'Abbott Elementary' leads Golden Globes TV nominees with five nominations

Happy Norther! I'm celebrating the fake holiday by examining the Politics, government, and diversity in the 2023 Golden Globe Television nominees as the Sunday entertainment feature. Fortunately, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) made it easy for me by nominating "Abbott Elementary" for five awards, more than any other television show. Diversity and government galore!


As I wrote above "Abbott Elementary" has five nominations, Best Television Series - Comedy, Best Performance in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Actress) for Quinta Brunson, Best Supporting Performance in a Television Series – Musical-Comedy or Drama (Supporting Actor) for Tyler James Williams, and two nominations for Best Supporting Performance in a Television Series – Musical-Comedy or Drama (Supporting Actor) for Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Based on the number of nominations alone, I'd pick "Abbott Elementary." The experts at Gold Derby support my intuition, as seven of the nine have "Abbott Elementary" in first. One picked "The Bear," which six other experts picked second, and one picked "Wednesday," a distinctly minority view as no one else ranks it higher than third and four rank fifth! Those same experts think the other nominated mystery "Only Murders in the Building" is better. I'm rooting for "Abbott Elementary," but I expect "Wednesday" will be a big hit at the next Saturn Awards, whenever they're held.


I begin by repeating what I wrote in 'Ted Lasso,' 'Barry,' 'Hacks,' and 'Only Murders in the Building' lead comedy series nominees at the 2022 Emmy Awards about Lead Actress In A Comedy Series for Best Performance in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, Actress.

As I wrote last year "Kaley Cuoco's Cassie Bowden is recruited as an undercover agent at the end of the first season," adding a lot more government content to the show. That turned out surprisingly well, although I think the finale stuck the landing and then tripped. That's not Cuoco's fault as an actress, but it's indirectly her fault as a producer...twelve of the thirteen Gold Derby editors along with the majority of uses think Jean Smart will repeat for "Hacks" with only [one] editor predicting Quinta Brunson for "Abbott Elementary."

Jean Smart did win the Emmy, again, but this is a different field, with Selina Gomez and Jenna Ortega joining Brunson, Cuoco, and Smart, making this a very diverse field, and a different set of voters. As I nearly always point out in my awards show coverage, electorates matter. While the experts at Gold Derby generally don't think much of "Wednesday" as a show, they seem to love Jenna Ortega, who plays the title character, as seven of the nine have picked her to win. Only one each ranked Jean Smart and Quinta Brunson first. While Ortega has been acting for years, "Wednesday" was definitely her breakthrough role. I expect to vote for Ortega at the Saturn Awards, whether for Best Actress on Television or Best Younger Performer on Television, whichever the acting nomination committee slots her in.


As the award name states, Best Supporting Performance in a Television Series – Musical-Comedy or Drama, Supporting Actor lumps together supporting actors from both comedy and drama series. Usually, this favors performers in dramas. It also means that I'm recycling from both my comedy and drama nominee posts about the 2022 Emmy Awards. Only Tyler James Williams and Henry Winkler are appearing from the Emmy field for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and John Turtoro from "Severance" from the drama field for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and I wrote very little about them, so on to their chances. Six of the Gold Derby experts have Turturo as their top choice, while one each have John Lithgow, Jonathon Pryce, and Henry Winkler. I'd say Turturo, except that Joyce Eng picked Lithgow, which gives me pause. She has a knack for being right.


The experts at Gold Derby see Best Supporting Performance in a Television Series – Musical-Comedy or Drama, Supporting Actress, as a very close contest. Five of them think Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph will win, while four of them picked Elizabeth Debicki, who plays Princess Diana in the latest season of "The Crown" as the likely winner. Eng thinks it will be Ralph, so I'm using her pick as the tiebreaker. Good thing the two actresses will be competing in different categories at next year's Emmy Awards!

I'm rounding out comedy with Best Performance in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Actor).


Again, I begin by recycling.

"Atlanta" has a lot of social and political commentary in its comedy...This is a rich field with Donald Glover, Bill Hader, and Jason Sudeikis having won this category for these same roles before and Steve Martin and Martin Short winning Emmy Awards for comedy writing. Nine of the Gold Derby editors think that Hader will win, including Eng, three have picked Sudeikis to repeat, and one thinks Steve Martin will win his first Emmy for acting. The readers think it will be a close win for Hader. I can see that.

Sudeikis won the Emmy, but he's not in this field because Season 3 of "Ted Lasso" hasn't streamed yet. Instead, Jeremy Allen White of "The Bear" joins Glover, Hader, Martin, and Short, making this a less diverse field than the comedy actresses. According to the experts at Gold Derby, White is the favorite with eight of them picking him over one lone expert ranking Hader first. Even that one vote of confidence is not enough to put Hader in second, as seven experts ranked Martin ahead of him and five think Short has a better chance of winning. Wow! It could be worse; eight of the nine have Glover in last.

Follow over the jump for the rest of the TV nominees.

'Succession' leads drama Series nominees at the 2022 Emmy Awards

For today's Sunday entertainment feature, I am wrapping up my Emmy predictions with the drama series nominees, as I promised yesterday. Watch 74th Emmy Nominations: Drama Series.

The nominees for Outstanding Drama Series are Better Call Saul, Euphoria, Ozark, Severance, Squid Game, Stranger Things, Succession, and Yellowjackets.

I'll be a good environmentalist and begin my reaction by recycling. First, "My interest in covering entertainment awards consists mostly of covering shows that portray history, government, politics, and other social issues, like diversity and representation, or are speculative fiction." Second, "the drama series [nominees] best demonstrate my emphasis on looking at portrayals of politics and government in entertainment." All of the nominees qualify under least one of my criteria, including "Yellowjackets," which begins in a public high school — public education is part of government — and is enough of a horror series that it has two Saturn Award nominations. I'll write more about it, "Better Call Saul," "Severance," "Squid Game," and "Stranger Things" when I resume my series about the Saturn Awards.

