AFT Awards: Best Comedy Series

This is the twenty-second and final category of the 5th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. Nominees are listed in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Californication, Chuck, Modern Family, Parks and Recreation, Secret Diary of a Call Girl

Emmy nominees: The Big Bang Theory, Glee, Modern Family, The Office, Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock

Semi-finalists: Better With You, Burn Notice, Californication, Entourage, Glee, The Office, Psych, Royal Pains, 30 Rock, Weeds

Finalists: Episodes was a fresh, funny, often infuriating parody of show business and the Americanization of British originality. Chuck prepared for wedding bells and went through plenty of family drama with positive energy and enthusiasm. Bored to Death made the most of a small cast and truly unique and strange cases. Eastbound and Down had a weird, nutty second season, but it was still inspired and highly watchable. White Collar was smooth and funny while executing some truly nifty cons and capers.

The nominees:

Modern Family avoided any sort of sophomore slump with winning storylines and further exploration of its wonderful characters. Shameless brought together a spectacularly dysfunctional family with wild and incredible adventures. Hung allowed friction to build up between its business partners but remained just as fascinating and honest. The Big C brought a positive outlook to a terminal sentence, and once it found its rhythm, it became unmissable.

The winner:

Parks and Recreation was hands-down the most hilarious comedy on television, expanding its cast to include new players and staying true to its already existing characters with a seriously awesome third season.

Next up: That’s a wrap! Detailed Emmy winner predictions by category begin next week.

AFT Awards: Best Drama Series

This is the twenty-first category of the 5th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. Nominees are listed in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Breaking Bad, Dexter, Mad Men, Sons of Anarchy, True Blood

Emmy nominees: Boardwalk Empire, Dexter, Friday Night Lights, Game of Thrones, The Good Wife, Mad Men

Semi-finalists: The Chicago Code, The Closer, Covert Affairs, Hawaii Five-0, Human Target, In Treatment, No Ordinary Family, Parenthood, True Blood, Undercovers

Finalists: Sons of Anarchy deftly handled an international storyline and stayed on task while remaining extraordinarily compelling. Treme graduated to a second year with even more intriguing and complicated characters and storylines. The Walking Dead presented a wondrously fresh and chilling take on a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by zombies. Game of Thrones took some time to develop, but got really, really good by season’s end with its ever-revolving legions of royalty. Lights Out lived far too short a life as it told a fascinating one-season arc with honest, vulnerable characters.

The nominees:

Justified entered into its second season with fascinating new villains and a magnetic storyline. The Good Wife created mesmerizing scenarios and characters in its superior and strong second season. Dexter followed a fantastic fourth year with a deeply introspective and meaningful fifth year. Boardwalk Empire launched slowly out of the gate but proved to be exceptionally well-done and entirely intriguing.

The winner:

Mad Men refocused its fourth year with a new business and an equally enthralling cast of characters and series of events.

Next up: Best Comedy Series

AFT Awards: The “Threshold” Award for Best Cancelled Series

This is the twentieth category of the 5th Annual AFT Television Awards to be announced. This category is a special one, last given out four years ago, honoring those shows which died this past season. "Threshold", for those who do not know, was a fantastic science fiction drama that premiered in 2005 on CBS and was axed after only nine episodes (the DVD release contains four additional unaired episodes). Led by the great Carla Gugino and featuring a fun cast, the show began with an electrifying pilot surrounding an interesting type of alien invasion strategy. Unfortunately, the show premiered around the same time as two similar sci-fi series, the dreadful "Surface" and the impressive "Invasion". Both those shows outlived "Threshold" but ultimately did not make the cut for a renewal order. "Threshold" was the victim of a bad timeslot, and just to make it worse, CBS decided to renew a staggering six series from the 2005-2006 season. This category was suggested by a friend several years to be titled the "Firefly" award, but I hadn’t yet seen that show, which has a large enough fan base, thus, I would like to continue to honor the memory of "Threshold" with this award. In 2007, this category was only for shows that failed to live past, or even up to, their initial episode orders, but I’ve decided to include two sophomore shows this year.

