AFT Awards: Best Comedy Series

This is the twentieth and final category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Burn Notice, Chuck, The Office, Parks and Recreation, Secret Diary of a Call Girl

Emmy nominees: Curb Your Enthusiasm, Glee, Modern Family, Nurse Jackie, The Office, 30 Rock

Special citation: I’m convinced that, had it been given more time to grow, Starz’s Gravity would have developed into something great. I’m both mesmerized and mystified by what I saw this season, and I can only encourage others to check out the ten short episodes of this offbeat dramedy.

Semi-finalists: Better Off Ted, Bored to Death, Burn Notice, Glee, Monk, The Office, Psych, 30 Rock, Ugly Betty

Finalists: Curb Your Enthusiasm returned with the cast of “Seinfeld” in tow, but some of its funniest episodes didn’t even feature them. Hung started out slow but quickly found its funk as HBO’s latest better-than-average serious comedy. Party Down improved considerably in its second season by making excellent use of all of its cast members slash catering crew. Royal Pains and White Collar both provided fine new characters for USA’s brand and even built entertaining and surprisingly good series around them.

The nominees:

Modern Family introduced a wonderful and hilarious family unit that made for the freshest and best new show of the year. Secret Diary of a Call Girl went public but didn’t jump the shark, avoiding that fate by making its character interactions all the more complex. Chuck transformed from what it once was and turned into an even more exciting and endearing action series. Californication brought in a bunch of guests for the season and gave Hank his wildest year yet.

The winner:

Parks and Recreation found its funk with the most entertaining cast of crazy characters and the most lively dramatization of office life since another popular NBC sitcom six years ago.

Next up: That’s a wrap! Emmy Award Winner Predictions are already underway! Thanks for reading!

AFT Awards: Best Drama Series

This is the nineteenth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Battlestar Galactica, Lost, Mad Men, The Shield, True Blood

Emmy nominees: Breaking Bad, Dexter, The Good Wife, Lost, Mad Men, True Blood

Semi-finalists: The Closer, Dollhouse, The Good Wife, Lost, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, Rescue Me, V

Finalists: Justified took a potentially cheesy premise and made it can’t-miss television. Parenthood was a network-television version of “Six Feet Under,” insightfully examining the workings of a large, tight-knit family. Human Target was cool, sleek, and endlessly entertaining in its great first year. Treme traveled down to New Orleans and gave HBO its next great drama which should get even better over time. Damages finally got good, using Bernie Madoff as inspiration for Patty’s deadliest case yet.

The nominees:

Sons of Anarchy positioned the club against an evil nemesis and dug deep into the emotions of all its members. Breaking Bad was riveting and intensely shocking as its characters traveled down a dark, dark road. Dexter pitted its protagonist against an enemy not unlike himself and had its best season since the first year (when it won this award). True Blood was even more despicable and insatiably addictive than in its first year with the addition of some great season-long villains and arcs.

The winner:

Mad Men continues to be the best drama on television as it plods through the 1960s with a closer examination of the most intriguing ad men and women.

Next up: Best Comedy Series (final category)

AFT Awards: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

This is the eighteenth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Burn Notice, Chuck, The Office, Parks and Recreation, Pushing Daisies

Semi-finalists: Better Off Ted, Gravity, Hung, Monk, Psych, Royal Pains, White Collar

Finalists: Chuck rose to new levels of character involvement in the stories, and the whole ensemble made the transition a fun and seamless one. The cast of The Office was still in top form even if the writing wasn’t consistent. Ugly Betty went out on a wonderfully positive note thanks in great part to the efforts of its fabulous cast. Burn Notice was a blast due mainly to the wry sensibilities of the Miami team of ex-spies. 30 Rock was wacky and weird as ever, even adding a robot to its troupe.

The nominees:

Parks and Recreation came into its own with its first full season and winning portrayal of great peculiar characters. Glee found fantastic emerging talent who could not only crack jokes but also sing and dance. Californication brought in new women for Hank to seduce and created an even more sardonically funny ensemble. The now-defunct Party Down pulled its last shift with a witty crew of wannabe actors played by thespians with actual talent.