The favorite is "Succession," which won this category two years ago. The show has the most nominations at this year's awards with twenty-five and is the top pick among Gold Derby readers and editors, who picked it unanimously. It's my choice, too. Next!

Now watch 74th Emmy Nominations: Lead Actor In A Drama Series.

The nominees for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series are Jason Bateman, Brian Cox, Lee Jung-jae, Bob Odenkirk, Adam Scott, and Jeremy Strong.

There is more disagreement among Gold Derby editors about the winner for this category, with a bare majority of seven predicting Lee Jung-jae from "Squid Game" and three each forecasting Brian Cox from "Succession" and Bob Odenkirk from "Better Call Saul," while the readers are picking Lee Jung-jae. I'm rooting for Cox, but I wouldn't be surprised if Lee Jung-jae won.  Odenkirk will have to wait for the Saturn Awards to get a better chance at winning an award.

Next, 74th Emmy Nominations: Lead Actress In A Drama Series.

The nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series are Jodie Comer, Laura Linney, Melanie Lynskey, Sandra Oh, Reese Witherspoon, and Zendaya.

Both the editors at Gold Derby and their readers think that Zendaya from "Euphoria," who won two years ago, will return to the stage to accept her Emmy tomorrow night, with nine editors picking her to win. The dissenters split between Melanie Lynskey from "Yellowjackets" with three, including Joyce Eng, forecasting her win and my personal favorite Laura Linney from "Ozark" with one lone editor choosing her. Mostly likely Zendaya.



Kieran Culkin from "Succession" is the favorite both among readers and editors at Gold Derby with eight top picks, followed by three for Oh Young-soo from "Squid Game" and one each for Matthew Macfadyen from "Succession" and John Turtoro from "Severance." Since Culkin is my personal favorite, I'm happy to pick him.



Unlike Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, the Gold Derby editors have no clear favorite among nominees in Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Two-time winner Julia Garner from "Ozark" has six top picks, Jung Ho-yeon from "Squid Game" has four, and Patricia Arquette from "Severance," Rhea Seehorn from "Better Call Saul," and Sarah Snook from "Succession" each have one. Since I'm rooting for Garner to three-peat, I'm glad to report that the Gold Derby readers are picking her. Arquette and Seehorn will have to wait for the Saturn Awards, where they are in different categories, to get a better chance at an award.



Both the readers and the editors at Gold Derby are predicting "Squid Game" to win with ten editors forecasting it winning. "Severance" is the second choice with two editors picking it, including Eng, and "Succession" winning with one. I'll go with "Squid Game."



"Succession" is the clear leader with twelve of the thirteen Gold Derby editors and the site's readers picking it to win. "Severance" only has one editor thinking it will take home the Emmy.

I have three videos from Gold Derby to share, beginning with Editors' Emmy slugfest: Can 'Succession' 'hold on to its front-runner status'?

Is "Succession" in danger at Monday's Primetime Emmys? HBO's family drama has long been the favorite to win Best Drama Series for a second time, but at this past weekend's Creative Arts Emmys, it only won a single trophy for Best Drama Casting. Gold Derby's Marcus James Dixon, Daniel Montgomery and Denton Davidson discuss this hot topic as well as make their final drama predictions for the acting, writing and directing races in their latest Editors' Emmy slugfest.

Next, a quick rundown of all the categories being awarded Monday in Emmys predictions slugfest 2022: Chris Beachum, Rob Licuria debate all 25 categories in 25 minutes.

Emmys predictions slugfest 2022: Chris Beachum and Rob Licuria debate all 25 categories in 25 minutes. It's an annual tradition going back at least 15 years. Some of the toughest to pick are Comedy Series (Abbott Elementary, Barry, Hacks, Only Murders in the Building, Ted Lasso?), Drama Actor (Lee Jung-jae, Jeremy Strong, Brian Cox?) and Limited/Movie Actress (Amanda Seyfried or Lily James?).

That was the short version. Emmy Experts slugfest: Our final 2022 winner predictions is the long version.

Gold Derby editors and Experts Christopher Rosen and Joyce Eng share their final picks for the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards. Will "Ted Lasso" rebound after getting zero wins at Creative Arts or will "Abbott Elementary" parlay its casting victory into a series win? And can anything usurp "Succession" and "The White Lotus"?

I've mentioned Joyce Eng several times, so it's only appropriate I finally feature her for the first time since 'Abbott Elementary' wins four Television Critics Association Awards, including Program of the Year.

Follow over the jump for the awards that drama series have already won at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Guest acting nominations at the 2022 Emmy Awards — Gold Derby weighs in

I'm finishing up my coverage of the 2022 Creative Arts Emmy Awards nominees today by looking at the guest actor and acting categories and throwing the rest of the remaining nominations at tomorrow's ceremony to the experts at Gold Derby.

I begin with drama nominees first because the drama series best demonstrate my emphasis on looking at portrayals of politics and government in entertainment.


The leading nominee according to Gold Derby editors is Colman Domingo for "Euphoria" with nine number one picks. Next is Alexander Skarsgard for "Succession" with three top picks. Last among the possible winners is Tom Pelphrey for "Ozark" with one. Nearly all the editors have those actors as their top three picks. Even though I haven't watched "Euphoria" yet, I'd go with Domingo not only because he's the overwhelming choice among the experts, but because I'm familiar with his work on "Fear the Walking Dead" and think he's excellent and deserves the recognition. My only qualm is that my favorite editor, Joyce Eng, picked Skarsgard to win. He gave a stellar performance and his character will likely be more important next season, but I'm not sure that will be enough this year.


