Pay Cable Series - For Adults Only

When I was young, we had five TV channels to choose from. There were the "big three" (ABC, NBC and CBS), PBS and "Good Lookin' 11." Didn't like what was on? Too bad. Fortunately, I was born without the ability to distinguish between good TV and bad, so I always found something worth watching.

Then one day, KCPQ's signal finally reached Seattle and I thought, "Wow! Six stations! Now this is living!" Even with 6 wondrous channels, there were still limitations. If you woke up too early, you got to choose between the farm report or the Indian Head Test Pattern. Couldn't sleep? You had until maybe 1AM before the channel concluded its broadcast day. I still remember listening to the Star Spangled Banner as a grainy image of a flag fluttered on my screen. 

Now, (mumble-mumble) years later, I have about 400 channels including high definition, commercial-free music channels, movie and specialty channels. And despite the competition, the big three networks still command the lion's share of TV viewers. They are also adapting well to Internet viewers. It's not unusual for more than half of iTune's top weekly downloaded shows to be network series.

But cable has found a niche where the big networks just can't compete. Adult entertainment. Now, I don't mean "adult (wink-wink) entertainment," though there are channels for that too. I mean shows that try to fit in with pay cable's R-rated movie fare. Like the TV ratings folks will tell you, these programs contain mature themes, language and sexual situations. 

Pay cable series like HBO's Oz, Deadwood and Rome or Showtime's Dexter and Nurse Jackie don't just push the envelope, they stretch it until its the size of a sleeping bag. These shows promise enough off-color humor, gore, nudity, sex and course language to draw at least a few people away from the more family-friendly (by FCC regulation) networks.

Luckily for cable networks, they're not bound by FCC regulations, so can show whatever they want. Case in point: Starz new series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. It is by far the bloodiest, goriest, clothing-optional, sex-filled series I've ever seen. The show's visual style looks like any number of green-screen heavy graphic novel inspired movies like Watchmen, 300 and Sin City. The color palette is decidedly desaturated - except for the fountains of bright red blood. There's plenty of sex and nudity too. Of course, they always attempt to work it into the story. Artistic of them, don't you think? 

Spartacus premiered with 659,000 viewers on Starz and another 570,000 for the simulcast on Encore. Together the two channels got a little over 1.2 million viewers. That's about a tenth of what a network show like LOST typically gets. But considering that I didn't even know Starz was still around, Spartacus is a definite win for them. So I'm not surprised that they renewed the series for a second season before it even premiered.

The lesson seems pretty clear. If you want your cable show to get viewers, you better check your modesty at the door. After all, take away the nudity, sex, swearing and violence and what do you get? A network show. And cable still can't compete there.

TV and Other Obsessions

I can think of worse obsessions than watching too much TV. And there is no shortage of series that expose, exploit and parade these obsessions for our entertainment.

Case in point. It's easy to feel superior to those unfortunate clutter collectors on shows like Style Network's Clean House. Sweet and sassy host Niecy Nash (Reno 991) and her crew help families see how objects and clutter have taken over their lives and created not just a mess, but an unhealthy atmosphere. After some friendly pressure from the team, the families invariably agree to give up their mess in exchange for a stylish makeover. It's always amazing to see the transformation in the rooms and the attitudes of the family. And while the show sometimes focusses on real emotional moments, this series is played for laughs and the magic of the reveal.

As an amateur pack rat myself, it's a real pleasure to watch a telegenic TV team clean someone else's house while I wipe Cheetos dust onto the sofa and cackle, "my God, what a bunch of slobs!" Of course, these are nice normal folks who just went a little too far. Besides, the way my garage looks, I can't really throw stones. And like eating Cheetos, these episodes are just too delicious to watch just one. The most I've ever watched in a row is five - but hey, I can quit any time I want.

A lot less fun than Clean House (but no less riveting) is Hoarders, the new series on A&E. The subjects of these mini-documentaries are seriously compulsive hoarders who are often close to being removed from their homes by Adult Protective Services. These are truly tragic cases. And the episodes don't end with glamorous makeovers or sometimes even an uncluttered house. A psychologist specializing in compulsive hoarding councils the families while a cleaning crew tries to clean up the mess. Family disfunction, anger and mental troubles are brought to the surface. At the same time, mold, insects and even lost dead pets are uncovered under mountains of clutter. The show devotes only two days to council and clean. Though continued counceling is provided after the crew leaves, we're left with little doubt that the situation won't return to its previous state.

