BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY

The two HBO spring comedies—“Veep” and “Silicon Valley”—not only comprised the best hour of comedy on any network during this Emmy season, but also featured two of its strongest supporting casts. Unlike the Academy, which often fills out “party ballots” as programs get multiple nominations in categories like this (“Modern Family” being the dominant example), I often think it best to spread the wealth. If we truly are in the golden age of television, let’s try to get as much of it recognized as possible, right? Unfortunately, that means I have to make some tough decisions when it comes to a show like “Veep,” for which one could make arguments for 4 or 5 candidates for Best Supporting Actor. Matt Walsh had a first-rate season, as did Kevin Dunn and Gary Cole, and Sam Richardson’s hapless Richard Splett surprisingly delivered some of this year’s biggest laughs. But the show still belongs to the dynamic between Tony Hale and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Hale has to be in.

In the half-hour before “Veep,” T.J. Miller elevated his obnoxious routine from season one of “Silicon Valley” into something more genuine and phenomenal. His timing is perfect. I don’t quite understand who Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele are supporting on their breakthrough Comedy Central series (each other?), but this is the category where they’re officially listed on this year’s ballot. Neither is likely; either would be outstanding. For me, the Netflix show of the season was not “Daredevil” or “House of Cards,” but rather the hysterical “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” and the program simply wouldn’t be what it is without the timing of Titus Burgess. He’s a no-brainer choice.

“Parks and Recreation” had an incredible final season, even if it sometimes felt like NBC was racing to get to its conclusion. I’ve suggested Nick Offerman here pretty much every year that the show has been on. This is your last chance, people. Do what’s right.

Finally, there’s a pick from last year who certainly didn’t falter this season, even if the show he’s on seems to be in a bit of a decline. I wouldn’t mind a bit of a shake-up—maybe giving Terry Crews or Joe Lo Truglio the nod—but “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” would have been unwatchable at its low points this season if not for Andre Braugher. He’s still the MVP.

Andre Braugher, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
Titus Burgess, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
Tony Hale, “Veep”
Keegan Michael-Key, “Key & Peele”
T.J. Miller, “Silicon Valley”
Nick Offerman, “Parks and Recreation”