helen Mirren-"Phil Spector"-HBO
Elisabeth Moss-"Top of the Lake"-Sundance Channel
Sigourney Weaver-"Political Animals"-USA

Yeah, I mentioned this before, that "The Big C" chose to have it's final season be entered in the miniseries category, thinking that it would be more likely to get in categories there. It had been unfairly overlooked in its previous seasons, so that's understandable, unfortunately, it didn't get in the big category, but it got in a few places here. I've pretty much given up hope that they're even gonna recognize Elisabeth Moss's work on "Mad Men" with an Emmy, despite another nomination this year, but in this miniseries, she might be able to pull out her long-deserved win. Jessica Lange won this category last year, also for "American Horror Story", not sure why it's insisting on being in this category, more confusion over what's a miniseries and what's a series.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Scott Bakula-"Behind the Candelabra"-HBO
James Cromwell-"American Horror Story: Asylum"-FX Networks
John Benjamin Hickey-"The Big C: Hereafter"-Showtime
Peter Mullan-"Top of the Lake"-Sundance Channel
Zachary Quinto-"American Horror Story: Asylum"-FX Networks

Glad to see John Benjamin Hickey get nominated for his work on "The Big C", although it's a shame that Cynthia Nixon never got noticed for her Guest work on the show. Have to finally start getting around to "American Horror Story", don't I?

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
Ellen Burstyn-"Political Animals"-USA
Sarah Paulson-"American Horror Story: Asylum"-FX Networks
Charlotte Rampling-"Restless"-Sundance Channel
Imelda Staunton-"The Girl"-HBO
Alfre Woodard-"Steel Magnolias"-Lifetime

Boy the quality of acting just doesn't let up in these miniseries or movie categories anymore do they?

WRITING-MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A DRAMATIC SPECIAL
Behind the Candelabra-Richaed LaGravenese-HBO
The Hour-Abi Morgan-BBC America
Parade's End-Tom Stoppard-HBO
Phil Spector-David Mamet-HBO
Top of the Lake-Jane Campion and Gerard Lee-Sundance Channel

You know the quality of television is up, if I only have to look up one writer's name, 'cause it's not a household one. Stoppard, Mamet, Campion, Morgan, is this the Oscars or the Obies?

DIRECTING-MINISERIES, MOVIE OR DRAMATIC SPECIAL
Allison Anders-"Ring of Fire"-Lifetime"
Jane Campion and Garth Davis-"Top of the Lake"-'Part 5'-Sundance Channel
Julian Jarrold-"The Girl"-HBO
David Mamet-"Phil Spector"-HBO
Steven Soderbergh-"Behind the Candelabra"-HBO

Well, this has to be the Oscars? Right? Here's the clue to why "American Horror Story: Asylum" isn't a favorite, no writing or directing nominations? All there other nominations are in technical categories, not a good sign.

Let's go to, well, for lack of a better word, Variety.

OUTSTANDING VARIETY SERIES
The Colbert Report-Comedy Central
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart-Comedy Central
Jimmy Kimmel Live-ABC
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon-NBC
Real Time with Bill Maher-HBO
Saturday Night Live-NBC

Not that it matters since "The Daily Show..." is gonna win again, because, they deserve it, but why is Jimmy Kimmel nominated again? It's not like he's hosting like last year? I don't know, I don't hate him, the Matt Damon episode was really awesome, but I don't rank him in this company. If anybody should get a shot at entering this group, it should be Craig Ferguson.

OUTSTANDING VARIETY SPECIAL
The Kennedy Center Honors-CBS
Louis C.K.: Oh My God-HBO
Mel Brooks Strikes Back! With Mel Brooks and Alan Yentob-HBO
Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update Thursday (Part One)-NBC
12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief-Multiple Channels

Hmm. They really should start putting a new category together just for Stand-Up Specials. And come to think of it, that Individual Performance Category, they gotta find a way to bring that back.

WRITING FOR A VARIETY SERIES
The Colbert Report-Opus Moreschi, Head Writer, et. al. -Comedy Central
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart-Tim Carvell, Head Writer, et al.-Comedy Central
Jimmy Kimmel Live-James Kimmel, et. al.-ABC
Portlandia-Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein, Jonathan Krisel, and Bill Oakley-IFC
Real Time with Bill Maher-Bill Maher, et. al.-HBO
Saturday Night Live-Seth Meyers, et. al.-NBC

A sixth nominee entered this category for Jimmy Kimmel. This is the category that occasionally, "The Daily Show..." can be beaten in. That said, Bill Maher, must be at the record by now. 29 total Emmy nominations in his career, zero wins! They really need to get to him at some point, this would be a good spot.