There's no question that we find these shows entertaining. But are they exploitative? Probably. Is it really making a difference? I doubt it. But it's hard to deny that they at least temporarily help these people come to grips with the severity of their situations. And in sometimes, help them avoid being removed by Adult Protective Services. Whether that's really doing them a favor or not will remain to be seen.

So long as Niecy doesn't show up at my house and try to take away my TV, we'll be fine.

How Glee Changed TV's Tune

Compared to the last few years, this television season has been fairly lackluster. Can't really say I'm surprised. With revenues down, most broadcast networks aren't really willing to take big gambles with their programming. Instead we get more CSI on CBS, more sitcoms on ABC and more Jay Leno on NBC.

This kind of "inside the box thinking" has lead to very few watercooler-worthy shows. Sure everyone's talking about how Leno is taking down NBC (the network's weeknight 10PM slot is down 30%), but I don't think that's the kind of buzz they were looking for. So it begs the question, where's this year's LOST, Amazing Race or Big Bang Theory?

Surprisingly, its on FOX in the unlikely form of the high school musical called Glee. Speaking of High School Musical, I just bet Disney-owned ABC is wondering why they didn't move their hit franchise into a network series first (I know I am).

There's really nothing new about the concept of Glee. High school jock and brainy girl make beautiful music together. It's been a motion picture staple since Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney first said, "Let's put on a show!" It continued through the 60s with Frankie and Annette's beach party movies and came back in full force with the High School Musical trilogy. But those were movies. For some reason musicals have never worked in series television (Viva Laughlin being the most recent example). That is, until now.

Glee is not only pulling in a solid 8 million viewers a week, they've also sold 1.7 million downloads on iTunes since the series started (and we're only on episode seven)! Even better for FOX, the viewers are those young viewers the Internet told us had stopped watching TV. So, how did they manage to pull this off? Good talent, good timing and no shortage of good luck.

For starters, they centered the show around the Glee club. For some reason modern audiences have a hard time with people singing about their feelings unless its part of (or near) a show. For instance, as long as Chicago or Moulin Rouge's action was set in a theater, people are okay with people singing offstage. Unlike, say, Cop Rock.

Secondly, they borrow from a catalogue of hit songs. From Heart to Journey to Beyonce, the music is fast, infectious and fun. I'll admit, I've got a few on my iPod.

And speaking of fun, they made the show primarily a comedy. Glee is the show people feel good watching because it makes them feel good. And let's face it, there aren't many shows these days that pull that off.

And lastly, they give us characters we can root for. Like a page out of American idol, Glee has a cast of talented outcasts, wackos and heartthrobs that we can identify with and want to see succeed.

Now I'll admit, I predicted months ago that a show this fun, entertaining and whimsical was destined to be canceled by FOX after just a few episodes. But they've already ordered 22 more. I know, no one is more surprised than me! I looks like maybe Glee has finally found the right formula to keep a musical on the air.

Now all we can do is wait to see if the inevitable knock-offs will have learned the same lesson (I'm not holding my breath).

TV's Most Singable Jingles

Does this face look familiar? Did you suddenly start to hear music and the words, "my bologna has a first name..." running through your head? Well, I bet you hear it now.

It doesn't take a doctor to understand the effects that music has on memory and the human brain. We've all experienced it firsthand - sometimes to the level of annoyance - when those entertaining jingles just won't stop playing over and over in your head.

Still, advances in brain scans have shown researchers precisely how this works. A recent study showed the medial pre-frontal cortex as a music-processing region which can activate associated mental images. So that, when you hear music, your brain starts to play the images it associates with the tune.

No wonder advertisers are so fond of music. Music and lyrics can make a commercial, product or brand not only memorable, but something sharable. We delight in sharing a common memory and the nostalgic feelings they invoke. Want to prove it? Just start singing that bologna song, and see how long it takes for others to join in. For many Americans, jingles are the hymns of our society.

Today, national advertisers are more likely to license a popular song that viewers are already familiar with. But it's a testament to the power and pleasure of a well written and executed jingle, that many classics are still used 30 and 40 years after they first aired.

