2022 Emmy Predictions: Best Directing and Writing in a Drama and Comedy Series

Best Directing in a Drama Series

Will Win - Hwang Dong-hyuk "Squid Game - Red Light, Green Light"

Could Win - Ben Stiller "Severance - The Way We Are" 

Should Win - Mark Mylod "Succession - All the Bells Say"

Commentary - With three Succession episodes, I think this paves the way for another series to win the prize. Squid Game, after its success at the Creative Arts, feels like the winner here. It is the flashiest nominee of the bunch with the most bells and whistles. But watch out for Severance. Ben Stiller has made a name for himself as a director in recent years, and Severance is incredibly well made. 

Best Writing in a Drama Series

Will Win - Jesse Armstrong "Succession - All the Bells Say"

Could Win - Dan Erickson "Severance - The Way We Are" or Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson "Yellowjackets - Pilot"

Should Win -  Jesse Armstrong "Succession - All the Bells Say"

Commentary - Expect previous winner Jesse Armstrong to triumph again for his masterful work in Succession. If anyone can beat him, look for Severance or Yellowjackets, both incredibly clever new shows.

Best Directing in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Bill Hader "Barry - 710N"

Could Win - Lucia Aniello "Hacks - There Will Be Blood"

Should Win - Lucia Aniello "Hacks - There Will Be Blood"

Commentary - Hacks could easily win again for its outstanding episode There Will Be Blood. However, after Barry won sound awards and editing at the Creative Arts, I feel like those technical achievements will cross over to directing. Barry may not be that funny, but its high production values should get the notice of this branch. 

Best Writing in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Quinta Brunson "Abbott Elementary - Pilot"

Could Win - Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky "Hacks - There Will Be Blood", Steve Martin and John Hoffman "Only Murder in the Buildings - True Crime", Jane Becker "Ted Lasso - No Weddings and a Funeral"

Should Win - Quinta Brunson "Abbott Elementary - Pilot"

Commentary - A tough race that could go one of four ways. Hacks won last year, Ted Lasso only has one nominee this year, and Only Murder in the Building is clever and has Steve Martin as a nominee. I think instead that Abbott Elementary will continue its surprise run through this awards season and reward the voice of its success Quinta Brunson.