My thoughts on the 2015 Primetime Emmy Awards

Emmy Award

Most people watch the Primetime Emmy Awards for the fashion. I choose to take this three-hour journey as an excuse to critically analyze my DVR. After each winner is announced for a show that I do not watch or may not even knew existed, I have a serious conversation with myself to see if I should start binge watching something that everyone else deems fabulous or if I should finally fork out the extra cash to pay for HBO. Seeing Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling and Tina Fey is an added bonus.

Here are some of my favorite highlights from the night:

1.  It’s time to clean up the old DVR.
Andy Samberg’s video monologue was completely relatable. He was nervous that he hadn’t watched all the nominated shows. I too felt somewhat lost because as stated above, I haven’t watched HBO since that free weekend years ago. I also watch a lot of TV for a living and sometimes adding another show into the mix makes me huddle in a corner rocking back and forth in the fetal position nervously eating candy corn by the pound. With that said, I guess I need to schedule in Game of Thrones, Empire and something called Olive Kitteridge.

2.  It’s a d*ck in a box.
Thank you to Andy Samberg for opening the show with this very important message: “Justin Timberlake is not coming.” Otherwise, I would have anticipated it all night long.

3.  Be prepared.
Sweet Allison Janney grabbed her speech out of her purse when she won for outstanding supporting actress for Mom—another show I don’t watch. When she unfolded the speech, she found one of those little blotting strips you use for sweat, laughed about it and then proceeded to throw it behind her back. That is why this woman is holding the golden statue.

4.  A win for Buster.
Tony Hale won outstanding supporting actor for VEEP and all I could think about was, “Heeeeeyy brother.” In case you’re wondering, the answer is no, I do not watch VEEP either. Stinkin’ HBO show.

5.  They must be descendants of Ponce de Leon.
John Stamos and Rob Lowe have a magical elixir that keeps them forever young. They have new shows coming out this fall and I will be watching them both.

6.  Things that make you go, “Hmmmmmmmm….”
Why is Bradley Whitford wearing a hat inside while he presents best comedy director?

7.  Can someone pass me a couch cushion to hide behind?
Andy recited a very funny, yet embarrassing joke with the big huge version of the Emmy statue. I’ll leave it at that.

8.  World’s Best Boss
Seth Myers and Andy tried to land a joke about Lorne Michaels being the best boss in show biz. When they opened the fake envelope, Andy dead panned that Shonda Rhimes’ name was on the card. It did not go well.

9.  Presenter of the night.
Jimmy Kimmel wins the award for best presenter. His entire schtick had the audience rolling. He kept telling everyone that he could give the Emmy to whomever he thought deserved it instead of reading the name on the envelope. It killed. Especially when he “destroyed the evidence” by eating the card.

10.  Always a bridesmaid.
Amy Poehler did not win an Emmy for best actress in a comedy. That went to Julia Louis-Dreyfus for VEEP. Even though Amy capitalized the moment by wearing this, don’t feel bad for JLD—this was her fourth consecutive win.

Currently becoming one with my couch. #Emmys

A photo posted by People Magazine (@peoplemag) on

11.  I demand a re-count.
How did The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise all get overlooked for best reality show?

12.  Making lemonade out of lemons.
First of all, the theme from Ghostbusters played when James Corden came onto the stage. That is cool within itself. Then, he somehow made the accountants from Ernest & Young the underdogs of the night who deserved a standing ovation. Thank you LL Cool J for starting that ripple effect. Don’t tell anyone you were really standing up to go to the bathroom.

Regina King13.  227
Regina King won best supporting actress in a limited series or movie. I’m not quite sure what that means, but she looked absolutely amazing standing on that stage. She was completely unprepared and even thought out loud that she should have written a speech like all of the comedy winners. She did thank her son who was “the best date in the auditorium.” Adorable. You go Brenda Jenkins!

