It’s the most anticipated time of the year for TV lovers: Emmy nomination season.
Whether you’re an avid follower of FYC campaigns or a casual viewer, awards season is always a fun time.
Around this time, nomination voting is nearly complete. The official nominations announcement is set to take place on July 15th.
One of the most popular categories is Outstanding Comedy Show. As an avid fan of this genre, I love following along and rooting for my favorite shows.
However, it’s impossible to deny that some shows are deserving of recognition.
Many of these are sitcoms, but the genre of comedy spans so wide that shows like The Bear also qualify.
Here’s a list of 7 comedy shows to keep an eye on ahead of nominations.
1. Hacks (HBO)
The reigning champion of the Outstanding Comedy Show Emmy is Hacks.
Hacks follows Deborah, an aging comedian, who works with young writer Ava to revive her career.
Many consider the show to be a dramedy, blending witty jokes with touching stories about deep topics.
After an intense Season 4, this show has definitely secured its nomination. The episodes provided us with plenty of tense yet hilarious, Emmy-worthy moments.
It might be too early to say, but Hacks definitely has a good shot at winning.
2. Shrinking (Apple TV+)
Mental health is a serious topic, but Shrinking finds a way to laugh about it.
This Apple TV+ sitcom is about a therapist named Jimmy and his friends who help him rebuild his life after his wife’s death.
The premise may sound grim, but the show explores therapy and mental health in an accessible and comedic manner.
While it may not be as popular as its competitors, Shrinking is still generating a lot of buzz at award shows.
The show has already been nominated (for the categories of Lead Actor and Supporting Actress in a Comedy). So, Season 2 has a decent chance at being nominated.
3. Abbott Elementary (ABC/Hulu)
It wouldn’t be a list of comedy shows without Abbott Elementary.
It’s a feel-good workplace ABC sitcom about teachers working at a public elementary school in Philadelphia.
Four seasons in, and the show is stronger than ever. Watching characters’ antics and friendships never gets old.
The show has won several Emmys in the comedy category and has been nominated every year in the Outstanding Comedy Series category.
Regardless of whether it finally wins this year or not, Abbott Elementary has already secured its star status in the comedy world.
4. The Bear (Hulu)
Perhaps the most controversial contender for Outstanding Comedy is The Bear.
Set in the world of fine dining, the Hulu series follows a group of chefs as they strive to successfully run a restaurant.
The high-stress environment and interpersonal conflict make the show more like a drama at times.
Still, The Bear has earned its fair share of Emmys, snagging 11 Emmys during the 2024 awards.
Season 3 may not have been as widely enjoyed as the previous two, but it will surely get some recognition.
5. The Studio (Apple TV+)
One of the biggest comedy breakouts of the year has been The Studio.
This Seth Rogen-led Apple TV+ comedy revolves around filmmakers, studio executives, and the entire Hollywood industry, which constantly clash with one another.
While the show’s biggest draw has been its abundance of guest stars, it remains an undeniably funny and well-written show.
With a confirmed Season 2 in the future, The Studio has quickly become a widely beloved show that’s sure to get some recognition at the Emmys.
6. What We Do in the Shadows (FX/Hulu)
What We Do in the Shadows is easily one of my favorite sitcoms from the 2020s.
This FX comedy details the lives of vampires and their trusty familiar living in Staten Island.
What We Do in the Shadows has earned numerous Emmy nominations, but no wins to date.
Considering that the final season is up for awards this year, it’s sure to secure at least a nomination.
Even if it doesn’t win again, this show, especially in its earlier seasons, has won Best Outstanding Comedy in my heart.
7. St. Denis Medical (NBC/Peacock)
Another great breakout comedy that premiered this year is St. Denis Medical.
This NBC sitcom is set in an emergency care unit and offers a glimpse into the lives of doctors and nurses.
I would even argue that it’s sort of a comedic foil to the drama breakout series of the year, The Pitt.
While St. Denis Medical’s nomination choices might be significantly lower than those of other shows on this list, it would be awesome to see a broadcast sitcom get some recognition.
Ultimately, this list is purely speculative. We’ll only know who’s officially in the race when the nominations come out.
Are there any shows that you’re rooting for? Any shows that you’re hoping will get nominated that aren’t on this list? Comment below!
Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you and comedies need your support!
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