'Glee' scores big for Fox, impacts entire night

After a disastrous showing with 'Lone Star', Fox rebounded in a big way with the season premiere of 'Glee.'

'Glee' scored big, being the highest rated show of the night, drawing 12.3 million viewers and a 5.5 rating.  It was the second highest rated episode of the series ever and it was up 57% from last years premiere.

The news was not so good for Fox other entries on last nights schedule.  'Raising Hope' and 'Running Wilde,' the two comedies that the network launched last night, failed to draw decent numbers even with the great lead-in.

Glee's impact was felt across every network.  NCIS, Dancing With The Stars, and The Biggest Loser all saw significant declines in their ratings opposite 'Glee.'

NCIS was down 19% from last seasons premiere, The Biggest Loser was down 24% from last season's premiere, and even ABC powerhouse 'DWTS' was down 3% from last years 2nd night premiere.  

'The Event' and 'Hawaii Five-0' debut to big ratings, DWTS destroys the competition

Last night was the first official night of the fall TV season and one of the busiest TV nights in recent memory.  The ratings numbers are in and to no ones surprise, ABC's 'Dancing With The Stars' was the nights highest rated show. 

DWTS scored a 5.0 rating and was watched by 21 million viewers, blowing away the competition.  This was a 22% increase of last years premiere.
Over on NBC,  the much talked about premiere of  'The Event' opened big as well.  The conspiracy drama drew 11.2 million viewers and 3.7 rating, coming within a tenth of a point of the highly touted 'Hawaii Five-0' reboot (13.8, 3.8), which debuted solidly for CBS.  'Chuck' opened the night for the peacock network with 6.1 million viewers and a 2.1 rating.

Probably the biggest surprise of the night came from Fox.  Their critically acclaimed drama, 'Lone Star' bombed.  Drawing only 4.1 million viewers and 1.3 rating.  'Lone Star' ratings dropped 68% from its lead in, 'House,' which drew a solid 10.5 million viewers and 4.1 rating.

HBO Renews Boardwalk Empire

HBO has renewed 'Boardwalk Empire' for a 2nd season after just one episode. 

The series debuted with a 4.8 rating, making it the highest rated HBO series since the 'Deadwood' premiere in 2004.

Michael Lombardo, President of HBO Programming, released a statement, “All the ingredients aligned for this one, from Mark Wahlberg and Steve Levinson’s initial pitch, to Martin Scorsese’s enormous contributions as director and executive producer, to the genius of Terry Winter and the expertise of Tim Van Patten, to a stellar cast led by Steve Buscemi,” said Lombardo.  “The response from the media and our viewers has been nothing short of amazing.”

'Boardwalk Empire'  is set in Atlantic City at the dawn of Prohibition, when the sale of alcohol became illegal throughout the United States.

Hayden Moss wins Big Brother 12

Hayden Moss was crowned the winner of Big Brother 12 last night in the live 2 hour season finale on CBS.

The 24 year old college student and former baseball player from Tempe, AZ took home the $500,000 grand prize via a 4-3 jury vote over Lane Elenburg.  Elenburg, a 24 year old oil rig salesman from Decatur, TX,  received $50,000 as the runner up.

Hayden dominated by both winning several competitions and forming bonds with the other houseguests while always staying loyal to The Brigade alliance, which was formed on the second day in the house.

He defeated Elenburg in the final round of a three-part Head of Household contest, which allowed him to pick Elenburg to battle against for his four jury votes.

Enzo "The Meow Meow" Palumbo, a trash-talking 32-year-old insurance adjuster from Bayonne, N.J., became the seventh member of the jury and cast the deciding vote between his alliance partners for Moss.

Hayden received votes from evicted houseguests Ragan Fox, Kathy Hillis, Matt Hoffman, and Enzo Palumbo, while Lane received votes from Britney Haynes, Rachel Reilly, and Brendon Villegas.

