Will Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt equal or perhaps build upon last year’s Emmy nominations haul?
There are streaming comedies aplenty, but it’s safe to say that serious dramas are more consistent with Emmy contention. Orange is the New Black was nominated for its first season, but then it changed categories. Last year, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was up for a bunch of awards, but it failed to take anything home. Will Kimmy‘s fans be loud enough to keep her in the conversation?
Last year, Kimmy Schmidt was nominated for seven Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Supporting Actor for Tituss Burgess and Supporting Actress for still unrewarded Jane Krakowski. It also picked up nominations in both Guest Comedy slots and for casting. I can say with confidence that it can probably pick up the same amount of nominations this year—if not more.
One of the things the Netflix phenomenon has going for it is that it’s a real comedy. It’s bubbly, absurd, and moves at a pace that almost nothing else currently on television does. It’s saturated with wordplay, sight gags, and over-the-top silliness so well that I don’t think people can ignore it. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt makes you feel great.
The main difference between the first and second season is that the newer episodes allow each of the main characters to focus on personal issues. Instead of a publicized court case, Ellie Kemper’s Kimmy starts therapy and tracks down her mother by the end of the season. Titus starts a real relationship with a closeted construction worker and contemplates career choices. Mrs. Voorhees—now Ms. White—must figure out how to stay on top of the social class while struggling with her identity. Even Carol Kane’s Lillian is given more screen time this time around.
The show has a real chance for repeat nominations in Comedy Series, Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress. Titus Andromedon is such a great creation that his character is funny enough to get nominated again, but Tituss Burgess infuses him with such a big heart that you can’t help but love him. Jane Krakowski is especially missed when she’s not on screen. Why hasn’t this woman been awarded all of the Emmys? If she manages another nomination, it will be her sixth.
Ellie Kemper was strangely left off the roster last year, and I think that’s because Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series was so stacked. Three of the women won’t be eligible this time around, so Kemper should easily land a slot. I mean, come on, she’s the real reason you watch the show. You can say you watch it for the other characters, but she’s the beating heart of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Ellie Kemper makes that difficult role look so easy. Do NOT let another year go by without her being nominated, Emmy voters.
In terms of Guest Actor, maybe David Cross? He doesn’t have as much screen time as Jon Hamm’s evil reverend, and his character is a tad pathetic. What about Mike Carlsen as Titus’ lovable beau, Mikey? He’s definitely blue-collar, but he could keep up with all of the Kimmy gang.
What else could the show be nominated for? There are a few possibilities for Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. Creator Tina Fey could easily be up again for playing Kimmy’s Jekyll and Hyde alcoholic therapist, Andrea (one of Fey’s better roles, in my opinion). Voters will surely be tempted to write in Lisa Kudrow for her rollercoaster-loving Schmidt matriarch. They love her, but there is someone else that needs to be up there more than these two women.
One thing you will surely hear me going on about all awards season is Anna Camp. She needs to be nominated for Guest Actress in a Comedy Series because her brief stint as Jacqueline’s nemesis is easily my favorite thing about the second season. Camp is in complete control of what she’s doing, and we must thank our lucky stars that she’s part of this universe. Don’t mess it up, Emmy voters!
Guaranteed Nominations
Comedy Series
Ellie Kemper, Lead Actress
Tituss Burgess, Supporting Actor
Jane Krakowski, Supporting Actress
Tina Fey, Guest Actress
Probable Nominations
Casting
Possible Nominations
Writing
Carol Kane, Supporting Actress
Lisa Kudrow, Guest Actress
Anna Camp, Guest Actress
Mike Carlsen, Guest Actor
David Cross, Guest Actor