So how surprising were yesterday’s Emmy nominations?
Let us count the ways.
For all the usual them again? yawners (Tina Fey, the “Modern Family” cast and, like, 675 nods for “Mad Men”), there were some outright surprises and a few shockers among the nominees for the “64th Primetime Emmy Awards.” (The telecast airs Sept. 23 on ABC.)
Here are some of the more notable takeaways:
* RIP, network series dramas.
All the nominees for Outstanding Drama Series were either cable (“Breaking Bad,” “Game of Thrones,” “Homeland” and “Mad Men”) or PBS (“Downton Abbey”). Not a “The Good Wife” or “NCIS” among ’em. You know the broadcast networks are panicking right around now.
* Whither “American Idol”?
One year after snaring its first Emmy nomination as Outstanding Reality Competition Program, “Idol” — still TV’s biggest talent show — was snubbed in favor of NBC’s “The Voice.” That’s gotta hurt, especially with the recent “Idol” shake-up that saw the departures of Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler — leaving “Idol” vulnerable and wobbly.
* The power of “Downton Abbey.”
PBS’s biggest hit in years — perhaps ever — reaped the benefits of an enthusiastic, loyal viewership with a whopping 16 nominations including nods for Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary Crawley), Hugh Bonneville (Robert, Earl of Grantham), Joanne Froggatt (Anna) and Brendan Coyle (John Bates).
* You go, “Girls.”
HBO’s comedy series entered the Emmy gates after just one season, with star Lena Dunham (Hannah) becoming a triple-crown nominee: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Directing and Outstanding Writing. And the show itself was nominated as Outstanding Comedy Series.
* Don’t let the door hit you . . .
“House” star Hugh Laurie, snubbed six times for an Emmy in past years, didn’t even get a nomination this time around in his swan song as cranky Dr. Gregory House (the show ended its run in May).
* The return of the miniseries — on cable, no less.
Everyone expected History’s “Hatfield & McCoys” to get some attention after setting cable viewership records, but 16 nominations, including all of its leading stars? The TV miniseries hasn’t seen anything like this since “Roots” and, again, it happened on cable. Behold TV’s changing landscape.
* In: Betty White. Out: Jeff Probst.
The 90-year-old White (“Off Their Rockers”) knocks the “Survivor” host out of the Reality Host category. Another milestone in White’s late-career resurgence.