Live-blogging the Emmys telecast on Fox

LauHa Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 08:53 PM EST

Slezak, you must give Spader props where they are due: Spader dressed as Murphy Brown slow dancing (straight faced!) with William Shatner on a rooftop was one of the most surreal and best moments on TV this year.
But did anyone else notice that this year's Emmys looked like it took place on folding chairs in a high school gym?

mediumfan Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 08:18 PM EST

1. Worst Emmys Ever. Seacrest sucks BIG time.

2. Patricia Arquette is looking SO hot! She's absolutely GORGEOUS and she looked stunning! She got ROBBED!

3. I am SO pissed that Sally Field won over Kyra Sedgwick and Patricia Arquette. She stole that one. Her tape was in no way better than theirs. She only won because she's Sally Field.

4. Thankyouthankyouthankyou for saying that about Medium!!! That is SO true. It is one of the BEST shows and television and one of the most underrated, by far. Here's hoping it gets a series nod before it ends.

5. Excellent blogging, Michael. I should have read this instead of sitting through that horrid show and wasting three hours of my life.

anita powers Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 05:33 PM EST

Sorry Lilac. I'm from the south. And I get 30 Rock, I just don't think it's funny. And The Office is my favorite show. Why is it when someone just doesn't like something, they don't "get it". I adore Tina Fey and 30 Rock ISN'T FUNNY!

María Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 03:44 PM EST

I'm from Spain and I'm just becoming one of the dozens of viewers of 30 Rock (so sad I can't help it not being cancelled), Tina Fey and Elaine Stritch are my new Idols!!

PS: I definitely missed Conan and his cage

(Sorry for my English)

Bonnie Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 12:06 PM EST

I have to completely disagree with you on your opinion of Katherine Heigl's win. In my opinion it was completely deserved.. yes later in the season the George story line lead to her getting on my last nerve.. but the beginning episodes of the season.. most importantly the izzie on the bathroom floor moments.. were beautifully acted and I remember saying then that she deserved an emmy for that episode alone.. so lay off the hatorade!!!!

Stephanie T. Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 11:05 AM EST

Fox SHOULD have put up a sign at the begining of the program that said: this show is live, but some of the views of the actors do not reflect the views of this network. Viewer disgression is advised. Plus in New York there was a time delay.

stephen Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 07:22 AM EST

If Fox was censoring the swearing part and not the part about the war, then why was the whole sentence cut out? Why wouldn't they let us hear "There wouldn't be any g** d***** war in the first place!" Thought so.

? Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 07:16 AM EST

I don't understand much about the censorship laws on TV, but why didn't FOX just put up a pre-show parental warning like they do for their other shows like 'House'?

Trace Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 10:17 PM EST

I actually like Sally Field very much... her acting, anyway. I love her on Brothers & Sisters, so if anyone other than Mariska Hargitay had to win Best Actress in a Drama Series, I would have chosen her.

Of course, after that (probably tipsy) acceptance speech, I'm *really* sad that Mariska didn't win. Everytime I've seen Mariska appear in public, give an interview, or just wave to a crowd, she always seems warm, funny, sweet, and simply classy. I bet we would have gotten a humble, articulate acceptance speech from her, instead of Sally's inane - and at times during her speech - incomprehensible ramblings. You're a great actress, Sally, but you left an indelible mark on many people's opinions of you last night - and not in a good way.

Mae Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 09:55 PM EST

Who the hell was Slezak referring to as L????

WHO IS L??????

Derek Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 09:04 PM EST

Does anyone know where to find the hilarious videos that variety/late-night writing staffs always submit when they're up for awards? I remember a particular one of all the "Da Ali G show" writers' names captioned onto freeze-frames of porn stars mid, er...climax...if anyone knows where to find them holler back!

Alexis Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 09:00 PM EST

My theory re: James Spader-
There's a secret Emmy rule, "David E. Kelley shows must win at least one award every year."

cc in dc Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 06:35 PM EST

anyone find it funny when Wayne Brady said he was going to go beat Ryans butt after the rap off? Could the two of them just burst into flames and come out of the closet together? Shesh.

And the Brad Garrett stuff really creeped me out. I feel so sorry for his ex wife, but in some ways she has to feel good she isnt with that ham headed doofus anymore.

stephen Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 05:21 PM EST

THE RATINGS BOMBED!! SECOND WORST IN HISTORY!! SEACREST SUCKS!!

