Emmy Predictions 2024: 75th Emmy Awards

Finally! The long-awaited 75th Primetime Emmy Awards are here! The event had to be postponed from September due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. This isn't the first time the event was postponed having had to go virtual in 2020. Usually, the Emmy nominees and winners give us an idea of how the award season will go, like the SAG Awards, Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. This year, it's reversed. The Golden Globes happened last week and the Critics Choice ceremony is the day before the Emmys. Once again, HBO (now MAX) has dominated the nominations but how many will they win? Let's have a look at our 2024 Emmy predictions in the top categories!

About the 75th Emmy Awards 2024

• Date: Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. EST/5 PST.
• Location: Peacock Theater in downtown LA.
• Host: Actor and comedian Anthony Anderson
• How to watch: Fox and available to stream later on Hulu.

Best Drama Series

• Andor (Disney+)
• Better Call Saul (AMC)
• The Crown (Netflix)
• House of the Dragon (HBO)
• The Last of Us (HBO)
• Succession (HBO)
• The White Lotus (HBO)
• Yellowjackets (Showtime)

This year's Best Drama Series category at the Emmys brings an exciting blend of newcomers and established favorites to the forefront. The first season nominees include Andor, a stand-alone series in the Star Wars universe, House of the Dragon, a prequel to the immensely popular "Game of Thrones," and The Last of Us, which has been praised for its faithful and compelling adaptation of the acclaimed video game. On the other hand, the final season nominees are Better Call Saul and Succession, both of which have captivated audiences throughout their runs.

Succession stands out as the most likely winner in this category. Its final season has not only been a gripping watch but has also already earned a Golden Globe award just last week. The show, which has twice won in this category, delivers a potent mix of drama and intrigue that has consistently resonated with viewers and critics alike. While "The Last of Us" and "The White Lotus" are also strong contenders, they are relatively new to the scene and will likely have more opportunities in the future. Interestingly, Succession has previously lost to "The Crown" but given the strength and intensity of its latest season, it is probably the strongest candidate to secure the Emmy this year, making the drama category particularly exciting.

Best Comedy Series

• Abbott Elementary (ABC)
• Barry (HBO)
• The Bear (FX)
• Jury Duty (Amazon Freevee)
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime Video)
• Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
• Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
• Wednesday (Netflix)

There's quite a buzz around whether Ted Lasso can score a hat trick at this year's Emmys, especially considering the mixed reactions to its third season. This uncertainty opens up the field, offering a fantastic opportunity for other brilliant series to shine and possibly take home the coveted award. Ted Lasso has evolved, with some suggesting it now leans more towards drama than comedy. Similarly, The Bear has made a strong case for itself, especially after its recent Golden Globe victory in a category shared with many of the same nominees. While both shows have sparked conversations about whether they might fit better in the drama category, it all depends on your perspective and sense of humor. Interestingly, this twist in categorization might make the Best Comedy Series race even more unpredictable and exciting than the Best Drama category this year.

On another note, The Bear has built a solid foundation in its first season, and it really comes into its own in the second season by expanding its focus beyond just Carmy and delving into the lives of other characters. This depth could very well lead The Bear to Emmy success.

Meanwhile, Abbott Elementary stands as a strong contender, possibly marking the first network show to win in this category since Modern Family in 2014. It would not only be a significant achievement for the show but also a delightful surprise, cementing its status among the greats in the mockumentary genre like Parks & Recreation and The Office.

Additionally, this year holds particular significance for Barry and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. While The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel previously won in 2018, Barry has been consistently nominated every season but is yet to clinch the award.

Best Actor in a Drama

• Jeff Bridges – The Old Man as Dan Chase (FX)
• Brian Cox – Succession as Logan Roy (HBO)
• Kieran Culkin – Succession as Roman Roy (HBO)
• Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul as Jimmy McGill / Saul Goodman / Gene Takavic (AMC)
• Pedro Pascal – The Last of Us as Joel (HBO)
• Jeremy Strong – Succession as Kendall Roy (HBO)

Once again, Succession has made a remarkable impact on the Emmy nominations, with half of the contenders in the Best Actor category hailing from the show. Kieran Culkin, previously nominated in the Supporting Actor category, has now been elevated to the lead category. His recent Golden Globe win, coupled with a playful jab at fellow nominee Pedro Pascal during his acceptance speech, has put him in the spotlight as a top contender for the Emmy.

The dynamics within Succession make the race even more intriguing. There's some concern about vote splitting among the actors from the show. However, given that Brian Cox had limited screen time in the last season, one of his sons have a better chance of taking home the Emmy this year, especially since the second half of the season deals with the repercussions of (spoiler alert) Logan's death. Besides, he already has his 2020 Golden Globe and previous Emmy nominations.

