Heavy hitters back in the running for TV’s Emmy awards

Cast member Bob Odenkirk poses at the premiere for the television series “Better Call Saul” in Culver City, California, Feb. 2, 2016. Image: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

LOS ANGELES — With pandemic production problems largely in the past, many of Hollywood’s most acclaimed television shows and actors are back in the running for the annual Emmy awards on Monday.

Disruptions to filming from COVID-19 had upended awards races, leaving previous winners out of contention for TV’s highest honors last year.

Now, series such as HBO’s media dynasty drama “Succession” and actors including Bill Hader, Rachel Brosnahan and Donald Glover are in the hunt again.

“Succession” racked up the most nominations of any show at 25, and is considered a favorite for the night’s top prize of best drama. The series was not eligible last year, opening the door for royal family tale “The Crown” to claim the honor. “The Crown” did not release a new season during this year’s Emmy window.

“So ‘Succession doesn’t have to worry about them, but it’s got a bunch of new shows that are really hot” to fend off, said Chris Beachum, managing editor at the Gold Derby website.

They include Netflix Inc.’s South Korean drama “Squid Game,” a global hit that inspired Halloween costumes and boosted sales of track suits; and workplace thriller “Severance” from Apple TV+.

Voters also could opt to honor the final seasons of “Ozark” or “Better Call Saul,” said Entertainment Weekly editor-in-chief Patrick Gomez.

Winners will be announced at a red-carpet ceremony broadcast live from Los Angeles on Comcast Corp’s NBC network and streaming on Peacock. Comedian and longtime “Saturday Night Live” cast member Keenan Thompson will host.

Feel-good, fish-out-of-water story “Ted Lasso” may repeat as best comedy, though Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” could pull off a victory, awards watchers said.

The show, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez as true crime podcasters, likely benefited from the airing of its second season during the Emmy voting period, Beachum said. A similar move helped boost “Lasso” last year, he said.

“Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis will face off with Glover for “Atlanta,” Bill Hader for “Barry” and both Short and Martin from “Only Murders” for the lead comedy actor accolade.

Like many of this year’s races, the winner in that contest is tough to call, Gomez said.

“There are usually only one or two categories that are a little bit of a toss up, and here there’s a handful,” he said. “We’re all going to be in for some surprises.” JB

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