Golden Globe Musings: Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anyone important. A reminder that last year’s nominees mean zilch at the Globes and that the race is almost entirely unpredictable.

Last year’s nominees:
CALIFORNICATION
ENTOURAGE
THE OFFICE
30 ROCK
WEEDS

New contenders:
GLEE
MODERN FAMILY
THE UNITED STATES OF TARA

Potential first-time nominees:
THE BIG BANG THEORY
CHUCK
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
FAMILY GUY
FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS

Past nominees:
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM

All of last year’s nominees are eligible once again, and it’s worthwhile to note that, while “Entourage” might be considered the weakest link, it’s the senior show here with five nominations, one for every year it’s been on the air. “Weeds” and “The Office” were returning nominees after a year off, so they could easily be left off again, while “30 Rock” and “Californication” should be pretty solid. There’s no reason any of the potential first-time nominees should break through this year, and I’d hedge my bets on two popular new comedies that occupy my Wednesday nights – “Glee” and “Modern Family.”

Predicted nominees:
CALIFORNICATION
GLEE
MODERN FAMILY
THE OFFICE
30 ROCK