AFT Awards: Best Comedy Series

This is the twenty-first and final category of the 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Babylon, Jane the Virgin, Orange is the New Black, Parks and Recreation, Veep

Emmy nominees: Black-ish, Master of None Modern Family, Silicon Valley, Transparent, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Veep

Semi-finalists: Doll and Em, Galavant, Grandfathered, House of Lies, iZombie, Life in Pieces, Master of None, Significant Mother, The Brink, The Detour, The Grinder, Transparent, Veep, You're the Worst

Finalists: Jane the Virgin entered its second set of chapters with a renewed commitment to great character development and fantastic soapy storytelling. Girls was better than it’s been in a while with resounding installments about its characters and their life choices. Togetherness came to a tragically truncated end with a superb second year filled with moving and entertaining moments. Silicon Valley graduated its characters to a new level of success and didn’t stop hitting them with comic obstacles. Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll was a hilarious and perfectly over-the-top portrait of musicians past their prime and fully unable to see it.

The nominees:

You, Me, Her was a charming, inventive look at an unconventional relationship and its major players. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend was a marvelously creative genre hybrid that never failed to enthrall and entertain. Shameless continued to be great in its sixth season, proving that its characters have many more great stories to tell. Orange is the New Black covered new ground and introduced new faces in a very strong third season.

The winner:

Casual was fresh, funny, and totally unmissable, presenting two adults and one teenager with plenty of relationship baggage and lots of great material to cover.

Next up: That’s a wrap! The Emmy Awards are coming up very soon, so stay tuned this week for episode analysis and predictions, with fall pilot reviews to follow!

AFT Awards: Best Drama Series

This is the twentieth category of the 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Breaking Bad, Justified, Person of Interest, Ray Donovan, Sons of Anarchy

Emmy nominees: The Americans, Better Call Saul, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Homeland, House of Cards, Mr. Robot

Semi-finalists: 12 Monkeys, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Banshee, Daredevil, Dark Matter, Downton Abbey, House of Cards, Legends of Tomorrow, Limitless, Longmire, Minority Report, Person of Interest, Rectify, Sense8, Supergirl, The Catch, The Flash, The Leftovers, The Man in the High Castle, The Walking Dead

Finalists: Orphan Black moved on from its season three premise to an even more chilling storyline that brought back the original clone not seen alive since the show’s pilot. Mr. Robot was an indescribably mesmerizing look at the corruption of financial institutions that enthralled repeatedly. Billions created two magnificent central characters at war and built a superb show around them. Humans was a quiet British import on a popular American network that managed to craft a fresh approach to the subject of artificial intelligence. Game of Thrones charged into its sixth seasons with a commitment to miraculous moments and telling a truly tremendous tale.

The nominees:

Jessica Jones was the darkest offering Marvel has made yet, with an exceptional premise and great writing, acting, and direction to make it absolutely vital watching. The Affair gambled on a new format that paid off very well, eliciting excellence in all elements. Ray Donovan dealt with guilt and religion on a whole new level in its latest chapter of fixer family drama. Better Call Saul made a bold move not to focus entirely on its protagonist and showed its ability to intriguing all on its own without constantly relying on the show that spun it off.

The winner:

Narcos was completely captivating from its first moment, making the story of Pablo Escobar into ten mini-movies, each more enticing than the next. Its subtitles only made it more impactful and engaging.

Next up: Best Comedy Series

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

This is the nineteenth category of the 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. This category is a special one, given out four times in the past six years, 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 honor the memory of "Threshold" with this award.

The “Threshold” Award for Best Cancelled Series

The Brink (HBO): This show featured Jack Black as an unpopular Pakistani embassy employee and Tim Robbins as a sex-crazed secretary of state was so absurd that it shouldn’t have worked, but it proved to be tremendously entertaining. Why HBO decided to reverse its renewal and continue only with “Ballers” is a mystery - I would have enjoyed seeing more of this political parody.

Granfathered (Fox): I don’t think one ever got great reviews but it was a crowdpleaser. John Stamos matched his ability to not age with a fine performance as a man suddenly gifted with both a grown son and a young granddaughter, and he wasn’t even the best member of the cast - that honor goes to Paget Brewster. This show was genuinely funny, and I especially liked Josh Peck and Cristina Millian as the new parents who actually seemed to work together pretty well as a couple in the end.

The Grinder (Fox): This show got better reviews from its timeslot companion and even scored a Golden Globe nomination for Rob Lowe, who for the first time was actually the lead on a show he claimed to be. His hilarious lead performance matched with Fred Savage’s more down-to-earth turn worked well, and this show embraced its silliness and used it to maximum effect for the episodes it got.

Limitless (CBS): This show came the closest to being renewed, initially not mentioned when all of the network’s other series were being picked up. I still haven’t seen the movie that inspired this show, but I really enjoyed the creative way in which this show portrayed the use of a mind-altering drug. Jake McDorman’s performance is another thing I’ll miss very much, as well as his dynamic with costar Jennifer Carpenter.