According to Gold Derby, the leading nominees are Lee You-mi for "Squid Game" with seven top picks and Harriet Walter for "Succession" with six top picks. The editors picked no other nominees first. Although Lee You-mi barely leads and there are a lot of actresses from "Succession" nominated, which might split the vote, I'm tempted to pick Walter because Eng did based at least partly on the potential for vote splitting, I've seen her performance, and she's also nominated in the next category, which shows that the Television Academy's performer peer group likes her. Remember, electorates matter.


Twelve of the thirteen editors picked Jane Lynch for "Only Murders in the Building" to win. Only one picked Laurie Metcalf for "Hacks" and it wasn't Eng, so I'm not letting that sway my opinion. By the way, it could be a sweep in comedy guest acting categories for "Only Murders in the Building" as I wrote in 'Saturday Night Live' earned ten Emmy nominations plus looks back at the 2021-2022 season.

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Jerrod Carmichael – Saturday Night Live: "Host: Jerrod Carmichael" as host (NBC)
Bill Hader – Curb Your Enthusiasm: "Igor, Gregor, & Timor" as Igor/Gregor/Timor (HBO/HBO Max)
James Lance – Ted Lasso: "Inverting the Pyramid of Success" as Trent Crimm (Apple TV+)
Nathan Lane – Only Murders in the Building: "The Boy From 6B" as Teddy Dimas (Hulu)
Christopher McDonald – Hacks: "The One, The Only" as Marty (HBO/HBO Max)
Sam Richardson – Ted Lasso: "Midnight Train to Royston" as Edwin Akufo (Apple TV+)

...I suspect Nathan Lane will win for "Only Murders in the Building," especially since he's reprising his role in the second season, which is streaming now.

I got that impression from Eng and Rosen last month and the rest of the Gold Derby editors generally agree with twelve of the thirteen picking Lane and only one predicting Jerrod Carmichael. Since that's not Eng, and I've seen both performances, I'm sticking with Lane.

Follow over the jump for videos of the Gold Derby editors making their predictions.

CNBC and PBS report record overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2021

As I wrote about the largest drop in life expectancy since World War II and repeated in U.S. life expectancy continued falling in 2021, a pandemic update, "the pandemic is responsible for most of the drop, [but] other causes, like the opioid epidemic and systemic racism making the pandemic worse for minorities, played roles in lowering life expectancy." After examining how misinformation and the partisan divide contributed to 1 million deaths from COVID-19 this month, it's time to look at one of the other causes U.S. life expectancy has fallen. Watch CNBC Television report U.S. overdose deaths hit highest total on record.

CNBC's Shep Smith reports on the increase in drug overdose deaths in the United States. Last year, more than 107,000 people died. It was the highest total on record.

While Shep Smith did a good job of presenting the headline numbers, including the best preview image I could find, he and his writers did not explore the reasons for the surge in overdose deaths. I turn to PBS NewsHour's Overdose deaths in the U.S. reached record levels in 2021 to explain those.

New CDC data released Wednesday indicates that deaths from drug overdoses in the U.S. reached a record-high last year. More than 107,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2021, the highest annual death toll ever recorded. Deaths from fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine rose sharply. Dr. Nora Volkow, the National Institute On Drug Abuse director, joins Geoff Bennett to discuss.

Americans and others taking drugs to deal with the stress of the pandemic doesn't surprise. I expect it's part of the 15 million excess deaths worldwide I mentioned two days ago. It's also an example of two of Commoner's Laws: There is no free lunch and everything is connected to everything else. As I wrote in COVID-19 and diabetes for World Diabetes Day 2021, a pandemic update, "All of the systems in our body are connected to each other and what we do to or for one system will have effects on the rest. Also, isolating ourselves to protect us from the pandemic comes at a price, which we have to pay one way or another..."

Speaking of connections, overdoses from fentanyl contamination of other drugs have shown up in two of my favorite shows, "Ozark" and "Big Sky." I can't escape the opioid epidemic even in my entertainment.

By the way, I'm glad to see PBS interviewing Dr. Nora Volkow. While the U.S. probably wouldn't have more than 100,000 deaths without the pandemic, the country would still likely be seeing record numbers of overdoses and news organizations would be interviewing Dr. Volkow even more often. She deserves the recognition.

That's it for reality. Stay tuned for the next Sunday entertainment feature, which will likely be another compilation of highlights from tonight's "Saturday Night Live."

Television nominees about politics and government at the 2021 Golden Globes

It's been two weeks since I wrote "stay tuned for my reaction to the Golden Globe nominations." While I did use the Golden Globes to compile the 2019-2020 Golden Coffee Cups TV shortlists, I don't feel that counted, so I'm sharing Golden Globes 2021 Nominations & Predictions - Television from Grace Randolph of Beyond The Trailer followed by my opinion of the political and government shows among the nominees. Take it away, Grace!

Golden Globes 2021 today! Beyond The Trailer's reaction to nominations for Television!...The Queen's Gambit, The Crown, Schitt's Creek, The Mandalorian, Lovecraft Country, Ozark and more! Snubs! Share your own reaction to the nominations for the Golden Globes 2021, and your own predictions, before you watch the full show with hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler!

Those are the nominees that Grace thinks should and will win. Follow over the jump for my opinions, including how well each series fits the themes of politics and government and a comparison to the Critics Choice Awards. After all, I'm an environmentalist; I recycle.

Coffee Party USA invites you to stream the political TV series on the 2019-2020 Golden Coffee Cups shortlists while staying safe at home

Hey, all of you binge-watching your guilty pleasure shows while staying safe at home, relaxing after working from home, returning for work after wearing a mask all day, or just stressed out from the real world! I have another suggestion to make your time in front of the big-screen TV in the living room, the slightly smaller screen in the bedroom, or even holding your tablet or smartphone work to help your appreciation of politics and government on television and then apply your understanding to help Coffee Party USA in one of our projects.