So, who's it going to be? Jeremy Strong, as Kendall Roy, delivers a performance that's a 'meal fit for a king,' embodying the determined eldest boy. Probably it will be Kieran Culkin, with his charming and witty portrayal of Roman Roy to come out on top. This Emmy race is a feast of talent, showcasing the best of Succession.

However, we shouldn't overlook Bob Odenkirk. His portrayal of Saul Goodman across both "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," earning him 5 Emmy and 5 Golden Globe nominations, makes this year's Emmys his final chance to win for this iconic role. And while Pedro Pascal may have lower chances of winning this time for his role in "The Last of Us," his standout performance suggests that his moment in the spotlight is just around the corner, especially with another season on the way.

Best Actress in a Drama

• Sharon Horgan - Bad Sisters as Eva Garvey (Apple TV+)
• Melanie Lynskey - Yellowjackets as Shauna Sadecki (Showtime)
• Elisabeth Moss - The Handmaid's Tale as June Osborne (Hulu)
• Bella Ramsey - The Last of Us as Ellie (HBO)
• Keri Russell - The Diplomat as Kate Wyler (Netflix)
• Sarah Snook - Succession as Shiv Roy (HBO)

The Best Actress in a Drama category this year is filled with captivating performances, making it a particularly intriguing race. Melanie Lynskey, who was nominated last year but lost to Zendaya, is back with even stronger odds. Many believe this could be her year, with bookmakers and fans alike noting her standout performance.

Then there's Sarah Snook, who, much like her on-screen brother, has moved up from the Supporting Actress category. Having been nominated twice before, there's a strong sentiment that this year could be her time to shine. Her portrayal of Shiv Roy, grappling with family dynamics, her father's death, and complex dealings with Matsson, has been nothing short of breathtaking. It's a performance that has resonated deeply, making her a likely favorite for the Emmy.

In contrast, Bella Ramsay, similar to Pedro Pascal, is seen as a star with potential for future seasons. While she and the other nominees have delivered strong performances, this year still seems to be particularly favorable for the Australian actress, Sarah Snook. Meanwhile, Sharon Horgan, an often underrated talent for her role in Bad Sisters, deserves a mention. Her multifaceted contribution to the show positions her as a strong contender, not just for acting but also for her significant role in writing, potentially bringing her an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.

Best Actor in a Comedy

• Bill Hader – Barry as Barry Berkman / Barry Block (HBO)
• Jason Segel – Shrinking as Jimmy Laird (Apple TV+)
• Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building as Oliver Putnam (Hulu)
• Jason Sudeikis – Ted Lasso as Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
• Jeremy Allen White – The Bear as Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto (FX)

The Best Actor in a Comedy category this year is overflowing with exceptional talent, making it an exhilarating race to watch. The top contenders include Jason Sudeikis with his heartwarming portrayal in Ted Lasso, Jeremy Allen White’s captivating performance in The Bear, and Bill Hader's notable role in Barry. Each of these actors brings a unique flavor to the competition, heightening the anticipation for who will ultimately snag the Emmy.

Jason Sudeikis has won hearts twice already with his role as the ever-optimistic soccer coach in Ted Lasso. Now, there's a wave of excitement about whether he can score a hat-trick at this year's awards. Challenging him is Jeremy Allen White, who, fresh off his Golden Globe victory, has emerged as a strong favorite for his role in The Bear. His performance has pleasantly surprised many and seems to have positioned him as the frontrunner for the award, with most sportsbooks also favoring his win.

Bill Hader, who previously won an Emmy for Barry in 2018, faces a unique situation this year. With Barry having concluded, this Emmy race represents his final opportunity to win for this role, adding an extra layer of sentiment to his nomination.

In the mix, we also have Martin Short and Jason Segel, who, despite their commendable performances, seem to be the underdogs in this race. Interestingly, Steve Martin, previously nominated for Only Murders in the Building, is missing from the list this year. However, the show still shines bright, especially in the Guest Actress and Guest Actor categories, thanks to the presence of stars like Paul Rudd and Meryl Streep in the latest season.

Best Actress in a Comedy

• Christina Applegate – Dead to Me as Jen Harding (Netflix)
• Rachel Brosnahan – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel as Miriam "Midge" Maisel (Prime Video)
• Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary as Janine Teagues (ABC)
• Natasha Lyonne – Poker Face as Charlie Cale (Peacock)
• Jenna Ortega – Wednesday as Wednesday Addams / Goody Addams (Netflix)

The Best Actress in a Comedy category this year presents an intriguing blend of established stars and fresh talent. Rachel Brosnahan, already an Emmy winner, faces what could be her last chance for another win in this role, bringing her seasoned expertise to the table. She's up against newcomers like Natasha Lyonne and Jenna Ortega, adding a lively new element to the race. However, Christina Applegate emerges as a unique contender, with her status as an Emmy winner and beloved actress.