The “Threshold” Award for Best Cancelled Series

Better With You (ABC)
This comedy was never superb, but it definitely had potential and deserved a chance over “Happy Endings” to join the ranks of ABC’s successful Wednesday night block. The cast was pretty great, featuring superb supporting performances from the likes of Josh Cooke and Kurt Fuller and a fine leading role for JoAnna Garcia. Given some time, it could have become truly endearing.

The Chicago Code (FOX)
This above-average cop drama featured strong characters and an enormously compelling season-long arc involving the corrupt Alderman Gibbons, played by Delroy Lindo. Jennifer Beals and Jason Clarke made a great team, and this show definitely deserved to stick around and stand out from the many less-than-thrilling procedurals that FOX continues to run.

Human Target (FOX)
This awesome action series was fortunate enough to get twenty-five episodes over the last two seasons, but I could have gone for dozens more installments. Adding in two ladies to the male-centric cast was fun, and there were so many more crazy scenarios which Christopher Chance could have handled with extraordinary aplomb.

Lights Out (FX)
Most cable shows have an easy shot at second season, but this stirring drama about an ailing fighter poised for a comeback didn’t make the cut with FX. Thirteen episodes was enough time to tell one truly intriguing and well-executed story, and while it concluded decently, it could definitely have done better with a few more years.

Undercovers (NBC)
I couldn’t understand why this show from J.J. Abrams failed so miserably and quickly. I enjoyed it quite a bit until its cancellation was announced, and even then I thought it had potential that wasn’t being entirely used. No-name stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Boris Kodjoe had good chemistry, and this show was decently exciting when it wanted to be and certainly didn’t deserve such a quick death.

V (ABC)
This show managed twenty-two episodes and had a rather rocky run after an iffy start and a slow-moving first half of its second season. Somewhere in there, however, there was an exciting action show just waiting to be born. A depressing finale didn’t do justice wrapping it up, and it had considerably more ground to cover.

And the winner is…
Human Target

Next up: Best Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Main Title Theme Music

This is the nineteenth category of the 5th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This is a special category designed to honor those select shows that still include opening credits with theme music. Nominees are listed in alphabetical order.

Best Main Title Theme Music
Emmy nominees: Any Human Heart, The Borgias, Camelot, Episodes, The Kennedys, Mildred Pierce

Honorable mentions: Boardwalk Empire, The Borgias, Haven, Mildred Pierce, Rizzoli & Isles

The nominees:







Rubicon (view and listen here)

The winner:



Next up: Best Cancelled Series

AFT Awards: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

This is the eighteenth category of the 5th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. For the directing and writing categories, I’ve included only honorable mentions rather than semi-finalists and finalists. Nominees are listed in the order I've ranked them.

Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Californication, Glee, Modern Family, Parks and Recreation, Party Down

Semi-finalists: Better With You, Burn Notice, Californication, Eastbound & Down, Entourage, Glee, Psych, Royal Pains, 30 Rock, Weeds, White Collar

Finalists: Hung utilized its tight-knit cast to extraordinary effect as they faced business and personal issues. Chuck kept things light as wedding bells loomed and their livelihoods were increasingly threatened. Episodes emphasized exaggeration and found the perfect players to make it entirely funny. White Collar made art crimes infinitely entertaining with its wise-cracking crew. Bored to Death made the most of uninteresting situations with a truly inspired trio and their various acquaintances.

The nominees:

Modern Family managed to become even more endearing in its second season with an entirely strong group of kids and adults making the jokes and the situations work. Shameless created a family unit as dysfunctional as ever, but the ensemble was fully functional and then some. The Big C crafted characters all at odds with one another using a cast that worked marvelously together. The Office may not have always been as strong as in years past, but the ensemble was still superb.

The winner:

Parks and Recreation made wacky plotlines work with a truly committed and dependable cast portraying extraordinarily awesome characters.

Next up: Best Main Title Theme Music

AFT Awards: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

This is the seventeenth category of the 5th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. For the directing and writing categories, I’ve included only honorable mentions rather than semi-finalists and finalists. Nominees are listed in the order I've ranked them.

Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Mad Men, Parenthood, Sons of Anarchy, Treme, True Blood

Semi-finalists: The Chicago Code, Covert Affairs, Dexter, The Glades, Human Target, In Treatment, Rescue Me, Rizzoli & Isles, True Blood, Undercovers

Finalists: Parenthood saw its family unit experience considerable trials and tribulations, and the fine cast continually kept the stories grounded. Sons of Anarchy stretched its ranks thin and demanded even more of the best from its increasingly crowded ensemble. The Closer conducted a search for a new chief, and each of the players helped make that process all the more entertaining. Game of Thrones was stocked full of supporting players, all of whom made an impact, no matter has small their role. Lights Out brought together a disjointed home and work family that felt entirely authentic.

The nominees:

The Good Wife utilized every one of its cast members to their utmost potential to milk the most stirring and sensational storylines possible. Treme founds its characters exploring new possibilities while still well representing their roots. Boardwalk Empire brought the 1920s to life with a cast of colorful – and corrupt – characters. Justified amplified its cast with one hell of a wicked family and absolutely astonishing performances all around.

The winner:

Mad Men blazed into a new era with a new company and new challenges, kept company by the same superb actors and actresses.

Next up: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Writing for a Comedy Series

This is the sixteenth category of the 5th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. For the directing and writing categories, I’ve included only honorable mentions rather than semi-finalists and finalists. Nominees are listed in alphabetical order.

Best Writing for a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Californication (The Apartment), Chuck (Chuck Versus the Beard), Glee (Showmance), Modern Family (Pilot), The Office (Niagara)

Emmy nominees: Episodes (Episode 107) , Louie (Poker/Divorce), Modern Family (Caught in the Act), The Office (Goodbye Michael), 30 Rock (Reaganing)

Honorable mentions: Episodes (Pilot), Hung (Sing It Again Ray or Home Plate), Modern Family (The Kiss), Modern Family (Halloween), Modern Family (Slow Down Your Neighbors), Modern Family (Caught in the Act), Parks and Recreation (The Fight), Shameless (It's Time to Kill the Turtle), 30 Rock (Brooklyn Without Limits)

The nominees:

The Big C (Happy Birthday Cancer)
The Office (Goodbye Michael)
Parks and Recreation (Fancy Party)
30 Rock (Double-Edged Sword)

On “The Big C,” Cathy celebrated a positive milestone with friends, while Michael departed “The Office” with grace. “Parks and Recreation” celebrated a surprisingly powerful union, while “30 Rock” showcased a rather hilarious split.

The winner:

Parks and Recreation (Flu Season) made getting sick as hilarious as possible for its already wacky characters.

Next up: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Directing for a Comedy Series

This is the fifteenth category of the 5th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. For the directing and writing categories, I’ve included only honorable mentions rather than semi-finalists and finalists. Nominees are listed in alphabetical order.

Best Directing for a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Chuck (Chuck Versus the Beard), Glee (Showmance), Modern Family (Pilot), The Office (Niagara), Parks and Recreation (The Practice Date)

Emmy nominees: How I Met Your Mother (Subway Wars), Modern Family (Halloween), Modern Family (Slow Down Your Neighbors), Modern Family (See You Next Fall), 30 Rock (Live Show)

Honorable mentions: The Big C (Happy Birthday Cancer), Episodes (Pilot), Glee (Duets), Glee (Silly Love Songs), Hung (Sing It Again Ray or Home Plate), Hung (The Middle East is Complicated), Modern Family (The Kiss), Modern Family (Halloween), Modern Family (Slow Down Your Neighbors), Modern Family (Caught in the Act), The Office (Search Committee), Parks and Recreation (Flu Season), Parks and Recreation (Fancy Party), Shameless (Pilot), 30 Rock (Double-Edged Sword)

The nominees:

The Office (Garage Sale)
The Office (Goodbye Michael)
Parks and Recreation (Harvest Festival)
Shameless (It’s Time to Kill the Turtle)

Michael bid the office adieu with two marvelously moving episodes in which he proposed and ultimately left Scranton. All of Leslie’s hard work came to fruition in a wonderfully crafted installment of “Parks and Recreation,” while “Shameless” gave Frank the chance to try being sober and see how his family members reacted.