With the 2018-2019 television season out of the way, the members and volunteers of Coffee Party USA will move on to the 2019-2020 television season. Watch for the posting of the shortlists for the show categories along with an invitation to stream them while staying safe at home. If you want to become one of the voters for this or future Golden Coffee Cups, such as for the best political movies of 2020, become a member. Voting will happen on a members-only Facebook group.

Before I present the shortlists, I'm sharing a two-part activity Coffee Party USA and I are proposing our readers and supporters do.

The first part of the activity is to stream as many of the shows on the shortlists between now and March 13, 2021 to see which have the best portrayals of politics and government on television. The second is to become a member of Coffee Party USA by March 13, 2021, which you can do for as little as $30.00 per year. That's because the members will also vote on the nominees and winners this year. That means you!

That's your two-part activity. Now, have fun watching television while supporting the work of Coffee Party USA, whose core values include continuous learning on behalf of an informed citizenry, joining Coffee Party USA, and voting on the nominees!

Without any further ado, I present the shortlists for the Golden Coffee Cups for Television, beginning with the shortlist for Best Drama Series about Politics and Government.*

#FreeRayshawn
9-1-1
Better Call Saul
Big Little Lies
Billions
Black Mirror
Carnival Row
David Makes Man
Designated Survivor
Doctor Who
Euphoria
Evil
For All Mankind
Godfather of Harlem
His Dark Materials
Homeland
How to Get Away with Murder
Hunters
Killing Eve
Madam Secretary
Mindhunter
Mr. Robot
Outlander
Ozark
Penny Dreadful: City of Angels
Pose
Snowpiercer
Star Trek: Picard
Star Trek: Short Treks
Star Wars Resistance
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Stranger Things
Stumptown
Succession
S.W.A.T.
The Blacklist
The Boys
The Crown
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
The Good Fight
The Handmaid's Tale
The Mandalorian
The Man in the High Castle
The Morning Show
The Outsider
The Rookie
The Witcher
Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan
Vikings
Westworld

Succession won last year and Mindhunter the year before. In addition, the first winner of Best Miniseries or Movie for Television about Politics and Government, Black Mirror, has been moved here based on the reclassification of the series by the Television Academy. The shortlist sets up a situation where they could go up against each other for the trophy. Of course, they have to be nominated first. Will you be one of the people to join so you nominate them and the rest of the field?

Follow over the jump to read the shortlists for television shows in the other four categories along with a two-part activity involving them.

Zendaya and other Emmy winners of color in drama series for Black History Month

I told my readers to "Stay tuned for the next installment about Emmy winners of color that I promised in 'Watchmen' leads diversity in 2019-2020 Emmy winners for MLK Day" at the end of CNBC, The Economist, CBS This Morning, and Retail Archaeology explain GameStop, a serious tale of the stock market and Retail Apocalypse. For the last day and final Sunday of January 2021 (Yay, we've made it through the first month!), I'm following through with winners from drama series, including short form, beginning with Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Time to revisit my predictions.

The nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series are Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Colman, Jodie Comer, Laura Linney, Sandra Oh, and Zendaya.

For the last time this post, I recycle to begin my analysis.

"Euphoria" is the least overtly political of the nominees, but the setting is East Highland High School, a public institution, so a government facility is the setting. Remember, public education, like law enforcement and the military, is part of government.

Jodie Comer won this award last year, much to my surprise, so she's the nominal favorite. Her strongest competition appears to be Laura Linney from "Ozark," who won the equivalent category at the Gold Derby Awards, and Oscar winner Olivia Colman. Of the three of them, I'm hoping for Linney.

I thoroughly discounted Zendaya and I was wrong to do so. Watch 72nd Emmy Awards: Zendaya Wins for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series from the Television Academy.

Zendaya wins the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

I think she was as surprised as I was. Just the same, I enjoyed her acceptance speech and the other nominated actresses appeared to be equal parts good sports and genuinely happy for her. Congratulations!

By the way, this isn't the first time Zendaya surprised me at an awards show. The first was the 2019 Saturn Awards when she won Best Supporting Actress in a Film for her role in "Spider-Man: Far from Home." I came close, as I wrote "If someone can persuade me of the merits of Zendaya, I might change my vote, but they only have a week." No one did and I wish they had.

Follow over the jump for the rest of the drama winners.

'Ozark' and 'The Crown' lead drama series nominees about politics and government at the 2021 Critics Choice Awards

I concluded Bright Sun Films and Business Insider on the General Motors bankruptcy, a story I tell my students by telling my readers "Stay tuned for the series nominees for the 26th annual Critics Choice Awards in tomorrow's Sunday entertainment feature as I promised in the footnote to 'Watchmen' leads diversity in 2019-2020 Emmy winners for MLK Day." I begin with the most nominated series from the Critics Choice Association (CCA) press release.

This year, two Netflix series lead the pack, with “Ozark” and “The Crown” each up for six awards including Best Drama Series. “Ozark” stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney will vie for Best Actor in a Drama Series and Best Actress in a Drama Series respectively, while Tom Pelphrey, Julia Garner, and Janet McTeer are all nominated for their supporting roles. “The Crown” also saw many of its royal players recognized. Josh O’Connor is nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Series, while Olivia Colman and Emma Corrin find themselves together in the Best Actress in a Drama Series category. Tobias Menzies and Gillian Anderson received recognition for their supporting roles.