The winner:

Modern Family assembled an eclectic and heartwarmingly funny group to play one of the most memorable TV families in a long time.

Next up: Best Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

This is the seventeenth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Brotherhood, Lost, Mad Men, The Shield, Sons of Anarchy

Semi-finalists: The Closer, Dollhouse, Human Target, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, Rescue Me

Finalists: Breaking Bad let recurring players become even more crucial and significant while the lead ones stayed just as on top of their game. Damages found superb talent to make up the various players in its latest case. Justified invited viewers to a violent, destitute Kentucky with a fabulous set of actors and actresses to make it their own. Lost made its performers pull double duty with an alternate universe, and the results were magnificent. The Good Wife had a delightful and incredibly effective cast that helped make it an above-average procedural.

The nominees:

Mad Men brought in a British contingent that supplemented an already hard-working and extraordinarily talented cast. Parenthood brought together a diverse group of entertaining performers to craft a great family dynamic. Treme was only the latest in a tradition of great HBO dramatic ensembles, and New Orleans provided a fascinating backdrop for these finely-portrayed characters. True Blood made extensive use of its ensemble with problems aplenty in Bon Temps.

The winner:

Things got even more volatile than before for the club members, their wives, and their enemies on Sons of Anarchy and the entire cast delivered emotional, intense, frightening performances that made for one majestically messed-up and utterly captivating whole.

Next up: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Writing for a Comedy Series

This is the sixteenth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Writing for a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Chuck (Chuck Versus the Colonel), Chuck (Chuck Versus the Ring), Parks and Recreation (Pilot), 30 Rock (The Bubble), 30 Rock (Gavin Volure)

Emmy nominees: Glee (Pilot), Modern Family (Pilot), The Office (Niagara), 30 Rock (Anna Howard Shaw Day), 30 Rock (Lee Marvin vs. Derek Jeter)

Honorable mentions: Better Off Ted (Jabberwocky), Californication (So Here's the Thing...), Californication (Wish You Were Here), Chuck (Chuck Versus Operation Awesome), Modern Family (En Garde), Modern Family (Family Portrait), Modern Family (Fears), The Office (The Delivery), Parks and Recreation (The Practice Date), Parks and Recreation (The Stakeout)

The nominees:

Californication (The Apartment)
Chuck (Chuck Versus the Beard)
Glee (Showmance)
The Office (Niagara)

The intersection of Hank’s many women proved to be dastardly entertaining. Morgan finding out about Chuck’s spy life was a delicate event that was handled with care and style. The second episode of “Glee” was daringly clever and smartly written. The wedding installment of “The Office” was fun and fresh.

The winner:
Modern Family (Pilot)
The season’s best new comedy started off with three different funny families with a wonderful, unexpected surprise at the end: they’re all related.

Next up: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Directing for a Comedy Series

This is the fifteenth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Directing for a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Chuck (Chuck Versus the First Date), Chuck (Chuck Versus the Colonel), Monk (Mr. Monk’s 100th Case), Parks and Recreation (Rock Show), Weeds (I Am the Table)

Emmy nominees: Glee (Pilot), Glee (Wheels), Modern Family (Pilot), Nurse Jackie (Pilot), 30 Rock (I Do Do)

Honorable mentions: Better Off Ted (Jabberwocky), Californication (The Apartment), Californication (So Here's the Thing...), Californication (Wish You Were Here), Chuck (Chuck Versus Operation Awesome), Modern Family (En Garde), Modern Family (Family Portrait), Modern Family (Fears), The Office (The Delivery), Parks and Recreation (The Hunting Trip), Parks and Recreation (The Practice Date), Parks and Recreation (The Stakeout), Parks and Recreation (The Telethon), Royal Pains (TB or Not TB), Ugly Betty (Hello Goodbye), White Collar (Pilot)

The nominees:

Chuck (Chuck Versus the Beard)
Glee (Showmance)
Modern Family (Pilot)
Parks and Recreation (The Practice Date)

The first episode of “Modern Family” introduced its signature segmenting style and camera interviews. The second episode of “Glee” cemented its status as the breakout hit of the season, weaving together its characters’ back stories impressively. The game-changing episode of “Chuck” was presented in an exciting and adventurous manner. The most frantic episode of “Parks and Recreation” was just as well-coordinated as Leslie wanted her night to be.

