Summer 2014 TCA: TruTV's Friends of the People

Although Friends of the People was green-lit on TruTV back in March for a ten-episode season, it didn't catch my eye until this morning's presentation. On hand were seven talented members of the cast, including Kenny & Keith Lucas, recently seen as the twins on 22 Jump Street.

JEREMY FREEMAN

Perhaps the most intriguing fact about the group is that they brought the idea of working together to their manager, who made it happen and now they'll be paid to do what they're going to do anyway. Plus, the cast are also all writers and executive producers on the series.

Filmed in and around New York City, the idea is to have a different perspective for pop culture-based sketch comedy. They will have recurring characters that they play, similar to Saturday Night Live. And, yes, we know it's on your mind - there is a similarity to In Living Color, with several of the folks on this series part of the reboot (that never made it to air), and others influenced by the groundbreaking comedy as well.

We were treated to a clip that I found downright hilarious, but I don't want to give it away. In a nutshell, the cast acted as a writers' room for an 80s/90s family comedy during a bobbing first season, then reflected upon the extreme popularity of the break-out character. It was simple, but I had never thought about it that way, and I loved it. If that's any representation of the sketch comedy to be found, I think this show very well could be the next In Living Color or SNL. 

Watch for Friends of the People coming this fall - it premieres Tuesday, October 28th at 10:30pm on TruTV. If you haven't tuned into this network before, look for it on Comcast 65/841, DirecTV 246, DISH 242/9430, FiOS 183/683.

2011 Primtetime Emmy Awards Winners

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

Well, folks, that wraps it up for another year. And just in time, too! As we've mentioned both here and on Twitter, the new television season is underway, with many shows premiering over the next two weeks! But before we are completely obsessed over what's going to make it and what's not worth our time, let's take a final look at last year's outstanding shows, writers, directors, and actors.

As I did with the Creative Arts winners, I'm going to list the categories in the order that I predicted them last week, and give a thought or two after each winner.I got 9 / 35, so just over 25%. Surprisingly, that's about how I did with my Creative Arts predictions, haha. Oh, and, speaking of which, although I thought I wrapped up all of the awards handed out last week, I apparently did not. A few of the categories below were awarded at the Creative Arts ceremony. Oops.

Outstanding Comedy Series
Modern Family
- As I mentioned, "big money is going to be on Modern Family." And, it won. Too bad, since my vote was on The Big Bang Theory.  

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
"Caught in the Act" from Modern Family by Steve Levitan, Jeffrey Richman
- As I sit here and shake my head at Modern Family sweeping the Comedies, I'm secretly pissed that I can't stand this show and it just keeps winning.

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
Modern Family "Halloween" by Michael Alan Spiller
- This one I'm hurt by. I thought that How I Met Your Mother's "Subway Wars" was just so well done. It figures that Modern Family would snub it. But, boo anyway! In all fairness, I did predict that this would be the episode of Modern Family that would earn the Emmy.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory
- Right show, wrong actor. I'm not upset, though. As much as I enjoy Johnny Galecki, I can see Jim Parsons taking home the award.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Melissa McCarthy as Molly Flynn in Mike & Molly
- Yes, I picked Amy Poehler for her performances in Parks and Recreation, but I'm so happy for Melissa McCarthy that it doesn't matter. Congratulations to McCarthy, as I've loved her since Gilmore Girls and can't wait to see Bridesmaids on DVD!

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy in Modern Family

- Four nominees from Modern Family... the odds were there. Too bad for Jon Cryer, though.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy in Modern Family
- Guess I really took a beating here. I went with Betty White, thinking Jane Lynch of Kriten Wiig would probably steal it from beloved Betty. It wasn't either of them... but congrats to Julie Bowen!

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Justin Timberlake, Host on Saturday Night Live
- I was between Justin Timberlake and Matt Damon, and picked the wrong one. Close call though, and excellent performances all around!  

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Gwyneth Paltrow as Holly Holliday in Glee
- I don't really do Glee, as my regular readers know. But, I picked Kristin Chenoweth... the wrong guest, the right show. C'est la vie.

Outstanding Drama Series
Mad Men
- Figures. Mad Men beat my Boardwalk Empire. Not doing too great so far here.

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
"Always" from Friday Night Lights by Jason Katims

- I was SO CLOSE to going ti Friday Night Lights, but I went Game of Thrones. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Oh, and congrats to Jason Katims!

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Boardwalk Empire "Pilot" by Martin Scorsese
- Another win for Boardwalk Empire, and another win for me! Oh, and for Martin Scorsese.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Kyle Chandler as Coach Eric Taylor in Friday Night Lights
- Got blindsided here. Didn't see it coming. Too bad for Steve Buscemi, in my opinion. 

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick in The Good Wife
- Apparently I'm on my game in the Dramas! I'm so happy for Julianna Margulies, too!