Several other series had especially strong showings with “Lovecraft Country” (HBO), “Mrs. America” (FX), “Schitt’s Creek” (Pop), and “What We Do In The Shadows” (FX) each earning five nominations, and “Better Call Saul” (AMC) and “The Plot Against America” (HBO) both up for four awards. Netflix earned the most nominations overall, with a total of 26, followed closely by HBO/HBO Max with 24.

As I did for the Critics Choice Super Awards, I'm examining the nominees that have politics and government as their themes and settings. It turns out all but one category has nominees that touch on one or both.

I begin with the categories that recognize the two most nominated series, "Ozark" and "The Crown."

BEST DRAMA SERIES

Better Call Saul (AMC)
The Crown (Netflix)
The Good Fight (CBS All Access)
Lovecraft Country (HBO)
The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Ozark (Netflix)
Perry Mason (HBO)
This Is Us (NBC)

Every nominated drama series other than "This Is Us" either examines some aspect of government or explores political themes, if not both. Time to recycle from 'Watchmen' and 'Unbelievable' lead nominees about politics and government at the 2020 Television Critics Association Awards.

The protagonists of "Better Call Saul" are lawyers, not government employees, but they work in courtrooms and deal with law enforcement, so a government function plays an important part in the show...Both the Galactic Republic and the remnants of the Galactic Empire, which will eventually become the First Order, appear in "The Mandalorian"..."The Crown" continues its dramatization of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II with a new cast. "The Good Fight" resumed this season with less of a focus on resisting Trump and more on other political issues. While it made for a refreshing change of subject, I thought the season was the weakest so far. It didn't help that the final episode ended on a dick joke about Jeffrey Epstein. Yes, really.

I'm recycling next from Outstanding Drama Series nominees at the Emmys once again examine politics and government, where I observed that "'Ozark' plays lots of local politics." Fantastic and futuristic politics and government nominees at the Critics Choice Super Awards for National Science Fiction Day provides the last comment I'm reusing.

"Lovecraft Country"...is very political, being the second speculative fiction program about America's history of racism to use the Tulsa Massacre as a pivotal event after "Watchmen," and encompasses not only horror but science fiction and fantasy as well. "Lovecraft Country" certainly is ambitious!

I was surprised that the CCA classified "Lovecraft Country" as a drama series instead of a limited series, as the protagonist died and the story ended, but it turns out that the producers are negotiating with HBO for a second season, so the CCA will have made the right decision should HBO greenlight a second season. We will most likely know when the Television Academy announces the nominations for the 2020-2021 Emmy Awards.

Finally, "Perry Mason," like "Better Call Saul" and "the Good Fight," is a legal drama, so government and law create the courtroom setting.

The winner will likely be one of the two most nominated series, "Ozark" or "The Crown." I'm personally rooting for "Ozark," but I think the prior nomination history favors "The Crown," as it, "The Good Fight," and "This Is Us" earned nominations last year and twice won the Golden Globe for Best Television Series - Drama. Then again, electorates matter as I keep writing about awards shows and the CCA could surprise me. For example, I suspect there is significant overlap between the the CCA and the TCA, at least for the television voters, and they awarded Outstanding Achievement in Drama to "Better Call Saul" two years ago, so I would not be surprised if that happens here. Also, "Lovecraft Country" and "The Mandalorian" won their categories at the Critics Choice Super Awards, so I wouldn't count them out, especially "Lovecraft Country." As I wrote above, the show is ambitious and the critics might reward that ambition.

Follow over the jump for the rest of the categories with nominees that have themes of politics or government.

The top TV shows of 2020 according to IGN, WatchMojo, and IMDB

I'm continuing my retrospectives of 2020 with a theme that is more original than recycled, the top TV shows of 2020.* It's the last Sunday of the year, so I decided to write a real Sunday entertainment feature to celebrate.

The first video I'm sharing is the one with the best preview image, IGN's Best TV Series of the Year 2020 - Nominees.

So many people were stuck at home this past year, but fortunately, we all had the refuge of lots of good television to fall back on when we couldn't go out. From the return of The Boys (and The Seven) to the arrival of Margaret Thatcher and Princess Di on The Crown, our favorite TV shows in 2020 ran the gamut from outer-space Westerns to tales of omnibenevolent football coaches... and beyond.

Which brings us to our best TV series of 2020 nominations.

To recap, the shows IGN nominated as Best TV Series of the Year 2020 were "The Boys," "The Crown," "Devs," "The Good Place," "I May Destroy You," "Lovecraft Country," "The Mandalorian," "The Queen's Gambit," "Schitt's Creek," and "Ted Lasso." Most of those show up in the next two videos, beginning with WatchMojo's Top 10 Best TV Shows of 2020.

The best TV shows of 2020 got us through a crazy year. Our countdown includes "Ted Lasso," "The Last Dance," "The Mandalorian," and more! What's YOUR favorite show of 2020? Let us know in the comments!

While IGN stuck to live-action scripted series, both dramas and comedies, WatchMojo included two animated shows, "Rick and Morty" and "BoJack Horseman," and two documentary series, "The Last Dance" and "Tiger King," in their year-end best of 2020. They cast a much wider net when it came to best television of the year about to end than either IGN or IMDB, which took a different approach to Best Shows We Watched in 2020, going month-by-month instead of creating a top 10 list.

Join us on a journey through the TV series that caught our attention in 2020 and deserve to be binged for years to come. These are the shows we watched each month this year.

As the video pointed out, "The Witcher" actually debuted in 2019, so it isn't really from this year, even if a lot of people were watching it in 2020. Also, there are some shows that aren't in anyone else's top ten list, although this list had twelve, not ten, so two of them wouldn't be anyway.

For IMDB's actual top 10 lists of 2020's most popular TV shows, follow over the jump.

Coffee Party USA announces the 2018-2019 Golden Coffee Cup Television Winners!