The winner:
The Office (Niagara)
Despite a few interruptions, Jim and Pam’s wedding was beautiful, and the way it was filmed was a big part of why. From their private ceremony out on the water to the “Forever” dance at the church, it was an event to remember.

Next up: Best Writing for a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Writing for a Drama Series

This is the fourteenth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Writing for a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Battlestar Galactica (The Oath), Rescue Me (Perspective), The Shield (Family Meeting), True Blood (Strange Love), True Blood (You’ll Be the Death of Me)

Emmy nominees: Friday Night Lights (The Son), The Good Wife (Pilot), Lost (The End), Mad Men (Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency), Mad Men (Shut the Door, Have a Seat)

Honorable mentions: Breaking Bad (Sunset), Dollhouse (Getting Closer), The Good Wife (Hybristophilia), Justified (Bulletsville), Sons of Anarchy (Culling), Sons of Anarchy (Service), Treme (I’ll Fly Away)

The nominees:

Breaking Bad (Full Measure)
Dexter (Hungry Man)
Flash Forward (No More Good Days)
Justified (Pilot)

Two pilots were extremely innovative in very different ways, presenting the whole world with a brief glimpse of their future and an anachronistic lawman seeking to preserve justice as if he lived in the Wild West. The season finale of “Breaking Bad” was shocking in terms of the lows it saw its characters sink to, and the dialogue was completely captivating. The Thanksgiving episode of “Dexter” took a familiar family gathering and turned expectations inside out with the intersection of its most fervently interesting characters.

The winner:
Mad Men (Shut the Door, Have a Seat)
The season finale rebooted the show and sent in a completely unexpected direction, seamlessly and brilliantly reinventing a show that wasn’t even in need of reinvention and making it seem perfectly logical and positive.

Next up: Best Directing for a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Directing for a Drama Series

This is the thirteenth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Directing for a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Battlestar Galactica (The Oath), Lost (The Incident), Mad Men (The Jet Set), Rescue Me (Iceman), The Shield (Family Meeting), True Blood (You’ll Be the Death of Me)

Emmy nominees: Breaking Bad (One Minute), Dexter (The Getaway), Lost (The End), Mad Men (Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency), Treme (Pilot)

Honorable mentions: Breaking Bad (Caballo Sin Nombre), Breaking Bad (I.F.T.), Breaking Bad (Sunset), The Good Wife (Hybristophilia), Human Target (Rewind), Justified (Bulletsville), Justified (Pilot), Sons of Anarchy (Culling), Sons of Anarchy (Service), Treme (I’ll Fly Away), True Blood (Keep This Party Going)

The nominees:

Breaking Bad (Full Measure)
Dexter (Hungry Man)
Dollhouse (Getting Closer)
Mad Men (Shut the Door, Have a Seat)

The season finales of both “Breaking Bad” and “Mad Men” were the best of both AMC series’ seasons. The former was insanely intense and breathless, while the latter was subtler and more slowly revealed its twists. The Thanksgiving episode of “Dexter” showed both Dexter and Arthur in a light under which we hadn’t before seen them, and the third-to-last “Dollhouse” piled on multiple surprises and executed them astonishingly.

The winner:
Flash Forward (No More Good Days)
This pilot kicked off the season’s most intriguing new show with a mysterious blackout experienced ‘round the world. Even if subsequent episodes couldn’t match it, this first installment was awesome.