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones
- I pushed for the right candidate! Though I did hear a lot of gruff on Twitter regarding how Dinklage did not thank George R. R. Martin in his speech.... 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Margo Martindale as Mags Bennett in Justified
- what? who? um, okay. Sorry, Christina Hendricks. 

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Paul McCrane as Josh Peyton on Harry's Law

-A little bummed that Michael J. Fox didn't take it, but life goes on. 

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Loretta Devine as Adele Webber on Grey's Anatomy
- Loretta Devine had my vote and brought it home! Yes!

Outstanding Miniseries or Movie
Downton Abbey
- It didn't let me down! Downton Abbey for the win!

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special
Downton Abbey by Julian Fellowes
- I tried to push Sherlock only a couple of times (not like it got a ton of nominations...), but it failed. Again. I support Downton Abbey for the win, though.

Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special
Downton Abbey "Part 1" by Brian Percival
-I don't know why I went with Cinema Verite when Downton Abbey was a contender. Temporary loss of intelligence? #dumbmoment?

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
Barry Pepper as Bobby Kennedy in The Kennedys
- There was some great acting on The Kennedys, let's not lie. But, apparently Barry Pepper's was better than Greg Kinnear's.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
Kate Winslet as Mildred Pierce in Mildred Pierce
- I wanted Elizabeth McGovern to win. I do enjoy Kate Winslet in general, but this was not my favorite of her roles. Congratulations to her just the same.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
Guy Pearce as Monty Beragon in Mildred Pierce
- Another case of "right show, wrong actor." I went with Brian F. O'Byrne, though Guy Pearce took the win. You win some, you lose some. Moving on... 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
Maggie Smith as Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey
- I went with most adorable (Evan Rachel Wood). Apparently that wasn't the way to go. But Maggie Smith winning sounds just as good!

Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming
Freedom Riders by Stanley Nelson
- I didn't see Gettysburg losing this one. Oh well. Nice win for Freedom Riders.

Outstanding Special Class - Short-Format Nonfiction Programs
Jay Leno's Garage- Although it was a blind category for me, it seems my instinct for Jay Leno's Garage was lucky.

Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
- Meh. As I mentioned before, "I have a really difficult time enjoying late-night shows." So I'm pretty apathetic that Conan didn't win. 

Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
- Again, I don't do late-night shows, so I had no big impetus to choose The Colbert Report, other than I've seen Colbert do a show in person. So, no hard feelings that Jon Stewart's show won. 
 
Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Special
64th Annual Tony Awards
- I couldn't have gone with any other winner on this one, and I'm not alone. Again, awesome job with the 64th Annual Tony Awards, especially showing the behind-the-scenes clip on the writing of Neil Patrick Harris' closing rap.

Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series
Saturday Night Live "Host: Justin Timberlake" by Don Roy King
- I kinda picked the Saturday Night Live with Justin Timberlake on principle, but it won! 

Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special
Sondheim! The Birthday Concert (Great Performances) by Lonny Price
- I wanted the Tonys here, too. But I love some Sondheim, so yay.

Outstanding Reality Program
Deadliest Catch
- I'm rather intrigued by this one. Not that I was really staunch in my selection of Undercover Boss, but I didn't realize how beloved Deadliest Catch was. Perhaps I'll give it a try...? 

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race
- Yay! A correct pick! wooo!

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
Jeff Probst, Survivor
- I know this was the "duh" choice, but I didn't want to back it. Go figure.

2011 Primetime Emmys, Part 4: Variety & Reality

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

In the last part of what has been an eight-part series (the first four were for the Creative Arts Emmys) in predicting the 2011 Emmy Award winners, we're taking a look at the Reality categories and the Variety, Music, Comedy categories. Not my shining sections, but we'll see how I do! Once again, feel free to tell me who you're rooting for!

Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report
Conan
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Real Time with Bill Maher
Saturday Night Live- I have a really difficult time enjoying late-night shows. I've given most of them a chance before, and maybe I should again... but at the moment, I'm picking based on clips I've seen and recaps I've read. Conan for the win.

Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report
Conan
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Saturday Night Live
- I hear that the jokes are the best on The Colbert Report. And writers write the jokes!
 
Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Special
Long Story Short: Colin Quinn, Colin Quinn
Hilarious: Louis C.K., Louis C.K.
Night of Too Many Stars - An Overbooked Benefit for Autism Education
The Real Women of SNL
64th Annual Tony Awards
- I'm pretty sure that many of my friends would agree with my selections: 64th Annual Tony Awards. I especially loved seeing a behind-the-scenes clip on the writing of the ending rap that Neil Patrick Harris gave! And let's not forget the Spider-Man jokes!

Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series
American Idol "Episode 1024/1025A" by Greg Gelfand
The Colbert Report "Episode 6112" by James Hoskinson
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart "Episode 16048" by Chuck O'Neill
Late Show with David Letterman "Show 3333" by Jerry Foley

Saturday Night Live "Host: Justin Timberlake" by Don Roy King
- Again with the episodes that are purely numbers. I know I complained about that last week but it's just uber-annoying to me. Ergo, I'll boycott and select one with a name! Saturday Night Live with Justin Timberlake it is.

Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special
83rd Annual Academy Awards by Don Mischer
53rd Annual Grammy Awards by Louis J. Horvitz
Lady Gaga Presents The Monster Ball Tour at Madison Square Garden by Laurieann Gibson
Sondheim! The Birthday Concert (Great Performances) by Lonny Price
64th Annual Tony Awards by Glenn Weiss
- I don't want Lady GaGa to win, though I know she's a viable contender. I thin that the Tony Awards should win this one, too.

Outstanding Reality Program
Antiques Roadshow
Deadliest Catch
Hoarders
Kathy Griffin - My Life on the D-List
Mythbusters
Undercover Boss
- And here I stand at the crux of choosing the show that stands out most to me, or the show that I think others will select. Let's see how Undercover Boss does...

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race
American Idol
Dancing with the Stars
Project Runway

So You Think You Can Dance
Top Chef
- If you are a regular reader, you know I can't stand four of these. The other two I can stomach, and even watch if someone else has them on. I've heard a ton of great things regarding Top Chef this year, but something makes me want to push for The Amazing Race.

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
Phil Keoghan, The Amazing Race
Ryan Seacrest, American Idol
Tom Bergeron, Dancing with the Stars
Cat Deeley, So You Think You Can Dance
Jeff Probst, Survivor
- I love a good host. I think it makes the show in many cases. Or at least in game shows it does! I'm not thrilled with choosing any of the above, but let's say The Amazing Race's Phil Keoghan?

2011 Creative Arts Emmy Award Winners

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

Last night, on Reelz, the winners of the Creative Arts Primetime Emmys were announced. Today, let's see how I did, and how you might have done! I'll let you guys know in advance... as per my usual, I didn't do too well. Looks like I scored 14 / 61. Or, if I give myself half-credit on Outstanding Art Direction for a Multi-Camera Series and Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic), 15 / 61, which is still under 25%, LoL... Let's just hope I do better next week with the rest of the awards!

The categories are in the order in which I predicted them originally, and I've listed the winners, with my own thoughts after each category.

Outstanding Art Direction for a Multi-Camera Series
Hot in Cleveland "Sisterhood of the Traveling Spanx," "I Love Lucci: Part Two," & "LeBron Is Le Gone"
- Well, I mentioned that, although I ultimately chose the How I Met Your Mother submission, Hot in Cleveland was my second choice. So, I support the win.

Outstanding Art Direction for a Single-Camera Series
Boardwalk Empire "Pilot"
- I mentioned that the detail in this show really made it stand apart here, and apparently I wasn't the only one who thought that way!

Outstanding Art Direction for a Miniseries or Movie
Mildred Pierce- I knew I wasn't really qualified to make an educated guess on this one, so it's pretty easy to see that my pick of Downton Abbey just didn't hold up.   

Outstanding Art Direction for Variety, Music or Nonfiction Programming
2010 MTV Video Music Awards
- A winner that I didn't see... they're bound to pop up all over the place. Apparently the art direction was better here than in Gettysburg, but I'm honestly still a little skeptical.

Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series
Two and a Half Men "Hookers, Hookers, Hookers" - Steve V. Silver, Director of Photography
- I knew there were some wonderful candidates, however betting on Rules of Engagement apparently wasn't the way to go.

Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series
Boardwalk Empire "Home" - Jonathan Freeman, Director of Photography
- I mentioned that all of the Boardwalk Empire nominees blended together for me... I guess "Home" just stood out more for some people. Regardless, The Good Wife was not a good pick.

Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or Movie
Downton Abbey "Part 1" - David Katznelson, DFF, Director of Photography
- from my prediction: "there's something beautiful about Downton Abbey that I think gives it an edge here."

Outstanding Cinematography for Nonfiction Programming
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations "Haiti" - Zach Zamboni, Todd Liebler, Directors of Photography
- Maybe I was just too Gettysburg-happy in my choices...

Outstanding Cinematography for Reality Programming
Deadliest Catch "Redemption Day" - Cinematography Team
- This was one of the blind categories for me, so I can't say I'm all that surprised that something beat my Top Chef choice.

Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score)
American Masters "John Muir in the New World" - Garth Neustafter
- It's generally not a safe move to choose an animated feature when a non-animation feature is up for the same award. So, Family Guy falls. Worse things have happened. 

Outstanding Music Composition for a Miniseries, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
Mildred Pierce "Part 5" - Carter Burwell
- As brilliant and enriching as Sherlock: A Study in Pink was, Mildred Pierce apparently beat it in the eyes of others. 