Minority Report (Fox): This show was dead almost at the beginning of the season, but I enjoyed it a lot. The remake of one of my favorite sci-fi movies from the last decade or two never plummeted in quality the same way “Terra Nova” and “Almost Human” both did after tremendous starts. This show may never have been that great, but it certainly deserved a longer life that what it got.

Significant Mother (CW): This show technically hasn’t been cancelled, but many sites that track such things are reporting it as presumed dead because nothing’s been written about it in over a year. Its title was clever and its premise very funny, and I wanted to see more than just nine episodes of what could have well turned into an enduring comedy.

Next up: Best Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

This is the eighteenth category of the 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Babylon, Jane the Virgin, Parks and Recreation, Transparent, Veep

Semi-finalists: Casual, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Galavant, Girls, Grace and Frankie, Grandfathered, House of Lies, iZombie, Married, Modern Family, Significant Mother, The Brink, The Detour, The Grinder, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, You're the Worst

Finalists: Silicon Valley saw its entrepreneurs encounter even more absurd obstacles to handle with monotone sarcasm. Togetherness used all of its assets to their utmost potential as they battled the realities of adulthood and parenthood. Jane the Virgin told its next handful of chapters with a fully committed and delightful cast. Life in Pieces found a talented and funny set of actors to anchor its family-centric vignettes. Transparent tackled comedy and drama with a remarkable group of players.

The nominees:

Orange is the New Black presented so many different people with storied backgrounds and found enormously competent actors to portray them. Veep endured a contested election with the same absurdity and sardonic energy from all of its cast members. You, Me, Her was a creative and wonderfully welcome adventure with excitable and energetic performers involved. Shameless was as off-the-rails as ever, with its entire cast continuing to tow the line between screwball comedy and devastating drama.

The winner:

Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll followed in the footsteps of “Rescue Me,” with Denis Leary assembling just the right people around him to create an irresistible and immensely watchable unit of messed-up musicians.

Next up: Best Cancelled Series

AFT Awards: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

This is the seventeenth category of the 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Justified, The Leftovers, The Newsroom, Ray Donovan, Sons of Anarchy

Semi-finalists: Banshee, Dark Matter, Humans, Legends of Tomorrow, Limitless, Longmire, Orphan Black, Person of Interest, Rectify, Sense8, The Catch, The Flash, The Good Wife, The Leftovers

Finalists: Ray Donovan added rich recurring players to its already multi-faceted and highly effective dramatic team. Better Call Saul focused on its supporting personalities, enabling them to add their experiences to the main story. Mr. Robot had an electric lead and surrounded him with even more dynamic and gripping characters. Billions was all about the scenery-chewing on many fronts, pairing two fierce rivals and giving them plenty of support on either side. House of Cards scored eight acting Emmy nominations this season, and that doesn’t even account for some of the richest performances in this crowded but compelling ensemble.

The nominees:

The Affair gave its two scorned spouses a spotlight and made their lives and the people in them just as intriguing. Narcos utilized an international cast to utmost effect, dramatizing an incredible saga with a superb showcase of actors from all over. Game of Thrones has so much going on that there’s bound to be dozens of great turns in a given episode, and this season only expanded on that. Downton Abbey aired its final year with an acutely committed cast prepared to offer period entertainment until the very end.

The winner:

Jessica Jones centered on two magnetic enemies, yet it spared no expense on its other players, ensuring that they had rich storylines to enhance the overall show.

Next up: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Writing for a Comedy Series

This is the sixteenth category of the 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Writing for a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Chapter One (Jane the Virgin), One Last Ride (Parks and Recreation), Milk of the Gods (Shameless), Pilot (iZombie), Female Author (Girls)

Emmy nominees: Episode 1 (Catastrophe), Parents (Master of None), Founder Friendly (Veep), The Uptick (Silicon Valley), Morning After (Veep), Mother (Veep)

cSemi-finalists: A Tittin' and a Hairin' (Orange is the New Black), Catherine Sanders (Grandfathered), Good Man (Girls), I Love You Baby (Girls), Nashville (Master of None), Paradise Lost (Shameless), Sleep No More (Shameless), Some Guy I'm Seeing (Grandfathered), There Will Be Consequences (The Brink), Where My Dreidel At? (Orange is the New Black), Just the Range (Togetherness)

Finalists: Pilot (Casual), The One True King To Unite Them All (Galavant), Josh and I Are Good People! (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Hotels (Togetherness), Take My Picture by the Pool (Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll)

The nominees:

The Other Man (Master of None)
Pilot (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend)
The Morning After (You, Me, Her)
Bottles (Casual)

The funniest episode of Aziz Ansari’s new show found his character at his most fantastically mature with a superb duo of guest stars. The debut installment of the incomparable CW musical comedy was full of creativity. Two particularly transformative episodes of the year’s two best new relationship-based dramedies saw their characters through crises with enormous depth.