After Hayden's win was announced, host Julie Chen revealed that Britney Haynes, a 22 year old hotel sales manager from Huntington, AR was the winner of the "America's Favorite Houseguest" viewer vote and was awarded $25,000.  Haynes has lost her home in a fire earlier in the day on Wednesday.

CBS orders another season of 'Big Brother'

With the season finale of 'Big Brother's' 12th season just hours away, CBS announced that the summer reality show has been renewed for a 13th season.

The current edition posted year-to-year increases, up five percent in viewers (7.64 million versus 7.26 million), four percent in adults 18-49 (2.7 rating/09 share versus 2.6/08), 10 percent in adults 18-34 (2.3/08 versus 2.1/07) and three percent in adults 25-54 (3.2/09 versus 3.1/09).

“Big Brother is our summer hero,” said CBS’ Jennifer Bresnan, executive vice president, alternative programming, in a statement.  “Every year, our producers deliver innovative twists and turns, consistently evolving this proven franchise and engaging one of the most loyal and interactive fan bases on television and online.”

The two-hour finale, in which Lane, Enzo and Hayden will compete for the $500,000 prize, will air tonight following the premiere of 'Survivor: Nicaragua.'

Jennifer Lopez signs 1 year, $12 million dollar deal as American Idol judge

TMZ has confirmed ... Jennifer Lopez has signed a 1-year deal with 'American Idol' for a little more than $12 million -- this according to sources connected with the show.

This rounds out the 3 judge panel for the upcoming 10th season.  Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Lopez will join returning judge Randy Jackson.

Lopez is expected to be at the judges table for auditions next week.

Tonights TV Pick

Sons of Anarchy - 10 pm - FX

Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) still finds his loyalties divided in the third season of this popular FX series -- between the renegade motorcycle club founded by his violent parents and his hope of giving his son Abel a less chaotic upbringing than his own. Meanwhile, The Sons grapple with a host of rivals contesting their power, as well as other foes on both sides of the law -- from the ATF to the vicious, racist League of American Nationalists.

Emmy Winners!

Great show last night!  Jimmy Fallon was fantastic.  My only disappointment comes from the lack of recognition for 'Lost.'  This being the final time the show will be nominated for anything, I was hoping it would get some awards.  Most notably, I was really pulling for Matthew Fox.    But nevertheless, it was a good night for TV and all the winners were well deserved.  Here is a list of the major category winners

   
DRAMA SERIES   
Mad Men
   
ACTOR IN A DRAMA   
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
   
ACTRESS IN A DRAMA   
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer
   
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA   
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad
   
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA    
Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife
   
COMEDY SERIES    
Modern Family
   
ACTOR IN A COMEDY    
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
   
ACTRESS IN A COMEDY 
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
   
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY   
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family
   
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY  
Jane Lynch, Glee
   
MINISERIES   
The Pacific
   
MADE FOR TELEVISION MOVIE    
Temple Grandin
   
ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR TV MOVIE   
Al Pacino, You Don't Know Jack
   
ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR TV MOVIE   
Claire Danes, Temple Grandin
   
VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES   
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
   
REALITY COMPETITION PROGRAMME   
Top Chef

My Emmy Predictions!

TV's biggest night is upon us!   Tomorrow night the Emmy's will be presented and I wanted to weigh in on who I think will walk away with statuettes.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

My pick to win in this category is Jane Lynch from 'Glee.'  In my opinion, this really is a slam dunk.  Lynch's performance as Sue Sylvester was by far the funniest performance for any actress this season.  

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Very tough category, possibly the toughest of the night.  But i'm going to predict that Eric Stonestreet as Cameron from 'Modern Family' will be the winner here.     I wouldn't be surprised to see the other 'Modern Family' guys take this one either, but Stonestreet's hilariously understated performance was the best on TV's best comedy.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Well I think this category belongs to 'Mad Men.'    Christina Hendricks is going to be my choice.  Between her and Elizabeth Moss in this category, both were fine performances.  However,  I think Hendricks was a just a tad better this year.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Another tough category here, any other year I might say that Aaron Paul from 'Breaking Bad' would be the sure winner here.  But with this being 'Lost' final season, I think the academy is going to show it some love.  I'm predicting that Terry O'Quinn's amazing dual performance as John Locke and The Man in Black will take home the gold.


Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series


This category is a complete toss up in my opinion.  I think Toni Collette is going to come away the winner for her performance on 'The United States of Tara.'  As much as I love Tina Fey, I really think this was an off year for '30 Rock' and I hope the academy decide to recognize someone else.


Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

Another tough category.  I'm hoping that academy decides to give someone besides Alec Baldwin the award for a change.  I'm going to go with Jim Parsons from 'The Big Bang Theory.'  His performance as Sheldon is quite possibly the best comedic performance on TV.


Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

I would love to see Connie Britton come away the winner here.  Her work in 'Friday Night Lights' has long been overlooked.  But I don't think thats going to happen. Julianna Margulies is the favorite in most peoples minds, but I'm going to go with Glenn Close from 'Damages.'  Her rock solid performance as Patty Hewes is just too good to be overlooked.  


Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

OK, well in this category,  Bryan Cranston will be tough to beat.  But remember what I said about 'Lost' getting some love this year?   Matthew Fox as Jack was the heart and soul of that show and it was really about time he was nominated.  I think he goes home a winner, and well deserved.  Anyone who watched 'Lost' this year will never forget Fox's incredibly touching and heartfelt performance in the finale.


Outstanding Comedy Series

Lots of buzz surrounding 'Glee' in this category.  But I think it would be a travesty if 'Modern Family' didn't win.  It was easily the funniest show on TV this season.  No show delivered more laughs week after week.  It deserves to win.

Outstanding Drama Series

In my opinion, no other show delivered better acting, and better writing week after week, year after year, than 'Lost.'  In it's much talked about final season, 'Lost' still delivered.    At times it made us laugh, at times it made us cry.  But it always made us think, and it consistently entertained us.  This incredible show will be sorely missed.    This will be the last chance the academy can honor this show, and I think it will with a win here.

Enjoy the show tomorrow night everyone.  It should be fun!

'Idol' Producers say J Lo will not be a judge

American Idol producers have said that Jennifer Lopez is no longer in the running to become a judge on the next season of the show, a source told People magazine.

“Her demands got out of hand,” says the source. “Fox had just had enough.”

No word on who the producers will focus on next, however Mariah Carey has expressed interest in joining the show.

Breaking Bad will not return until July 2011. Ineligible for next years Emmy's.

AMC has announced that 'Breaking Bad' will not return for it's 4th season until July 2011.  As a result the show will not be eligible for next year’s Emmy Awards.

AMC plans to put up mini-episodes on the web early next year to bridge the gap.  "I, for one, am eager to make these little interstitials important," Bryan Cranston says. "I don't want them to be simply filler or recap, but something that actually moves the storyline forward. If we're going to do it, it ought to be a real part of the larger show."

"I think what AMC is thinking here is there will be less competition for us -- particularly from the broadcast networks -- if we launch our season during the summer than if we come back again like we did this time in March," Cranston said.

Ellen Degeneres, Kara DioGuardi out at American Idol. New judges rumored.

In some surprising news, the American Idol search for a new judge just grew by 2 more. 

Ellen Degeneres has quit her position after only 1 season and Kara DioGuardi has been fired.

Ellen, who became a full-time judge on the show during its ninth season, said  “A couple months ago, I let FOX and the American Idol producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me.  I told them I wouldn’t leave them in a bind and that I would hold off on doing anything until they were able to figure out where they wanted to take the panel next. It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for.”

DeGeneres adds, “I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings. I loved the experience working on Idol and I am very grateful for the year I had, I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be.” 

In the same statement, Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller says, “I loved Ellen’s passion for the artists and her nurturing skills. She brought honesty and optimism to our judging panel and I will miss her greatly.”