Outstanding Music Direction
Harry Connick Jr., In Concert on Broadway (Great Performances) - Harry Connick Jr., Music Director

- Sad as it may be, I'm going to hide my poor selection of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards behind my original claim that "I'd be remiss if I didn't admit that I'm rather clueless in this category." 

Outstanding Original Music & Lyrics
Saturday Night Live "Host: Justin Timberlake" (Song: "Justin Timberlake Monologue") - Katreese Bares, Seth Meyers, Justin Timberlake, John Mulaney
- Well, it was Saturday Night Live. It was just Justin Timberlake as host rather than Jeff Bridges. 

Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music
The Borgias (Trevor Morris)
- Big fail for my Camelot. 

Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series
So You Think You Can Dance "Season 7 Finale (Part 2)"

- Meh. I still can't stand any of the entries for this category, so I'm not upset that Conan didn't win.

Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special
53rd Annual Grammy Awards- Another loss on my part because I didn't actually see the nominee that won. The Grammys must have rocked, though, to beat the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.

Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series
Glee
- Glee did have the advantage that they cast a LOT of people as guests on that show. So, no big pains that The Big C did not win.

Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
Boardwalk Empire- I don't know. I had said that "this one is really difficult for me," but I really thought that Game of Thrones was a contender here. So this is probably one of the first times I'm a little stumped and saddened that my pick did not walk away victorious. 

Outstanding Casting for a Miniseries, Movie or Special
Mildred Pierce- Again, I fail due to lack of knowledge. My selection of Too Big to Fail ended up not making the cut.

Outstanding Costumes for a Series
The Borgias "Lucrezia's Wedding" - Gabriella Pescucci, Costume Designer, Uliva Pizzetti, Costume Supervisor
- What did I say? "I'm not familiar with "Lucrazia's Wedding." So, of course it won. That's the way it goes. Sorry, "Anastasia."

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series
Mad Men "Christmas Comes But Once a Year"
- Here, again, a bit put off. I didn't even justify my vote for Game of Thrones because I felt like it was the clear winner. Apparently not.

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series or Special
Dancing with the Stars "Episode 1106"
- Cheers to a win for me!

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Miniseries or a Movie
The Kennedys- Two wins in a row! See, I think I know something about hairstyling! Game of Thrones SHOULD have won earlier, LoL!

Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)

Boardwalk Empire "Pilot"

- I had mentioned that I was between the pilot for Game of Thrones and the pilot for Boardwalk Empire, ultimately going with the former... while the latter walked away with the award. Tough call all around.

Outstanding Makeup for a Multi-camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)
Saturday Night Live "Host: Jon Hamm"
- A winner that I didn't see. sigh. too bad, Dancing with the Stars.

Outstanding Makeup for a Miniseries, Movie, or Special (Non-Prosthetic)
The Kennedys
- Once again, lack of knowledge trapped me with going Mildred Pierce instead.

Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Miniseries, Movie or a SpecialThe Walking Dead "Days Gone Bye"
- I should have known. Dead things always have an advantage in these areas, LoL. Too bad, Game of Thrones, too bad.

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series
Boardwalk Empire "Pilot"
- I got it wrong (went with Dexter), but it doesn't faze me that something else won.

Outstanding Picture Editing for a Comedy Series (Single or Multi-Camera)
How I Met Your Mother "Subway Wars"
- I'm just going to keep my same remarks from before... "This is one where, if I'm wrong, it's because I really don't know what I'm doing. I think that the picture editing for How I Met Your Mother's "Subway Wars" was amazing." 

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Miniseries or a Movie
Cinema Verite
-More near-blind, more bad guesses. This time, I brought down Mildred Pierce with me.

Outstanding Short-Form Picture Editing
The 2010 ESPY Awards "Images Piece"
- I didn't watch the ESPY Awards. I watched the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, but apparently they didn't measure up. 

Outstanding Picture Editing for a Special (Single or Multi-Camera)
Lady GaGa Presents The Monster Ball Tour - At Madison Square Garden
- a correct guess.

Outstanding Picture Editing for Nonfiction Programming
Freedom Riders
- another correct guess. I'm not doing all that bad with picture editing... LoL. 

Outstanding Picture Editing for Reality Programming
Deadliest Catch "Redemption Day"
- Of course I start to fall as soon as I begin to celebrate. No award for Project Runway this year.

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series

Boardwalk Empire "Pilot"

- well, I did say that I struggle with sound editing, so maybe my pick of The Walking Dead wasn't ideal. Oh well. 

Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special
The Pillars of the Earth "The Work of Angels"
- Again, I said Mildred Pierce, and it was wrong. 