The winner:

Pilot (You, Me, Her) was a joyously fresh look at a relationship that proved irresistibly intriguing and necessitated an immediate commitment to the show.

Next up: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Directing for a Comedy Series

This is the fifteenth category of the 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Directing for a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Episode 3 (Babylon), Pilot (iZombie), Chapter One (Jane the Virgin), One Last Ride (Parks and Recreation), Kick the Can (Togetherness)

Emmy nominees: Parents (Master of None), Daily Active Users (Silicon Valley), Founder Friendly (Silicon Valley), Man on the Land (Transparent), Kissing Your Sister (Veep), Morning After (Veep), Mother (Veep)

Semi-finalists: Advanced Pretend (Togetherness), Bottles (Casual), Episode 2 (Doll and Em), Familia Supra Gallegorious Omnia! (Shameless), For the Kids (Togetherness), The Cure (Grandfathered, The F Word (Shameless), There Is Not Currently a Problem (You're the Worst), Trust No Bitch (Orange is the New Black)

Finalists: Pilot (You, Me, Her), The T Word (You, Me, Her), Sand Situation (Togetherness), Mother's Day (Orange is the New Black), Salivation Army (iZombie)

The nominees:

Nashville (Master of None)
Japan (Girls)
Pilot (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend)
Pilot (Casual)

The most visually and emotionally engaging episode of Aziz Ansari’s new comedy featured a spur-of-the-moment out-of-town date. Shoshannah transformed into an entirely different person in a dazzling and intoxicating foreign setting. Two of this season’s best new shows got off to great starts with a musical debut and a more standard but untraditional setup.

The winner:

The Panic in Central Park (Girls) felt like a dream, taking one character from its regular cast and inserting her into an intoxicating adventure featuring someone she thought was long from her past.

Next up: Best Writing for a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Writing for a Drama Series

This is the fourteenth category of the 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Writing for a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: The Garveys at Their Best (The Leftovers), Main Justice (The Newsroom), Run (The Newsroom), The Forecast (Mad Men), Until You're Blue (Rectify)

Emmy nominees: Persona Non Grata (The Americans), Episode 8 (Downton Abbey), Battle of the Bastards (Game of Thrones), End (The Good Wife), eps1.0_hellofriend.mov (Mr. Robot), Return (UnREAL)

Semi-finalists: Bali Ha'i (Better Call Saul), Handshake Deal (Ray Donovan), Pilot (Billions)

Finalists: AKA Sin Bin (Jessica Jones), AKA WWJD (Jessica Jones), Chapter 49 (House of Cards), Nailed (Better Call Saul), Klick (Better Call Saul)

The nominees:

The Same Boat (The Walking Dead)
AKA Ladies Night (Jessica Jones)
The Winds of Winter (Game of Thrones)
eps1.0_hellofriend.mov (Mr. Robot)

AMC’S post-apocalyptic drama examined another group of survivors and their grim outlook on life. Netflix’s dark new drama introduced its fascinating story with this unforgettable debut. The best episode of HBO’s immensely popular fantasy series rolled every storyline it could think of into one tremendous finale. USA’s hacker drama got off to an electric start with a double-decker pilot that felt like a film in itself.

The winner:

Descensos (Narcos) was an immensely engaging hour of television, proving that subtitles are well worth it if the writing is rich enough.

Next up: Best Directing for a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Directing for a Drama Series

This is the thirteenth category of the 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Directing for a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: The Garveys at their Best (The Leftovers), If-Then-Else (Person of Interest), Five-O (Better Call Saul), Episode 7 (The Affair), Rakshasa (The Bridge)

Emmy nominees: Episode 9 (Downton Abbey), Battle of the Bastards (Game of Thrones), The Door (Game of Thrones), The Tradition of Hospitality (Homeland), This Is All We Are (The Knick), Exsuscito (Ray Donovan)

Semi-finalists: AKA Ladies Night (Jessica Jones), Amarillo (Better Call Saul), Battle of the Basterds (Game of Thrones), Gloves Off (Better Call Saul), I Can't Leave Her (Sense8), International Assassin (The Leftovers), Just Turn the Wheel and the Future Changes (Sense8), Pilot (Billions), Pilot (Minority Report), Requiem (Banshee), Synedoche (Person of Interest), The Same Boat (The Walking Dead)

Finalists: Chapter 49 (House of Cards), 4,722 Hours (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), High Noon (Longmire), The Day the World Went Away (Person of Interest), Better Angels (Supergirl)

The nominees:

eps1.0_hellofriend.mov (Mr. Robot)
Descensos (Narcos)
AKA Sin Bin (Jessica Jones)
AKA WWJD (Jessica Jones)

The series debuts of USA’s hacker drama and Netflix’s Spanish-language cartel saga were magnificently staged and tremendously well-done. Though its pilot was also great, Netflix’s other awesome new drama really hit its stride right in the middle of its dark journey with these two mesmerizing installments.

