2023 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Variety and Reality

So, I am woefully behind on my nomination predictions. Stay tuned for the fast and furious predictions coming over the next 48 hours. I promise better coverage as we get closer to the actual ceremony. Let's start with some Variety and Reality Categories.

Best Competition Program

The Amazing Race

Nailed It

RuPaul's Drag Race

Top Chef

The Voice

Other Contenders - The Traitors, The Masked Singer, Survivor, Dancing With the Stars, American Ninja Warrior

Commentary - I would love to see The Traitors from Peacock breakthrough in these stale Reality categories. With Poker Face and The Traitors, I think Peacock is close to an Emmy breakthrough after they criminally ignored Girls5Eva. But these voters often take a couple years to change (although Lizzo's big win last year gives me hope that I am wrong). I am sticking with past favorites The Amazing Race, Nailed It, Drag Race, Top Chef, and The Voice.

Best Reality Host

Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski, and Jonathan Van Ness "Queer Eye"

Nicole Byer "Nailed It"

Padma Lakshmi "Top Chef"

Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph "Baking It"

RuPaul "RuPaul's Drag Race"

Other Contenders - Alan Cumming "The Traitors", Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, Kevin O'Leary "Shark Tank", Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn "Making the Cut", Dan Levy "The Big Brunch"

Commentary - Five slots for six returning hosts. I think the star power of Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph (last year it was Amy with Nick Offerman), will overcome the Shark Tank hosts. The other four feel pretty safe. Also watch out for Alan Cumming, Klum and Gunn, and Dan Levy.

Best Variety Talk Series

Daily Show with Trevor Noah

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Late Night with Seth Meyers 

Late Show with Stephen Colbert  

The Problem with John Stewart

Other Contenders - The Late Late Show with James Corden, RuPaul's Drag Race: Pit Stop, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Amber Ruffin Show, Real Time with Bill Maher

Commentary - These five feel pretty solid with John Oliver moving to the new category. But watch out for Bill Maher, RuPaul, James Corden, Jimmy Fallon, or Amber Ruffin to upset. 

Best Variety Scripted Series

A Black Lady Sketch Show

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Saturday Night Live

Other Contenders - History of the World Part II, Inside Amy Schumer

Commentary - At this point, why don't they just combine and have seven or eight nominees like Drama and Comedy Series. Duh on these three.