Outstanding Sound Editing for Nonfiction Programming (Single or Multi-camera)
Gettysburg
- yay! one right for sound editing!
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
House "Bombshells"
- I missed in sound mixing... guess I'm not surprised. Though I did think that Glee stood more of a chance.

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Miniseries or a Movie
The Kennedys
- The Kennedys took it over my Mildred Pierce. I think I go too Mildred Pierce-happy, LoL.

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation
Family Guy "Road to the North Pole"
- For some reason, this holiday episode of Family Guy is doing well... and I thought it was ridiculous. Sorry, Parks and Rec!

Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety or Music Series or Special
American Idol "Finale"
- My hypothesis that The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards made the most sense here apparently didn't pan out.

Outstanding Sound Mixing for Nonfiction Programming
Deadliest Catch "Redemption Day"
- Clearly my angle at picking showing that have music didn't work... American Idol was trumped.

Outstanding Nonfiction Series
American Masters
- Well, I guess it's not that strange that American Masters would beat out Anthony Bourdain. 

Outstanding Nonfiction Special
Gettysburg
- I thought I was getting a little too focused on Gettysburg, but apparently not. I'm not sure why Jaws was my gut instinct, anyway.  

Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming
Gasland by Josh Fox
- Boo for "A Letter to Elia / Reflecting on Kazan" not winning. I liked that American Masters piece!

Outstanding Voice-Over Performance
Futurama "Lrrreconciable Ndndifferences" - Maurice LaMarche
-called it!

Outstanding Animated Program
Futurama 
- It's not my favorite show, but I guess Futurama can top my South Park pick at times.

Outstanding Short-Format Animated Program
Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa
- It was a brilliant piece and I'm glad it won. Hopefully it will continue to be a highlight of the holidays in the future. 

Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media

Oscar Digital Experience
- I was torn, but went with something that won, so that makes me happy. 

Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series
Boardwalk Empire "Pilot"
- You know, it seems that Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones are squaring off a lot this year, and I just keep going the wrong way.

Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Miniseries, Movie, or a Special
Gettysburg
- guess I didn't put my foot in my mouth after all! (Reminder, this was what I predicted: "Gettysburg is such an obvious choice to me that I hardly feel the need to finish the list. [Yes, I realize I may have put my foot in my mouth...]").

Outstanding Stunt Coordination
Southland "Graduation Day" - PeeWee Piemonte, Stunt Coordinator
- And I failed miserably in this one. I didn't even have Southland in my top two. Too bad, I think there was some nice stunt work on Spartacus.

Outstanding Main Title Design
Game of Thrones
- Here I went the other way. I went Boardwalk Empire and it was Game of Thrones.

Outstanding Choreography - TIE!!
So You Think You Can Dance Routines: Alice in Mia-Land "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" - Mia Michaels, Choreographer
So You Think You Can Dance Routines: "Scars" - Tabitha D'umo, Napoleon D'umo, Choreographers
- I had a pretty good chance of losing, since I went with Dancing with the Stars when ALL of the other nominees were from So You Think You Can Dance. Oh well. It was interesting to see a tie, tho!

Outstanding Technical Direction Camerawork, Video Control for a Series
American Idol "Finale"
- Fail for SNL. That darn AI always getting in the way...

Outstanding Technical Direction Camerawork, Video Control for a Miniseries, Movie, or a Special
Don Pasquale (Great Performances at the Met)- Here was another case where I didn't know what I was doing. Not upset that The Kennedy Center Honors lost. 

Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special
The Kennedy Center Honors
- However I should have stuck with The Kennedy Center here, rather than Bette Midler. 

Outstanding Special Class Programs
64th Annual Tony Awards
- I thought that they deserved to win and they did. Yay!

Outstanding Special Class - Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Programs
The Daily Show Correspondents Explain
- Whoops. But I guess this isn't one of my skilled arenas. Sorry, 30 Rock!

Outstanding Children's Program
A Child's Garden of Poetry
- I wasn't thrilled with the nominees, and I'm not upset that Victorious lost.

Outstanding Children's Nonfiction, Reality or Reality-Competition Program
Nick News with Linda Ellerbee "Under the Influence: Kids of Alcoholics"
- I've always thought that Nick News does a great job. I look forward to their 9/11 project as well.

The Creative Arts Primetime Emmys, Part 4

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

Today we're at the end of our posts previewing the Creative Arts Emmys. They air tonight on the Reelz channel (which, unfortunately, does not seem to allow DVRing). The Creative Arts awards do not receive the same recognition that the other Primetime Emmys do, primarily because the awards are generally for the people and work done behind-the-scenes and behind-the-camera. Still, the effort put forth in these areas is extremely important to the success of these television programs, and I believe that they deserve just as much exposure. After looking at all of the Emmys that fall mostly under broad categories, today we go over the remaining awards.