The winner:

The Winds of Winter (Game of Thrones) one-upped every intense hour the show has produced yet, with a marvelous mix of music, majesty, and suspense.

Next up: Best Writing for a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the twelfth category of the 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work 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: Sasha Alexander, Gillian Jacobs, Yara Martinez, Bridget Regan, Andrea Savage

Emmy nominees: Christine Baranski, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, Melora Hardin, Melissa McCarthy, Laurie Metcalf, Amy Schumer

Semi-finalists: Aly Michalka (iZombie), Amy Landecker (Married), Andrea Savage (The Grinder), Anjelica Huston (Transparent), Anna Camp (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Carla Gugino (The Brink), Evan Rachel Wood (Doll and Em), Ginger Gonzaga (Togetherness), Janet Varney (You're the Worst), Jenny Slate (Girls), Kathryn Hahn (Transparent), Katie Aselton (Togetherness), Kimiko Glenn (Married), Lydnsy Fonseca (Grandfathered), Michaela Watkins (Married), Mircea Monroe (Significant Mother), Olivia Wilde (Doll and Em), Sarah Baker (Married), Sherilyn Fenn (Shameless)

Finalists: Suzanne Cryer (Silicon Valley) was monotone and impossible to read in her every humorous scene, all the more impressively managing to let some personality shine through. Carrie Brownstein (Transparent) took on a bigger role in her show, finding unexpected happiness and asserting herself to try to make it last. Tessa Ferrer (You're the Worst) represented something her show doesn’t often see - a good person who was also fun but doomed to not be able to survive in the jungle. Hilarie Burton (Togetherness) was a hypnotic breath of fresh air in a dreamlike installment that took its characters away from their everyday, while Emily Althaus (Togetherness) was an equally alluring but far more grounded find.

The nominees:

Regina Hall (Grandfathered) was a formidable match for Jimmy, successful and vain in many of the same ways and not content to let him slide by on his charms alone. Sasha Alexander (Shameless) continued to be an alluring, unattainable part of her show and Lip’s life as circumstances got considerably more difficult. Eliza Coupe (Casual) defined her show’s title by being effortlessly easy going and cool, ultimately too much so for those who wanted more with her. Claire Danes (Master of None) loosened up a bit as a wife all too eager to cheat on her husband.

The winner:

Callie Thorne (Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll) was the single best instance of casting of the season, returning to work with “Rescue Me” costar and creator Denis Leary as the woman who had his child and won’t soon let him forget it.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the eleventh category of the 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work 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:Billy Eichner, Patrick Fischler, Jon Hamm, Hugh Laurie, Tim Blake Nelson

Emmy nominees: Larry David, Tracy Morgan, Martin Mull, Bob Newhart, Peter Scolari, Bradley Whitford

Semi-finalists: Andy Daly (Grandfathered), Christopher Abbott (Girls), Corey Stoll (Girls), Ewan McGregor (Doll and Em), Fred Melamed (Married), John Slattery (Veep), Kumail Nanjiani (The Grinder), Patrick Fischler (Married), Rob Huebel (Married), Steve Kazee (Shameless), Timothy Olyphant (The Grinder)

Finalists: Fred Melamed (Casual) was up to his typical shenanigans as a shameless father with a wacky worldview all his own. Steven Williams (iZombie) was foreboding and memorable as a barber who made a lasting impression on those who walked into his shop. Hugh Laurie (Veep) became more of a go-getter, transforming his affable tagalong into a conniving, smiling con man. Noah Emmerich (Master of None) walked into an ice cream shop for a tremendously memorable demonstration of a total lack of consideration for anyone else, namely Dev. Paul Lieberstein (Togetherness) didn’t waste any time in speaking up for himself, calling out the woman who dared to look down at him as not so high and mighty.

The nominees:

Stephen Tobolowsky (Silicon Valley) fit in so perfectly right away as a chief executive with soaring ideas and little substance, so completely confident in his way of doing things. Peter Gallagher (Togetherness) added substance to the part of a rich, older boyfriend who knew right off the bat that he wasn’t as appreciated or as noticed as he should have been. Steven Weber (iZombie) chewed a lot of scenery as a magnate intent on amassing as much nefarious power as possible. Dermot Mulroney (Shameless) was a dependable figure in an unstable situation who made it seem for a moment that Fiona might actually end up happy.

The winner:

Jake Lacy (Girls), who was great as a dim-witted boyfriend on “Better With You” a while back, was a much smarter significant mother wholly committed to a relationship that could never have lasted.