The winner:

Parks and Recreation (The Fight) fleshed out all its characters in a magnificently-choreographed, snake-juice-fueled hilarious half hour.

Next up: Best Writing for a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Writing for a Drama Series

This is the fourteenth category of the 5th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. For the directing and writing categories, I’ve included only honorable mentions rather than semi-finalists and finalists. Nominees are listed in alphabetical order.

Best Writing for a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Breaking Bad (Full Measure), Dexter (Hungry Man), Flash Forward (No More Good Days), Justified (Pilot), Mad Men (Shut the Door, Have a Seat)

Emmy nominees: Friday Night Lights (Always), Game of Thrones (Baelor), The Killing (Pilot), Mad Men (Blowing Smoke), Mad Men (The Suitcase)

Honorable mentions: Boardwalk Empire (Anastasia), Boardwalk Empire (Nights in Ballygran), Dexter (Teenage Wasteland), Mad Men (The Good News), Mad Men (Waldorf Stories), Mad Men (The Beautiful Girls), Nikita (Pilot), Undercovers (Pilot), The Walking Dead (Pilot)

The nominees:

The Chicago Code (Pilot)
Game of Thrones (Fire and Blood)
The Good Wife (VIP Treatment)
Justified (Brother’s Keeper)

A corrupt Chicago was brilliantly set-up in the premiere of FOX’s short-lived series, while “Game of Thrones” set up its second season with plenty of intrigue. “The Good Wife” tackled a high-stakes case without ever showing the defendant, and “Justified” conveyed a terrifying realization by a child and how it played out rather tragically.

The winner:

Mad Men (Blowing Smoke) turned one of this show’s central themes on its head as it took a surprising turn put forth by its main character for solely selfish reasons.

Next up: Best Directing for a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Directing for a Drama Series

This is the thirteenth category of the 5th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. For the directing and writing categories, I’ve included only honorable mentions rather than semi-finalists and finalists. Nominees are listed in alphabetical order.

Best Directing for a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Breaking Bad (Full Measure), Dexter (Hungry Man), Dollhouse (Getting Closer), Flash Forward (No More Good Days), Mad Men (Shut the Door, Have a Seat)

Emmy nominees: Boardwalk Empire (Pilot), Boardwalk Empire (Anastasia), The Borgias (The Poisoned Chalice/The Assassin), Game of Thrones (Winter is Coming), The Killing (Pilot)

Honorable mentions: Boardwalk Empire (Pilot), Boardwalk Empire (Anastasia), Boardwalk Empire (Paris Green), The Chicago Code (Mike Royko's Revenge), The Closer (War Zone), The Closer (Old Money), Dexter (Teenage Wasteland), Dexter (Hop a Freighter), Game of Thrones (Baelor), The Good Wife (VIP Treatment), The Good Wife (Getting Off), Justified (Brother's Keeper), Justified (Reckoning), The Killing (Missing), Mad Men (The Good News), Mad Men (Waldorf Stories), Mad Men (The Suitcase), Mad Men (Blowing Smoke), Rubicon (Pilot), Undercovers (Pilot)

The nominees:

Boardwalk Empire (Nights in Ballygran)
Game of Thrones (Fire and Blood)
Mad Men (The Beautiful Girls)
Sons of Anarchy (Bainne)

The fifth installment of “Boardwalk Empire” fleshed out its supporting characters and gave them an edge, while the season finale of “Game of Thrones” brought all its most interesting arcs to a fantastic tipping point. “Mad Men” provided one of its most entertaining episodes to date, featuring the rather sinkable Miss Blankenship, and “Sons of Anarchy” offered a moving showcase of a parent’s love for his son.

The winner:

The Walking Dead (Pilot) brought zombies to marvelous life with an innovative and fatalistic series debut.

