Emmys 2012: Our Dream Nominees, from Community to Walking Dead

Comedy Series

Community

Given that most Emmy voters will probably dismiss Community and that Dan Harmon’s exit circumstances probably didn’t please anyone, the show will most likely never be on the Emmy map. But its ambitious gusto deserves recognition for being one of the most brave series on television today. Also, it’s quite funny. And with Harmon leaving, it’s difficult to think it will be the same again.

Cougar Town

It’s not about cougars! In its (shortened) third season, Cougar Town developed into a show that new exactly what it wanted to be. And what that was is a show with a lot of heart and a lot of laughs (and a lot of wine…RIP Big Carl). And it coalesced those elements perfectly this season. There’s only one way to salute such a triumphant comedy: imaginary hat.

Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23

Something has happened lately in television, where people shun the idea of a comedy whose sole purpose is to make you laugh. Um, that’s kind of the point. And no series has done that better this season than Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23. It may be a bit formulaic and extremely outlandish, but ladies and gents, you’re looking at the funniest new series this year. And everyone deserves to know that.

How I Met Your Mother

Keeping the traditional multi-cam format and creating a single-cam hybrid like How I Met Your Mother is no small feat. And this season, the show continued to deliver its share of bellowing laughter plus tears in unbelievably organic ways. Here’s hoping for at least another nod!

Louie

FX’s Louie may hardly bring laughs anymore (when it does, however, it’s hilarious) since it transitioned into somewhat of a drama, converging small yet memorable vignettes with offbeat humor. What’s been produced is one of the most inspiring half-hours on television. And it’s a one-man show. Give it another nod, Emmys.

Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation (which should have won last year) didn’t exactly keep the momentum from season 3, but still continued its same feel-good comedy intact. There has never been a cast with a dynamic as this one on television before and there’s never been a character as determined as Leslie Knope on television before, either. Thank goodness she won, in an election people at home could finally get behind. And if they don’t get a nod…I’m blaming Jerry!

Honorable mentions

Happy Endings
Hung
Veep

Features
Television