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 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work 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: Odette Annable, Evelyne Brochu, Kat Dennings, Annabeth Gish, Ashley Hinshaw

Emmy nominees: Ellen Burstyn, Allison Janney, Margo Martindale, Laurie Metcalf, Molly Parker, Carrie Preston

Semi-finalists: Ally Walker (Longmire), Alyssa Diaz (Ray Donovan), Analeigh Tipton (Limitless), Bethany Joy Lenz (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Eliza Dushku (Banshee), Emily Kinney (Masters of Sex), Indira Varma (Game of Thrones), Jessalyn Wanlim (Orphan Black), Laura Vandervoort (Supergirl), Lesley Nicol (The Catch), Oona Laurence (Blindspot), Ruby Rose (Dark Matter), Sandrine Holt (Fear the Walking Dead)

Finalists: Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones) found a way to come back from a desolate, lonely place to once again manipulate the structure of power to the best of her ability. Catalina Sandino Moreno (The Affair) was a mesmerizing addition to an already complex love quadrangle. Robin Weigert (Jessica Jones) had a miserable part and found exactly the right negative energy to channel her character’s inner fury. Frankie Shaw (Mr. Robot) was an electric part of an already electric show, a bright spot for its protagonist who existed on another level. Katie Holmes (Ray Donovan) turned in a mature and alluring performance as the latest powerful woman with an interest in her show’s title character.

The nominees:

Kerry Bishe (Billions) was a sweet, captivating presence who nearly stole the heart of one of her show’s two egotistical protagonists. Judy Greer (Masters of Sex) displayed quite the personality in her biting guest spot as a spurned wife well aware of her husband’s infidelity. Lauren Ambrose (The X-Files) made a glorious return to television as the next generation version of fact-driven scientist Scully, with even better eye-rolls. Alicia Witt (The Walking Dead) personified bitterness and a far-removed sense from any notion of the need for goodness.

The winner:

Merritt Wever (The Walking Dead) was a brave outlier in her dark world, unprepared to deal with the unforgiving permanence and bleakness of her situation and instead set on persevering.

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 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work 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: Garrett Dillahunt, Sam Elliott, Marc Pickering, Duke David Roberts, Jonathan Tucker

Emmy nominees: Mahershala Ali, Hank Azaria, Reg E. Cathey, Michael J. Fox, Paul Sparks, Max von Sydow

Semi-finalists: Callum Keith Rennie (Longmire), Currie Graham (Longmire), Grant Gustin (Supergirl), Ian McShane (Ray Donovan), Jay Karnes (12 Monkeys), Joel Kinnaman (House of Cards), John Hannah (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Max von Sydow (Game of Thrones), Michael Siberry (Jessica Jones), Rhys Darby (The X-Files), Rob Benedict (Masters of Sex), Robbie Amell (The X-Files), Rus Blackwell (The Walking Dead)

Finalists: Clarke Peters (Jessica Jones) firmly represented what it means to be an enforcer of the law and a believer in good in a truly dark world. Matthew Goode (Downton Abbey) was an affable and uplifting part of the final season of this show, fitting right in with its universe the moment he first appeared. Josh Cooke (Longmire) was a breath of rarely-seen enthusiasm who tried to break up the monotony and grim nature of the sheriff’s office. Jason Butler Harner (Ray Donovan) was never in the spotlight but still served as a foreboding and fascinating element of his particular plotline. Xander Berkeley (The Walking Dead) was typically excellent, even in a small role as a staunch defender of his doomed community.

The nominees:

Josh Charles (Masters of Sex) made a terrific return to television as a suave scent salesman trying to figure out how to bottle the smell of sex. John Carroll Lynch (The Walking Dead) impressed immensely as a man of peace in a world almost entirely devoid of such a concept. Jonathan Pryce (Game of Thrones) embodied staunch, dangerous faith as a quietly commanding presence usurping power. Ian McShane (Game of Thrones) made headlines for just one superb appearance as a memorable man worthy of a much bigger role.

The winner:

Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead) was the talk of the whole season and didn’t appear until its very last scene, making an unforgettable impression as a baseball bat-wielding monster fully in control of the terror he inspires.

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 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work 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: Anna Chlumsky, Yael Grobglas, Amy Landecker, Amanda Peet, Jenny Slate

Emmy nominees: Anna Chlumsky, Gaby Hoffmann, Allison Janney, Judith Light, Kate McKinnon, Niecy Nash

Semi-finalists: Adrienne C. Moore (Orange is the New Black), Allison Williams (Girls), Amy Landecker (Transparent), Andrea Navedo (Jane the Virgin), Angelique Cabral (Life in Pieces), Anna Chlumsky (Veep), Betsy Brandt (Life in Pieces), Brooklyn Decker (Grace and Frankie), Donna Lynne Champlin (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Emma Kenney (Shameless), Gaby Hoffmann (Transparent), Jane Krakowski (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Jenny Slate (Married), Judith Light (Transparent), June Diane Raphael (Grace and Frankie), Kate Mulgrew (Orange is the New Black), Kether Donohue (You're the Worst), Kristen Bell (House of Lies), Laura Prepon (Orange is the New Black), Mary Elizabeth Ellis (The Grinder), Melanie Papalia (You, Me, Her), Natalie Morales (The Grinder), Samira Wiley (Orange is the New Black), Sarah Burns (Married), Sufe Bradshaw (Veep), Taryn Manning (Orange is the New Black), Zosia Mamet (Girls)

