2015 Nominees:
Comedy Central's The Colbert Report
Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (WINNER)
ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!
HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
CBS' Late Show with David Letterman
NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
The Variety Talk race is much more open this year than it has been for awhile. Three shows from last year's field are no longer eligible. More importantly, the shows or hosts that replaced them aren't guaranteed to enter the race - despite some small competition. John Oliver, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel are pretty much safe. Plus, it'd be surprising if Bill Maher didn't return to the category - especially after a pretty noteworthy and buzzy season. The real uncertainty comes from what new shows the voters will latch onto. Clearly, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee is the best of the bunch. But it has an uphill battle against some very well regarded brands. Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been bumpy in its first year. And yet, The Colbert Report was a past winner in this category. So he has to be a contender. The Daily Show dominated in this category for over a decade. Most of that was because of Jon Stewart's leadership. The Trevor Noah era has been less noteworthy. But he can't be discredited either. Plus, the appeal of Carpool Karaoke could propel James Corden forward. Or Seth Meyers' political prowess could be rewarded as well. Again, many different options that it's hard to latch on to what the voters might do.
Comedy Central's The Colbert Report
Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (WINNER)
ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!
HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
CBS' Late Show with David Letterman
NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
The Variety Talk race is much more open this year than it has been for awhile. Three shows from last year's field are no longer eligible. More importantly, the shows or hosts that replaced them aren't guaranteed to enter the race - despite some small competition. John Oliver, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel are pretty much safe. Plus, it'd be surprising if Bill Maher didn't return to the category - especially after a pretty noteworthy and buzzy season. The real uncertainty comes from what new shows the voters will latch onto. Clearly, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee is the best of the bunch. But it has an uphill battle against some very well regarded brands. Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been bumpy in its first year. And yet, The Colbert Report was a past winner in this category. So he has to be a contender. The Daily Show dominated in this category for over a decade. Most of that was because of Jon Stewart's leadership. The Trevor Noah era has been less noteworthy. But he can't be discredited either. Plus, the appeal of Carpool Karaoke could propel James Corden forward. Or Seth Meyers' political prowess could be rewarded as well. Again, many different options that it's hard to latch on to what the voters might do.
So now, here's my thoughts on the shows most likely to be nominated for Variety Talk Series:
- HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
- NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
- ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher
- CBS' Late Show with Stephen Colbert
- CBS' The Late Late Show with James Corden
And now, for some serious threats that could break into the list:
- TBS' Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
- Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
- NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers
Some considerable long-shots:
- Comedy Central's The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore
- Crackle's Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
- TBS' Conan
- Netflix's Chelsea
And now, just some colorful oddities who still have an outside chance:
- Comedy Central's @Midnight
- Bravo's Watch What Happens Live
- NBC's Last Call with Carson Daly
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my choices? Let me know in the comments below!