Next up: Best Writing for a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the twelfth category of the 5th 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: Eva Amurri, Kristin Chenoweth, Embeth Davidtz, Diane Farr, Kristin Kreuk

Emmy nominees: Elizabeth Banks, Kristin Chenoweth, Tina Fey, Dot Marie-Jones, Cloris Leachman, Gwyneth Paltrow

Semi-finalists: Kristin Chenoweth (Glee), Megan Mullally (Parks and Recreation), Alanna Ubach (Hung)

Finalists: Harriet Sansom Harris (Desperate Housewives) was delightfully deranged in a very welcome recurring return. Gabourey Sidibe (The Big C) proved that her film debut wasn’t a fluke with this surprisingly fresh and unapologetic part. Charice Pempengco (Glee) barely had anything to do but made a magnificent impression in the course of just two appearances. Parker Posey (Parks and Recreation) was impossible impolite and entirely committed to crafting the meanest person Pawnee has ever seen. Alanis Morissette (Weeds) lent unexpected depth and personality to one of Andy’s inevitably disastrous flings that almost worked out.

The nominees:

Cynthia Nixon (The Big C) was brash, bold, and didn’t hold anything back as a self-centered friend of Cathy’s with an intriguing attraction to Sean. Emily Bergl (Desperate Housewives) was instantly enticing and mysterious, hypnotic until her character arc came to a tragic, fitting end. Gwyneth Paltrow (Glee) demonstrated a warm, playful spirit and a gamesmanship that allowed her to share the spotlight with a bunch of teenagers. Autumn Reeser (Entourage) was passionate, immutable, and a bright spot in an otherwise less than notable season.

The winner:

Joan Cusack (Shameless) owned her deeply phobic character and made Sheila one of the most intriguing parts of each and every episode.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the eleventh category of the 5th 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: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Peter Gallagher, Rob Lowe, Brandon Routh, Michael Sheen

Emmy nominees: Will Arnett, Matt Damon, Idris Elba, Zach Galifianakis, Nathan Lane, Justin Timberlake

Semi-finalists: William Devane (Psych), Cary Elwes (Psych), Will Forte (30 Rock), Victor Garber (30 Rock), Brian Austin Green (Desperate Housewives), Ken Howard (30 Rock), Liam Neeson (The Big C), Reid Scott (The Big C), >John Slattery (30 Rock), John Stamos (Glee), Carl Weathers (Psych), Dean Winters (30 Rock)

Finalists: Nestor Carbonell (Psych) had fun playing serious and giving Shawn a true professional and romantic rival. Cheyenne Jackson (Glee) didn’t have much of a chance to shine, but his vindictive glee club director was energetic and hilarious. Darren Criss (Glee) stole the show away from all the other Warblers and New Directions kids within moments of his first appearance, playing a truly angelic and sympathetic teenager. James Spader (The Office) did his own thing in the season finale, and his soul-destroying character turned out to be just the right fit for the show. Will Ferrell (The Office) meshed well enough with the other people in the office, playing clueless with a good mix of stubborn and creating a fine temporary replacement for Michael.

The nominees:

Justin Chatwin (Shameless) played a professional liar with grace and honesty, creating one of the most fascinating characters on a show full of fascinating characters. Matt Damon (30 Rock) did a spectacular send-up of a flight attendant caught up in his job and made the most of his few appearances. Idris Elba (The Big C) was a distraction from Cathy’s pain but proved to be far more memorable and righteous than he needed to be. Lennie James (Hung) served as counsel for Tanya but added far ore to the show with his sarcastic demeanor.

The winner:

Michael Rosenbaum (Breaking In) demonstrated that he can be incredibly funny with his first notable role since Lex Luthor and helped to liven up an otherwise unexciting show.

Next up: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

This is the tenth category of the 5th 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: Courtney Ford, Summer Glau, Maura Tierney, Lily Tomlin, Emmanuelle Vaugier

Emmy nominees: Cara Buono, Joan Cusack, Randee Heller, Loretta Devine, Mary McDonnell, Julia Stiles, Alfre Woodard

Semi-finalists: None.