WRITING FOR A VARIETY SPECIAL
The 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards-Barry Adelman, et. al.- NBC
Louis C.K.: Oh My God-Louis C.K.-HBO
Night of Too Many Stars: America Comes Together for Autism Programs-Eric Slovin, Head Writer, et. al-Comedy Central
Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update Thursday (Part One)-Seth Meyers, Head Writer; Colin Jost, Head Writer, et. al.-NBC
66th Annual Tony Awards-Dave Boone, Special Material by Paul Greenberg-CBS

Yeah, I don't even remember there being a "SNL Thursday Update" this year, do you?

DIRECTING FOR A VARIETY SERIES
The Colbert Report-'Episode 8131'-Comedy Central
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart-Chuck O'Neil-'Episode 17152'-Comedy Central
Jimmy Kimmel Live-Andy Fisher-'Episode 13-1810'-ABC
Late Show with David Letterman-Jerry Foley-'Episode 3749'-CBS
Portlandia-Jonathan Krisel-'Alexandria'-IFC
Saturday Night Live-Don Roy King-'Host: Justin Timberlake'-NBC

You ever wonder how they know which episodes to submit of these daily shows which are all basically the same day-by-day? Wonder why, "The Daily Show..." at least, doesn't just use the date as the title of the episodes.

DIRECTING FOR A VARIETY SPECIAL
The Kennedy Center Honors-Louis J. Horvitz-CBS
London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony-Bucky Gunts and Hamish Hamilton-NBC
Louis C.K.: Oh My God-Louis C.K.-HBO
The Oscars-Don Mischer-ABC
12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief-Michael Dempsey-Multiple Channels

Believe it or not, I'm not simply including these because Louis C.K.'s nominated, these are often presented at the Emmys. I always like it when Louis J. Horvitz wins, because he's usually the guy who's directing the Emmys and it's nice to see him accept the Award in the truck while he's directing the show.

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL CLASS PROGRAMS
The 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards-NBC
London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony-NBC
The Oscars-ABC
Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel (Live from Lincoln Center)-PBS
66th Annual Tony Awards-CBS

This one used to be presented on TV, now I'm not so sure, but its still interesting for all that crap Seth MacFarland got, "The Oscars" did get nominated by Special Class Program, as it should've this year.

Let's quickly go to Reality now!

OUTSTANDING REALITY-COMPETITION SERIES
The Amazing Race-CBS
Dancing with the Stars-ABC
Project Runway-Lifetime
So You Think You Can Dance-FOX
Top Chef-Bravo
The Voice-NBC

The same six as last year, and I will never understand how "Dancing with the Stars" keeps taking a spot here. The rest, I get, that one, no, unwatchable. "The Amazing Race" has only lost this award once, and that was to "Top Chef" a couple years ago, they really should give it to "Project Runway" at some point. I've fallen out of love with "The Voice" since it's basically become more like "American Idol" instead of the anti-Idol that I enjoyed about it in the first place, but it's still better than "Idol" ever was, and certainly better than "The X-Factor".

OUTSTANDING REALITY PROGRAM
Antiques Roadshow-PBS
Deadliest Catch-Discovery Channel
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives-Food Network
Mythbusters-Discovery Channel
Shark Tank-ABC
Undercover Boss-CBS

I don't understand why this category isn't presented at the main Awards show; this is just as popular a category as Reality-Competition, if not moreso some years, and the quality of shows nominated is always discussion worthy.

OUTSTANDING HOST FOR A REALITY OR REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
Tom Bergeron-"Dancing with the Stars"-ABC
Anthony Bourdain-"The Taste"-ABC
Cat Deeley-So You Think You Can Dance-FOX
Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn-Project Runway-Lifetime
Ryan Seacrest-"American Idol"-FOX
Betty White-"Betty White's Off Their Rockers"-NBC

Bourdain was the host of "The Taste"? I watch about 4 episodes of that, and if anyone, I would've guessed Brian Malarkey was the host. Well, it was a lousy show, but I do love Bourdain. Jeff Probst, noticeably absent again, as it Phil Keoghan of "The Amazing Race", strangely absent, replaced by both Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn; Klum nominated for the first time in the category since 2010, and the first time a pair of hosts has been nominated since '09 when Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio were nominated as co-hosts of "Top Chef". Not sure why Tim Gunn, now is recognized as a host of "Project Runway", but glad he is. Maybe a sign, "Project Runway" could actually knock off "The Amazing Race" this year? Eh, longshot, but maybe?

