Despite seeing many newcomers to the Comedy categories in recent years (Modern Family, Glee, Parks and Recreation etc.), it appears that there won't be many this year. Look at Best Comedy Series where 30 Rock, The Big Bang Theory, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Modern Family and Parks and Recreation will all return. Besides the last spot in the category there is not much room for a new show to grab a nomination. Luckily that last spot is entirely up for grabs. Glee could take that spot as it did last year or it could go to HBO's big newcomer, Veep, or the critically acclaimed Louie.
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series lost a stalwart nominee in Steve Carell this year, so there is one new spot open. Unfortunately for newcomers, perennial Emmy nominee Jon Cryer of Two and a Half Men has move from the supporting category to this one. So with him in play don't expect any newcomers in this category.
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series is probably the most up for grabs category of the main comedy categories. While it is entirely likely that we get some combination of former nominees (Edie Falco, Tina Fey, Laura Linney, Melissa McCarthy, Martha Plimpton and Amy Poehler are all in cntention), there are a bunch of newcomers who can steal a nomination such as Julia Louis-Dreyfus (who is a lock for her performance in Veep), Laura Dern (who is a lock for her Golden Globe winning performance in Enlightened) and Zooey Deschanel (a major contender for New Girl).
The Supporting categories are much more stable. The only chance for a newcomer to break in is with Nick Offerman (who may finally get in for his performance as Ron Swanson) and Bill Hader (who could finally get SNL's first supporting actor nomination). Also Cloris Leachman has moved from Guest Actress to Supporting Actress for Raising Hope and will most likely take the place of Jane Krakowski.
Next week I will take a look at the Drama categories and for my current and full predictions check here.