Finalists: Cara Buono (Mad Men) represented a female equal of Don’s with a clear drive but the same weaknesses as any woman that encounters Don. Anika Noni Rose (The Good Wife) came from out of nowhere as a candidate, but the character and performance were layered and complex. Mary McDonnell (The Closer) managed to create an eccentric cop with enough quirky personality tics to almost upstage the show’s star. Jessica Paré (Mad Men) captured Don’s heart but also managed to entice audiences with her sweet and corruptible portrayal. Linda Gehringer (Justified) sent out her character with a memorable and powerful exit.

The nominees:

Julia Stiles (Dexter) crafted a vulnerable ally for Dexter who saw the world in a similar way but, unlike her predecessors, didn’t have an ulterior motive. Ally Walker (Sons of Anarchy) went off the deep end trying to manipulate everyone around her. Kaitlyn Dever (Justified) was a scared child marooned in a frightening adult world. Randee Heller (Mad Men) was hilariously cranky and crotchety as the unsinkable (well, not quite) Miss Blankenship.

The winner:

Rebecca Creskoff (Justified) burst onto the scene determined to get her way and walk all over everyone in Harlan, and her downfall proved absolutely enthralling to watch.

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 5th 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: Adam Arkin, James Callis, Walton Goggins, Allan Hyde, John Lithgow

Emmy nominees: Beau Bridges, Jeremy Davies, Bruce Dern, Michael J. Fox, Paul McCrane, Robert Morse

Semi-finalists: Kevin Alejandro (Parenthood), Raymond J. Barry (Justified), Jeremy Davies (Justified), Michael Emerson (Parenthood), James Frain (True Blood), Peter Gallagher (Rescue Me), Brad William Henke (Justified), Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire), Joe Manganiello (True Blood), Titus Welliver (Sons of Anarchy)

Finalists: Robert Morse (Mad Men) with out with a memorable huff as he finally reached his breaking point. Dallas Roberts (The Good Wife) managed not to be over-the-top in a role that could easily have gotten him carried away. Peter Weller (Dexter) was a great dirty cop with a serious vindictive edge. Noah Emmerich (The Walking Dead) conveyed despair and hopelessness within seconds as a last survivor unwilling to consider the possibility of a happy ending. Hal Holbrook (Sons of Anarchy) played a man his age with tragic problems.

The nominees:

Lennie James (The Walking Dead) provided a sharp, brutal introduction to the world of zombies with an almost detached resolve. Michael J. Fox (The Good Wife) made an immediate impression with his purposefully manipulative and shrewd lawyer. Mark Moses (Mad Men) returned as a man defeated and on his last legs in an alternately sad and funny performance. Jonny Lee Miller (Dexter) gave depth to a public personality with an awfully disturbing private life.

The winner:

Eamonn Walker (Lights Out) emerged from his own world determined to make his mark on the lives of others with a fierce and always frightening intensity.

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 5th 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: Ellie Kemper, Jane Lynch, Aubrey Plaza, Portia de Rossi, Sofia Vergara

Emmy nominees: Julie Bowen, Jane Krakowski, Jane Lynch, Kristen Wiig, Sofia Vergara, Betty White

Semi-finalists: Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation), Ellie Kemper (The Office) Maggie Lawson (Psych), Jane Lynch (Glee), Debra Jo Rupp (Better With You), Vanessa Williams (Desperate Housewives)

Finalists: Jenna Fischer (The Office) continued to serve as the de facto voice of reason in the office with a charming and hopeful outlook. Phyllis Somerville (The Big C) was crabby and complex, creating the perfect neighbor for the singular Cathy. Anne Heche (Hung) let herself be vulnerable and showed an unseen side of herself as she contemplated what she really wanted. Emma Kenney (Shameless) infused Deb with an impossible maturity that made her the heart of the show rather than just a cute kid. Natasha McElhone (Californication) believably portrayed a woman who knew what was bad for her and was hopeless not to do it anyway.