DioGuardi was about to enter her 3rd season as a judge but she has been told by producers that she will not be returning.

According to reports, the show will be returning to a 3 judge format. Insiders say the panel has already been decided and will consist of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Aerosmith front-man Steven Tyler.  

Linda Hamilton joins the cast of 'Chuck'

'Terminator' star Linda Hamilton is joining the cast of 'Chuck.'

For Season 4, Hamilton will play a recurring guest-star role as Mary Bartowski, who vanished mysteriously from the life of Chuck ( Zachary Levi) when he was a boy.

"Hamilton will appear throughout the season, leading Chuck to discover that her life was shrouded in secrets," according to a news release. "She was a spy, a CIA agent ... and that's just the beginning."

Hamilton, 53, is best known for originating the role of Sarah Connor in the "Terminator" films, but she also starred in the 1980s hit "Beauty and the Beast" on CBS.

DirecTV saves 'Damages'

Sony Pictures Television and satellite broadcaster DirecTV have reached an agreement that will save the legal drama 'Damages,' the low-rated but critically acclaimed legal drama starring Glenn Close as cutthroat lawyer Patty Hewes. The show, which had run on the FX cable channel for the last three years and garnered several Emmy Awards, will move to DirecTV's 101 Network.  The deal is for 2 seasons of 10 episodes each.

Unlike DirecTV's deal with 'Friday Night Lights','Damages' will air exclusively on DirecTV and FX will not rebroadcast the new episodes.

However, if you are a 'Damages' fan but do not have DirecTV, you don't have to subscribe just yet. New episodes won't start airing until late 2011 -- at the earliest. The 101 Network will also have reruns of the first three seasons of "Damages" starting next year.

“We’re excited to partner with Sony Pictures Television as we breathe new life into this outstanding drama,” Patty Ishimoto, general manager of The 101 Network and vice president of entertainment for DirecTV, said in a statement.  “It’s a win for our customers because only they will be able to see these new episodes and another great step forward for DirecTV as we continue to build our growing portfolio of exclusive, award-winning programming.”

In a statement, John Langraf, president and general manager of FX Networks, who also heads FX Productions, had this to say: “FX was very proud to have developed one of the best scripted series on television, but in order to have a future, the show needed DIRECTV and we are thrilled they stepped in.... Sony Pictures Television is a great production partner and we at FX Productions are excited for these next two seasons.”

Melina Kanakeredes quits CSI: NY

'CSI: NY' star Melina Kanakeredes has decided to leave the hit series that she has been with since it premiered in 2004.

"We hoped Melina would return to 'CSI: NY' for another season, but we respect her decision to move on," said CBS Television Network and CBS Television Studios in a joint statement. "Her amazing talent and invaluable contribution to the success of the series are greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten. She will forever remain a friend to the network and studio and we wish her the very best."

In her own statement, Kanakaredes said, “I made some amazing and lifelong friendships during my six seasons on CSI: NY, and I will treasure them forever.”

CBS declined further comment, but it has been reported the Kanakeredes contract had expired and she was offered a new contract.  It was also rumored that her pay was being cut.  Kanakeredes turned down the contract and opted to move on.  CBS has said that her final episode has already aired.

Actress Sela Ward is the front runner to replace Kanakaredes.

PrimeTime Emmy Nominations announced!

OK, so the 2009-2010 PrimeTime Emmy Nominations were announced this morning.  Some surprises, and in my opinion, some notable snubs too.  Here is the list of nominees for the major categories:

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series 

Jane Lynch - 'Glee'
Kristen Wiig - 'Saturday Night Live'
Jane Krakowski - '30 Rock'
Julie Bowen - 'Modern Family'
Sofia Vergara - 'Modern Family'
Holland Taylor - 'Two and a Half Men'

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Chris Colfer - 'Glee'
Neil Patrick Harris - 'How I Met Your Mother'
Jesse Tyler Ferguson - 'Modern Family'
Jon Cryer - 'Two and a Half Men'
Eric Stonestreet - 'Modern Family'
Ty Burrell - 'Modern Family'