Next up: Best Writing for a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the twelfth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Justine Bateman, Rachel Leigh Cook, Jane Lynch, Meredith Monroe, Amy Ryan

Emmy nominees: Christine Baranski, Kristin Chenoweth, Tina Fey, Kathryn Joosten, Jane Lynch, Elaine Stritch, Betty White

Semi-finalists: Kristen Bell (Party Down), Rachel Leigh Cook (Psych), Angie Harmon (Chuck), Jane Lynch (Party Down), Virginia Madsen (Monk), Jessica Walter (Gravity)

Finalists: Joanna Bobin (Secret Diary of a Call Girl) was a whole lot of fun as she came dangerously close to finding out about her sister’s double life and moved in too closely on her best friend. It was great to see Bitty Schram (Monk) return as Sharona one last time before the show ended, and she played remarkably well with her replacement. Margo Martindale (Hung) crafted a moving, dramatic client for Ray to truly connect with in a way that he hadn’t done before. Kathy Bates (The Office) was bold, headstrong, and a great dose of corporate intimidation for Dunder Mifflin Scranton. Kathleen Turner (Californication) stole the show with her incomparable turn as the incomparable and unstoppable Sue Collini.

The nominees:

Eva Amurri (Californication) and Embeth Davidtz (Californication) were both marvelous conquests for Hank and did a great job of tempting him and submitting to him in different ways. Kristin Chenoweth (Glee) was perky and perfect as a washed-up wannabe star always eager to croon a new tune. Kristin Kreuk (Chuck) gave Chuck a lovely Lana Lang to lust after and ultimately lose for the same reasons Clark lost her: he couldn’t reveal his true identity.

The winner:

Diane Farr (Californication) was the most memorable of Hank’s affairs this season, and her initial resistance to the idea of being him made her eventual succumbing to his charm all the more immensely interesting.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the eleventh category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Alan Alda, Demian Bichir, Peter Dinklage, Jon Hamm, Steve Martin

Emmy nominees: Will Arnett, Jon Hamm, Neil Patrick Harris, Mike O'Malley, Eli Wallach, Fred Willard

Semi-finalists: Fred Armisen (Parks and Recreation), Will Arnett (30 Rock), Jon Hamm (30 Rock), Mike O’Malley (Glee), Oliver Platt (30 Rock), Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation), Justin Theroux (Parks and Recreation)

Finalists: James D’Arcy (Secret Diary of a Call Girl) was a more than worthwhile addition to the cast who had interesting insight as someone who knew Belle in both her lives. Neil Patrick Harris (Glee) was a blast as an old nemesis of Will’s whose singing and dancing was quite enjoyable. Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation) hasn’t yet had much to do, but was mesmerizing as a stoic (possible) suitor for Leslie. Matt Damon (30 Rock) came from out of nowhere to play Liz’s dream husband and responded to the call with just the right mix of fake seriousness and full-on comedy. Ray Wise (Psych) milked his role as a possibly guilty priest for all it was worth and then some.

The nominees:

Adewale Akkinuoye-Agbaje (Monk) lightened up from his uber-serious Mr. Eko and showed that he had a great sense of humor as a mourning man in love and in need of Monk. Peter Gallagher (Californication) was an excellent flustered target for Hank’s shenanigans and one of the reasons this season was so great. Michael Sheen (30 Rock) proved that, while there isn’t only one Wesley Snipes, this one is pretty damn nerdy and funny. Rob Lowe (Parks and Recreation) brought a completely appropriate quirky character to a show full of them and blended in (or rather, stuck out) wonderfully.

The winner:

Brandon Routh (Chuck) enhanced NBC’s action comedy from his very first moment on screen as the coolest spy ever with a few secrets of his own.

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

This is the tenth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Lizzy Caplan, Michelle Forbes, Kandyse McClure, Melinda McGraw, Laura Ramsey

Emmy nominees: Shirley Jones, Ann-Margret, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mary Kay Place, Sissy Spacek, Lily Tomlin

Semi-finalists: Amy Acker (Human Target), Shohreh Aghdashloo (Flash Forward), Moon Bloodgood (Human Target), Tricia Helfer (Human Target), Mary McDonnell (The Closer), Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost), Grace Park (Human Target), Callie Thorne (Royal Pains), Callie Thorne (White Collar)

Finalists: Ally Walker (Sons of Anarchy) was both formidable and pathetic in the way that she played so closely and dangerously with the boys of SAMCRO. Abigail Spencer (Mad Men) was this season’s standout female who stole Don Draper’s attention. Courtney Ford (Human Target) made the possible silliness of her episode work well thanks to her concentrated and sharp performance. Autumn Reeser (Human Target) infused some much-needed female blood into an all-male team. Annabeth Gish (Flash Forward) was barely seen, but was easily one of the most enticing and mysterious figures of the season who should have earned more screen time.

