Emmys: The six best dramas that probably won't get nominated

By Rick Porter

July 15, 2009 5:09 AM

Tuesday we looked at six worthy but unlikely nominees for best comedy series at the Emmys. Now, six long-shot dramas.

As I mentioned in the previous post, these aren't necessarily the six shows I would put up for the outstanding drama series award; I'm not going to quibble with likely nominees "Mad Men" and "Lost," for instance. And frankly, the drama field is probably as deep as it's ever been, so it's tough to crack into the top six.

The following shows, though, all had seasons that, in a perfect world or an expanded Emmy field, would be worth a nomination. Here they are, from what I consider to be the worst to best chances of nomination.

"Friday Night Lights": NBC's (and now DirecTV's too) beautifully made family-and-football drama has been criminally under-recognized for two years running now, and since it's now almost an afterthought on NBC, that will probably continue. And it's still a damn shame, because it's maybe the most emotionally honest show on TV.

"Battlestar Galactica": Sci-fi fans and critics have been hyping "BSG's" Emmy bona fides for several years now, to no avail. A polarizing series finale may not help its chances any either. Fans can still hold out hope for overdue acting noms for Mary McDonnell and Edward James Olmos.

"Breaking Bad": Bryan Cranston was a surprise winner for best lead actor in a drama at last year's Emmys. He, and the show, only got better this time around, but the crowded field and uneasy subject matter -- terminally ill chemistry teacher turns meth cooker to provide for his family -- may leave it on the outside.

"Rescue Me": I have to admit I fell off the "Rescue Me" bandwagon in season four. But I have to agree with my colleague Korbi -- the show about New York firefighters has really found its way back this season, and has been consistently strong throughout.

"In Treatment": It's not always easy to watch this series about a therapist (Gabriel Byrne) and his troubled patients. But Byrne is riveting in the lead role, and the cumulative effect of it after watching multiple episodes is kind of astounding. Alas, that's not how the Emmy system really works, so "In Treatment" remains a bit of a longshot for a series nod.

"The Shield": Vic Mackey and Co. broke barriers for basic cable at the Emmys way back in 2002 with Michael Chiklis' best actor victory, but it hasn't won an award since then. A brilliantly intense final season -- and one of the best series finales of the past decade -- should change that, but I'm not convinced it will come nomination time on Thursday.

Your thoughts on the potential drama snubs? What would you really like to see in the field?

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in Battlestar Galactica, Breaking Bad, Emmy Awards, Friday Night Lights, TV News, The Shield

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22 Comments

Friday Night Lights has been on for three seasons, though maybe only seasons two and three were were criminally under-recognized?

Phil's eyebrow | July 15, 2009 6:20 AM

Actually, Phil, as those who watch FNL know, probably only seasons 1 and 3 were "criminally under-recognized". However, even season 2 was better than anything else on television--no joke.

sytycdfan | July 15, 2009 6:51 AM

Oh - you hit the biggies that I'd love to see nominated. Shield, Rescue Me, BSG, and Breaking Bad are all FAB shows and really should get the recognition they deserve.

MJ | July 15, 2009 8:45 AM

But we should add The Closer and Leverage to the list. Both quality shows

MJ | July 15, 2009 8:46 AM

How about LIFE? A great show that received critical acclaim but unfortunately not enough viewers.

Sharon | July 15, 2009 8:57 AM

Screw "The Closer," what about "Saving Grace"? This show has been often ignored but is clearly the strongest TNT series on right now.

Casey | July 15, 2009 9:29 AM

FNL doesn't deserve to be recognized. If there were an award for most pedestrian series, then FNL deserves to be nominated and to win it hands down. No wonder NBC is going down the proverbial tube, they throw their support behind lowly rated crap like this.

Liz | July 15, 2009 9:49 AM

Liz, why so angry about FNL...

The show blends comedy and drama in a raw emotional package like few other shows. You do not have to be a football fan to appreciate what Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton bring to the table.

joe | July 15, 2009 9:54 AM

Next to 'Lost', 'Breaking Bad' has been the best drama on this year. I would love for it to get a nomination even though I gave up on the Emmys long ago.

| | July 15, 2009 10:40 AM

ELI STONE!!!! Even if it has been cancelled, it had some of the best acting around, especially by Jonny Lee Miller, and the critics loved it!!!

Pam | July 15, 2009 10:44 AM