Lilac Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 05:19 PM EST

Um Rose. You are embarassing Midwesterners. I am from Minnesota and I get 30 Rock. Most people with a brain and a sense of humor get it. In fact, I LOVE 30 Rock--almost as much as The Office which probably does not appeal to you either. Please stop making us look bad.

elley Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 04:27 PM EST

it wasn't that there was censoring (which was a little extreme and random), but it was the crappy ceiling shot.
i mean, at least pan to the audience or something less awkward.

in general, this year's show was lacking.

next year-hand a statue to connie britton and maybe all sins will be forgiven.

Sully Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 04:22 PM EST

Carell's name was only mispronounced because Stephen Colbert was doing the voice-over. It was just a joke between the two of them.

Newshound23 Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 04:21 PM EST

Everyone related to Everyone Loves Raymond needs to go back to their basements. Ray Ramano, Brad Gerrett, Patricia Heaton...they weren't funny then, not funny now, won't be funny in the future. I feel sorry for Ramano's wife.

Cami Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 03:23 PM EST

I've always liked Sally Field but I think the Emmys is no place for political views. It would be more intertaining if they just said how thankful they were for receiving the honor.

Rose Tyler Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 02:45 PM EST

I thought 30 Rock more deserved a most improved award. The Office had a stellar season start to finish. I was thrilled that Ricky Gervais won. He was spot on this season on Extras plus we wouldn't have Micheal Scott without him.

S. Cowell Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 02:40 PM EST

Who the f*** is L. Yeah?

Kambiz Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 02:27 PM EST

Was the Grey's cast crying when they lost? Lewis Black was hilarious. Kudos to Fox for letting him bite the hand.

Nancy Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 02:09 PM EST

P.S. Slezak - horse racing? Really?

Nancy Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 02:02 PM EST

Ah, Rose, sorry to pile on, but I live in Indiana...Indiana, I tell you! And 30 Rock is my favorite show. If NBC would put 30 Rock up against something other than the most popular show on television (Grey's Anatomy), it would have better ratings. Great, great show. Tivo it, if you must watch Grey's.

JMAMA Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 01:49 PM EST

Hey Slezak- The announcer didn't mispronounce Carrel's name, it was Colbert's voice- and he did it on purpose- DUH!

Still heaving Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 01:47 PM EST

This was bar NONE, the WORST most BORING Emmy show I have ever seen. (And I've seen a lot.) Ryan Seacrest was nauseating (as usual) and boring, and whose idea was the "in the round" presentation? If they're going to do that the least they can do is have the stage rotate once in a while so half the audience isn't staring at everyone's backs for the entire telecast. How many tributes were there to The Sopranos? I lost track. 2 hours of my life I'll mever get back (thank GOD for TiVo).

Awful. F.

P.S. LOVE the blog.

Dio_K Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 01:46 PM EST

Once again, thanks for the great blog. Now I know which parts to FF to watch. Now it'll only take me 15 minutes to watch the highlights. Thanks for giving up two hours (or so) of your life, so I can do something else.

Eric Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 01:26 PM EST

Ah... the Emmy's. Where disappointment reigns. James Spader, seriously. Has the Academy seen Boston Legal. There were some pleasant surprises, Katherine Heigl, America Ferrera and 30 Rock all winning, but lots of disappointment. Jaime Pressly winning over Vanessa Wiliams, Jeremy Piven over the far more talented Neil Patrick Harris. Oh I forgot, way to go Sally Field. So happy for her. Ryan Seacrest boo. And that stage will hopefully be rethought before next year.

Ellen Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 01:26 PM EST

All I have to say about the state of TV (after watching the Emmys and what shows/actors won awards) is that I now know why I only allow my 6-year-old to watch the Disney Channel. The level of what is profane and/or offensive is at an all-time low and there is pretty much nothing on mainstream television left for kids to watch with their families. The Disney Channel has become what ABC and its Friday night line-up of Brady Bunch and Partridge Family were for me and thank goodness for that!

Tricia Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 01:21 PM EST

Fox censored what was required of them by the FCC. They weren't being subjective in their decisions. If we had to censor what was "offensive" on TV, there would be nothing but disco balls 24/7.