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Sharon Gless - 'Burn Notice'
Christine Baranski - 'The Good Wife'
Christina Hendricks - 'Mad Men'
Rose Byrne - 'Damages'
Archie Panjabi - 'The Good Wife'
Elisabeth Moss - 'Mad Men'

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

John Slattery - 'Mad Men'
Aaron Paul - 'Breaking Bad'
Martin Short - 'Damages'
Terry O’ Quinn - 'Lost'
Michael Emerson - 'Lost'
Andre Braugher - 'Men of a Certain Age'

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Lea Michele - 'Glee'
Tina Fey - '30 Rock'
Toni Collette - 'The United States of Tara'
Julia Louis-Dreyfus - 'The New Adventures of Old Christine'
Edie Falco - 'Nurse Jackie'
Amy Poehler - 'Parks and Recreation'

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Larry David - 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'
Alec Baldwin - '30 Rock'
Matthew Morrison - 'Glee'
Steve Carell - 'The Office'
Jim Parsons - 'The Big Bang Theory'
Tony Shalhoub - 'Monk' 

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Julianna Margulies - 'The Good Wife'
Mariska Hargitay - 'Law & Order: SVU'
Glenn Close - 'Damages'
Kyra Sedgwick - 'The Closer'
January Jones - 'Mad Men'
Connie Britton - 'Friday Night Lights'

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Jon Hamm - 'Mad Men'
Kyle Chandler - 'Friday Night Lights'
Bryan Cranston - 'Breaking Bad'
Hugh Laurie - 'House'
Michael C. Hall - 'Dexter'
Matthew Fox - 'Lost'

Outstanding Reality Show Competition
  
Project Runway
Top Chef
Amazing Race
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars

Outstanding Reality Show Host

Ryan Seacrest - 'American Idol'
Phil Keoghan - 'Amazing Race'
Tom Bergeron - 'Dancing With The Stars'
Heidi Klum - 'Project Runway'
Jeff Probst - 'Survivor' 

Outstanding Comedy Series 

Glee
Modern Family
Curb Your Enthusiasm
30 Rock
Nurse Jackie
The Office

Outstanding Drama Series 

Lost
Breaking Bad
Dexter
Mad Men
True Blood
The Good Wife

Now there were some big surprises and some big snubs.  The Academy really missed the boat on some of these.  First and foremost, the omission of Katey Sagal in the Supporting Actress category for 'Sons of Anarchy is a travesty.  Ed O'Neill not being nominated  for 'Modern Family' was a big snub too, especially when the show got 5 acting nominations and he was left out.   Maybe the Academy doesn't like 'Married with Children?'  Also, excluding 'Survivor' from Best Reality Show is an absolute joke.  'American Idol' had its worst season yet and it still beats out 'Survivor' for a nomination, when 'Survivor' had arguably it's 2 best editions???  I'm also really surprised that 'The Big Bang Theory' didn't get more nominations.  And I was also disappointed to see shows like 'Southland,' 'Chuck,' and 'Parenthood' not get recognized in the major categories, while some of the same people continue to get nominations.  People like Tony Shalhoub and Alec Baldwin.  Both are very good in their respective roles, but I would like to see some new people in there.  '30 Rock' had a down year, so I was really surprised to see it get as many noms as it did. 

I'll be pulling for 'Lost' to win big this year.  Matthew Fox finally gets a long deserved nomination, his first.  Elizabeth Mitchell, once a regular on the show, received a nomination in the Guest Actress in a Drama Series category for her role as Juliet.  It was a great show that had a great final season, and it deserves all the accolades it can get.  The show received 12 nominations, the most since it's first groundbreaking season.