Finalists: Amanda Peet (Togetherness) spiraled out of control as she figured out what she wanted but couldn’t go about it the right way or keep her feelings bottled up. Yael Grobglas (Jane the Virgin) pulled double duty playing sisters separated at birth, each frantic and fierce in their own ways. Collette Wolfe (You're the Worst) was a rare bright spot on her show, so full of unbridled energy and positivity without any extreme excess baggage. Ashley Gerasinovich (The Detour) was the best kind of TV child, one who knew much more than she should have for her years yet still reverted back to her age at regular intervals. Christina Millian (Grandfathered) made her character a vital and totally entertaining part of her show, full of pipe dreams and tireless energy.

The nominees:

Noel Wells (Master of None) was immediately sweet, sincere, and cool, the perfect match for Dev. Paget Brewster (Grandfathered) was the best part of FOX’s short-lived sitcom, a mother and grandmother still trying to figure out how to properly navigate the social scene and her love life. Zoe Lister-Jones (Life in Pieces) was the scene stealer in her large ensemble, so effortlessly sardonic and ready to call out the absurdity of each situation. Elaine Hendrix (Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll) made Ava more than just the lifelong girlfriend of a rock star, imbuing her with sass, loyalty, and one hell of a strange relationship with her boyfriend’s daughter.

The winner:

Tara Lynne Barr (Casual) held her own with the adult actors on her show, making Laura an impossibly mature teenager whose age-defying wisdom couldn’t help blinding her from what could hurt her most.

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 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work 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: Jaime Camil, Ethan Embry, James Nesbitt, Nick Offerman, Sam Richardson

Emmy nominees: Louie Anderson, Andre Braugher, Tituss Burgess, Ty Burrell, Tony Hale, Keegan Michael-Key, Matt Walsh

Semi-finalists: Adam Driver (Girls), Andrew Rannells (Girls), Baron Vaughn (Grace and Frankie), Brett Dier (Jane the Virgin), Colin Hanks (Life in Pieces), Dan Bakkedahl (Life in Pieces), David Anders (iZombie), Desmin Borges (You're the Worst), Ed O'Neill (Modern Family), Ethan Embry (Grace and Frankie), Gary Cole (Veep), Jaime Camil (Jane the Virgin), Jay Duplass (Transparent), Jeremy Allen White (Shameless), John Ales (Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll), Jonathan Silverman (Significant Mother), Josh Brener (Silicon Valley), Justin Baldoni (Jane the Virgin), Kevin Dunn (Veep), Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley), Martin Starr (Silicon Valley), Matt Walsh (Veep), Pablo Schreiber (The Brink), Paul Reiser (Married), Rahul Kohli (iZombie), Reid Scott (Veep), Robert Kelly (Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll), Santino Fontana (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Thomas Sadoski (Life in Pieces), Tony Hale (Veep), Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Vincent Rodriguez III (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), William Devane (The Grinder), Zach Woods (Silicon Valley)

Finalists: Steve Zissis (Togetherness) never let his increasing success affect him, and seeing him support all of his friends as they struggled to find their footing was sweet and endearing. Josh Peck (Grandfathered) was energetic and awkward as a young man trying to figure out how to be both a dad and a son, and it was hard not to love him. Timothy Simons (Veep) soared to new heights as he also achieved new lows, and playing TV’s biggest loser so fantastically is no easy feat. Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) tried not to change but couldn’t help himself, and watching that happen was a typically preposterous delight. Alex Karpovsky (Girls) was, as usual, always thinking about other people rather than himself, and his latest actions and connections were among the most interesting yet.

The nominees:

Liam Carroll (The Detour) demonstrated superb comedic timing playing the most dimwitted member of his TV family. Vinnie Jones (Galavant) and Timothy Omundson (Galavant) were both formidable standouts of their silly show that is sadly no more, fully aware of when to ham it up and when to be serious. Sam Richardson (Veep) continued to be his show’s most blissfully unaware character, firmly committed to his mission even though he has no idea what it is.

The winner:

Nathaniel Buzolic (Significant Mother) played a character defined by his stupidity, yet his lust for life and inability to process his own lack of intelligence made him one of the most entertaining and enjoyable characters on television. Too bad this show seems to have faded into oblivion.