Larry Mitchell Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 01:21 PM EST

The show was a disaster, and Fox' "censoring" only made it worse. Both Ray Romano and Brad Garrett were vulgar. There were some truly horrible things said throughout the entire show. The only REAL class act was Dame Helen Mirren, whose presence there made me think that an aristocrat had wandered into a pig pen --. Of course she always deserves any award she wins because she's a great actress, but the real truth is that she is much too classy and much too talented to participate in an Emmy Awards show that was as cheap, trashy, and tawdry as this.

Larry Mitchell Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 01:21 PM EST

The show was a disaster, and Fox' "censoring" only made it worse. Both Ray Romano and Brad Garrett were vulgar. There were some truly horrible things said throughout the entire show. The only REAL class act was Dame Helen Mirren, whose presence there made me think that an aristocrat had wandered into a pig pen --. Of course she always deserves any award she wins because she's a great actress, but the real truth is that she is much too classy and much too talented to participate in an Emmy Awards show that was as cheap, trashy, and tawdry as this.

Jim Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:56 PM EST

Of course there had to be censoring last night. We are all delicate eight year olds who have never heard bad words before. It was the stupid and clumsy way Fox handled it. Cutting off the sound and using the discoball-death star was just stupid. And censoring the five remaining words you can't say on American television while allowing all of the boob and gay jokes were apparently OK. You're watching FOX.

Kevin Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:49 PM EST

Voting was off this year.

When they have a winner (James Spader) admitting onstage that he shouldn't have won, what does that say about the voting process?

MoralMinority Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:48 PM EST

Will you people get real! Of course the Emmy's have to be censored. These celebs have some of the foulest mouths and minds around. Besides, I don't see any of you cussing and talking filth on here. Why? Cause you're being censored! It's a necessity that keeps us respectful of others.
Problem is, most people have no respect for the feelings of others.

AJ Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:46 PM EST

Slezak, how could you note the announcers mispronunciation of Steve Carell's name & not note how hysterical it was when Stewart & Colbert decided to give him the award anyway & mispronounce his name? Funniest moment of the night for me.

Shelly Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:40 PM EST

To whoever this Laura person is
How can you possibly have the nerve to say that an entire country worth of people sucks? Then you are one of the people who wonders why the rest of the world hates our country. And guess what, Canadians don't want to be Americans. They actually consider us something of a joke.

DUH Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:39 PM EST

WOW! Live-blogging the Emmy's! How original!
Fa la la la la!

Stephanie T. Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:38 PM EST

The announcer said Steve Carrells name like Superman. Jor-El, Carr-ell.
Fox had a time delay. Sally Feild should not have been censored!

orville Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:34 PM EST

Disco ball-Death Star. Snerk! I found what they thought should be censored ridiculous as well. The word "screwing" (or however it was phrased) is suddenly not just bleep-worthy, but a turn the camera away offense? Please. But somehow the seemingly endless boob joke from Brad Garrett was acceptable? Or not once, but twice, bringing up the fact that Hayden Panitierre is now "fair game"? And how were the endless "I'm not gay" comments (as well as some pretty tasteless gay jokes) acceptable in this post-Isiah Washington era? *Especially* with T.R. Knight and Katherine Heigel sitting in the audience? I'm actually surprised she didn't say anything--maybe she was still too stunned by her win and her mother's lack of confidence in her.

Stephanie T. Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:31 PM EST

I am sorry but perhaps Simon was right when told Ryan to come out. The gay jokes were a bit TOO obvious. And yes he looked like a pimp from the Middle Ages in the King Louis get up.

Gill Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:31 PM EST

James Spader, over Hugh Laurie or James Gandofini! what the hell where those Emmy voters smoking? Shame on them.

RealityBites Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:30 PM EST

Total waste of time. Whattya say we find something else to do next year.

orville Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:25 PM EST

Oooh, Stef--I never considered the "Knocked Up" factor in Heigel's Emmy. You're probably right. And Rose--I'm firmly in the Midwest myself, but I get "30 Rock" just fine. You have to understand that it's a parody and not to be taken literally. The one that *was* supposed to be taken literally (Studio 60...) tanked. I guess people like their "insider shows" with a spoonful of sugar instead of a sledgehammer to the head.