Here, in no particular order, are some my favorite jingles in commercial history. If you can't remember them, just click the link to watch the YouTube video. But be warned, these jingles have a way of sticking in your head. And I have to admit, I wouldn't have it any other way.

I'd Like to Teach the World To Sing

Who can forget Coca Cola's anthem to togetherness? More than a touchy-feely ditty, this song expressed the strategic concept of Coke as a drink we share with those we love and with the peoples of the entire world. Heavy.

It's Slinky

Who didn't want this toy after hearing this song? Talk about powerful, this song got millions of children to ask their parents to buy them a spring. A spring! Once down the stairs and it became a tangled mess. Truth is, that song is more entertaining than the toy.

My Bologna Has A First Name

Now, most of us don't write the word bologna very often, but darn few of us would even have a chance of spelling it correctly without this jingle. Between this and the Oscar Meyer wiener song, they had all of America sining about ground up animal bits.

I'm A Pepper

This song celebrates the individuality of the drinker. In a world battle scarred by the cola wars, the idea of drinking (and being) something different was really worth singing about.

Two All Beef Patties...

Though this sandwich premiered in McDonald's menus in 1968, it wasn't until 1975 that every man, woman and child could sing its list of ingredients. Ah, you're singing it now, aren't you? Aren't you!

Starburst Fruit Chew

Now this jingle's not as famous as many of the others on this list, but it's a favorite jingle (and candy) at Jones Advertising, and we enjoy both regularly.

The Unsinkable Taste of Cheerios

I love this jingle not just for it's singability, but for the clever way the marketing team took a inconsequential thing about the product (it doesn't sink!) and turned it into a way to describe the flavor and health benefits.

Doublemint Gum

What can you say about spearmint gum? Not much. But pretend it has double the flavor (compared to...?), add some attractive twins and you've got a campaign that makes a product really stand out. After all, can you name another spearmint gum?

The Big Fig Newton

This jingle not only had all of America singing along, we all got up to dance with it too. If they'd played this right, Big Fig could have had his own show like the California Raisins. Eh, maybe we're better off. Still, I have to admit I have a sudden craving for a Fig Newton.

I know there's lots of other great TV commercial jingles out there. From Mentos (Do-do-do-do Do-WAH!), to "Let Noxima Cream Your Face," I bet each of you has a favorite. Share yours with me and the other readers in the comments section below.

Have a Nice Fall! TV Preview

Now that summer is on the wane and the days are getting shorter, there's only one thing that can keep my spirits from sinking away with the sun. Yes, the Fall TV season. I still miss the days when Fall was "the" TV season and the big three (okay, only three) networks would roll out their sneak peak preview nights (for primetime and Saturday morning cartoons).

This September boasts a whopping 109 primetime premiers. So kiddies, that means its time to buckle down and learn how to program that DVR. Of course, not even a professional watcher like me can keep up with that many shows (I'm still expected to show up at work sometimes), so I've narrowed down the list to a more manageable sixteen.

September 1: Surviving Disaster (Spike)

Want to know the best way to survive a shark attack, plane crash or hostage crisis (other than never leaving your home)? A former Navy SEAL promises to take us through elaborate survival methods step-by-step to increase our chances. Of course, if he's so smart, why won't he tell us how to survive an economic meltdown?

September 9: Glee (FOX)

This show premiered all the way back in May and everyone was quick to pronounce this High School Musical derivative (macho jock and nerdy girl just have express themselves through song) an instant hit. The premier episode was very enjoyable indeed, but I have my doubts that the show will find an audience. It would have improved its chances if FOX had paired the show with American Idol, but then again, it might do very well with...

September 9: So You Think You Can Dance (FOX)

Back for its sixth season, this show takes young dancers from all over the country and really tests their adaptability and artistry. I most enjoy seeing which dancers will perform best outside of their speciality genres. And anyway, there's no way I'm going to subject myself to watching Tom Delay strut his stuff on Dancing with the Stars. My eyes! My eyes!

September 9: America's Next Top Model (CW)

There's a reason this show is the CW's best rated. When you take a houseful of starving models and force them to compete for a lucrative contract (or a sandwich), there's going to be drama. And if it seems as if this show is on 24/7, that's because it is. They're already on their 13th cycle even though they've only been on the air since 2003.