The nominees:

Maura Tierney (Rescue Me) was dry, sarcastic, and an entirely loose cannon as the latest woman to throw Tommy for a loop. Lily Tomlin (Damages) played the part of a disgraced wife with elegance, poise, and a cutthroat edge. Emmanuelle Vaugier (Human Target) didn’t let Christopher Chance toss her aside and became an intricate and necessary part of the show. Courtney Ford (Dexter) was initially a distraction but became so much more due to her smart reading of an extremely complicated character.

The winner:

Summer Glau (Dollhouse) brilliantly played an instantly memorable and deeply disturbed technician whose emotions and connections were crucial and absolutely central to the show’s second season.

Next Up: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

This is the ninth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Patrick Fischler, Richard Hatch, Alessandro Juliani, John de Lancie, Stephen Root

Emmy nominees: Dylan Baker, Beau Bridges, Alan Cumming, Ted Danson, Gregory Itzin, John Lithgow, Robert Morse

Semi-finalists: Erick Avari (Human Target), Dylan Baker (The Good Wife), Craig Bierko (The Good Wife), Keith Carradine (Dexter), Kim Coates (Human Target), Alan Cumming (The Good Wife), Henry Ian Cusick (Lost), Alan Dale (Lost), M.C. Gainey (Justified), Lennie James (Human Target), Sean Maher (Human Target), William Mapother (Human Target), Dominic Monaghan (Lost), Mark Moses (Mad Men), Chris Mulkey (Human Target), Timothy Omundson (Human Target), Mark Pellegrino (Lost), Henry Rollins (Sons of Anarchy), Chelcie Ross (Mad Men), Kevin Weisman (Human Target)

Finalists: David Costabile (Breaking Bad) displayed a mesmerizing calm and desperate need for approval as Walt’s new lab assistant. Len Cariou (Damages) crafted a tragic portrait of a Madoff-like man desperate to leave his family with something. Dominic Chianese (Damages) played against type as a fully mentally-present money man and was just as compelling as Uncle Junior. Jared Harris (Mad Men) was by far the best part of the British invasion of Sterling Cooper. Raymond J. Barry (Justified) played the world’s worst father who straddled the line between good and bad in an extraordinarily gripping manner.

The nominees:

Allan Hyde (True Blood) was heartbreaking and, more importantly, actually believable as a centuries-old vampire ready to leave his life behind. John Lithgow (Dexter) was a perfect match for Dexter as a family man with a dark secret life. Adam Arkin (Sons of Anarchy) was intimidating and fearsome without ever raising his voice or showing his hand as the most severe threat to SAMCRO yet. Walton Goggins (Justified) played a character just as morally ambiguous as Shane Vendrell, and was a fantastic nemesis for Raylan.

The winner:

James Callis (Flash Forward) showed up midway through the season and immediately stole the show with his eccentric, disturbed key piece of the puzzle.

Next up: Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the eighth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Kristin Chenoweth, Jenna Fischer, Ashley Madekwe, Portia de Rossi, Vanessa Williams

Emmy nominees: Julie Bowen, Jane Krakowski, Jane Lynch, Holland Taylor, Sofia Vergara, Kristin Wiig

Semi-finalists: Sharon Gless (Burn Notice) – nominated in Emmy Drama category, Traylor Howard (Monk), Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation), Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), Maggie Lawson (Psych), Jayma Mays (Glee), Reshma Shetty (Royal Pains)

Finalists: Julie Bowen (Modern Family) had the very difficult job of being the straight man in a cast of wacky characters and pulled it off magnificently. Jenna Fischer (The Office) had two wonderful hour-long episodes to get married and have a baby and excelled in both of them. Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty) tried for her final revenge against the Meade family, and it was just as deliciously evil and fashionable as ever. Robyn Cohen (Gravity) was hypnotic in her all-too-few scenes as a quirky suicidal wife on Starz’s underseen cancelled series. Becki Newton (Ugly Betty) was energetic and clueless like always, and I can’t wait to see her in next role on NBC’s “Love Bites” sometime this coming season.