For the past three weeks, the members and volunteers of Coffee Party USA have been voting on the nominees for the 2018-2019 Golden Coffee Cups for television. Voting closed this morning and it's time to announce the winners in six categories showcasing the best in politics and government on the small screen during the 2018-2019 television season.

Succession won Best Drama Series about Politics and Government. Saturday Night Live defeated last year's winner Veep for Best Comedy Series about Politics and Government. Chernobyl earned the award for Best Miniseries or Movie for Television about Politics and Government, unseating Black Mirror. The inaugural title of Best Talk Show went to Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. The Man in the High Castle displaced Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. for Best Comedy, Drama, Miniseries, or Movie for Television about Fantastic and Futuristic Politics and Government. Finally, Coffee Party USA inaugurates Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer on Veep as Best Television President for 2018-2019 Season, replacing Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman on Designated Survivor, whose term expired. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all of our members and volunteers who voted for the best shows and performances about politics and government during the 2018-2019 television season.

With the 2018-2019 television season out of the way, the members and volunteers of Coffee Party USA will move on to the 2019-2020 television season. Watch for the posting of the shortlists for the show categories along with an invitation to stream them while staying safe at home. If you want to become one of the voters for this or future Golden Coffee Cups, such as for the best political movies of 2020, become a member. Voting will happen on a members-only Facebook group.

Coffee Party USA ia a 501c(4) nonprofit social welfare organization dedicated to empowering and connecting communities to reclaim our government for the people. To support its efforts, which include educating the public on our website and on our Facebook page, registering people to vote with our partners TurboVote and National Voter Registration Day, and reminding them to vote through our Voter Buddy program, please consider donating. A donation of $10.00 for ten years of Coffee Party USA is recommended. Ten dollars will also buy our partner stamp with Stamp Stampede to stamp money out of politics. For those who wish to give at a higher level of support and be more involved in the organization, please consider becoming a member, which will allow you to vote for future Golden Coffee Cup nominees and winners. To do the valuable work of the Coffee Party, volunteer. Not only will Coffee Party USA thank you for it, so will our democracy!

Follow over the jump for the nominees in each category.

Coffee Party USA announces the nominees for the 2018-2019 Golden Coffee Cups for television

At the end of May, Coffee Party USA invited its supporters to stream the political TV series on the Golden Coffee Cups shortlist while staying safe at home and asked them to become members so they could vote on the shortlist to determine the nominees. For the past three weeks, the members and volunteers of Coffee Party USA did that just as they did earlier this year for the Golden Coffee Cup movie nominees.

After the preliminary round of voting, Veep leads nominees with three nominations, followed by House of Cards, Madame Secretary, and The Handmaid's Tale with two each. All of the other 32 nominees have one nomination each.

Here are the nominees in six categories showcasing the best in politics and government on the small screen during the 2018-2019 television season.

Best Drama Series about Politics and Government

House of Cards
Killing Eve
Madam Secretary
Ozark
Succession
The Good Fight
The Handmaid's Tale

Four are repeats from last year, House of Cards, Madam Secretary, Ozark, and The Good Fight, while three, Killing Eve, Succession, and The Handmaid's Tale, are new, although The Handmaid's Tale was nominated last year for Best Comedy, Drama, Miniseries, or Movie for Television about Fantastic and Futuristic Politics and Government as it is again this year. Last year's winner, Mindhunter, was not eligible, so it didn't return. That means there will be a new winner in this category this year. Become a member so you can vote!

Best Comedy Series about Politics and Government

Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Drunk History
I Love You, America
Orange Is the New Black
Schitt's Creek
Saturday Night Live
Veep

Three of the nominees are repeats from last year, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Orange is the New Black, and returning winner Veep. Sketch variety shows were added to the category along with the comedy series, so Drunk History, I Love You, America, and Saturday Night Live became eligible this year. Joining the field is the Canadian comedy Schitt's Creek. Will Veep repeat for its final season? It's up to you, should you become a member.

Best Miniseries or Movie for Television about Politics and Government

A Very English Scandal
Black Mirror
Brexit
Chernobyl
Sharp Objects
When They See Us

Black Mirror is the returning winner. Do you think its episodes are still the best short movies about politics and government for television or should a new nominee take its place? Once again, it's up to you, should you become a member.

Best Talk Show

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Late Night with Seth Meyers
Real Time with Bill Maher
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

This is a new category, so there is no obvious favorite. Which is yours? Join and vote!

Best Comedy, Drama, Miniseries, or Movie for Television about Fantastic and Futuristic Politics and Government

American Dad
Counterpart
Gotham
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Outlander
Star Trek: Discovery
The Handmaid's Tale
The Man in the High Castle
The Orville

Like last year, this category has the most nominees with nine. This year, it also has the most returning nominees with six, Gotham, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Outlander, Star Trek: Discovery, The Handmaid's Tale, and The Orville. Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. won this category last year. Do you think it's the best speculative fiction series about politics and government or do you think one of the other nominees deserves the honor more? Join to make your opinion known!

Best Television President for 2018-2019 Season

Keith Carradine as President Conrad Dalton on "Madame Secretary"
Lynda Carter as President Olivia Marsdin on "Supergirl"
Michael Gaston as President Andrew Pickett on "Jack Ryan"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as President Selina Meyer on "Veep"
Andrea Savage as President Laura P. Montez on "Veep"
Robin Wright as President Claire Underwood on "House of Cards"

Only Julia Luis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer and Andea Savage as Laura P. Montez are returning from last year. That means that last year's winner, Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman on Designated Survivor, did not return either, so the members of Coffee Party USA will elect a new TV president, just as they will elect one in real life. Become one of us to vote!

