The Golden Globes lived up to their fluky nature on the film side, but the TV side was more balanced. The Globes position allows them to shine a light on series the Emmys missed, or potentially anoint a new king (or queen). In most categories, they were able to accomplish a little of both. New series proved they belong in a group of five, both as performers and as a series. The wide net they cast represented the 2020 television season well. There are certainly some star-loving nominations, but the Emmys should take notice. The wide breadth is a strong representation of the COVID era on the small screen.
Oliva Colman stars in THE CROWN — Courtesy of Netflix
Previous nominee The Crown left a strong impression with its restructured cast. The additions of Emma Corrin and Gillian Anderson proved the series can get multiple nominations in most categories. Rising star Josh O’Connor nabbed himself a spot among TV royalty, thanks to his terrific turn as Prince Charles. Returning nominees Olivia Colman and Helena Bonham Carter find themselves nominated alongside co-stars this year. The six nominations for The Crown are the most for a series since Big Little Lies in 2018. They are only the third series to receive at least six nominations since 2000. It’s hard to imagine a clearer sign of frontrunner status for Drama Series.
Schitt’s Creek’s five nominations are nothing to sneeze at either. Without director or writing credits in play, the series matched its above-the-line nominations from the Emmys a few months ago. For Annie Murphy and Dan Levy, they overcame a combined drama/comedy field, representing the only comedy performers in either category. The Globes do not like to take cues from The Emmys, and may ultimately reward other performers. However, another sweep is in play.
Image from SCHITT’S CREEK
Two series found their way into the drama series race without acting nominations to accompany them. Blockbuster series Lovecraft Country and The Mandalorian scored big for HBO and Disney+ respectively. While The Mandalorian acting miss makes sense, nominating Lovecraft Country without acting nominations was more puzzling. Perhaps the combined supporting actor categories thwarted a nomination or two, but for Lovecraft, they’ll need to refocus their efforts to score with the Emmys.
Elle Fanning stars in THE GREAT — Courtesy of Hulu
Besides Lovecraft, other rookie series found themselves with multiple nominations. Streaming series Ratched and The Great surprised with three nominations each. Comedies Emily in Paris, The Flight Attendant, and Ted Lasso each found two. Nearly every first-time nominee carried its lead into the race. For Ratched, Sarah Paulson was joined by Cynthia Nixon, while The Great scored nominations for both of its leads. The period comedy debuted in April, showing impressive staying power that could push it across the line with the Emmys when Season 2 releases. The more international flare could point to the next star the Globes wish to anoint.
Netflix has to feel strong about twenty television nominations on the day, only missing nominees in two of the actor categories. In Supporting Actress and Lead Actress Drama, they represent four out of the five nominees. Cable networks HBO and Showtime found considerably more success in the limited series categories. HBO should be thrilled with The Undoing‘s performance, nabbing a series and three acting nominations in fields that will be open come Emmy season. Showtime’s The Comey Rule picked up both Brendan Gleeson and Jeff Daniels, without getting a series nomination. Showtime snatched three nominees in Lead Actor in a Limited Series, showing a route to a strong nomination day on Emmy morning. 
One has to wonder about Amazon’s morning as well. Small Axe received two nominations from the Globes, in part because of its true anthology nature. However, this could be a warning sign for its chances with the Emmys. Only John Boyega converted an acting nomination, showcasing that Steve McQueen‘s star power may overshadow his performers. The series will have below-the-line nominations and more specified categories to earn nominations with the Emmys. However, one has to wonder how Mangrove or Lovers Rock might have fared on the film side. 
While the Globes will be an excellent start for some shows, others are ending their awards run. Emmy winner Schitt’s Creek leads the last-time nominees in terms of nominations. However, Normal People, Unorthodox, Cate Blanchette, Jim Parsons, and Mark Ruffalo are all nominated for 2020 Emmy eligible performances. If you had to put money on a prize, it may be Parsons. The Globes clearly love Ryan Murphy and Parsons might get swept up in the fray. His category is strong, but his chaotic character stands out. Can the Globes resist as Emmy did? If we’re talking quality, Shira Haas must be considered, but Anya Taylor-Joy‘s double nomination day might put her over the edge. 
There are plenty of other nominees to be excited for. First-timers Jane Levy and Jason Sudeikis powered their shows to series nominations. Longtime collaborators Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara each pick up their first Globe nominations. Acting and producing nominee Kaley Cuoco bet big on herself and earned a double nomination for her gamble. Globe favorite Donald Sutherland returns for his ninth career Globe nomination. This is his first from a televised show since 2008. He has received more wins with the Globes than BAFTA/Emmys/Oscar/SAG combined. While Good Lord Bird missed limited series, Ethan Hawke receives his second Globe nomination as a performer.
With only a few weeks until the Globes, the nominees will surely campaign hard. However, with the 2021 Emmys looking like they’ll have to reward new series, we have some early frontrunners to consider. Disney+ knows they’ve got a potential winner in The Mandalorian as it continues to succeed. Apple TV+ looks to capitalize with Ted Lasso while HBO Max scores its first major nods for Cuoco. Cable networks hope to run the Limited Series game this year, but Small Axe and The Queen’s Gambit are here to stay. This might be the strongest TV side of the Globes in a while, and for once, we may see a decent overlap with the Emmys.