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 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work 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: Carrie Coon, Ann Dowd, Lena Headey, Olivia Munn, Franka Potente

Emmy nominees: Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Maggie Smith, Maura Tierney, Maisie Williams, Constance Zimmer

Semi-finalists: Abigail Spencer (Rectify), Ana de la Reguera (Narcos), Deborah Ann Woll (Daredevil), Elizabeth Henstridge (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Emily Hampshire (12 Monkeys), Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), Katee Sackhoff (Longmire), Laura Regan (Minority Report), Lena Headey (Game of Thrones), Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey), Maggie Siff (Billions), Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones), Malin Akerman (Billions), Maria Doyle Kennedy (Orphan Black), Paula Malcomson (Ray Donovan), Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey), Rose Rollins (The Catch), Sarah Shahi (Person of Interest), Sonya Walger (The Catch), Zoie Palmer (Dark Matter)

Finalists: Amy Acker (Person of Interest) closed out her character – and her show – on the most gut-wrenchingly effective way possible, eternally committed to the cause and to delivering her take on things with her twisted sense of humor. Emily Berrington (Humans) was by far the most interesting player on her show, human or synthetic, unbound by the same impulse controls as those around her and not happy to sit back and be abused. Carly Chaikin (Mr. Robot) and Portia Doubleday (Mr. Robot) were both electric parts of their show and of Elliot’s life, each contributing a very different female perspective to the quest to bring down evil and corruption. Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey) was funny and brilliant until the end, stealing every scene in which she appeared.

The nominees:

Maura Tierney (The Affair) took on a bigger role in her show’s second season and transformed the already prickly Helen into a deeply broken and vulnerable woman in her own right. Rachael Taylor (Jessica Jones) offered tremendous support and a steely, often reckless resolve for her far more literally impenetrable friend, transforming a potentially forgettable character into one of the show’s most vital ingredients. Jamie Clayton (Sense8) was easily the standout of her show, emotionally portraying its most compelling character and demonstrating her commitment to doing good and treating others well. Regina King (The Leftovers) was fiery and unforgettable as season two’s best addition, a force to be reckoned with in a cultish town with far purer motivations than most of her show’s figureheads.

The winner:

Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul), who rarely had a role to play in season one, became a full-fledged part of her show, full of so much potential yet prone to indulging ideas of what could be and inseparable from the alluring anchor also known as Jimmy.

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 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work 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: Jonathan Banks, Peter Dinklage, Christopher Eccleston, Walton Goggins, Ted Levine

Emmy nominees: Jonathan Banks, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Michael Kelly, Ben Mendelsohn, Jon Voight

Semi-finalists: Ari Millen (Orphan Black), Brandon Routh (Legends of Tomorrow), Clayne Crawford (Rectify), Dash Mihok (Ray Donovan), David Costabile (Billions), Jim Carter (Downton Abbey), Jon Voight (Ray Donovan), Jordan Gavaris (Orphan Black), Joshua Jackson (The Affair), Kristian Bruun (Orphan Black), Lennie James (The Walking Dead), Lou Diamond Phillips (Longmire), Luis Guzman (Narcos), Martin Wallstrom (Mr. Robot), Michael Kelly (House of Cards), Mike Colter (Jessica Jones), Pedro Pascal (Narcos), Toby Jones (Wayward Pines), Tony Leonard Moore (Billions), Victor Garber (Legends of Tomorrow), Wil Traval (Jessica Jones), Will Tudor (Humans)

Finalists: Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Good Wife) sauntered onto the scene with a devilish smile and unmatched commitment to his job that managed to completely captivate his series’ lead for the entirety of the final season. Christian Slater (Mr. Robot) was mysterious, maniacal, and mischievous as an orchestrator of corporate downfall. Matt Servitto (Banshee) came into his own as his show’s standout player after being hardened by his brutal town and determined not to let it stand anymore. Jon Bernthal (Daredevil) offered a complex and unexpectedly endearing portrait of a killer motivated by rage and revenge with so much more than that underneath. Jonathan Banks (Better Call Saul) continued to be a background player but took steps towards making big change and ensuring that those around him knew enough to fear him.

The nominees:

Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones) went from being a dependable member of his ensemble to its most crucial character, even choosing moments to let his voice be heard after staying silent and subservient for so long, rising to the ranks of the show’s most consistently fantastic player, Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones). Rufus Sewell (The Man in the High Castle) was calculating, vicious, and unforgiving, but also offered a layered take on a Nazi commander in New York. Michael McKean (Better Call Saul) took his shut-in status to a whole new level as his determination to achieve excellence threatened to truly affect his health.

The winner:

David Tennant (Jessica Jones) chillingly and masterfully played a villain who could get anyone to do what he wanted just by telling them to do it, so absorbed by his own power that he was truly evil and beyond salvation.