The nominees:

Jane Lynch (Glee) didn’t initially do much singing but stole every scene she was in with her harsh and incredible insults. Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) found a sticking series and a great role as the extremely Colombian and very often incomprehensible mother of one and wife of another. Portia de Rossi (Better Off Ted) burst bubbles and devastated dreams as the one and only Veronica Palmer in ABC’s tragically cancelled workplace comedy. Ellie Kemper (The Office) was this season’s best find as she came into her own as the permanent receptionist who was even sweeter and more willing to put up with Michael than her predecessor.

The winner:

Audrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation) was unrelentingly hilarious in what could have been a forgettable, throwaway part, and the way she dryly delivers every one of her lines is unparalleled.

Next up: Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the seventh category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Adam Baldwin, Rhys Darby, Chi McBride, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson

Emmy nominees: Ty Burrell, Chris Colfer, Jon Cryer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Neil Patrick Harris, Eric Stonestreet

Semi-finalists: Bruce Campbell (Burn Notice), Paulo Costanzo (Royal Pains), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), Jason Gray-Stanford (Monk), Ed Helms (The Office), Dulé Hill (Psych), Ted Levine (Monk), Rainn Wilson (The Office)

Finalists: Ed O’Neill (Modern Family) showed himself to be very layered after he gradually made his gruff patriarch somewhat sweet and endearing. Adam Baldwin (Chuck) didn’t have the spotlight in the show’s third season but that didn’t stop him from stealing every scene. Jeremy Piven (Entourage) and Rex Lee (Entourage) continued to make their declining show entertaining as they both found surprising new career options only slightly separate from each other. John Krasinski (The Office) couldn’t succeed as a manager, but his heartfelt portrayal of the new husband and father was one of the strongest parts of the show’s uneven season.

The nominees:

Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) was magnificently unconcerned with efficiency at his job and monumentally entertaining as the inimitable Ron Swanson. Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) could have created a flat stereotype, but instead crafted one of the most lavish and lovable characters on television. Eric Schaeffer (Gravity) was unrelenting in his fascinating portrayal of a peculiar cop with absolutely no filter who made his show worth watching even before it found its footing. Aziz Ansari (Parks and Recreation) didn’t have as much to do as the rest of his cast, but he never let an opportunity for a dumb or inappropriate comment get by him.

The winner:

Ty Burrell (Modern Family) found a perfect role for his droll humor and created a fantastically uncool dad who turned out to be the funniest new character on the funniest new comedy of the season.

Next up: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

This is the sixth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Hope Davis, Marcia Gay Harden, Tricia Helfer, Elizabeth Mitchell, Alison Pill

Emmy nominees: Christine Baranski, Rose Byrne, Sharon Gless, Christina Hendricks, Elisabeth Moss, Archie Panjabi

Semi-finalists: Morena Baccarin (V), Christine Baranski (The Good Wife), Erika Christensen (Parenthood), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife), Callie Thorne (Rescue Me), Laura Vandervoort (V), Natalie Zea (Justified)

Finalists: Linda Hunt (NCIS: Los Angeles) was unflinchingly hilarious as Hetty and managed to create an NCIS boss worthy of comparison to Gibbs. Mae Whitman (Parenthood) impressed just as much as the adults as the intelligent but troubled Amber. Michelle Forbes (True Blood) was fearsome and deliciously insane as the unstoppable Maryann. Kim Dickens (Treme) was an excellent representative of New Orleans tradition, struggling to keep her restaurant and the spirit of her city alive. Deborah Ann Woll (True Blood) turned what could have been a disaster of a character into a sympathetic, endearing new addition.