Well, those are the main Awards, but here's a few of the other interesting ones that don't always make the top sheet, but probably a few of you will be interested in.

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL CLASS-SHORT FORMAT LIVE-ACTING ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS
Between Two Ferns-FunnyOrDie.com
Burning Love-Yahoo.com
Children's Hospital-Cartoon Network
The Daily Show Correspondents Explain-TheDailyShow.com
Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show Starring Beyonce-CBS
30 Rock: The Webisodes-NBC.com

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL CLASS-SHORT-FORMAT NONFICTION PROGRAMS
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee-Crackle.com
Jay Leno's Garage-JayLenosGarage.com
The Office: The Farewells-NBC.com
Remembering 9/11-History.com
30 Rock: The Final Season-NBC.com
Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen-BravoTV.com

OUTSTANDING INTERACTIVE PROGRAM
Bravo's Top Chef Interactive Experience-BravoTV.com
Game of Thrones Season Three Enhanced Digital Experience-HBO.com
The Homeland SHO Sync Experience-SHO.com
Killing Lincoln-NatGeoTV.com
Night of Too Many Stars: America Comes Together for Autism Programs-ComedyCentral.com
The Team Coco Sync Multi-Screen Experience-TeamCoco.com
The Walking Dead Story Sync-AMCTV.com

OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY OR NONFICTION SPECIAL
All the President's Men Revisited-Discovery Channel
Crossfire Hurricane-HBO
Death and The Civil War (American Experience)-PBS
Ethel-HBO
Manhunt: The Inside Story of The Hunt for Bin Laden-HBO

OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY OR NONFICTION SERIES
The Abolitionist (American Experience)-PBS
American Masters-PBS
The Men Who Built America-HISTORY
Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman-Science Channel
Vice-HBO

OUTSTANDING ANIMATED PROGRAM
Bob's Burgers-'O.T.: The Outside Toilet'-FOX
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness-'Enter the Dragon-Nickelodeon
Regular Show-'The Christmas Special'-Cartoon Network
The Simpsons-'Treehouse of Horror XXIII'-FOX
South Park-'Raising the Bar'-Comedy Central

OUTSTANDING SHORT-FORM ANIMATED PROGRAM
Adventure Time-'Simon & Marcy'-Cartoon Network
Clarence-CartoonNetwork.com
Disney Mickey Mouse Croissant de Triomphe-Disney.com
Regular Show-'A Bunch of Full Grown Geese'-Cartoon Network
Robot Chicken-'Robot Chicken's ATM Christmas Special

VOICE-OVER PERFORMACE
Bob Bergen-"The Looney Tunes Show"-'We're in Big Truffle'-Cartoon Network
Alex Borstein-"Family Guy"-Lois Comes Out of Her Shell'-FOX
Sam Elliott-"Robot Chicken"-'Hurtled from a Helicopter into a Speeding Train'-Cartoon Network
Seth Green-"Robot Chicken DC Comics Special"-Cartoon Network
Seth MacFarland-"Family Guy"-'Brian's Play'-FOX
Lily Tomlin-"An Apology to Elephants"-HBO

ORIGINAL MUSIC AND LYRICS
Nashville-"Nothing in This World Will Ever Break My Heart Again"-Music & Lyrics: Sarah Jane Buxton and Kate York-ABC
The Neighbors-"More or Less the Kind of Thing You May or May Not Possibly See on Broadway-Music: Alan Menken; Lyrics: Glenn Slater-ABC
Smash-"Hang the Moon"-Music: Marc Shaiman; Music & Lyrics: Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman-NBC
Smash-"I Hear Your Voice in a Dream"-Music & Lyrics: Andrew McMahon-NBC
30 Rock-"Rural Juror"-Music: Jeff Richmond; Lyrics: Jeff Richmond, Tina Fey and Tracey Wigfield
66th Annual Tony Awards-"If I Had Time-Music: David Javerbaum; Lyric: Adam Schlesinger-CBS

Well, I don't know about you, but I'll be catching up on "House of Cards" and any other online show I can find for awhile. Might even review some of them here. It's a whole new world for the Emmys when you think about it. Who know where the next great shows are gonna debut now, although we're fairly sure it won't be on network television anytime soon.