The nominees:

Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation) didn’t let big life changes infuse any more enthusiasm or empathy in her behavior. Kathleen Rose Perkins (Episodes) turned what could have been a one-note role into a hilarious part that demanded more screen time. Julie Bowen (Modern Family) and Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) contributed to their family dynamic with motherly overbearing love in drastically different yet equally hilarious ways.

The winner:

Rebecca Creskoff (Hung) stole the spotlight every time she appeared on this show, walking all over other characters as if they were nothing to her with an irresistible cruelty.

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 5th 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: Aziz Ansari, Ty Burrell, Nick Offerman, Eric Schaeffer, Eric Stonestreet

Emmy nominees: Ty Burrell, Chris Colfer, Jon Cryer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ed O’Neill, Eric Stonestreet

Semi-finalists: Adam Baldwin (Chuck), Paulo Costanzo (Royal Pains), Ted Danson Bored to Death), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), Zach Galifianakis (Bored to Death), Willie Garson (White Collar), Alexander Gould (Weeds), Ed Helms (The Office), Dule Hill (Psych), Justin Kirk (Weeds), John Krasinski (The Office), Cameron Monaghan (Shameless), Tracy Morgan (30 Rock), Mark Moses (Desperate Housewives), Oliver Platt (The Big C), Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation)

Finalists: Jeremy Allen White (Shameless) delivered an honest, unapologetic performance as the oldest son in an incredibly complicated family. Josh Cooke (Better With You) got all the best lines and delivered them with frantic gusto on this short-lived show. Aziz Ansari (Parks and Recreation) continued to gain dorky excitement out of the simplest of things and his attempts to work on his personal branding with little success. Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation) was the straight man and fish out of water in Pawnee, and conveyed his bewilderment with pitch-perfect astonished expressions. Kurt Fuller (Better With You) turned a conventional father into a character that earned many laughs with his staunch delivery of his dialogue.

The nominees:

John Benjamin Hickey (The Big C) made being homeless by choice and anti-establishment appealing with his scene-stealing performance. Rob Lowe (Parks and Recreation) made universal enthusiasm about the dullest subjects seem real. Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) and Ty Burrell (Modern Family) turned in fine season two performances as the flamboyant exaggerator Cameron and dorky dad Phil.

The winner:

Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) used his mustache, love for meat, and distaste for actual productivity to craft this season’s funniest and most endearingly awesome character, Ron Swanson.

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 5th 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: Amy Acker, Joelle Carter, Tina Marjorino, Elisabeth Moss, Maggie Siff

Emmy nominees: Christine Baranski, Michelle Forbes, Christina Hendricks, Kelly Macdonald, Margo Martindale, Archie Panjabi

Semi-finalists: Christine Baranski (The Good Wife), Erika Christensen (Parenthood), January Jones (Mad Men), Janet Montgomery (Human Target), Indira Varma (Human Target), Deborah Ann Woll (True Blood), Natalie Zea (Justified)

Finalists: Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) took on a prominent role once again and charged headstrong through familiar obstacles. Debra Winger (In Treatment) staged a stirring comeback with her portrayal of a broken-down again actress. Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) proved that small and female can mean the opposite of having no power. Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones) was the young standout of an ensemble with a decided fierceness and yearning to achieve more than what might be expected of her. Kim Dickens (Treme) was off on her own in terms of story this season, but managed to keep the character grounded and inspirational.

The nominees:

Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife) improved on a breakout freshman year with an even more enticing and immensely watchable portrayal of a woman with too many secrets known only to herself. Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire) was the foil to the vicious, manipulative Nucky, who experienced a staggering transition from patsy to mastermind in her own right. Maggie Siff (Sons of Anarchy) faced distance just as she got too close and handled it with admirable aplomb and viciousness. Mae Whitman (Parenthood) went through quite a lot and turned in an honest, heartfelt portrait of a teenager in trouble.

The winner:

Margo Martindale (Justified) finally got a leading role that enabled her to demonstrate the extent of villainy that can be hidden behind a friendly face and a kindly accent.