September 10: Vampire Diaries (CW)

Based on the popular series of books by L. J. Smith, Vampire Diaries is part supernatural thriller and part teenage nighttime soap (think Dawson's Creek with fangs). At the center of the story are two vampire brothers, one good and one evil. And naturally they're both fighting for the fair Elena's soul (and knickers). It looks like a well crafted and interesting show, but we'll see if this show (along with True Blood and Twilight) push us to our vampire saturation point.

September 12: Robin Hood (BBC America)

Let me start by saying, BBC America is quickly becoming my favorite network. The shows are smart, original and everyone has accents! Now I haven't seen the first season of this show, but after seeing the previews for season two I've added it to my Blockbuster list. As dark, gritty and dramatic as they come, this version of Robin Hood is equal parts political intrigue and swashbuckling adventure. And finally seeing someone give government corruption a sound thrashing is a pleasure indeed.

September 14: The Jay Leno Show (NBC)

Truth be told, I'm not a big Leno fan. He's pleasant enough, but not worth staying up past my bedtime for. But I am fascinated by NBC's grand experiment (some say folly). They've canceled all of their 10 P.M. weeknight dramas and will be showing only Jay instead. Cheaper to produce than your typical hour-long drama, the show if successful, may cannibalize the audience of their late night talk shows. And if a flop, leave them with a five-night hole to fill. I may not watch the show much, but you can bet I (and the other networks) will be paying close attention.

September 15: The Biggest Loser (NBC)

This is one of those shows that I find both inspirational and mortifying to watch. I feel great watching these people work so hard to regain the health and self esteem they've lost. I also feel bad that it has to be a competition where the weakest ones get cut from the team (takes me right back to 4th grade gym class). Maybe I wouldn't feel so bad if I didn't eat a bowl of ice cream while I watched. Maybe, but we'll never know.

September 17: It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX)

If you haven't caught this show, you've missed four seasons of a rude, crude, black comedy (if you like that sort of thing - and I do). Basically it's about a group of lazy losers and the other lazy losers that put up with them. The good news is, if you pull a few all nighters, you can catch up on past episodes here.

September 17: The Office (NBC)

I never miss The Office. From Pam and Jim's sweet office romance, to Michael's cringe-inducing social blunders, every episode is comedy gold. It's not a ratings powerhouse, but the show has won Emmys, Screen Actor's Guild, Golden Globe and Webby Awards. It's even been honored by the Peabody Awards. Now starting their sixth season, this is one of those rare shows where the quality of the writing and performances has stayed strong and steady over its entire run. So, you'll know where I'll be Thursday nights. Is that sad?

September 21: Big Bang Theory (CBS)

One of the few shows that could drag me over to CBS, The Big Bang theory has crackerjack writing and painfully hilarious performances. If you're a geek at heart or just love geeky humor, you'll be in good company with these nerdy characters. Besides, it's a great show to watch while you're working on your model of the Enterprise (not that I do that sort of thing...).

September 23: New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus' sitcom has just gotten better with age. As her Old Christine character gets more manic and outrageous, the show gets funnier. She's been compared to Lucille Ball and that's not a bad comparison to make. A strong supporting cast lead by the arid wit of Wanda Sykes makes this my other CBS favorite. I keep wishing they'd build a strong night of comedy around this show (start by keeping it with Big Bang and How I Met Your Mother), but do they listen? Nooooo.

September 23: Cougartown (ABC)

Courtney Cox returns to network television with this stupidly named, but promising sitcom about a 40-something mother returning to the singles game. The preview I watched made it look pretty fun and it's nice to see a show starring a woman over 25, but I think the title alone is going to get people rolling their eyes. Well, I'm going to give it a chance. You can check out the preview here and let me know if you think this cougar will stay or just get spayed.

September 27: FOX's Sunday Night Animation Domination

FOX welcomes its new Family Guy spinoff, The Cleveland Show to its Sunday night animation lineup. Since Cleveland is one of Family Guy's drier and more underused characters, I'm curious to see where this is going to go. It joins The Family Guy in its eighth season and The Simpsons in its 21st (yikes I'm old) season. Ready for a blast from the past? Check out the very first Simpsons shorts from the 1989 Tracey Ullman Show where they got their start.

Did I miss any new shows that you want to recommend to me and my other readers? Leave a comment and let us know.