14.  What is Olive Kitteridge about?
I agree with Kelly Oxford (from Twitter) when she said, “Olive Kitteridge sounds like an American Girl Doll.” THAT’S WHY THAT NAME IS SO FAMILIAR! THANK YOU! And touché to Andy Samberg for sheepishly admitting that he had only seen half of Kitteridge. (Think about that one. You’ll get there…)

15.  The Home Box Office Company!
Hooray to Andy for giving out your HBO password so I can watch Game of Thrones and VEEP!

16.  I’m confused.
Isn’t American Horror Story a normal show? Why is it in the same category as the Olive show? What is a limited series anyway?

17.  Say good-bye to the meat dress.
Lady GaGa presented an award. She’s slightly British now.

18.  Hello ladies!
Marcia Gay Harden’s 56-year-old cleavage is a sight to behold. They are impressive enough to make the list.

19.  Who is Jon Snow? TO THE GOOGLE!
Awwwww crap. Another Game of Thrones reference that completely went over my head.

20.  #squadgoals
Mindy Kaling and Zachary Levi. Together. Presenting an award. FAVORITE PEOPLE OVERLOAD!

21.  Tell it like it is.
Amy Schumer won for Best Sketch Comedy Series and thanked the woman who gave her smoky eyes tonight. Although she was in desperate need of some sort of necklace or earring bling, this lady is funny.

22.  Life is like a box of chocolates.
Colin Hanks sounds EXACTLY like his dad Tom Hanks. It was a bit weird.

23.  Grow what your father gave you.
Will Forte’s beard deserves an Emmy.

24.  Feel the burn.
Christine Baranski was at the end of Jon Stewart’s row and had to get up 73 times to let him out to receive his numerous awards.

25.  Linea Ray would not approve.
Jaimie Alexander was in horizontal stripes and slicked back hair. She somehow made it work. She’s in that new show that looks like a female Jason Bourne. She was also in Thor. She’s engaged to Carlisle Cullen Peter Facinelli of Twilight fame.

26.  Legitimate concern:
Do I need to watch The Americans?

27.  Chivalry is not dead. Surely.
I saw three WOMEN help other women up the steps to accept their awards. Kudos to Amy Schumer, Jane Lynch and Jamie Lee Curtis for extending a helping hand to those in ginormous ball gowns.

28.  I wasn’t expecting this. Literally.
When Peter Dinklage won an award for something Game of Thrones related, he had a ponytail/tiny bun and was chewing gum. Bless him.

29.  In Memoriam
The “In Memoriam” montage gets me every time. There’s always someone I’m sad about because I didn’t know they passed away. Or I forget that we lost a beloved character this year. I’ll miss you Richard Gilmore and Leonard Nimoy.

30.  I’d like to buy the world a Coke.
Jon Hamm finally won an Emmy after his 16th nomination. He received the biggest applause of the night. And Peggy Olson was the one cheering the loudest.

31.  Welcome to Shondaland.
Viola Davis won best female actress in a drama for How To Get Away With Murder. I may have teared up during her speech.

32.  Selfie time!
Sweet Julia Louis-Dreyfus took a selfie with Mel Brooks on the stage when VEEP won something big. She definitely wins the night.

What were your favorites parts? Did your picks win? Should I start watching HBO shows? Sound off in the comments section!

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kate a
September 20, 2015 11:49 pm

Yes, you should definitely watch The Americans. The clothes are fun, the hair styles are great and it is awesome to see folks who really aren’t that good at being spies – but they sure make it interesting!

Andrea
Andrea
September 21, 2015 3:41 am

Olive Kittredge was wonderful, if not a bit depressing. I have loved Frances McDormand since Fargo. All of the acting in Olive Kittredge was superb.

sarah harper
September 21, 2015 8:08 am

Wow, you addressed every thought I had during last night’s show! I’m not an HBO subscriber either. Your reference to Brenda Jenkins on 227 is just another reason I adore you, Lincee. SO FUNNY!

Laura Beth Strickland
Laura Beth Strickland
September 21, 2015 8:41 am

Good news! Empire is on Fox so don’t need HBO for that! Always love your commentary on every show! It made me sad to see no Bachelor love on the Emmys too… always next year!