Jim Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:21 PM EST

With every word, that moron Seacrest spoke last night, his closet got smaller and smaller. Does he really think he's fooling anyone? I loved the pained look on Teri Hatcher's face. She was his Girlfriend photo-op for a day. Come on out, Ryan. You're not fooling anyone.
Fox was so clumsy on censoring people. But, I was sooo hypnotized by the disco ball-Death Star I didn't notice.
And David-not watching 30Rock is your loss. Next May when it gets cancelled, it will be my loss.

Alison Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:17 PM EST

The first time we lost sound and saw the discoball during Ray Ramano's monologue, I thought that's weird. Then, when it happened again with KH, my son pointed out she just said s**t, I got it. How stupid to censor and what were the criteria to what was "discoballed" and what wasn't. It didn't make any sense. Mean and nasty references to people's body parts, sexual orientation, or drug use (sorry Paula) did get in. Also I totally misinterpreted Ryan's Tudor outfit. I thought he was coming out when he said it looked less gay on the rack, can I keep it-suggesting he wanted the more gay. I don't know- why does anybody care- it's not like an average person would have a chance in hell of doing the nasty with anybody famous, so why does anyone care which way their wind blows?

David Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:10 PM EST

Loved your blog but it's not going to make me watch 30 Rock. This has to be the most overrated show on TV.

mike Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:01 PM EST

Telling an obviously closeted gay TV personality to stop telling gay jokes on a live telecast could be tricky.

Allison Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 11:57 AM EST

Worst. Emmys. Ever.
Bring back Conan. Bob Newhart in a tank with no air? Hilarious. Conan trapsing through Lost, The Office and 24. Laugh out loud hilarious. Stewie and Brian singing about trash on TV...ohhh the irony of it coming from Fox. Seacrest needs to be out FOR GOOD.

NotCensoredinCanada Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 11:57 AM EST

I live in Canada and our coverage of the Emmys was not censored at all.

You see, in Canada, we treat adults like adults not like children. You see?

Larry Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 11:57 AM EST

Ah Rose, sweet naive fly-over state Rose. Two and a Half Men was renewed just for you. It has a kid and a laugh track and that nice Sheen boy. I'm from Missouri, and I'll take 30-Rock, thank you. I'm not a Hollywood insider, but I get every joke. I bet this very website could help you do the same!

mark in nyc Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 11:51 AM EST

Horray for 30 Rock! The funniest show on TV!
so Rose, you obviously dint get I Love Lucy or the Dick Van Dyke Show either.
Sorry you live in Pennsultucky and dont get it....you sound like a Rural Juror to me.

Lucy Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 11:49 AM EST

I watched the show on CTV in Canada and I didn't notice any bleeps. Is this true or was I just not paying close enough attention?

rose Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 11:28 AM EST

I just don't get it. 30 Rock isn't funny. Supposedly a look at backstage at a tv show, only those that work in the television industry think it's funny. There's a whole country between New York and L.A. people.

Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 11:21 AM EST

One thing I found annoying was that in a room full of mostly outspoken liberals, no one had the guts, after getting on stage, to stand up to Ryan Seacrest and tell him 'enough with the gay jokes'. constant jokes like that shouldn't be allowed, and while it may not be as blatantly bigoted as calling someone a "f-ot" it still is demeaning and obnoxious. it's easy to talk against the war when the presidents not standing infront of you, but it would have been nice if someone showed some real character and put the loser of a host in his place.

Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 11:21 AM EST

One thing I found annoying was that in a room full of mostly outspoken liberals, no one had the guts, after getting on stage, to stand up to Ryan Seacrest and tell him 'enough with the gay jokes'. constant jokes like that shouldn't be allowed, and while it may not be as blatantly bigoted as calling someone a "f-ot" it still is demeaning and obnoxious. it's easy to talk against the war when the presidents not standing infront of you, but it would have been nice if someone showed some real character and put the loser of a host in his place.

Stef Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 11:04 AM EST

I think that Katherine Heigl's win was probably more about her having such a good year. The voters were probably like "I don't know who the other 2 women are, and I don't feel like actually watching the episodes to see which Grey's Anatomy lady was better, but I liked Knocked Up!"

United Colors of Benetton 012 Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 11:00 AM EST

I think we should all be concerned about this censorship business. Neither Fox nor any other party can decide what is suitable for me to watch. If i'm investing 3 hours of my life and sit through all sorts of stupid commercials, i wanna hear every single syllable uttered on the show.

Annie Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 10:45 AM EST

Still bitter that Jenna Fischer lost, but wait to go, Slezak, for giving a shout out to her awesome "rack" quote.