Summer TV Heats Up

With 54 new and returning shows premiering in August, there's bound to be something to keep you entertained on those nights when it's just to hot to sleep. This is especially true if you're a fan of reality series. A few new shows sound particularly hopeful, while returning favorites are a welcome respite after the summer's entertainment dry spell.

Below are the ten shows I'm most looking forward to checking out, but if you want to see a list and description of all 54 shows, I've included a link at the end of the article.

August 4th: Addicted to Beauty (Oxygen)

This show looks as shallow, vapid and repulsive as its cast of Medi-Spa employees with their botox-laden foreheads, trout-pout lips and ability to create drama from the utterly mundane. In short, it's destined to be the kind of hideous train wreck of self absorption that you can't stand to watch but can't bear to turn away from.

August 6th: Police Women of Broward County (TLC)

This 10-part docudrama series follows a group of four florida police women as they face gang busts, car chases and undercover sting operations, but the drama doesn't stop at the end of the shift. After years of watching strong women law enforcement officers on Cops, this show may not shine a new light on womankind, but it's got to be an improvement on The Real Housewives of dot-dot-dot.

August 7th: Monk (USA)

Now in its 8th and final season, this show is formulaic with a capital "f." But that hardly matters when you have a show this consistently entertaining due to the charming performance by Tony Shalhoub. That's why he's been nominated for an Emmy Award seven years in a row. Besides, I'm old enough now that I can admit that I like a nice little murder mystery. Monk is my generation's Matlock.

August 9th: Comedy Central Roast: Joan Rivers (Comedy Central)

Not for those with tender ears, these Comedy Central Roasts are bleep-riddled cavalcades of smut and depravity. And they are not to be missed. This year, Queen of the D-List, Kathy Griffin is roast master general for comedy legend and plastic surgery pioneer Joan Rivers.

August 9th: America's Best Dance Crew (MTV)

If you've watched America's Got Talent only to be convinced "no, it does not," you really need to watch America's Best Dance Crew. Now in its 4th season, this show boasts the most amazing live performances by young urban dance groups you'll ever see. Their acrobatic flips, turns and faultless timing will have you gasping and cheering. Even better, it'll make you believe that yes, America does so have talent (just on a different show).

August 16: Mad Men (AMC)

Now, I've never really gotten into this show myself, but I know enough people that sing its praises that I can safely recommend it. Oh, and it did snag another 16 Emmy nominations this year. Including Outstanding Drama, Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Lead Actress. So, its pretty safe to say that if I ever gave this show a real chance I'd probably decide that it's... outstanding.

August 17: Flipping Out (Bravo)

The star of this reality series isn't just tortured by his obsessive-compulsive behavior. He make sure everyone around him is tortured by it. And while its sometimes painful to watch this professional house flipper flip out over the littlest thing (like how much ice is in his soda), I can't deny that the homes he remodels are works of art. And I am curious to see what he's going to do now that the housing market is kaput.

August 20: Project Runway (Lifetime)

This is the premier I've been waiting all year for! The 6th season of this show was tied up in courts for over a year while Bravo and Lifetime fought for the rights to air the new season (Lifetime won and Bravo retaliated with the lukewarm rehash Fashion Show). This year they've moved the Project Runway from New York to Los Angeles which should bring a different flavor to the challenges and the fashions. The question is, with a location change, network change and after sitting on the shelf for over a year, will there still be an audience? I'll let you know.

August 23rd: What Would Brian Boitano Make? (Food Network)

Olympic gold medal figure skater (and South Park punch line) Brian Boitano is a surprisingly fun and easygoing cooking show host. He plans meals and parties for family and friends and gets tips and lessons from moms, chefs and even the Internet. This show puts Brian's showmanship to good use and the Internet sneak peeks illustrate that even a serious meal should include a hearty helping of fun.

August 26: Top Chef (Bravo)

So this season we have two chefs from my own hometown of Seattle competing against chefs from L.A., New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia and even France. This show is the most serious and challenging of the cooking competition shows, but this year I'll really be watching to see how my home girls do.

So not a bad bunch of shows to premier a month before the "real" season begins in Fall. Let me know if any of these shows strike your fancy (or just chill you to the bone). If there's a show you think I should check out, be sure to let me know in the comments section. And be sure to check back for my picks of the upcoming Fall TV Season soon.

