Entertainment
The Golden Globes Needs to Stop Overlooking Great TV Comedies
There's always been something a little fishy about the Golden Globes and comedy, except, of course, when it comes to its most recent choice for hosts (Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are perfect, please don't ever change that, Hollywood Foreign Press Assoc.) The whole "musical or comedy" thing kind of spoils it for comedies that aren't also musicals, because, well, Hollywood just loves its dramas. It basically turns the category into "films we have a hard time categorizing," which is a huge shame considering comedies are far too often ignored by the Oscars.
The Golden Globes should have room for comedy and give the wide genre its rightful place to shine, but this year, things seem way off. The Wolf of Wall Street? August: Osage County? Sure, there are laughs, but hardly knee-slappers. We ought to celebrate comedy in all of its misshapen and haphazard forms.
The television category for comedy or musical is filled with just as many question marks as film and twice as many predictable nominees. This year's nominations for outstanding series include Modern Family (snore), The Big Bang Theory (double snore), Girls (should have been Enlightened), Parks and Recreation (totally deserves it but probably won't win), and Brooklyn Nine-Nine (WOO HOO!). As much as I love Parks and Rec and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, I can already see the cast of Modern Family taking to the stage and pretending like they're surprised to be up there.
It seems like the Globes are willing to take a few more risks in the drama nominations (what's up, Orange Is the New Black) than they're willing to take with comedies. Don't believe us? Take a look at these 12 comedy series the Golden Globes has sorely ignored over the years.
'Freaks and Geeks'
The love letter to awkward adolescence only lasted one season, but it’s maintained a huge following. Oh and it also launched like a bajillion careers. It may have won an Emmy for its casting (duh), but it was never even nominated for a Golden Globe despite its critical praise in its short run.
Image: FreaksandGeek /Tumblr
'Bob's Burgers'
THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE TRAVESTY. Bob’s Burgers is not only one of the funniest, complex, and charming animated series on television, it’s just straight up one of the most consistent series out there. And the music! Each episode is filled with a lyrical gem. Oh please take me to Quickie Kiss It island and get me away from this madness!
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'The Mindy Project'
Sure, Season 1 was off to a bit of a rough start, but once the series hit its stride, it really hit its stride. Danny’s Christmas dance totally deserves its own Globe. C’mon HFPA, help us save Mindy!
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'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'
Wait. Hang on. NO. This Can’t be right. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is currently one of the longest-running comedies on air and it’s only ever been nominated for ONE Emmy or Golden Globe. Doesn’t compute. Brain explodes. Who are you Golden Globes? The McPoyle’s?
Image: Gifhaus
'Bored to Death'
This short-lived HBO noir-ish comedy starring Jason Schwartzmann, Ted Danson, and Zach Galifianakis never got any Golden Globes nods. Maybe they just couldn’t handle a man who loved white wine.
Image: Giphy
'Wilfred'
You’ve got to give credit where credit is due. Is Wilfred’s concept strange? Sure. A grown man with an invisible dog/person friend is, well, unsettling. But thanks to being on FX, this cable comedy took a risk, and the results were dark and delightful.
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'Portlandia'
The little weirdo IFC comedy that could. It’s been nominated for oodles of awards, including the Emmys, and yet the Hollywood Foreign Press Association refuses to put a globe on it. Not cool.
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'Key and Peele'
No nominations ever for Key and Peele? Our feelings exactly.
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'The League'
Another FX offering, The League isn’t my faaaaavorite show on television, it’s a bit too “boys club” for me, but nevertheless, its cast is a veritable breeding ground for some of comedy’s biggest up-and-comers.
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'Party Down'
This Starz gem only lasted two seasons, but oh, what glorious seasons they were. Its short run and lack of awards recognition was a definite RON DONALD DON’T.
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'Reno 911'
Reno 911 was one of those slow-burners for me. At first I only kind of enjoyed it, and then, a few episodes in, I saw just how brilliant it was. Insane characters. And an even more insanely talented cast. A nomination is sorely missed.
Image: Tumblr
