Emmys 2024: Outstanding Comedy Series — Our Dream Nominees!
The Bear appears poised to serve up a repeat victory in the Outstanding Comedy Series at the 2024 Emmys for its acclaimed sophomore season, but a formidable spoiler has emerged in recent months: Hacks.
More from TVLine
Shōgun Eyes Two More Seasons at FX, Will Compete as Drama Series at This Year's Emmys
Connie Britton Addresses Emmys Absence, Shares Photo of Planned Red Carpet Look
The Max comedy’s Emmy-eligible third season, which concluded just days ago, scored rapturous reviews, with some critics calling it the series’ best season yet. Whether the Jean Smart-Hannah Einbinder satire has enough momentum to devour The Bear remains to be seen.
Two things are certain: Both shows will undoubtedly make the cut when nominations are announced next month. And we can also confirm that they are among the featured contenders on our Dream Emmy short list below.
Scroll down to check out all of our Dream Nominees (remember, these aren’t predictions; they’re wish lists) and then tell us if our picks warrant a “Hell, yes!,” “Um, no” or “How could you leave off such-and-such?!”
For the record, 2024 Emmy nominations will be voted on from June 13-24, and unveiled on July 17. The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony is scheduled to air on Sunday, Sept. 15, on ABC.
Scroll down for links to our previous Dream Emmy categories:
Outstanding Drama Series — Our Dream Nominees
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series — Our Dream Nominees
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series — Our Dream Nominees
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series — Our Dream Nominees
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series — Our Dream Nominees
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: Abbott‘s third season only ran for 14 episodes because of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, but the ABC comedy made the most of them, packing in memorable jokes, big character moments, several cameos and even a long-awaited (second) kiss. It was a season of personal growth for Janine & Co., with new jobs and new dynamics (who knew Jacob and Melissa as roomies was what we’ve always needed?), that still delivered plenty of laughs. And because the character arcs were so well-crafted, Janine and Gregory’s super hot, season-ending kiss was an incredibly earned moment. — Vlada Gelman
The Bear (Hulu)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: After its first season sufficiently whetted our appetites, Season 2 of Hulu’s culinary dramedy served as a marvelously satisfying main course, with chef Carmy and his pals running themselves ragged to get his dream restaurant open in time. (Each episode was like a carefully crafted dish in a perfectly planned tasting menu: part of a greater whole.) With infectious energy and raw performances that cut right to the bone — how about that Christmas episode, huh? — The Bear’s sophomore run was a feast we’re still savoring. — Dave Nemetz
Colin From Accounts (Paramount+)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: Simply put, this Aussie import is one of TV’s best rom-coms in years. And it’s a not-small miracle that a show that starts with a dog getting hit by a car (don’t worry, he’s OK!) can be described as “feel good.” But real-life marrieds Patrick Brammall (Evil) and Harriet Dyer (American Auto) — who not only star, but also co-created the show — are so effortlessly charming as a couple brought together by the titular pup on wheels. What’s more, the show delivers real pathos, what with Gordon’s ever-present fear about his previous bout with cancer and the odds of recurrence, and Ashley’s turbulent relationship with her mother (resulting in a birthday dinner we won’t soon forget). — Ryan Schwartz
Girls5eva (Netflix)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: You may not have watched this clever gem when it aired on Peacock — and judging by the streaming ratings charts, you didn’t — but thankfully, it moved to Netflix for a triumphant third season, with the reunited Y2K-era girl group hitting the road for a cross-country tour and finding plenty of fresh laughs along the way. The pop culture-savvy zingers were plentiful (and positively 30 Rock-esque), and the cast hit new heights, especially Renée Elise Goldsberry as entitled diva Wickie, who deserves a spinoff. Or a statue. Or a country named in her honor. — D.N.
Hacks (Max)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: The Jean Smart-led comedy — just like its acid-tongued queen Deborah Vance — simply gets better with age. Season 3 promptly reunited the comedian with her former scribe Ava, further developing the women’s fraught, yet loving, working relationship and (dare we say?) friendship. And we’ve never rooted for them harder. Not only were Smart and Hannah Einbinder at the top of their games, but the sharp writing explored ageism, sexism and mortality while finally cracking through to Deborah’s deepest insecurities. Add in guffaw-worthy banter and a cliffhanger that rocked our world, and you’ve got one of the year’s best seasons of television, genre be damned. — Nick Caruso
Reservation Dogs (Hulu)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: Stuck the landing? Check. Left us wanting more? Check. The final season of Sterlin Harjo’s masterpiece ticked all the boxes with a swan song that balanced historical trauma with off-kilter comedy. While we cherished riding shotgun throughout the Rez Dogs’ kooky Season 3 antics, we welcomed the serious detours that examined the elders’ dynamics and Deer Lady’s pain, both of which elicited series-best performances. Harjo & Co. kept us on our toes, digging deeper inside the characters’ growing pains and fears. Plus, Reservation Dogs will forever be lauded as a series that succinctly accomplished what it wanted to before bowing out with grace. — N.C.
The Righteous Gemstones (HBO)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: It doesn’t take much to get the Gemstone siblings squabbling, and luckily for viewers, Season 3 gave them plenty of reasons to run amok. From battling their estranged uncle’s doomsday militia to Judy’s ridiculous affair, Danny McBride, Edi Patterson and Adam DeVine collectively had us rolling with their over-the-top performances and verbal sparring over the direction of the family’s church. We always expect Gemstones to be ludicrous in the best way possible, but thanks in part to its (literally) explosive family infighting, Season 3 still found new ways to surprise and entertain us. — N.C.
Young Sheldon (CBS)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: Because it’s time that one of network television’s best sitcoms — featuring one of TV’s best ensembles, period — gets the respect it deserves. Its final season was also its strongest, mining laughs from Sheldon’s stint in Germany, Georgie and Mandy’s rush to the altar and Meemaw’s arrest (after several seasons spent running an illegal gambling room). There were also plenty of tears shed as the prequel caught up with Big Bang Theory lore and said goodbye to family patriarch George, culminating in a bittersweet series finale set in part at his funeral. (If you didn’t cry when Zoe Perry delivered Mary’s eulogy, your heart is made of stone.) — R.S.
Best of TVLine
The Best Streaming Services in 2024: Disney+, Hulu, Max and More
What's New on Netflix in January — Plus: Disney+, Hulu, Amazon and Others
Get more from TVLine.com: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
