Picture this: Tonight, “The Amazing Race” wins its seventh consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program, and the show’s producers are interrupted while accepting the award.
Suddenly, every member of Bravo’s “Real Housewives” franchise is on stage.
Atlanta Housewife NeNe Leakes takes the microphone, turns to the usually demure Emmy audience and says “American Idol” should have won the honor over “The Amazing Race.”
Amid the commotion, controversial “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Katherine Heigl stands up.
“Hey, while we’re on the subject, does anyone else think Adam Lambert was robbed of the ‘Idol’ title last season?” Heigl asks.
With that, a full-on riot erupts, pitting Team Kris against Team Adam and Team “Idol” against Team “Amazing Race.”
Too good to be true? Sure. But a pop culture fan can always dream.
When the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards airs tonight on CBS, most viewers will tune in with low expectations.
The show, which honors excellence in TV programming, is usually good for a few one-liners. Maybe some memorable red carpet getups.
If you want fireworks, however, look elsewhere.
That’s not to say this year’s show doesn’t have potential.
There’s host and nominee Neil Patrick Harris, who got rave reviews when he recently hosted the Tonys.
Emmy voters mostly picked the right nominees, honoring names like Tina Fey, Sarah Silverman and — brace yourself — Justin Timberlake.
Heck, “Family Guy” even got an Outstanding Comedy Series nod.
Yet there are some glaring omissions from this year’s pack of contenders — entertainers who could have significantly increased tonight’s competition.
Here’s a look at the selection committee’s biggest snubs for this year’s show:
Cat Deeley, host of “So You Think You Can Dance”
When the Emmys introduced the Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program category last year, snubs were inevitable.
But Deeley, known for an impeccable ability to keep her Fox dance show within its time frame, deserves some recognition.
She’s the center of a series that’s growing in popularity, and she knows how to navigate the daunting live results show. That’s a lot more than you can say of nominee Phil Keoghan, the “Amazing Race” host who at times seems like a mere mile marker.
“True Blood”
Memo to Emmy insiders: You are no longer considered a threat to society if you like vampires. In fact, the obsession actually makes you kind of cool.
So why didn’t “True Blood” get a nod in this year’s major Emmy categories?
Die-hard fans of the HBO vampire show say the series’ Emmy recognition should extend beyond honors like Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series. With luck, Emmy voters will grow a set of fangs next year and at least honor lead actress Anna Paquin.
“Desperate Housewives”
Arguably, this ABC show is well past its glory days.
That still doesn’t explain why it only got two Emmy nods: one for guest star Beau Bridges, one for hairstyling.
Actresses Felicity Huffman and Marcia Cross have delivered memorable recent story lines, and the show’s unique decision to play with the passage of time at least deserves a pat on the back.
“Grey’s Anatomy” big names
I never thought I’d say this, but I feel sorry for Katherine Heigl.
Sandra Oh and Chandra Wilson from “Grey’s Anatomy” were nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
However, Emmy insiders inexplicably overlooked “Grey’s” standouts Katherine Heigl, Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey and Justin Chambers.
Heigl’s snub is the biggest surprise. Say what you’d like about her real-life personality, but her brain tumor ordeal on “Grey’s” was compelling.
Maybe after withdrawing her name from Emmy consideration last year, Heigl is getting what she deserves.
But come on: Shouldn’t you get bonus points for bringing guaranteed acceptance speech drama to the podium?
Sonya Sorich, feature writer, can be reached at 706-571-8516.
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