2018 Emmy Predictions: Best Drama and Comedy Series

Best Drama Series
Will Win - The Handmaid's Tale

Could Win -  Game of Thrones, The Crown, or The Americans

Should Win - Westworld or The Americans

Commentary - This race is going to be an interesting final lap to the finish line. Game of Thrones won big at the Creative Arts Emmys, but The Handmaid's Tale and The Crown did surprisingly well too, which makes me think they are both primed for an upset. Game of Thrones is particularly interesting. Before The Handmaid's Tale and the year off, Game of  Thrones was an Emmy giant, and took the top prize for its previous two seasons. Then there is The Americans. It is not the kind of show that wins the top prize, particularly with its lack of broad support across the Academy. But it could upset as well. All of that being said, voters love repeat winners, and The Handmaid's Tale grew in terms of nominations and support. While I think it could have trouble in the future, based on the reaction to this season's ending, I think it has at least one more shot at the podium.

Best Comedy Series
Will Win - The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Could Win - Atlanta

Should Win - Either Atlanta or Mrs. Maisel

Commentary - We have an interesting battle in this race between two fantastic shows, both of which would be deserving winners. I like when races are like that, where no matter what happens a quality program or performer is going to get a great moment on stage. Neither of these shows are traditional winners in this category. With the absence of Veep this year, it gives an opportunity to two shows who would normally not have as good of a shot winning this category. Atlanta is a dark dramedy, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is an hour-long dramedy. Both did well at the Creative Arts, both did extremely well with nominations. Atlanta seems like the pick in many ways. But I think Maisel has three things going for it. First, it has had an incredible campaign. Second, it is the funnier of the two. That matters, voters still like funny shows for this category. Third, while the membership of the Academy has changed a lot over the years, there are still a lot of older voters who I think will connect with this show much better than with in Atlanta. In a close call, I am picking Maisel.