Here was the tally:

'Glee' - 19 Nominations
'Mad Men'- 17 nominations
'30 Rock' - 15 nominations (This is a bit of a head-scratcher.  It wasn't a good season for 30 Rock at all.)
'Modern Family' - 14 nominations
'Lost' - 12 nominations
'SNL'- 12 nominations (SNL breaks the record for the most nominations in TV history with 126, ER held the record with 124 until today)
'The Good Wife' - 9 nominations

This year's most nominated program? HBO's World War II epic 'The Pacific,' produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, with a whopping 24 noms. That, however, does not set a record. The aged miniseries 'Roots' still holds that one, with 37 noms.

So what do you think?  Who got snubbed?  Who shouldn't have been nominated?

My Emmy Wish List Part 6: Best Drama Series

In the final part of my 6 part series on who I would like to see nominated for this years Prime Time Emmy's we're going to talk about Best Drama Series. 

Before we go into that, many people have said "How could you leave out _________?" , when discussing the other categories.  The whole idea behind this series was to give my ideal list of who I would like to see nominated.  I realize that some actors/shows will be nominated.  If I named everyone I wanted, the list would be 2 pages long.  These are more the people who may have a longer shot this year to be nominated and who haven't been recognized as much in recent years. 

With that being said, here is my wish list for Best Drama Series.

Lost - 'Lost' hasn't been ignored over the years. It has won twice in the Best Supporting Actor category, and a Best Drama win in 2005.  However it does feel that it just hasn't got the Emmy recognition that it deserves.  I've said it many times before, 'Lost' consistently proved that it had the best acting and writing on TV, week after week.  This is the final go-round for this amazing series and I hope the academy gives it the proper recognition.

Parenthood - For my money, this was the best new drama series on this season.  An amazing ensemble cast, led by Peter Krause and Lauren Graham, and a very good writing team bring this series to life.  You can say that there are better shows out there, but none with more heart than 'Parenthood.'

Southland - When NBC decided to cancel this fine drama series in order to move Jay Leno to 10 pm, many eyebrows were raised.  The show had garnered much praise from critics and fans alike.  TNT quickly came in and decided to pick it up.  What they got was a gritty, well produced, police drama reminiscent of great shows like 'NYPD Blue' and 'Homicide.'  I'd like to see it get some recognition.

So the nominations will be out tomorrow, July 8th.  I hope many of the people and shows I have discussed in this series have something to be happy about.  There are others that I haven't mentioned that I would be perfectly fine with getting some accolades, such as 'The Big Bang Theory' for best comedy series, Regina King for Best Actress in a Drama series for 'Southland', or 'Justified' for best drama series.  And I'd also like to add here that in the Best Reality Competition Series category that 'Survivor' should win hands down.  After 20 seasons, it produced it's best and most exciting season yet with Heroes vs. Villains.  The granddaddy of all reality shows proved why it is still king.   'Amazing Race' better not win again this year.

Whoever is nominated tomorrow, there will definitely be alot to talk about.  I'll let you know who and what were recognized when the nominations are announced.

My Emmy Wish List Part 5: Best Comedy Series

So now we're up to my wish list for Best Comedy Series.  I know 30 Rock will be nominated, thats a lock.  Quite frankly it shouldn't be.  30 Rock did not have a great year.  Here is a few that I would like to see nominated.

Modern Family - To put it simply, 'Modern Family' is the best comedy on TV right now, hands down.  I'd be very surprised if it was overlooked.  It deserves to be nominated and I think it will be.  No other show packed in more laughs per episode than this show did.


Glee - For 'Glee' to do what it did was not easy.  To make a musical TV show a smash hit should have been a very hard thing to do.  But that's just what they did.  I think 'Glee' will get a ton of nominations, and it should.  It takes risks that pay off and the risks should be rewarded.


Chuck - 'Chuck' is not your typical comedy.  Like 'Glee' it is of the hour-long variety.  It is not a sitcom.  It mixes dramatic elements with great action sequences and give some really good laughs too.  It is the most consistently entertaining show on TV right now.  Hopefully it gets its due.


Next we'll cover the Best Drama Series.