Kelli
Kelli
September 21, 2015 8:51 am

PLEASE watch The Americans. The show is actually good. You might be a little young to have a sentimental attachment to the fashions, but that is only one thing to love.

I agree with you about the HBO shows–I have HBO and I don’t watch them. So glad I didn’t spend 3 hours watching the Emmys when your recap provided me more entertainment than the actual show.

Carina
September 21, 2015 12:35 pm

Definitely watch The Americans — no HBO needed! I only really watch 5 shows: The Bachelor, The Bachelorette (no BIP for me), The Americans, Tyrant, and Law & Order SVU (which I don’t even really like anymore). Plus House of Cards, but that’s a Netflix show. The Americans is my favorite of the non-bach franchise shows on TV.

Hilary
Hilary
September 21, 2015 3:20 pm

YES! Definitely watch “The Americans” . Great show and it has Felicity as a spy. Nothing Better!

Quilting Hottie
Quilting Hottie
September 21, 2015 4:04 pm

I was also completely weirded out by Colin Hanks sounding like Tom. Also why did he have Marty McFly’s dad’s hair?

Kage
Kage
September 22, 2015 11:04 am

Hi Lincee,

Thanks for the Emmy’s recap! I didn’t watch this year but your recap helped me feel like I did. 🙂

The Americans is a great show! I don’t have cable and I only buy the Amazon season pass for two shows: Mad Men and The Americans. You won’t be disappointed. Aside from the great writing, you’ll recognize tons of products/items from your childhood which will make you wonderfully nostalgic. Enjoy!

Sarah
Sarah
September 22, 2015 11:29 am

You do need to watch the Americans. You’ll love the soundtrack. I don’t subscribe to HBO, but as an Amazon Prime subscriber, I get it free via ROKU. The ROKU opens a whoooole new world of tv-viewing pleasure for you!

Mandy
Mandy
September 22, 2015 2:21 pm

You really need to watch the Americans. VERY GOOD. I did enjoy Olive K. Game of Thrones deserves everything it won. Peter D is amazing and very funny in it. I hate to throw yet another TV show at you, but Orphan Black is awesome too! I was so happy to see Tatiana Maslany nominated.

Marji
Marji
September 22, 2015 5:31 pm

33. I think I’m gonna barf!

Frances McDormand clearly doesn’t like to win awards, even if it was for the victorious Olive Kitteridge. Kitch-ridge. Kitt-er-idge. Apparently, all pronunciations are acceptable. But, she sure was surly, marching up on stage, snatching the Emmy, grumbling a few muted thank yous into the mic, then shuffling away. Possibly her teeny, messy ponytail was a little tight. She could’ve bummed a piece of gum from Peter Dinklage as the gum seemed to help him with puny pony pain. She was a far cry from her bright, friendly, optimistic character Marge on Fargo.

I haven’t seen the Americans and can’t chime in on that one. Though I do watch a bunch of HBO shows and can proclaim that Veep is hi-larious and crackling, much like Arrested Development. All the actors shine on that program. Game of Thrones… I make myself watch and wish I could fast forward through a lot of it with so many characters and truly boring scenes, but it is pretty epic overall.

Terrific recap, Lincee!

Lora Shook
September 23, 2015 1:06 am

Great recap as always! The Americans is awesome!! During the latest season there was also a podcast after each episode. It was so fun to hear all the behind the scenes info from the producers, actors and crew!

Margo
Margo
September 24, 2015 7:05 am

I’m with you, Lincee, dont get hbo. haha You will have no life left, which is exactly why we have only “basic” cable here. Never have seen ANY (i mean any) HBO show. Sopranos …to start… never. AND WE LIVED! I think you can glean what you need in the way of cliff notes…via the web, wiki, friends, etc. The recaps you do from network tv are fabulous, appeal to the majority and we don’t want to lose that or have it compromised. I am in the minority on this with you, but work life balance. You have it, i think, and so you should keep it. xo

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