Come to think of it, the best parts of the show had to do with the cast from The Office. How about they just host the Emmys next year?

Dhungangha Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 10:43 AM EST

The censorship business is getting embarassing and sad. We get to watch the show live here in Europe and without any censorship. It's okay for the rest of the world to view the show in its untouched entirety but not for the American public whom this show is originally created for?! Stop treating the American audience like a child! You are already being kept in the dark about the greater things that go on here on Earth and now you're not even allowed he hear what your entertainers say?! That's a shame. What is the Big brother so afraid of?!

Robyn Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 10:41 AM EST

Why did they not announce John Goodman as the winner of Best Guest star even though they read the nominees??

Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 10:31 AM EST

I love TAR more than Idol and Runway!!

Jaclyn Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 10:28 AM EST

I'd want to slap your hand for that James Spader comment (his BL character is my favorite in television), but you're so right about Katherine Heigl's Izzy. She was soooo bad this year.

Mia Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 10:25 AM EST

WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM FOX?????????
Censor Ray Romano and Sally Fields???
Are we not adults?????
I JUST LOVED staring at the disco ball while people spoke, almost as much as the people in the back of the round liked staring at everyone's *sses all night.
I found Ryan dressing in Tudor wear so he could say a "I am not gay" joke WAY MORE OFFENSIVE!!!!!!!

Gwen Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 10:10 AM EST

Katherine Heigl's Emmy was probably more about her outspoken anger in that T.R. Knight/Isaiah Washington fiasco than her actual great acting last season. Of the three Grey's actresses nominated for that award, Sandra Oh deserved it - if for that post-wedding-that-never-happened-freak-out-in-the-apartment scene alone.

Lora Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 09:35 AM EST

Slezak - I believe Steven Colbert was reading the names of the nominees and purposely mispronounced Steve Carell's name. On The Colbert Report, he has a running joke about Steve Carell being an enemy (remember "Even Steven" on The Daily Show?), so I took that as a subtle and hilarious little jab at Carell.

Jon88 Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 09:33 AM EST

The "announcer dude" who "mispronounced" Carell? That was Stephen Colbert, making a joke. Did you not notice that all the nominees' names were voiceovered by one of the category's presenters?

And what's with the E.S.T. time stamps? Where are we anyway?

James Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 09:13 AM EST

Her name is Vanessa L. WIlliams. Why do gays feel the need to hand out stupid nicknames (i.e. J Hud) to people like they were hand jobs?

orville Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 09:01 AM EST

Not really familiar with "Lost" so can't comment on O'Quinn, but I remember Emerson's work on other shows and he's fabulous! Very creepy. But I would have loved to see Oka or Knight win that category. I like Jeremy Piven too, but Neil Patrick Harris got robbed. And yes, the Amazing Race is amazing, but it doesn't deserve to keep winning the Emmy. All of the rest of those shows had good seasons as well. All in all, the show was pretty good last night with only a few cringe worthy moments. Never let Brad Garrett near the stage again. Raymond wasn't even very funny. More time for winners and clips of their work and fewer "reindeer games." As cute as it turned out to be, did we really need Rainn Wilson and Kanye West? A musical tribute to the Sopranos? And the "theatre in the round" concept has to go--too confusing for people and it gave really bad seats to over half the audience.

to Dee Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 09:00 AM EST

Were you expecting a thoughtful essay on the state of the Emmys? It's a live blog, not Slate's morning-after tone piece. Please!

Dee Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 08:56 AM EST

I agree jd. And what the @#$% is a P-Dub?? Stop trying to be cool and start acting like a writer!

orville Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 08:52 AM EST

In most of the categories, I would have been happy (or at least content) if any of them won since all were deserving. But in the Best Actor in a Drama category? How in the hell did the one person who never should have been nominated in the first place actually *win*? How do he and Shatner still get nominations? The show used to be good once upon a time (back when it was still "The Practice") and Spader probably even deserved at least one of his Emmys, but this year? How do shows like this and Two and a Half Men get nominated year after year? At least Charlie Sheen didn't win. I'm a little surprised that Ricky Gervais did win, but he's brilliant, so I can't be unhappy about that even though Baldwin deserved the award. And while I do like Katherine Hegel (she probably should have won for her work the previous year instead), Sandra Oh got robbed. Here's hoping for next year.

