2022 Emmy Predictions: Best Directing and Writing in a Variety Special and Variety Series

Best Directing in a Variety Series

Will Win - Don Roy King and Liz Patrick "Saturday Night Live - Host: Billie Eilish"

Could Win - Paul Pennolino and Christopher Werner "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Union Busting" 

Should Win - Bridget Stokes "A Black Lady Sketch Show - Save My Edges, I'm A Donor!"

Commentary -  Continuity is key in the Reality and Variety races, and its one of those games where they might pick something different this year, but there is usually and ungodly long streak before they do. Long story short, expect Don Roy King and SNL to pick up another Emmy in this category, despite some excellent work that could be a refreshing change.

Best Writing in a Variety Series

Will Win - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Could Win - Late Show With Stephen Colbert

Should Win - The Daily Show with Trevor Noah or A Black Lady Sketch Show

Commentary - Again, continuity. Last Week Tonight has to lose at some point for me not to predict it again. 

Best Directing in a Variety Special

Will Win - Paul Rugdale "Adele: One Night Only"

Could Win - Bo Burnham "Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel", Hamish Hamilton "The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar And 50 Cent", or Stan Lathan "Dave Chappelle: The Closer"

Should Win - Hamish Hamilton "The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar And 50 Cent"

Commentary - A Super Bowl Halftime Show has never won this category, but this year's show was so well-received, it could break the rule. I know it is hard to believe that a Dave Chappelle special could win an Emmy at this point, but the fact that it was nomination says a lot. Bo Burnham just won last year for Inside, and returns for Jerrod Carmichael's brilliant new special. But with three comedy specials, I think vote splitting will favor the majesty of Adele: One Night Only. 

Best Writing in a Variety Special

Will Win - Jerrod Carmichael "Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel"

Could Win - Norm MacDonald "Norm MacDonald: Nothing Special" or The Daily Show With Trevor Noah Presents: Jordan Klepper Fingers The Globe - Hungary For Democracy

Should Win - Jerrod Carmichael "Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel"

Commentary - This category has favored the hip comedy special of the year in recent years. The only exception in recent years was the Samantha Bee special. So watch out for The Daily Show special, especially as it is up against four stand up specials. I think Jerrod Carmichael is this year's Hannah Gadsby or Bo Burnham. But, you have a posthumous possibility with Norm MacDonald, and voters could be nostalgic.