The nominees:

Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men) kept Peggy grounded as she started to see what her future might look like and began to debate other options. Joelle Carter (Justified) was instantly alluring and charming, and was just as unforgettable to audiences as she was to Raylan. Amy Acker (Dollhouse) proved to be someone completely different that she had seemed, and the transformation was fantastic. Tina Marjorino (The Deep End) was a wonderful, quirky part of an all too short-lived legal show who needs to be getting more work immediately.

The winner:

Maggie Siff (Sons of Anarchy) transformed completely when her character finally accepted her role as a SAMCRO old lady and beat the hell out of her hospital supervisor, creating an unrecognizable woman out of a once-timid girl.

Next up: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

This is the fifth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Jeremy Davies, Walton Goggins, Josh Holloway, Vincent Kartheiser, Brian F. O’Byrne

Emmy nominees: Andre Braugher, Michael Emerson, Terry O’Quinn, Aaron Paul, Martin Short, John Slattery

Semi-finalists: Nelsan Ellis (True Blood), Enver Gjokay (Dollhouse), Jackie Earle Haley (Human Target), Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), Chi McBride (Human Target), Dean Norris (Breaking Bad), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood)

Finalists: Campbell Scott (Damages) blurred the line between good and evil with his portrayal of a man struggling to cope with financial ruin and disgrace. Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad) was an astonishingly stoic and shrewd businessman with the most memorable of personal touches. Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad) connived his way around the latest of Walt’s misdeeds and came out seeming seedier than ever. Josh Charles (The Good Wife) delivered a heartfelt and realistic performance as a law firm partner with an all-too-obvious predilection for one of his junior associates. Bryan Batt (Mad Men) sent off Sal as one of the most endearing and tragic casualties of the 1960s.

The nominees:
Terry O’Quinn (Lost) played two roles and created a whole new character in the Man in Black, making the duality between the two of them utterly captivating. Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy) gave the gruff motorcycle gang leader a much-needed dosage of compassion. John Goodman (Treme) was instantly memorable as an outspoken government critic in New Orleans and became even more vital to the show as the season progressed. Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men) made Pete even more compelling as he took on a new shared position at Sterling Cooper.

The winner:

Martin Short (Damages) was unrecognizable without a fat suit and utterly mesmerizing as the Tobin family lawyer whose motivations and allegiances were never quite clear.

Next up: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the fourth category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.
Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Tina Fey, Natasha McElhone, Billie Piper, Amy Poehler, Yvonne Strahovski

Emmy nominees: Toni Collette, Edie Falco, Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lea Michele, Amy Poehler

Semi-finalists: None

Finalists: America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) sent Betty Suarez off with a wonderful final look at this unique and marvelous character. Krysten Ritter (Gravity) crafted an enormously intriguing personality out of a damaged girl who sells makeup at a department store and changes lives (watch this show!!!). Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds) took Nancy down an even slipperier path than ever as she struggled to hold on to her life and her sanity. Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck) actually changed as she combated her feelings for two different agents. Gabrielle Anwar (Burn Notice) refused to put up with Michael as usual as she helped her with even more shenanigans.

The nominees:

Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) was always airheaded but surprisingly talented and endearing as the hard-headed Leslie Knope. Billie Piper (Secret Diary of a Call Girl) went public but remained just as personal as she experimented with yet another doomed relationship. Tina Fey (30 Rock) handled hallucinations and more insurgency from her cast as comically brilliantly as ever. Jane Adams (Hung) was a surprisingly talented and altogether entertaining pimp for the show’s newfound gigolo.

The winner:

Lea Michele (Glee) led the cast of the season’s biggest sensation with perfect pitch not only in song but also as the unpopular perfectionist and perpetually performing Rachel Berry.