Outstanding Voice-Over Performance
Desperate Housewives "Come On Over for Dinner" - Brenda Strong
Futurama "Lrrreconciable Ndndifferences" - Maurice LaMarche
The Looney Tunes Show "Jailbird and Jailbunny" - Bob Bergen
Moguls & Movie Stars "The Birth of Hollywood" - Christopher Plummer

Robot Chicken "Catch Me if you Kangaroo Jack" - Seth Green
The Simpsons "Donnie Fatso" - Dan Castellaneta
- Voices amaze me. Truly, they do. Perhaps it's because I personally don't have much talent in this area, but great voice-overs are like artwork to me. I think that there are some wonderful candidates here, and I'm going to support Futurama for the win.

Outstanding Animated Program
The Cleveland Show
Futurama
Robot Chicken "Star Wars Episode III"
The Simpsons
South Park- I honestly don't understand how The Cleveland Show was nominated - it can't hold a candle to some of the other nominees. I think that the past season of South Park was one of the more memorable, so it gets my vote.

Outstanding Short-Format Animated Program
Adventure Time "It Came from the Nightosphere"
Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa
Regular Show "Mordecai and the Rigbys"
Robot Chicken "DP Christmas Special"
SpongeBob SquarePants "That Sinking Feeling"
-Sometimes the Emmy categories get me giddy with excitement. This is one of those times! Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa was brilliant last year, and a highlight of the holidays.

Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media
ABC's Grey's Anatomy Sync
Conan O'Brien Presents: Team Coco
Fringe : Division
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Oscar Digital Experience- I think there are two selections which stand out above the rest, but I am struggling to choose between them. I guess I'll go with Oscar Digital Experience, though I'm not 100% sure.

Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series
Boardwalk Empire "Pilot"
The Borgias "The Poisoned Chalice / The Assassin"
Game of Thrones "Fire and Blood"
Stargate Universe "Awakening"
The Walking Dead "Days Gone Bye"
- The visual effects in Game of Thrones are exhilarating!

Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Miniseries, Movie, or a Special
Gettysburg
Mildred Pierce "Part Five"
The Pillars of the Earth "Witchcraft"
Sherlock "A Study in Pink"
- Gettysburg is such an obvious choice to me that I hardly feel the need to finish the list. (Yes, I realize I may have put my foot in my mouth...)

Outstanding Stunt Coordination
Game of Thrones "The Wolf and the Lion" - Paul Jennings, Stunt Coordinator
Hawaii Five-0 "Ua Hiki Mai Kapalena Pau" - Jeff David Cadiente, Stunt Coordinator
Southland "Graduation Day" - PeeWee Piemonte, Stunt Coordinator
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena "The Bitter End"
- Hoorah for categories where I'm fairly knowledgeable enough to make a reasonable hypothesis! The award goes to Spartacus, though I almost gave it to Game of Thrones. 

Outstanding Main Title Design
Any Human Heart - Paul McDonnell, Designer; Hugo Moss, Art Director; Justin Lowings, Animator
Boardwalk Empire
Game of Thrones
Rubicon
Too Big to Fail- For someone who loved the premise and beginnings of Boardwalk Empire, I sure haven't picked it too often in its categories. But, here is stands alone, I think.

Outstanding Choreography
Dancing with the Stars Routines: Jive "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" - Mark Ballas, Choreographer
So You Think You Can Dance Routines: Alice in Mia-Land "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" - Mia Michaels, Choreographer
So You Think You Can Dance Routines: "Mad World" - Stacey Tookey, Choreographer
So You Think You Can Dance Routines: "Collide" - Travis Wall, Choreographer
So You Think You Can Dance Routines: "Scars" - Tabitha D'umo, Napoleon D'umo, Choreographers

So You Think You Can Dance Routines:"Oh Yeah" - Mandy Jo Moore, Choreographer
- You're kidding me, right? While it wouldn't be the most difficult thing to do, I'm just not going to go watch a bunch of So You Think You Can Dance episodes. So, I'll just go with the Dancing with the Stars option, which I'm sure has oomph.

Outstanding Technical Direction Camerawork, Video Control for a Series
American Idol "Finale"
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart "Episode 15135"
Dancing with the Stars "Episode 1104A"
Saturday Night Live "Host: Justin Timberlake"
30 Rock "Live Show (West Coast)"
- A lot happened on the Justin Timberlake-hosted episode of Saturday Night Live, so I'm going to award it for the technical direction there.

Outstanding Technical Direction Camerawork, Video Control for a Miniseries, Movie, or a Special
83rd Annual Academy Awards
Don Pasquale (Great Performances at the Met)
The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards
The Kennedy Center Honors
Lady GaGa Presents the Monster Ball Tour: at Madison Square Garden- I'm not well-informed on this one, either, but I'll support The Kennedy Center Honors for the award.

Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special
Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On 
Carrie Fisher in Wishful Drinking
The Kennedy Center Honors
Lady GaGa Presents The Monster Ball Tour: at Madison Square Garden
The Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway- Bette Midler, guys. How can you not?

Outstanding Special Class Programs
83rd Annual Academy Awards
The 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards
The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards
64th Annual Tony Awards- This category kind of weirds me out a bit. Essentially, we're dedicating part of an awards ceremony to recognizing another awards ceremony. I mean, I guess it's okay to do, but it's still a bit odd. Plus, they cover such different things, so I find it awkward to compare them side-by-side. All of that said, I think that the 64th Annual Tony Awards deserves it!

Outstanding Special Class - Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Programs
The Daily Show Correspondents Explain
30 Rock: The Webisodes- I think that webisodes in general are doing a lot in promotions of various programs. Ergo, 30 Rock it is in this case.

Outstanding Children's Program
A Child's Garden of Poetry
Degrassi "My Body is a Cage, Part 2"
iCarly "iGot a Hot Room"
Victorious "Freak the Freak Out"
Wizards of Waverly Place "Wizards vs. Angels"
- I don't know that these are the very best representatives of children's programming, but I suppose that I'll pick Victorious out of this crowd.

Outstanding Children's Nonfiction, Reality or Reality-Competition Program
Masterclass
Nick News with Linda Ellerbee "Under the Influence: Kids of Alcoholics"
- I've always thought that the Nick News series has been wonderful. I believe that they do wonderful things in areas that aren't approached objectively by many. Cheers to their special on "Kids of Alcoholics."

Huge got Canceled, Senate Passes TV Bill

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

Hulu made the second season of Arrested Development available online. Now, I just finished the second season a week ago, but if you've never seen it, now's as good a time as any.

Huge got canceled. I'm sad, as I really liked that show. Ratings had steadily declined. However, there is an online petition to try to save it. Similarly, I hear that 19 Kids and Counting isn't doing well, so they may be nearing their end, too. Unless an announcement of #20 spikes things again...

The Senate passed a bill to force commercials to be quieter. As in, not louder than the show they are interrupting. It was unanimous. The House has already passed a similar bill (there are minor differences). This could be a law soon... and I have mixed feelings on it.

Um, it's October. But, plans for May sweeps are already underway. FOX plans to have all three Seth MacFarlane shows (Family Guy, American Dad, and The Cleveland Show) have a giant crossover as a hurricane hits all three. Yes, you read right... it's hitting Washington, DC, Stoolbend, VA, and Quahog, RI.

All sorts of new things are going on with GoogleTV.

This isn't real-time news, but it's new to me: Shredder, the bad guy from the late-80s-early-90s cartoon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was voiced by James Avery... aka Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Crazy.

As if the show wasn't popular enough, Modern Family is considering doing a musical episode.

I don't watch these shows, but premiere dates for White Collar (Tuesday, January 18th, 10pm) and Royal Pains (Thursday, January 20th, 9pm) are up.

The blog "Awkward Family Photos" has gotten picked up as a tv series for ABC.

FOX got the rights to make a series based on Will Smith's Hitch. It's going to be an hour-long format.

You mom being on Facebook is no longer an issue. SNL addressed it, LoL.

2010 Emmy Winners!

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

Well, let's think about the shows I watch regularly (including shows that were canceled in the last year)... The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Cake Boss, Huge, Minute to Win It, Melissa & Joey, 19 Kids & Counting, 16 and Pregnant/Teen Mom, If You Really Knew Me, Wipeout, Futurama, Little People Big World, House, How I Met Your Mother, The Simpsons, Family Guy, South Park, Hot in Cleveland, Burn Notice, Table for 12, Kate Plus Eight, Lie to Me, Sons of Tucson. Now, how many of those even had the slightest shot at an Emmy? um... 7? 7 out of 23 (yikes... actually the 23 number is a bit higher than I would've guessed, LoL). So, clearly I wasn't pulling for any big favorites (except the handsome and talented Neil Patrick Harris, of course).

Below you can see the category, my pick (in bold), the winner (in red), and slight commentary when I felt moved to mention something specific. If you want to see a complete list of this year's nominees and the reasons behind my picks, check out last week's post.

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series

Glee "Pilot - Director's Cut" (FOX), Ryan Murphy, Director

Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series

Dexter "The Getaway" (Showtime), Steve Shill, Director

Outstanding Directing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special

Georgia O'Keeffe (Lifetime), Bob Balaban, Director

Temple Grandin (HBO), Mick Jackson, Director

- I hadn't heard of Temple Grandin before, but I learned a few tidbits about it last night, and I think it was probably pretty good.

Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Special

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony (NBC), Bucky Gunts, Director

- Yay, Olympics!

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

The Big Bang Theory (CBS), Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper

- I kinda wish I liked that show better.