Quinta Brunson, who impressed last year with her win for Outstanding Writing, now turns the spotlight to her acting. Her portrayal as a spirited second-grade teacher has garnered acclaim, making her a strong candidate for her second chance at getting the award.

This category is set for a captivating showdown, balancing the possibility of a celebratory win for Brosnahan against the exciting potential of a breakthrough for the newer entrants. Each nominee brings a distinct flavor to the competition, promising an award outcome that celebrates the rich variety in comedic performances.

Emmy Awards 2024 Odds: Best Bets

• Best Bet for Drama Series: Succession -700 @ FanDuel
• Best Bet for Comedy Series: The Bear +150 @ BetRivers
• Best Bet for Drama Actor: Kieran Culkin -134 @ BetRivers
• Best Bet for Drama Actress: Sarah Snook -250 @ FanDuel
• Best Bet for Comedy Actor: Jeremy Allen White -250 @ FanDuel
• Best Bet for Comedy Actress: Quinta Brunson -160 @ FanDuel

Other Emmy 2024 Categories

Even though most sportsbooks don't typically provide odds for the following categories, it doesn't diminish the excitement and speculation around predicting the likely winners.Let's delve into some educated guesses and insights based on the performances and buzz.

Best Limited Series

Probably Beef will win, along with Ali Wong and Steven Yeun winning in their own separate. This comes as no surprise given they received the awards in these categories at the Golden Globes. The only likely nomination to upset Beef's win is Netflix's gruesome Jeffrey Dahmer Story starring Evan Peters.

Drama Supporting Actor

HBO dominates this category. Half the nominees are from Succession, the other half from The White Lotus. Yes, you read correctly. From The White Lotus we have F. Murray Abraham, Michael Imperioli, Theo James and William Sharpe. From Succession we have Alan Ruck, Nicholas Braun, Alexander Skarsgård and Matthew Macfayden. Despite all the talented performers, it's Matthew MacFayden that shines. Perhaps Theo James or Nicholas Braun may end up on toppling him but that's not likely. Tom Wambsgans should never be underestimated. Macfayden will win just like Tom won at Succession.

Drama Supporting Actress

Who doesn't love Jennifer Coolidge and her cries for help as the gays are about to murder her or her acceptance speeches? Her role as Tanya could earn her another win, but she may have to stand aside for her co-stars Aubrey Plaza (including Italian actresses Sabrina Impacciatore and Simona Tabasca). It is also high time for Rhea Seehorn to finally snag the award for her subtle but brilliant performance in Better Call Saul. The dark horse here would be Elizabeth Debicki in her role as the beloved Diana in The Crown. Giving one of the best performances as Diana and playing one of the most well-known member of the royal, she has a fighting chance to make her mark.

Comedy Supporting Actor

This category is probably one of the most difficult to determine. It could easily be Ted Lasso's Phil Dunster or Brett Goldstein (Brett already has two Emmys, winning in this category as well as one of the writers of the show). Yet, you cannot rule out Tyler James Williams for his comedic role in Abbott Elementary. Even though these are all possible contenders, the one who truly deserves in is Ebon Moss-Bachrach for his role in The Bear. His character development from the first season then culminating in the masterpiece episode 'Forks' was so well done and beautifully performed that dims all the other nominees in contrast.

Comedy Supporting Actress

Ayo Edebiri is the likely winner especially since she just won the Golden Globe last week. From Abbott Elementary, it could be a back-to-back win for Sheryl Lee Ralph or else a chance for Janelle James. Ted Lasso's actress also have a chance here. Both Juno Temple and Hannah Waddingham have received a nomination for all three seasons, Hannah has already won for season one of Ted Lasso but given the fantastic 2023 she had, kicking off 2024 with an Emmy wouldn't be a bad start.

Final Thoughts

As we look ahead to the Emmys, it's clear that series which concluded this year are getting a lot of love from sportsbooks. One thing's for sure: we're going to hear the iconic Succession theme quite a bit throughout the evening. With its powerful final season, the big question isn't if, but how many times it will play. Stars like Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, and Matthew Macfayden are strong contenders for taking home Emmys, possibly adding to their recent Golden Globe triumphs. Succession's remarkable achievements in writing and directing, particularly notable in the episode featuring the end of Logan's reign, are also likely to be recognized.

Meanwhile, in the comedy series category, the competition feels almost as intense as a drama. The Bear and Ted Lasso are going head to head, each strong in multiple Emmy nomination categories. It's a toss-up: will Ted Lasso repeat its success, mirroring the victory of its fictional team AFC Richmond, or will The Bear's talented cast, writers, directors, and producers be rewarded with their well-deserved moment in the spotlight? This year's Emmys promise an exciting and unpredictable showdown, showcasing the best in television.