The members and volunteers of Coffee Party USA will vote for their favorite nominees over the next two weeks, at the end of which Coffee Party USA will announce the winners on its blog and Facebook page. If you want to become one of the voters for this or future Golden Coffee Cups, become a member. Voting will happen on a members-only Facebook group.

Coffee Party USA ia a 501c(4) nonprofit social welfare organization dedicated to empowering and connecting communities to reclaim our government for the people. To support its efforts, which include educating the public on our website and on our Facebook page, registering people to vote with our partners TurboVote and National Voter Registration Day, and reminding them to vote through our Voter Buddy program, please consider donating. A donation of $10.00 for ten years of Coffee Party USA is recommended. Ten dollars will also buy our partner stamp with Stamp Stampede to stamp money out of politics. For those who wish to give at a higher level of support and be more involved in the organization, please consider becoming a member, which will allow you to vote for future Golden Coffee Cup nominees and winners. To do the valuable work of the Coffee Party, volunteer. Not only will Coffee Party USA thank you for it, so will the country!

Reposted and modified from the original at Coffee Party USA's blog.

Outstanding Drama Series nominees at the Emmys once again examine politics and government

I told my readers to "stay tuned for the Drama Series nominees tomorrow" at the end of 'Schitt's Creek' vs. 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' — Outstanding Comedy Series nominees that use politics and government for laughs, so, without any further ado, here are the nominations for drama series at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards.

Outstanding Drama Series

Better Call Saul (AMC)
The Crown (Netflix)
The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu)
Killing Eve (BBC America)
The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Ozark (Netflix)
Stranger Things (Netflix)
Succession (HBO)

Watch 72nd Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Drama Series.

The nominees for Outstanding Drama Series are Better Call Saul, The Crown, The Handmaid's Tale, Killing Eve, The Mandalorian, Ozark, Stranger Things, and Succession.

As I have in the past two installments, I begin my commentary by being a good environmentalist and recycling.

The protagonists of "Better Call Saul" are lawyers, not government employees, but they work in courtrooms and deal with law enforcement, so a government function plays an important part in the show...."Succession" concentrate[s] on family dynamics...but politics and government contibute important, if secondary, plot elements...Rupert Murdoch and his children helped inspire the family in "Succession" and the Murdochs are as much about politics as they are about media.
...
Both the Galactic Republic and the remnants of the Galactic Empire, which will eventually become the First Order, appear in "The Mandalorian" with the agents of the government of the Dark Side promising to play an important part in the second season.
...
The rest of the nominees all deal with politics and government in some way, some more directly than others. "The Crown" continues its dramatization of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II with a new cast...

The same is true of the remaining nominees in the Emmy field. "Killing Eve" sets its tale of twisted romance inside a spy thriller. So does "Stranger Things," as the horror turns out to be part of a Soviet plot. "The Handmaid's Tale" is one of a dystopian theocratic future. Finally, "Ozark" plays lots of local politics.

I didn't say which nominee would win at the Television Critics Association (TCA) Awards, but I think it will be "Succession." It won Outstanding Achievement in Drama at the TCA Awards and both Drama Series and Drama Episode at the Gold Derby Awards. HBO has found a new awards favorite now that "Game of Thrones" is over.

Follow over the jump for the nominations for acting, directing, and writing.

Star Trek vs. Star Wars — futuristic politics and government at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards

I asked my readers for advice at the end of 'El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie' vs. 'Bad Education' and 'American Son' — Outstanding Television Movie nominees about crime and punishment at the Emmy Awards.

I plan on continuing the series tomorrow for the Sunday entertainment feature, although I'm torn between children's programming and animation on the one hand and music and dance nominees on the other. It's been a long time since I've asked for my readers to help me decide, but I'm feeling like asking now. Comments, anyone?

Last I checked, no one responded. It's just as well, because I decided overnight to combine the two ideas and convert the result into an examination of my two favorite science fiction franchises, Star Trek and Star Wars, both of which have two shows with nominations at the Emmy Awards and both of which explore politics and government in a futuristic setting.

I begin with sole nomination for "Star Wars Resistance," which I voted for at the Saturn Awards and which won Best Animated Series on Television.

Outstanding Children's Program
Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (Netflix)
Star Wars Resistance (Disney Channel)
We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest (HBO)

All three nominees examine politics as both of the speculative fiction series have resistance in their titles and "We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest" has a social theme with a political dimension. With "Sesame Street" not being renominated in this category, the field is wide open. It should be no surprise that I am rooting for "Star Wars Resistance." It helps that it's the only returning nominee in this category. "Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" had more and better buzz, so I expect it will win.

I already wrote about the Star Trek series nominated for a program award at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in 'Short Treks,' '#FreeRayshawn,' and 'Reno 911!' — government in short form at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, so I'll be a good environmentalist and recycle.

Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series

Better Call Saul Employee Training: Legal Ethics with Kim Wexler (AMC.com)
The Good Place Presents: The Selection (NBC)
Most Dangerous Game (Quibi)
Reno 911! (Quibi)
Star Trek: Short Treks (CBS All Access)

Based on just the nominees for this category, I would have included "funny and futuristic government" in the title of this entry. The funny nominees about government are "Reno 911!," a Comedy Central series that has been revived on Quibi and "Better Call Saul Employee Training: Legal Ethics with Kim Wexler." The futuristic one is "Star Trek: Short Treks." As a Star Trek fan, I'm rooting for "Short Treks." However, I doubt either it or "Reno 911!" will win, even though "Reno 911!" has two nominations in this category and Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. Instead, I think the other nominee for this category with a second nomination, "Most Dangerous Game," has the inside track to win the Emmy.