Hey Strepsi Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 08:38 AM EST

Just because our country allows a few swear words on TV doesn't make it 'more free' than USA.
Clueless!!

Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 08:37 AM EST

Why does James Spader keep winning? Even he doesn't seem think he deserves over everyone else he was nominated with

HEY Laura Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 08:34 AM EST

You are the epitomy of why most of the world looks upon 'Americans' as blow-hard and arrogant. Canadians are happy to just sit back and watch. We have nothing to prove to anyone.

MJ Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 08:31 AM EST

The Amazing Race is still must-watch TV for me. It just doesn't get a much watercooler buzz as American Idol. I like Project Runway, but I think TAR is just way more exciting to watch.

jd Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 08:29 AM EST

Blech. What a lousy wrapup. Honestly, Slezak, you're not nearly as funny as you think everyone else in the world thinks you are. I have to say it again: Blech.

Liz Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 07:47 AM EST

I'm so thrilled Gervais won, even though I was shocked that he won over Carell. His performance on Extras was comic genius. It would have been a hoot to see him up on stage as he's always funny. The rest of the show was a major "What?!" Spader over Laurie? Heigl over Sandra Oh? Oh well, at least I got a kick out of seeing the uncensored version of the show.

Tricia Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 07:45 AM EST

By the way Michael, you must have been in just a really lousy mood yesterday. Sure, I agree that Vanessa got robbed and I wanted Ugly Betty to win Best Comedy.... Overall, I enjoyed the show. Thought it moved quickly and had several funny moments. Ryan looked more comfortable than any host I'd seen in awhile. Love him or hate him, he was himself and just did his thing. Previous hosts always seem to self=aware of the "importance" of the job.

Tricia Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 07:40 AM EST

They bleeped Sally Field because she used profanity, not because she was protesting the war. And, as a mother myself, she DOES NOT speak for me.

Smoochie Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 06:58 AM EST

Oh No they bleeped the flying nun for proteting the war. What happened to free speech, FOX. And why did I need to look at Joely Fisher and terry Hatchers nipples?

Snarky Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 06:34 AM EST

The Merv Griffin clip of him interviewing a young Tom Cruise-Priceless! (Jealous, Ryan?) Ricky Gervais over Alec Baldwin? Are you kidding me? Love Jenna, her talent is in her subtle reaction shots, not her verbal delivery,(shrill & wooden). Glad the Academy ignored Falco & Gandolfini, but Spader? Oy! Stewart & Colbert-cringeworthy dissapointment (tick-tock Jon, the Oscars are coming), Sopranos-best drama? Yes, in 2003! 3 cheers for 30 Rock! Sally Field-assuring xtra press by playing "the Mom card"=desperate for the limelight. Patricia Heaton (when on a hit show), walks out of the AMA's (a few years back), because of the foul language on stage. Now, she's got a new show to pimp, cursing (from hack Romano), is A-OK? Jeremy Piven's "rug", just like the one in dear old Dad's den. And Seacrest? No matter how many pro female sexual "jokes" you make, no one is gonna equate your "preference" for that of Hugh Heffner's.

jason Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 03:08 AM EST

are you kidding me? worst award recipients EVER!!! except america, she is a comic gem. the rest were jank.

J Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 02:48 AM EST

So The Office cast gives us the funniest moments on the show and they don't win anything??

Kevin Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 02:34 AM EST

How come the best shows like The Sopranos, Ugly Betty and The Office had seats with the worst views?

joe Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 02:27 AM EST

It was a very boring, but The Office stole the show. The most hilarious parts came from their cast.

Mark from Canada Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 02:07 AM EST

Laura, you're an ignorant fool (if anyone watches the office fool is not the word i want to use). Please don't make assumptions about people from a country you clearly have no idea about.

Paul D Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 01:55 AM EST

"Methinks the votors just saw "Helen Mirren" on the ballot and thought "Ooh! 'The Queen'! Shouldn't I vote for her?"'

I think the more accurate scenario was this:

"Gee, we know some people are getting tired of seeing Helen Mirren win everything but, since she really DID give far and away the best performance in a miniseries this year and since our academy is not exactly a paragon of credibility anyway(Oy vey, what the !@#! were we thinking when we nominated Ellyn Burstyn last year for a FOURTEEN second performance that none of us even SAW??), because she livened up our boring-as-hell telecast last year with that hilarious "ass over tit" joke and, most of all, because she really should have have won an Emmy for all seven of the Prime Suspect installments, we should probably bite the bullet and, give it to her anyway."

