2017 Emmy Nomination Predictions: Best Variety Series - Talk and Sketch

Best Variety Series - Talk
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Late Late Show with James Corden
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Other Contenders - Real Time with Bill Maher, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Chelsea, Conan, Talking wih Chris Hardwick, Watch What Happens Live

Commentary - This race is bound to be shaken up by the new political landscape. For example, I think the ballsy liberal coverage by the great Samantha Bee, and the revival of Stephen Colbert this season will pull them into this race. Fluff like Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee will probably be knocked out. The question is how far does this political thing go? Does Bill Maher overcome his recent n-word controversy and rejoin the race? Does The Daily Show, which has started to find its footing under Trevor Noah. But that means one of the "fun" shows gets knocked off. Jimmy Kimmel and James Corden seem safe, but Jimmy Fallon has had a rough year. Not only has his show been lost in the political fray for being apolitical, but that disastrous Trump interview during the campaign might be his death knell. I still think he gets in, because the voters here are usually afraid of anything new. But don't be surprised if the shakeup is bigger than we all thought.

Best Variety Series - Sketch
Documenary Now
Drunk History
Portlandia
Saturday Night Live
Tracey Ullman's Show

Other Contenders - Billy on the Street, Mystery Science Theatre 3000, Maya and Marty, The President Show, Comedy Bang Bang

Commentary - Only a few years after its inception, this category might be on its way out the door. It is stunningly weak without Inside Amy Schumer and Key and Peele. This finally means that probably Saturday Night Live will win this category. With most likely only five nominees, this leaves one slot (Amy Schumer or Key and Peele slot), and I think that Emmy vet Tracey Ullman will join last year's list.