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

Breaking Bad (AMC), Bryan Cranston as Walter White

House (FOX), Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

The Prisoner (AMC), Sir Ian McKellen as Two

You Don't Know Jack (HBO), Al Pacino as Dr. Jack Kevorkian

- interesting acceptance speech, Mr. Pacino.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

The New Adventures Of Old Christine (CBS), Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine Campbell

Nurse Jackie (Showtime), Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton

- another strange speech.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

The Closer (TNT), Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson

The Good Wife (CBS), Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick

- I kinda loathe Kyra Sedgwick. And she wasn't looking great last night, either.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Temple Grandin (HBO), Claire Danes as Temple Grandin

- I kinda really want to see this now.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

How I Met Your Mother (CBS), Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson

Modern Family (ABC), Eric Stonestreet as Cameron Tucker

- good for him!

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Breaking Bad (AMC), Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman

Damages (FX Networks), Martin Short as Leonard Winstone

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Hamlet (Great Performances) (PBS), Sir Patrick Stewart as Ghost / Claudius

Temple Grandin (HBO), David Strathairn as Dr. Carlock

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Glee (FOX), Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester

- I liked her ensemble last night.

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Burn Notice (USA), Sharon Gless as Madeline Westen

The Good Wife (CBS), Archie Panjabi as Kalinda Sharma

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie

Temple Grandin (HBO), Julia Ormond as Eustacia (Temple's Mom)

You Don't Know Jack (HBO), Brenda Vaccaro as Margo Janus

Outstanding Comedy Series

Modern Family (ABC)

Nurse Jackie (Showtime)

Outstanding Drama Series

The Good Wife (CBS)

Mad Men (AMC)

- I can't stand that show.

Outstanding Miniseries

The Pacific (HBO)

(I made no prediction in this category)

Outstanding Made For Television Movie

Georgia O'Keeffe (Lifetime)

Temple Grandin (HBO)

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)

Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Outstanding Reality – Competition Program

The Amazing Race (CBS)

Top Chef (Bravo)

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

Modern Family "Pilot" (ABC)

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

The Good Wife "Pilot" (CBS)

Mad Men "Shut The Door. Have A Seat." (AMC)

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special

You Don't Know Jack (HBO)

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Special

63rd Annual Tony Awards (CBS)

um, and this is where things get interesting. Apparently, some of the categories I made predictions in had already, um, had the winners announced... oops. The winners went out for press release at 9pm (EDT) on August 21st, and I posted my predictions at 12:45pm (EDT) on August 24th. oh well, I didn't cheat, haha.

Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

Saturday Night Live "Host: Betty White" (NBC), Don Roy King, Director

Outstanding Directing For Nonfiction Programming

By The People: The Election Of Barack Obama (HBO), Amy Rice, Director; Alicia Sams, Director

My Lai (PBS), Barak Goodman, Director

- wonder what that one is about...

Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series

Glee "Dream On" (FOX), Neil Patrick Harris as Bryan Ryan

- cheers!

Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series

Dexter "Road Kill" (Showtime), John Lithgow as Arthur Mitchell

Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series

Saturday Night Live "Host: Betty White" (NBC), Betty White as Host

Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series

Damages "Your Secrets Are Safe" (FX Networks), Lily Tomlin as Marilyn Tobin

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit "Bedtime" (NBC), Ann-Margret as Rita Wills

Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program

American Idol (FOX), Ryan Seacrest as Host

Survivor (CBS), Jeff Probst as Host

- when is that show going to end??

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Special

Hope For Haiti Now (MTV)

The Kennedy Center Honors (CBS)

- another one I wonder about the plot of...

Outstanding Special Class Programs

63rd Annual Tony Awards (CBS)

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony (NBC)

- this is what I get for choosing sports over arts, LoL.

Outstanding Children's Program

iCarly (Nickelodeon)

Wizards Of Waverly Place: The Movie (Disney Channel)

Outstanding Children's Nonfiction Program

Nick News With Linda Ellerbee - The Face Of Courage: Kids Living With Cancer (Nickelodeon)

When Families Grieve (PBS)

Outstanding Nonfiction Special

By The People: The Election Of Barack Obama (HBO)

Teddy: In His Own Words (HBO)

Outstanding Nonfiction Series

The National Parks: America's Best Idea (PBS)

Outstanding Reality Program

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution (ABC)

Undercover Boss (CBS)
- also curious about this one.

Exceptional Merit In Nonfiction Filmmaking

Brick City (Sundance Channel)

Nerakhoon (The Betrayal) (PBS)

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

The Colbert Report "#5076 (in Iraq)" (Comedy Central)

Saturday Night Live "Host: Betty White" (NBC)

Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming

The National Parks: America's Best Idea "The Last Refuge" (PBS)

okay, the results were: 15 correct, 28 wrong, LoL. Maybe next time!