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 5th 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: John Goodman, Vincent Kartheiser, Terry O’Quinn, Ron Perlman, Martin Short

Emmy nominees: Andre Braugher, Josh Charles, Alan Cumming, Peter Dinklage, Walton Goggins, John Slattery

Semi-finalists: Dane DeHaan (In Treatment), Nelsan Ellis (True Blood), Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs), Jackie Earle Haley (Human Target), Delroy Lindo (The Chicago Code), Simon McBurney (The Borgias), Michael Pitt (Boardwalk Empire), Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy), Michael K. Williams (Boardwalk Empire)

Finalists: Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men) remained steadfast as he encountered a new climate and unexpected circumstances. Alan Cumming (The Good Wife) took an active role in campaigning his candidate and even got a few storylines all his own. John Slattery (Mad Men) encountered diverse challenges in his fresh role in a new firm. Irrfan Khan (In Treatment) crafted a complex, emotional man lost in his life. Alexander Skarsgard (In Treatment) had more to do than ever before and proved charming and detestable all at the same time.

The nominees:

Jared Harris (Mad Men) showed a deeper side of his character as he did his best to meld into an American company and break free from his father’s shadow. Josh Charles (The Good Wife) made an ordinary character come alive with personality and panache. Michael Shannon (Boardwalk Empire) created a fiercely unhinged character and kept him marvelously and magnetically controlled. Walton Goggins (Justified) took his character to an entirely new and fascinating level, skirting with obeying the law and turning his life around.

The winner:

Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) stole his show from an entire ensemble with his witty, sardonic personality and commitment to honoring the Lannister tradition of always paying his debts.

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 5th 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: Jane Adams, Tina Fey, Lea Michele, Billie Piper, Amy Poehler

Emmy nominees: Edie Falco, Tina Fey, Laura Linney, Melissa McCarthy, Martha Plimpton, Amy Poehler

Semi-finalists: Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives)

Finalists: Tina Fey (30 Rock) fought ridiculousness with funny as the ever-wacky Liz Lemon. Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds) was irresistible on the run in her wildest season yet. JoAnna Garcia (Better With You) was the charming heart of her short-lived show. Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck) revealed a great deal more of Sarah’s inner emotions than ever before. Gabriella Anwar (Burn Notice) kept up her token fiery spirit and gun-friendly attitude.

The nominees:

Emmy Rossum (Shameless) was one of this year’s breakout female stars, stealing her show from a large cast of men as their fearless and thinly-stretched matriarch. Laura Linney (The Big C) burst onto the scene with an unmatched lust for life just as Cathy found out that her life might soon be coming to an end. Jane Adams (Hung) had plenty more insanity in her life as she fought a physical enemy to hold on to what was rightfully hers. Tamsin Greig (Episodes) did a magnificent job of portraying the lone voice of reason in an entirely absurd world.

The winner:

Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) commanded every one of her episodes with pep, smiles, and an impossible passion for the government.

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 5th 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 Carrell, Louis C.K., Johnny Galecki, Matt LeBlanc, Jim Parsons

Semi-finalists: Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Tim DeKay (White Collar), Jeffrey Donovan (Burn Notice), David Duchovny (Californication)

Finalists: Danny McBride (Eastbound & Down) made more of a fool of himself than ever before as a non-Spanish speaker in Mexico. Matt LeBlanc (Episodes) was game to mock himself with a surprisingly layered self-portrayal. Zachary Levi (Chuck) entered the next stage of his personal life as his spy life intensified even more. James Roday (Psych) continued to solve cases with a distinctively false and hilarious style. Matthew Bomer (White Collar) lent his distinctive personality and charm to con anyone less clever than him.

The nominees:

Thomas Jane (Hung) found himself being pulled in many directions but never compromised the services he offered to his clients. William H. Macy (Shameless) was fiercely committed to being a deadbeat deranged dad. Steve Carell (The Office) smartly spent his last year in the office at the top of his game. Ed O’Neill (Modern Family) carried the only true lead role on his ensemble with a signature sarcastic attitude.

The winner:

Jason Schwartzman (Bored to Death) displayed an inimitable enthusiasm for the dullest of cases, sentences, and words, constantly elevating his show to an entirely higher level.

Next up: Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series