2021 Emmy Nomination Predictions - Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Brett Goldstein "Ted Lasso"

Michiel Huisman "The Flight Attendant" 

Brendan Hunt "Ted Lasso"

T.R. Knight "The Flight Attendant" 

Nick Mohammad "Ted Lasso"

Kenan Thompson "Saturday Night Live"

Bowen Yang "Saturday Night Live" 

Other Contenders - Jeremy Swift "Ted Lasso", Alex Newell "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist", Ray Romano "Made for Love", Paul Reiser "The Kominsky Method", Laurence Fishburne "black-ish", Pete Davidson "Saturday Night Live"

Commentary - In recent years, these supporting categories seem to be where voters load up on shows they like. Game of Thrones, The Handmaid's Tale, Succession, and others have loaded their contenders into these supporting categories. I think three shows are going to dominate this category for two reasons. First, the theory I just mentioned, and second because this year, the competition outside of these three shows is week to say the least. I think Kenan Thompson will return, easily, and will be joined by his co-star Bowen Yang who has had a breakout year. I think both Michiel Huisman and previous nominee T.R. Knight can make the cut for The Flight Attendant. Both are great in the show, and it is going to incredibly well on Tuesday morning. Finally, I had four Ted Lasso guys. I moved out Jeremy Swift for T.R. Knight due to Knight's name recognition, but I could see them swapping. I feel pretty good about Goldstein, Hunt, and Mohammad getting in, as the show's popularity is soaring. Outside of those eight (with Swift as the ninth slot), we have great performers and Emmy favorites in shows I'm not sure are strong enough to get them in. Alex Newell is in a show that was cancelled in the thick of voting, Paul Reiser doesn't do anything special in The Kominsky Method, Pete Davidson is more of a tabloid figure than a great performer on SNL, Ray Romano is in a so-so show whose buzz is dead, and while Laurence Fishburne is fantastic, he has never gotten any attention for black-ish, who is borderline to get back into Comedy Series. This makes me feel better about my picks. 

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Hannah Einbinder "Hacks" 

Zosia Mamet "The Flight Attendant" 

Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live"

Rosie Perez "The Flight Attendant"

Cecily Strong "Saturday Night Live"

Juno Temple "Ted Lasso"
Hannah Waddingham "Ted Lasso"

Other Contenders - Aidy Bryant "Saturday Night Live", Michelle Gomez "The Flight Attendant", Paula Pell "Girls5Eva", Busy Phillipps "Girls5Eva", Kathleen Turner "The Kominsky Method", Naomi Ackie "Master of None", Laurie Metcalf "The Conners", Lucy Goranson "The Conners"

Commentary - So this race, I am predicting three shows to dominate, and one to take the final slot. From SNL, I expect Cecily Strong and Kate McKinnon to return. Ted Lasso should get in Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple, and the Emmy could come down to the two of them. The Flight Attendant, I think, will definitely get Rosie Perez in, and I think will bring along Zosia Mamet as well. The final slot I am reserving for Hannah Einbinder for her egreat work in Hacks. She holds her own against the legendary Jean Smart, and I think that show is on the rise. Beyond those eight, Aidy Bryant could return for SNL, Michelle Gomez could join her Flight Attendant co-stars, Kathleen Turner should not be discounted, Naomi Ackie played well against Lena Waihe, and Laurie Metcalf and Lucy Goranson should never be discounted. I am also really rooting for Paula Pell and Busy Phillipps, who both really shine in Girls5Eva.