Emmys 2024 Predictions: Key Contenders and Surprises Await

New York, NY — With just five months until Emmys night, the competition heats up as new shows rush to premiere before the May 31 eligibility deadline. As the race begins, standout contenders are emerging across categories, setting the stage for an unpredictable awards season.

This year’s frontrunner appears to be “Hacks,” which unexpectedly claimed the Outstanding Comedy Series honor last year, catching many off guard with its late surge of momentum. Following that success, the show has gathered accolades from various awards bodies, including wins at the Golden Globes and GLAAD Media Awards, making it the one to watch this year.

“It’s like all of a sudden, everybody in Hollywood realized they don’t merely like this show; they love it,” a television industry insider noted. Currently, “Hacks” is not only favored for Outstanding Comedy Series but also for Lead Actress and Writing, echoing its previous achievements.

Hannah Einbinder, co-star and critical player in “Hacks,” is vying for a win in the Supporting Actress category, a challenge she has yet to conquer despite strong performances. Einbinder has lost out in previous years to notable competitors, including Sheryl Lee Ralph from “Abbott Elementary” and Liza Colón-Zayas of “The Bear.” Nevertheless, her role in the series gives her a fighting chance, especially as its popularity rises.

The upcoming Emmys season looks to retain four key players from the comedy landscape: “Hacks,” “The Bear,” “Ted Lasso,” and “The Studio.” All have garnered nominations for major awards, indicating a competitive race for Outstanding Comedy Series. With new series such as Seth Rogen‘s “The Studio” entering the fray, the landscape could shift further. Although the show hasn’t received overwhelming critical acclaim, its take on Hollywood’s existential crises provides fertile ground for campaigns aimed at attracting the Emmy voters’ attention.

“The Studio” stands prepared for a potential breakthrough in directing and supporting categories, with Catherine O'Hara‘s performance as a fired studio chief showing promise. Rogen’s pivot from stoner-comedy persona to a more serious industry commentator may resonate with voters looking for fresh perspectives.

As Apple continues to seek its first Outstanding Drama Series win, shows like “Severance” and its second season face stiff competition from the HBO/Max landscape, including “The Last of Us” and “Succession,” which have already proven themselves at past awards. The performances and unique thematic explorations from HBO series could give them an edge, while Apple’s ambitious programming is poised for recognition.

Meanwhile, Netflix’s presence faces scrutiny, as no standout contenders have yet emerged to rival the force of HBO’s offerings. Shows like “Nobody Wants This” received decent feedback but now must revitalize their momentum in light of fresh episodes from “Hacks” and others. Limited Series remains a stronghold for Netflix, with promising entries that may attract interest.

Kathy Bates, nominated once again, is also a name to watch as she contends amidst a diverse field of rising stars. Despite such acclaim, historical voting patterns may hinder younger actors like Bella Ramsey in “The Last of Us” from securing wins.

As the Emmy race unfolds, audiences should watch for developments that could significantly alter dynamics. The critical landscape is teeming with narratives poised to influence outcomes in surprising and unpredictable ways.