Brenda Young Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 01:23 AM EST

"Since Helen Mirren now has an Oscar, a SAG, a Golden Globe, AND an Emmy, that means she's only one ahead of J.Hud."

LOL: Are you aware that Helen Mirren has had a career for longer than the past year???

Mirren has had TWO Emmy's, TWO Golden Globes, TWO SAG's as well as the Oscar in the past year alone but, has a total of 4 Emmy's, 3 Golden Globes, 3 TV BAFTA's, 3 SAG's, 2 Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Awards, a film BAFTA, an Oscar and over 2 dozen film critics awards.

Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 01:10 AM EST

Please stop comparing 30 Rock to Arrested Development. That show stunk, and it deserved to be canceled. They mention it in every friggin' issue, and it drives me crazy. Get over it, people. 30 Rock - unlike AD - is actually funny.

BTW, My Name is Earl is the dumbest piece of crap on TV. I can't believe that dumb blond chick won. Ugh.

Jessica Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:48 AM EST

Apparently the Emmy people used all of their Office love up on comedy bits for the show and forgot to give the actors and show any awards. So they're funny enough to be featured on the broadcast but not funny enough to win anything. I see. Yeah for Conan and Jon Stewart though. I guess.

Christina Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:29 AM EST

Very embarassing Emmy telecast. Thank God I just bought TiVo yesterday. Spader over Laurie? If they were going to pull an upset, they should've at least gone with someone deserving -- Denis Leary. I will give Spader credit, though. He posed the million dollar question: who the hell votes for these things? Some bright spots for me: Lewis Black, the nominations clips for Best Writing For Variety Series, nominations clip for Best Writing Comedy Series, Rainn and Kanye, Elaine Stritch, 30 Rock and Terry O'Quinn acceptance speeches, various things The Office. Boo to the losses of Neil Patrick Harris, Vanessa L. Williams, Hugh Laurie, Ugly Betty (but I'll settly for 30 Rock), Carell and/or Baldwin, House (though it was a long shot). FOX seriously sickens me. It's bad enough they have the least gay amount of gay characters on their shows (hence, my fantasy of House/Wilson never reaches canon).

Brigette Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:19 AM EST

Dude, just because you don't like the character of Izzie this year doesn't mean Katherine Heigl didn't deserve to win for her ACTING. For me, her win was the highlight of an otherwise awkward, boring, cheap telecast...and I'm right with you on the Jenna Fischer buisness. Oh man if someone deserved an Emmy this year it was her. Maybe the Globes will be better...so long as Seacrest isn't there...

katie g Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 12:00 AM EST

they censored sally field?
annoying.
they didn't censor her on the canadian broadcast
we heard the 'god damn' loud an clear : D

wontonjon Sun, Sep 16, 2007 at 11:59 PM EST

Since Helen Mirren now has an Oscar, a SAG, a Golden Globe, AND an Emmy, that means she's only one ahead of J.Hud. So here's my suggestion: add J.Hud to the cast of Ugly Betty (maybe she can be Wilhelmina SLater's illegitimate lovechild from high school), she'll get nominated, win, and then she and H.Mir can have a BBC comedy series

jc Sun, Sep 16, 2007 at 11:53 PM EST

The Sopranos deserved every recognition it got, if not more. It's really sad that the Sopranos is over, it was a remarkable show that ended too soon! It was great seeing the cast members on stage, alive because most of them got wacked towards the end!!

ken Sun, Sep 16, 2007 at 11:28 PM EST

L Yeah is Vanessa (L. Yeah) WIlliams, of course!

Michelle Sun, Sep 16, 2007 at 11:24 PM EST

Who is L Yeah? I feel like I need a key!

Danielle Sun, Sep 16, 2007 at 11:20 PM EST

Jenna Fischer was completely robbed.

The whole telecast was just more evidence that the Emmys will never reward smart, intelligent acting and instead go for the overdramatic and safe. JAMES SPADER??

The exception being "30 Rock". Where did THAT come from! But well deserved!

TsuKata Sun, Sep 16, 2007 at 11:13 PM EST

The Family Guy intro was like 70% recycled from the PTV episode. Blech. Was that like a last minute sub or something?