Complete List of August Premiers

Emmy Noms and Bombs

As a dyed in the wool videophile, it pains me to admit that I always bomb at guessing who's going to win at the Emmy Awards. The terminal flaw in my precognitive skills seems to be that I always pick who I want to win, not who I think the academy will choose.

So this year I'm going to try something different and I'm going to include both picks. This way I might (might) just get a few right. Mind you, my picks will be from my favorite categories, so you'll have to argue amongst yourselves who'll win the Best Actor Emmy in a Dramatic Series (they're all downers as far as I'm concerned).

Dramatic Series: The show that I want to win is ABC's "LOST." This show is a twisting, turning, maddening mind trip. It eschews the usual formulas you typically find in dramatic series and really tries (and succeeds) to take us places we've never been before. The show that I think will win is AMC's "Breaking Bad." It's got drugs, cancer, violence and (very dark) humor. Personally, I find this show too painful to watch, but I suspect Academy voters can't get enough of it (last year it received four nominations and won two).

Comedy Series: The show I would really love to see win year is HBOs "Flight of the Conchords." This is the fictionalized story of a real comic-rock duo and their attempt to make it big in New York. These guys are the epitome of lovable losers, but their imaginative and hilarious songs shine an pleasurably painful beam on their (and our) human weaknesses. Of course, I think the Academy will choose NBC's "30 Rock" and I can't really blame them. It's leading this year with a whopping 22 nominations and it did (deservedly) win Best Comedy Series last year. This is the show that made NBCs Thursday night "must see TV" again, so I can't feel bad if they're rewarded for it.

Supporting Actor: My pick is Michael Emerson from ABC's "LOST." He plays the role of Benjamin Linus. And let me just say that after watching this character, and this actor's performance for three years, I still can't decide whether he's a good guy or a bad guy. If that's not Emmy-worthy, I don't know what is. However, I think the Academy just might choose William Shatner for his third win in this category. His characterization of Denny Crane on ABC's "Boston Legal" is truly riveting. And since the show is no longer on the air, this is their last chance to reward it.

Actor, Comedy Series: Oh please, let it be Jim Parsons from CBS's "Big Bang Theory." He plays Sheldon the "king of the nerds" on this hilarious show by the creators of the unwatchable 2-1/2 Men (I know, I know, people love that show, I just can't figure out why). "Big Bang Theory" makes up precisely 33% of all the shows I watch on CBS, so that's gotta count for something. That said, I think they're going to give it to Alec Baldwin of NBC's "30 Rock." And he deserves it. His razor sharp delivery is the icing on an already stellar cast.

Actress, Comedy Series: I have a tie here. I can't decide between Juia Louis-Dreyfus for CBS' "New Adventures of Old Christine" or Christina Applegate of ABC's "Samantha Who." On one hand, Julia carries that entire show with masterful skill and with hilarious results. On the other hand, Christina's "Samantha" was a refreshingly nice show about a bad girl trying to rebuild her life the right way - and she was canceled before her time. On the other-other hand, Tina Fey is going to win for "30 Rock," so my indecision is doesn't matter a fig.

Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Now this time, I want a "30 Rock" actor to win. I think Tracy Morgan's maniacally self-absorbed performance is sheer genius. The more I watch him, the more I love him. Of course, I won't mind when the academy gives the award to Neil Patrick Harris for his role on CBS' "How I Met Your Mother." After all, he is hosting the Emmy Awards this year, and if they don't give it to him, he might just end the show there.

Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: My pick for this category is Kristin Chenoweth for "Pushing Daisies" on ABC. She plays the love-lorn Olive Snook. One of the best parts about having this Broadway star on show show was that she'd occasionally break into glorious song. And again, this show was killed before its time so I hope the Academy shows ABC the error of its ways. But... no surprise here, I think they'll give it to Jane Krakowski of 30 Rock. Yeah, yeah, she's awesome. The cast is awesome. The show is awesome. I guess that's why I think the Academy is going to reward them with all the Emmys.

Okay, those are my picks. Who do you wish would win - and who do you think is going to win. And which show would you like to give a shout out to? You can school me in the comment section below.

The 61 Emmy Awards will air live on September 20th. See the complete List Of Emmy Nominations here.