This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Jan. 8, 2016. The 2017 Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 8, on NBC.
Just because Tina Fey and Amy Poehler aren’t hosting the 2016 Golden Globes doesn’t mean the show won’t be unpredictable.
With older heavyweights such as “Modern Family” and “Breaking Bad” out of the picture, many new entries have hit the awards stage.
So who will win? We’ll find out Sunday. But for now, here are my picks for frontrunners and underdogs in the TV categories this year.
DRAMA
Frontrunner: “Empire”
The Fox drama was snubbed by the Emmys, but it’s one of most-watched shows of last winter.
It’s different because of the music, so it has a good shot of taking the win.
Underdog: “Narcos”
Have you heard of this Netflix show? I hadn’t until I saw the nominations. The other dramas are more known, so I doubt “Narcos” can pull an upset.
BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA
Frontrunner: Viola Davis, “How to Get Away with Murder”
She won the Emmy and had a magnificent speech about equality to follow.
Her character isn’t a class act, but Davis is on stage. Her star power is key to this ABC drama.
Underdog: Caitriona Balfe, “Outlander”
Balfe is a first-time nominee, but this Starz show has only a niche audience.
While some love this drama, it won’t have enough votes to win any big categories.
BEST ACTOR, DRAMA
Frontrunner: Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
I’m sure many people will root for Rami Malek from USA’s “Mr. Robot,” but since AMC’s “Mad Men” finished its run this year and Hamm already won the Emmy, I predict another win during his swan song for this role.
Underdog: Liev Schreiber, “Ray Donovan”
Schreiber has been nominated before for this role, but he seems like a perennial nominee, not a winner.
BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY
Frontrunner: Jamie Lee Curtis, “Scream Queens”
I have to admit, this category is tough to decide. But Curtis is the big star on this list, and “Scream Queens” is her return to the horror genre.
Sometimes Emmys go to bigger celebrity names, so Curtis could pull out the win.
Underdog: Rachel Bloom, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”
Like I said, this category is tough to choose, but Bloom doesn’t have enough meat to her name yet.
Her CW show is hit or miss with critics, even though it spent some time in development.
Her nomination brings attention to the show, but don’t expect her to get a chance to sing a speech on stage.
BEST ACTOR, COMEDY
Frontrunner: Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent”
Tambor won last year for bringing a transitioning character to life on the small screen. The second season recently premiered, and critics still like the show.
Because the Amazon comedy brings to light a current topic, expect it, and Tambor, to get attention.
Underdog: Rob Lowe, “The Grinder”
I’m not a fan. But others love the silliness of this Fox show about family, law and finding your way.
But out of all the nominees, Lowe’s work isn’t strong enough to carry a win.
BEST COMEDY
Frontrunner: “Transparent”
Again, it brings to light a current topic. It won last year. Expect a repeat.
Underdog: “Casual”
Hulu is making a showing for its original programming this year. But being a newcomer in a category that includes “Transparent” and “Veep” makes it an unlikely contender.
Ricky Gervais hosts the Golden Globes at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 on NBC.