Ahead of the Emmys on Sunday, NPR’s TV critic presents The Deggy Awards

As TV gets more complicated and Hollywood gets more confused, we seem to ask this question at every ceremony: Could the Emmys get any more confusing?

Luckily, you’re now reading a guide to cutting through the junk: My long-running, iconic TV series, The Deggys.

Yes, it’s only nine months away Deggy’s lastdue to strikes last year that pushed last year’s Emmy’s to January of this year. But Sunday’s contest promises to put everything back on track — although I’m a little worried about seeing two comedians, father-and-son Eugene and Dan Levy, host the Emmys at a time when they’re only experienced, pro- level MCs like. Jimmy Kimmel seems to understand.

Here’s my take on how to straighten out the massive mess facing this year’s 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, starting with a question that should be simple: What exactly is a TV drama?

Best Drama Series: The Bear

What is that, you say? FX of Bear is it now the most nominated comedy at the Emmys, with 23 nods for its second season? Not in Deggys land.

I say this with all due respect to my friends at FX, who have fought comedy hard since the show’s award-winning debut. But it is clear that the basis of BearThe story centers on chef Carmy Berzatto’s intense and desperate struggle to transform his family’s restaurant into a fine dining establishment, as he learns that his driven nature is from her family’s unyielding desires, abuse from a toxic counselor and her brother’s suicide. This is a series of awesomeness that no amount of cool, funny cameos can beat. Bear it’s not just a drama, it’s the best drama on TV.

What will happen indeed win? FX of Shogun. This is also not the case – there is no shade intended for other candidates as such Falling, Slow Horses, Physical Difficulty 3 and mr. & Mrs. Smith. FX went ahead with a remake of James Clavell’s 1975 novel, which transcends 1980s classics by putting a white British man at the center of the story, while spending millions to create a stunning Japanese look. . The Television Academy awarded them with the most nominations of any series – 25 nods – and record-breaking winning streak at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards last weekend. I’m also hoping for a lot of success at the Emmys. But Shogun‘s Deggys hul will come with another team.

Best Comedy Series: Reservation Dogs

This is the last year the Emmys can honor this contemporary comedy about four teenagers from rural Oklahoma who put their lives in order, with the help of elders, spirit guides and more. Actor Sterlin Harjo, who created the show with Taika Waititi, finished the series last year, just as other TV fans were discovering their amazing combination of absurd comedy and tragic drama. That their work showcases so many indigenous talents in the cast and crew is a great thing but not the whole story: Reservation Dogs it’s just funny, compelling and revolutionary, all the things Deggy needs.

Respectfully mentioned: To Hulu Only Murders in the Buildingwhich somehow manages to remain witty and entertaining despite its strange premise – the residents of a Manhattan building regularly solve murders for a podcast in their tony neighborhood – with many celebrity cameos, including ace turns by Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd.

What will happen indeed win? Bear. As the second most nominated series, with 23 nods, it is the favorite of the Television Academy. FX wisely pitched it as a comedy, initially, to avoid the depressing reign of HBO’s past. Succession – which in itself was a dark comedy – and now to make room Shogunvictory. Honestly, there has to be a better way to organize shows with equal levels of drama and comedy like Bear and best comedy nominee Hacks. Until then, Deggy’s should be enough.

Best Limited or Anthology Series: True Detective: Night Country

Not only True Detective: The Night Country actor, director/writer/Mexican producer Issa Lopez saves an HBO anthology series by putting women — especially indigenous women — at the center of a provocative revival of HBO’s moribund cop show. But Lopez was cute and unlikable when the show’s original creator, Nic Pizzolatto, placed and promoted critical thinking about a new brand in social media. For giving Jodie Foster yet another amazing role and staying on top of the fight even when the other men lost their cool, I give Lopez and True Detective giant, shiny Deggy.

Another Best Limited or Anthology Series Source: Shogun

And since this is my award show, another Deggy in this category is coming Shogun. I know: Shogun it is now an ongoing series, because FX plans to make two more seasons of the show. But when it first aired earlier this year, that plan didn’t exist. So I’m using technology to present Deggy in a category that often honors big budget, big design changes that prove that quality TV made with authenticity and style can still make a mark. FX reigns supreme as a platform that still manages to produce the kind of essential TV that HBO and Showtime have repeatedly contributed to, developing and illuminating aspiring series because someone saw something special and want to take advantage. They are aiming for a historic tally of victories on Sunday.

What will happen indeed win? Netflix is Baby Deer will likely take this category, buoyed by ace performances from co-star Richard Gadd and co-star Jessica Gunning, as well as continued interest in the show’s roots in Gadd’s hunting adventures. he says he has had experience.

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama: Liza Colon-Zayas for Bear

At the Emmys, Colon-Zayas was nominated for comedy, in a category full of stars like Carol Burnett (Palm Royale), former winner Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary) and actress Meryl Streep (Only Murders in the Building). So he doesn’t have much of a shot this year. And I’ll admit to being inspired by his standout performance in season three Bearwhich started in June. (Because the show airs new seasons after the Emmy deadline, Colon-Zayas was chosen to host the show’s second season, which aired last year). As I have already announced Bear drama, I still give Colon-Zayas props for moving forward with how every character shows up in some way, no matter how big their role. I’m happy to give Deggy a year before she gets her own Emmy.

Who is coming indeed win? Elizabeth Debicki, whose unmistakable portrayal of Princess Diana remains last season’s biggest surprise The crown.

Best Talk Series: Hot Ones

One of the Emmy snubs I really cared about was the lack of a nomination AmazingA show on YouTube with a concept that sounds like it was dreamed up during a chicken wing crawl. But host Sean Evans promotes the simple idea of ​​asking the stars questions while they eat hot wings until their minds are blown. Evans enjoys finding little-known criminals to ask his guests about – he knew amazing jobs John Oliver had it before he was famous, for example – and he offers soothing words as the two eat chicken smothered in sizzling sauces. Because the industry needs new, exciting formats for talk shows to uplift the nighttime collapsing universe, this Deggy will hopefully encourage such creativity.

What will happen indeed win? My money is there The Daily Showwhich has not only managed to maintain its quality with a series of hosts, but has established itself as a dominant, exciting place with the return of host Jon Stewart once a week. Stewart is supported by the writers, who seem to find new depth each time they take the host’s seat.