2023 Emmy Predictions: Best Competition Series, Variety Series (Talk and Scripted), Variety Special Live, and Variety Series Writing

Best Competition Program

Will Win - RuPaul's Drag Race

Could Win - Survivor

Should Win - Top Chef

Commentary - When RuPaul captured yet another Host trophy at the Creative Arts Emmys, and the show continued to do well with the technical categories, it showed that it will probably win this award yet again. Survivor is the one to look out for. It has not been nominated in this category since 2006, so there must be a reason voters decided to revive it, plus I am hearing some rumblings among pundits that they think it could upset.

Best Variety Talk Series

Will Win - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Could Win - The Problem with Jon Stewart 

Should Win - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Commentary - Its deja vu with Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart facing off yet again in this category. I am leaning Colbert, because I think is show is more seen and has had more impact, but never, ever underestimate the power of Jon Stewart to win over these voters.

Best Variety Scripted Series

Will Win - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Could Win - Saturday Night Live

Should Win - A Black Lady Sketch Show

Commentary - I don't know whose hair-brained idea it was to mix up these categories, but now Last Week Tonight is going to win over even more variety series, and is in an unfair matchup with the sketch series. These variety categories have needed a fix for a while (one category - 8 nominees like Comedy and Drama would be the best), but this isn't it. Also, it means that A Black Lady Sketch Show will end its run not winning this award, which is a real shame. 

Best Variety Special - Live

Will Win - Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show feat. Rihanna

Could Win - The Tonys or Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium

Should Win - Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium

Commentary - I am so disappointed that Elton John will probably not win his EGOT, and I really thought this was his year. But after the Halftime show won directing and did well in some of the technical categories, I think it is going to triumph instead.

Best Writing in a Variety Series

Will Win - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Could Win - Saturday Night Live or The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Should Win - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Commentary - Duh.