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 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work 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: Aya Cash, Brit Marling, Rose McIver, Amy Poehler, Gina Rodriguez

Emmy nominees: Ellie Kemper, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Laurie Metcalf, Tracie Ellis Ross, Amy Schumer, Lily Tomlin

Semi-finalists: Aya Cash (You're the Worst), Dolly Wells (Doll and Em), Emily Mortimer (Doll and Em), Emmy Rossum (Shameless), Judy Greer (Married), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep), Krista Allen (Significant Mother), Lena Dunham (Girls), Lily Tomlin (Grace and Frankie), Taylor Schilling (Orange is the New Black)

Finalists: Melanie Lynskey (Togetherness) didn’t do a great job holding it together, and watching her come apart as she struggled to blaze ahead was truly a delight. Rose McIver (iZombie) was singularly sardonic as she evolved into a whole new kind of zombie mortician. Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) maintained her charm in motherhood as life started to get the best of her. Elizabeth Gillies (Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll) held her own in a group of rock star men as the young starlet ready for a successful career. Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) didn’t let any of New York’s latest modernities get to her as she continued to march forward with a smile on her face.

The nominees:

Michaela Watkins (Casual) stepped into a lead role with a firmly genuine approach, embodying her imperfect relationship-phobic therapist with all the right traits to make her compelling. Priscilla Faia (You, Me, Her) and Rachel Blanchard (You, Me, Her) were tremendously tantalizing as two-thirds of the newly open-minded Portland threesome on their superb show. Natalie Zea (The Detour) landed a regular role worthy of her talents and rose to the challenge commendably.

The winner:

Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) threw herself fully into a part she created, playing a woman so consumed by daydreams and fantasies that she wasn’t living in the real world. It was an incomparable treat to watch her sing and dance, never afraid to invest herself totally in the zaniness.

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 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work 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: Matt LeBlanc, William H. Macy, Thomas Middleditch, Adam Scott, Jeffrey Tambor

Emmy nominees: Anthony Anderson, Aziz Ansari, Will Forte, William H. Macy, Thomas Middleditch, Jeffrey Tambor

Semi-finalists: Chris Geere (You're the Worst), Don Cheadle (House of Lies), Fred Savage (The Grinder), Jason Jones (The Detour), Josh Zuckerman (Significant Mother), Nat Faxon (Married), Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley)

Finalists: William H. Macy (Shameless) tried to take fatherhood to a new dimension as he faced new and exciting things that surely couldn’t last.Greg Poehler (You, Me, Her) was endearing, awkward, and a strong contributor to the fantastic threesome on his show. Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent) became part of the ensemble in the second season of his show with an involved and emotional performance. Tim Robbins (The Brink) was so committed to his own ridiculousness that it was hard not to be amazed by his every preposterous word. Mark Duplass (Togetherness) experienced a new sense of self-advocacy as he tried to explore his own future and happiness.

The nominees: Aziz Ansari (Master of None) created the perfect role for himself, allowing him to speak his mind and craft a fun character out of it in the process. Denis Leary (Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll) returned to the small screen with another great parody of men who just think about themselves. Rob Lowe (The Grinder) and John Stamos (Grandfathered) were great standouts on enjoyable sitcoms that were sadly short-lived.

The winner:

Tommy Dewey (Casual) was a great protagonist for a show about failing to commit, someone so in tune with how to analyze other people’s relationships with surprisingly little awareness of his own situation.

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 10th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2015-2016 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work 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: Diane Kruger, Tatiana Maslany, Elisabeth Moss, Ruth Wilson, Robin Wright

Emmy nominees: Claire Danes, Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson, Tatiana Maslany, Keri Russell, Robin Wright

Semi-finalists: Amanda Schull (12 Monkeys), Jennifer Carpenter (Limitless), Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife), Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex), Meagan Good (Minority Report), Melissa O'Neil (Dark Matter) Br />
Finalists: Mireille Enos (The Catch) transformed into a whole new TV lead with her latest role, which showed that she was capable of having lots of fun while anchoring a surprisingly entertaining show. Robin Wright (House of Cards) took advantage of an unexpected situation to usurp even more power but then smartly pivoted an even more advantageous position. Gemma Chan (Humans) imbued subtle traits of humanity to a synthetic invention capable of much more than her maker new. Laura Carmichael (Downton Abbey) took the spotlight from her TV sister to deliver the most compelling performance in the final season of her show. Jaimie Alexander (Blindspot) was a fresh find, the most consistent and strongest part of an uneven series.

The nominees:

Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) was astonishing as ever in her show’s fourth season, constantly impressing with her multiple layered performances in each episode. Ruth Wilson (The Affair) stayed strong as she became a very different player in her own story yet couldn’t manage to combat overwhelming loneliness. Melissa Benoist (Supergirl) was so sunny and chipper as the anchor of a show that served as a marvelous reminder of how superheroes can be fun. Carrie Coon (The Leftovers) played a different part as a member of a family, tackling this new world with a renewed sense of what is possible.

The winner:

Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones) found the perfect role as a disgruntled failed superhero who pairs a total lack of patience with a furious commitment to doing the right thing and protecting those who can’t fight for themselves.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series