My Emmy Wish List Part 4: Best Actress

In the 4th part of My Emmy Wish List, I'm going to cover my choices of who I'd like to see recognized in the Best Actress categories.

Best Actress in a Comedy Series

Kaley Cuoco - 'Big Bang Theory' - Now that this series is starting to get recognized not only in the ratings, but also with awards, the ensemble will start to get recognized as well.  Cuoco's Penny is the perfect companion to our 2 nerdy heroes.  The best episodes seem to be the one's where she plays a big part.  This should be a no-brainer.

Lea Michele - 'Glee' - I think 'Glee' will be huge at the Emmy's this year.  Double digit nominations.  It just seems like the type of show that the Academy will fawn over.  If they do, it will be tough to leave out Michele.  Her character of Rachel is the backbone of the glee club and the backbone of the series.  


Best Actress in a Drama Series

Katey Sagal - 'Sons of Anarchy' - No actress on TV this year gave a better performance than Katey Sagal on 'Sons of Anarchy'.  SOA could be a dark horse to get a whole bunch of nominations, and Sagal's role proved what a great actress she is.  The brutal rape scene couldn't have been easy to film.  She has also shown Emmy voters a broad range with her work on 'Lost' as well.  I'm really pulling for Sagal to get noticed this year.

Julianna Marguiles - 'The Good Wife' - Past Winner Marguiles is probably a shoo-in to get another nomination this year.  'Wife' is a critical smash and Marguiles is the glue holding the show together.    She has already earned a Golden Globe for her role as Alicia Florrick.  

Glenn Close - 'Damages' - I know that Glenn Close has already won for her role as ruthless attorney Patty Hewes, but she just can't be overlooked.  Her performance is that good.  With this likely being the last season for 'Damages' this will be the last shot for her to win for this role.  

My Emmy Wish List Part 3: Best Actor

OK, so now we're up to Best Actor.  Always a tough category, so let's get to it.




Best Actor in a Comedy Series 

Jim Parsons - 'Big Bang Theory' - Jim Parsons performance week after week as Sheldon Cooper is probably the best male comedic performance on TV.  Parson got his first nomination last year, and this year he deserves a win.  'Bang' has become a ratings powerhouse this year and that should help Parson in this race.

Zachary Levi - 'Chuck' - Levi is probably the most underrated comedic actor on TV, to go along with the most underrated show on TV.  'Chuck' week in and week out delivers consistently entertaining and quality TV and Levi's performance and Chuck Bartowski is the primary reason. He showed all kinds of range this year. He played dramatic when he went dark and thought he killed a man to protect the woman he loved. He also played comedic when he and Yvonne Strahovski did their best 'Hart to Hart' impersonations.  It's about time 'Chuck' was recognized for the excellent show that it is.

Best Actor in a Drama Series

Hugh Laurie - 'House' - This is a slam dunk.  Laurie had his best season as Dr. House.  His performance in the 2 hour premiere alone should win him the Emmy.    Laurie has been nominated 4 out of 5 years and has yet to win.  Quite frankly, that's a travesty for one of the finest actors on TV today portraying one of TV's greatest characters.

Kiefer Sutherland - '24' - Sutherland is a past winner.  He won in 2006 for his role as the tortured soul and American Hero Jack Bauer.  This would make it his 8th nomination for that role, 6 for the series and one for the TV movie, '24: Redemption.'
Since this is the last season for '24', this will be the last chance for Emmy voters to show Jack Bauer some love.

Matthew Fox - 'Lost' - This is a tough one for me.  I really think Hugh Laurie should win this category this year.  But Matthew Fox, in my opinion, has deserved Emmy recognition for several years now.  This season, the final season for 'Lost', he delivered his best, most emotional performance yet as the reluctant hero Dr. Jack Shepherd.  Since this will be the last go-round for this character, I would love to see him nominated and win.  I think the odds are against him, but this is my wish list right? As with '24' Emmy voters have this last chance to give kudos to one of the greatest shows ever on TV and it's leading man.

Best Actress will be next!