Now for the acting nominations for "The Mandalorian" at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series

Jason Bateman as Terry Maitland on The Outsider (Episode: "Fish in a Barrel") (HBO)
James Cromwell as Ewan Roy on Succession (Episode: "Dundee") (HBO)
Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon on The Mandalorian (Episode: "Chapter 8: Redemption") (Disney+)
Ron Cephas Jones as William Hill on This Is Us (Episode: "After the Fire") (NBC)
Andrew Scott as Chris Gillhaney on Black Mirror (Episode: "Smithereens") (Netflix)
Martin Short as Dick Lundy on The Morning Show (Episode: "Chaos Is the New Cocaine") (Apple TV+)

I've been impressed with Giancarlo Esposito ever since I watched him play the antagonist in Revolution eight years ago. He was even more scary now and promises to be a great villain for season 2. That written, I was even more impressed by Jason Bateman as Terry Maitland in "The Outsider," so I think he will win instead.

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance

Hank Azaria as Professor Frink, Moe, Chief Wiggum, Carl, Cletus, Kirk and Sea Captain on The Simpsons (Episode: "Frinkcoin") (Fox) Nancy Cartwright as Bart Simpson, Nelson, Ralph and Todd on The Simpsons (Episode: "Better Off Ned") (Fox) Leslie Odom Jr. as Owen on Central Park (Episode: "Episode One") (Apple TV+) Maya Rudolph as Connie the Hormone Monstress on Big Mouth (Episode: "How to Have an Orgasm") (Netflix) Wanda Sykes as Gladys on Crank Yankers (Episode: "Bobby Brown, Wanda Sykes & Kathy Griffin") (Comedy Central) Taika Waititi as IG-11 on The Mandalorian (Episode: "Chapter 8: Redemption") (Disney+)

Taika Waititi's droid voice expressed a lot for a robot supposedly devoid of emotion. Even so, he's up against a lot of veteran voice actors and bigger name actors and comedians, so he's facing an uphill battle. Out of that field, I am rooting for Maya Rudolph in her third nomination, but I expect it will be Hank Azaria or Nancy Cartwright, who have been voicing their characters on "The Simpsons" for 30 years.

Follow over the jump for the technical awards nominations for both "The Mandalorian" and "Star Trek: Picard."

Coffee Party USA invites you to stream the political TV series on the Golden Coffee Cups shortlist while staying safe at home

Hey, all of you binge-watching your guilty pleasure shows while staying safe at home, relaxing after working from home, returning for work after wearing a mask all day, or just stressed out from the real world! I have another suggestion to make your time in front of the big-screen TV in the living room, the slightly smaller screen in the bedroom, or even holding your tablet or smartphone work to help your appreciation of politics and government on television and then apply your understanding to help Coffee Party USA in one of our projects.

Last month, Coffee Party USA invited you to watch these political movies while staying safe at home, which led to the 2019 Coffee Party Entertainment Awards for movies, AKA the Golden Coffee Cups for Movies. It is now time for the next phase of these awards.

The members will also be voting on the nominees and winners of the Golden Coffee Cups for television programs and their performers that demonstrate the best in politics and government on the small screen. Watch for an announcement of the shortlist of possible nominees from the 2018-2019 television season and an invitation to watch them next week, much like Coffee Party USA invites you to watch these political movies while staying safe at home, followed by the nominees of the 2019-2020 season in the summer.

Follow over the jump to read the shortlists for television shows in five categories along with a two-part activity involving them.

'Game of Thrones,' 'Ozark,' 'Killing Eve,' and 'Succession'—drama series winners examine political intrigue

"Veep" wasn't the only program to receive a farewell tribute at the Emmy Awards for its final season.  "Game of Thrones" did as well.  Watch A Tribute To Game Of Thrones.

Seth Meyers introduces a tribute to the end of Game of Thrones.

Also like "Veep," the "Game Of Thrones" cast presented an award, in this case Supporting Actress In Limited Series Or Movie.

The Game of Thrones cast takes the stage to present the award for Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie.

To see how that award turned out, read 'Chernobyl' dominates Limited Series with ten Emmy Awards.

The similarities end there, for unlike "Veep," "Game of Thrones" repeated its Emmy Awards from last year, earning two for the night and a total of twelve for the season.  I called both of them in Outstanding Drama Series Emmy nominees examine politics and family dynamics, beginning with Outstanding Drama Series, writing "I'm sure "Game of Thrones" will win this award one last time, repeating last year's victory."  Watch Game Of Thrones Wins Best Drama Series.

Game of Thrones takes home the Emmy for Best Drama Series.

Congratulations!

As for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, I didn't even bother assessing the chances of the other nominees, writing "Peter Dinklage won this award last year and I think he'll win again this year, so off to the next category."  I took a risk being so dismissive of the other nominees, but I was right to do so as he won.  Watch Peter Dinklage Wins Emmy For Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series.

Peter Dinklage Wins Emmy For Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series For Tyrion Lannister in Season 8 Emmys 2019.

I support that message from Dinklage, especially since I've made a point of emphasizing the importance and portrayal of acceptance and diversity in entertainment.  His speech came up in Emmy Winners for 'Game of Thrones' Full Press Room Speeches from The Hollywood Reporter.

'Game of Thrones' won Outstanding Drama Series and Peter Dinklage won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series at the 2019 Emmy Awards. Watch their full press room interviews here!

Mark Kelly, brother of Scott Kelly, the subject of "A Year in Space," himself a subject of "Beyond a Year in Space," and candidate for U.S. Senate in Arizona, guessed 90% of the ending?  I'm impressed.  I'm also impressed that Kit Harington was able to handle the final question about the controversy around the ending as well as he did.  Congratulations to Harington and the rest of the crew and good luck on their future endeavors in show business!

In addition to "Game of Thrones," other Emmy winners in drama also tackled themes involving government and politics, particularly "Ozark," "Killing Eve," and "Succession," while "Pose" examined social issues.  Follow over the jump for their awards.