Next up: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the third category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.
Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Steve Carell, Jeffrey Donovan, Zachary Levi, Danny McBride, James Roday

Emmy nominees: Alec Baldwin, Steve Carell, Larry David, Matthew Morrison, Jim Parsons, Tony Shalhoub

Semi-finalists: Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Tim DeKay (White Collar), Mark Feuerstein (Royal Pains), Jason Schwartzman (Bored to Death)

Finalists: Tony Shalhoub (Monk) kept the obsessive-compulsive detective endearing as he closed the last of his open cases. Jeffrey Donovan (Burn Notice) remained hilariously sarcastic as he took on yet another mysterious enemy. Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) spewed typical ridiculousness as he went crazy for two women at the same time. Cory Monteith (Glee) makes dumb look so blissful as the musically talented but intellectually inept Finn Hudson. Matthew Bomer (White Collar) found a perfect role for his distinctive charm and charisma in art thief and forger extraordinaire Neal Caffrey.

The nominees:

David Duchovny (Californication) juggled three relationships as he embarked on an entertaining teaching job. Zachary Levi (Chuck) handled his new abilities with expected reserve and heart. James Roday (Psych) kept Shawn remarkably relaxed and aloof even as he encountered deadly enemies. Steve Carell (The Office) dealt with Dundler-Mifflin’s new form as clumsily and awkwardly as ever.

The winner:

Thomas Jane (Hung) created a compelling character from a down-on-his-luck teacher whose second job was to provide others with fulfillment, even if he wasn’t fulfilling himself.

Next up: Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

This is the second category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.
Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Annabeth Gish, January Jones, Mary McDonnell, Anna Paquin, Kyra Sedgwick

Emmy nominees: Connie Britton, Glenn Close, Mariska Hargitay, January Jones, Julianna Marguiles, Kyra Sedgwick

Semi-finalists: None.

Finalists: Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer) continued to lead Major Crimes with her distinctive style and Southern twang. Julianna Marguiles (The Good Wife) emerged from her husband’s show and helped CBS find itself a great new show. Melissa Leo (Treme) was a fierce, determined lawyer who valued her clients much more than they knew. Glenn Close (Damages) waged war on yet another villain, but had to contend with her own demons as well. Evangeline Lilly (Lost) tried to find her purpose and help set things straight with Claire and on the island.

The nominees:

January Jones (Mad Men) made like her husband and stepped out on her marriage, finally achieving some sort of fulfillment. Lauren Graham (Parenthood) was a snarky sibling and frustrated mother who was the comic heart of the Braverman family. Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad) wouldn’t stand for her husband’s lies anymore and made a staggering effort to reclaim her life. Anna Paquin (True Blood) took on a new enemy at home as supernatural creatures of all kinds harvested their obsession with her.

The winner:
Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy) suffered a brutal attack and heartbreakingly had to hide it from the men who loved her and stay strong, which she miraculously executed brilliantly.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series

This is the first category of the 4th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.
Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Michael Chiklis, Bryan Cranston, Michael C. Hall, Jon Hamm, Denis Leary

Emmy nominees: Kyle Chandler, Bryan Cranston, Matthew Foxx, Michael C. Hall, Jon Hamm, Hugh Laurie

Semi-finalists: None.

Finalists: Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) was fantastically unhinged as he waged war on his own club. Denis Leary (Resecue Me) was more self-destructive than ever as he helped his whole family fall off the wagon. Stephen Moyer (True Blood) kept himself together while wearing himself thin with Maenads and deadly vampires all around him. LL Cool J (NCIS: Los Angeles) was hilarious but also remarkably dedicated. Mark Valley (Human Target) became anyone he needed to and was just as effective and entertaining each time.

The nominees:
Jon Hamm (Mad Men) smooth-talked and flirted his way through another year as his wife distanced herself from him and a billionaire took an active interest in him. Michael C. Hall (Dexter) faced off with another serial killer and had to work hard to remind himself that they were different people as he became a father. Peter Krause (Parenthood) was the world’s most supportive dad, but he also had to deal with family issues from another generation in a role almost as good as Nate Fisher. Timothy Olyphant (Justified) took the law into his own hands in a marvelous role that fit him like a glove.

The winner:
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) took Walt down a darker path than he’s ever been down, and his seeming indifference to the things he was doing was mesmerizing and chilling.

Next up: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series