2008 Television Critics Association Awards nominees announced
By fred | June 3, 2008
Because it’s not all about the Emmy’s, and because unlike with the Emmys we can hope here people actually watch TV, it’s always interesting to have a look at how the Television Critics Association Awards go. Nominees have been announced, and the closing chapter of The Wire and the first season of AMC newcomer Mad Men led the nominees.
Each show earned four nominations, more than any other program, and both are up for the prestigious Program Of The Year award. In the end HBO was the lead network with 10 nominations, closely followed by PBS with nine, NBC with eight, ABC and AMC five. Cable networks are doing pretty well, taking five of the six nomination for Program Of The Year and four of the five for New Program.
I know critics love Mad Men, though I personally didn’t share the excitement, but I’m really happy to see AMC other newcomers, Breaking Bad, nominated for best new program. That being said, I believe there’s one show that is missing from that list, NBC new series Life. I believe this to be the best new series last season, even better than the Damages, Breaking Bad and other Pushing Daisies. The show is just brilliant, and so here both Damian Lewis and Sarah Shahi, delivering amazing performances episode after episode.
The TCA Awards are scheduled for Saturday, July 19. Here are the nominees, in bold being my personal vote.
Program Of The Year
- Friday Night Lights (NBC)
- John Adams (HBO)
- Ken Burns’ The War (PBS)
- Lost (ABC)
- Mad Men (AMC)
- The Wire (HBO)
Lost delivered one Hell of a season, the best one to date, and it deserves the award. If I could have really made my own pick, I’d have chosen Life though, and I’m inclined to think the The Wire will probably win in the end…
Outstanding Achievement In Comedy
- 30 Rock (NBC)
- Flight of the Conchords (HBO)
- The Colbert Report (Comedy Central)
- The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
- The Office (NBC)
NBC can be thankful for its two lead comedies, 30 Rock and The Office, who both received their fair share of nominations. Overall they both delivered some pretty great seasons, but I have to go with 30 Rock. Also, Tina Fey’s sitcom can use the “help” a bit more…
Outstanding Achievement In Drama
- Damages (FX)
- Friday Night Lights (NBC)
- Lost (ABC)
- Mad Men (AMC)
- The Wire (HBO)
Again, no question in my mind, and I think unlike the Program Of The Year this one really should go to Lost. And I have to repeat how I think Life should have been, there as well…
Outstanding Achievement Movies, Mini-Series And Specials
- A Raisin in the Sun (ABC)
- John Adams (HBO)
- Ken Burns’ The War (PBS)
- Masterpiece: Cranford (PBS)
- Masterpiece: Jane Austen Collection (PBS)
Outstanding New Program
- Breaking Bad (AMC)
- Damages (FX)
- Flight of the Conchords (HBO)
- Mad Men (AMC)
- Pushing Daisies (ABC)
As much as I love Pushing Daisies, for me the choice was between Breaking Bad and Damages. I went with the former, because I really love this show…
Individual Achievement In Comedy
- Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
- Christina Applegate (Samantha Who?)
- Ray Wise (Reaper)
- Stephen Colbert (The Colbert Report)
- Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Seriously, how awesome is it that Ray Wise got nominated for his (excellent) performance in Reaper ? I love it! That said, Alec Baldwin has just been fantastic on the show every single episode…
Individual Achievement In Drama
- Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights)
- David Simon (The Wire)
- Glenn Close (Damages)
- Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
- Paul Giamatti (John Adams)
hmm… Hugh Laurie anyone? And what about Damian Lewis, Sarah Shahi, or Michael freaking Emerson !??
Heritage Award
- M*A*S*H (CBS)
- Roots (ABC)
- Saturday Night Live (NBC)
- Sesame Street (PBS)
- The Wire (HBO)
Career Achievement
- Bill Moyers
- James Garner
- Lorne Michaels
- Mike Wallace
- William Shatner
Posted in News
Shows: 30 Rock, Breaking Bad, Damages, Flight Of The Conchords, Friday Night Lights, Lost, Mad Men, Pushing Daisies, Reaper, Samantha Who?, The Office, The Wire
