Emmy Makes Its Top 10 Lists

Normally, the Emmy process is like a secret society with little tidbits of information leaking out from people willing to expose the secrets.

But this year, it looks like the Academy is going to expose some of the secrets itself…

Yesterday the Academy announced the top 10 finalists in the Outstanding Drama and Comedy Series categories. Emmy voters will view tape of the finalists and then vote with the top five vote-getters receiving nominations. If the voting is close, six or seven shows could receive nominations.

Here are the top 10 on the drama side: “Boston Legal,” “Damages,” “Dexter,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “House,” “Lost,” “Mad Men,” “The Tudors” and “The Wire.”

On the comedy side it’s: “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Entourage,” “Family Guy,” “Flight of the Conchords,” “The Office,” “Pushing Daisies,” “30 Rock,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Ugly Betty” and “Weeds.”

The most interesting story is the comedy nominees. “Desperate Housewives” did not make the top 10, even though this year it actually deserved it. And I’m a little disappointed that “The Big Bang Theory” didn’t somehow break through. But the real wild card here is “Family Guy” since the traditional Emmy categories usually shy away from animation. It will be interesting to see if “Guy” can break that mold. I’m actually rooting for it.

The Emmy nominations will be announced July 17th…