TV Critic Robert Bianco: Emmys' worst snubs

Show Caption

So, how well did the Emmy voters do with their nominations today?  Here’s a fast first take on Emmys’ worst snubs.

Let's start by saying that this year the snubs were less, well, snubby than they have been in the past. The voters got a surprising number of categories right: Mr Robot did well, The Americans was finally and rightfully recognized for the top drama it is, and Black-ish and its stars help lead a slate that puts the Oscars diversity record to shame.

No slate, however, is ever going to please everyone. So here are a few things that did not please me:

• No major nominations for CW's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, a smart, creative, ambitious series that deserved a nomination for Rachel Bloom at the very least. The same can be said for CW's Jane the Virgin, which was also left out of the major comedy categories.
• Eden Sher (The Middle). I know it's hopeless but still — it breaks my heart. As does the more shocking snub of Full Frontal With Samantha Bee for variety talk series.
• On the drama side, perhaps the most shocking omission, at least in terms of expectations, was the virtual shut out of Netflix's Orange Is the New Black. Even Emmy-favorite Uzo Aduba missed the list.
• And while it was less shocking, perhaps, the Academy's decision to ignore the final season of The Good Wife is inexcusable — and is a comment on how difficult it is these days for broadcast series to grab voters' attention.
• Some will also be horrified by the lack of love for Showtime's Billions. I'm OK with that.
• I would have traded most of the acting nominations for Bloodline and House of Cards for some recognition for the cast of Vinyl. The show wasn't great; some of the performances were.
• For all the fuss made over them, and the effort that went into them, The Wiz and Grease didn't have much impact on Emmy voters in major categories. Which is a shame.
• Finally, in limited series, I would have made room for Patrick Wilson from Fargo, and maybe a few actors from Roots. But as I said, no list is perfect.

For Emmys' best choices, click here.