Emmy Predictions: Variety Talk Series – Can Conan End John Oliver’s Historic Awards Run?

Clayton Davis
·3 min read

Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Emmys ceremonies from film awards editor Clayton Davis. Following history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Emmy predictions are updated regularly with the current year's list of contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. The eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and is subject to change.

To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit THE EMMYS COLLECTIVE
Visit each individual category, according to the awards show from THE EMMYS HUB
Link to film awards hub THE OSCARS HUB

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(DRAFT>>>PRE-SEASON>>>REGULAR SEASON>>>POST SEASON)

2021 EMMYS PREDICTIONS:
OUTSTANDING VARIETY TALK SERIES

UPDATED: Aug 19, 2021

AWARDS PREDICTION COMMENTARY: For the farewell season of his late-night show, this marks Conan O’Brien’s first nomination in this category (or an evolution of it) since 2011. The four-time Emmy winner had a campaign surrounding nostalgia and sentiment as the TBS show ends its 11-year run. He could be able to top the long-beloved John Oliver.

In the context of the pandemic, Trevor Noah had the strongest year of any of the late-night hosts, adapting brilliantly to the remote format and still gaining a high viewership and click-worthy clips. He’s only managed a single Emmy win in his career for short form variety (for “Between the Scenes”), and with the series’ fourth consecutive nom, he’s due.

Jimmy Kimmel, the veteran comedian, has been nominated in this category every year since 2012. He’s won two Emmy Awards during his career, including last year as one of the executive producers for the “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” variety special. He may have to wait a bit longer for his turn in this race.

Since John Oliver’s inception in 2014, his weekly late-night show has won this category every year except for its first, including writing. As the reigning champ, he could easily pick this up again if the sentiment of Conan or overdue factor for Trevor Noah doesn’t take hold.

Stephen Colbert has been an Emmy darling with nine statues on his mantle, but those were all for “The Colbert Report” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” His “Late Show” hasn’t won a single Emmy of its 18 nominations across multiple categories. It’s unlikely to change this year but his Election Night special could provide a boost.

The viewing platform for Emmy nominees opens on Aug. 13, with final-round voting, beginning on Aug. 19 at 9 a.m. PT until Aug. 30 at 10 p.m. PT.

Check out the full rankings of the category’s nominees in the chart below.

ALL SUBMISSIONS & RANKINGS:

<img class="size-vertical wp-image-1234769043" src="https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/john-oliver.jpg?w=1024&quot; alt=" - Credit: Courtesy of HBO" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/john-oliver.jpg 2400w, https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/john-oliver.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/john-oliver.jpg?resize=300,200 300w" sizes="(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 250px" />Courtesy of HBO

2021 Primetime Emmy Awards Predictions

About the Primetime Emmy Awards (Emmys)

The Primetime Emmy Awards, better known as the Emmys, is given out by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Since 1949, the awards recognize excellence in American primetime television programming. They are divided into three classes - Primetime Emmy Awards, the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (honors artisan achievements) and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards (recognizes significant engineering and technological contributions). The typical eligibility period is between June 1 and May 31 of any given year. The Television Academy comprises over 25,000 members, representing 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors and various artisans and executives.

  • The 73rd Emmy Awards are scheduled to air on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 8:00 pm est on CBS and on-demand on sister streamer Paramount Plus.

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