The 71st Primetime Emmy awards are set to air on September 22, and thanks to a couple of huge series finales, there are some really heavy favorites for several categories. That makes a lot of sense to some degree. But I’m just a humble TV watching slob, and I think they got a few of these categories wrong. Let’s take a look at some of the categories, with odds from BetOnline.ag.
The Outstanding Lead’s in Comedies categories are horrible picks to go with the underdogs. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (-1000) just put on a masterwork performance in Veep, and has not lost in years. Similarly, Bill Hader’s (-900) been just too good in Barry, and I don’t expect either to lose. Let’s just move on.
Another category that looks like a lock is Oustanding Lead Actress in a Drama series, where Sandra Oh (-700) is a clear favorite for Killing Eve. I certainly don’t expect Emilia Clarke (+600) will get any recognition for burning down Kings’ Landing in Game of Thrones. I think this might be a fun category to bet on the long shots though, as a win by Mandy Moore (+3300) for This is Us would be tremendous, and my wife insists Viola Davis (+3300) is the best in the category.
Where it gets interesting is in the Outstanding Lead Actor in Drama Series, where there’s not a single overwhelming favorite. Billy Porter (+150) is getting lots of press for his first nude scene on Pose, as well as his chances to win an EGOT. Variety, on the other hand, are pushing for Jason Bateman (+175) in Ozark, or Bob Odenkirk (+300) for Better Call Saul. Knowing that Jon Snow actor Kit Harrington (+800) probably doesn’t want the award, I’d go with Odenkirk, personally.
Let’s end with the awards for the respective best shows. Game of Thrones (-700) is heavily favored for its final season, and while it was technically great (except for one slightly dark episode), it was panned for its story. I think this is a great category to bet on a couple of the underdogs once again. Killing Eve (+550) is a decent bet, and this could be where This is Us (+1200) gets some recognition.
Meanwhile, another category that looks closer, I don’t think is at all. Veep (-250) is only closely favored over its closest rival, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (+250). It would be criminal not to give Veep every possible award for it’s final season, so I think put all your money there.
